The KLGI Institute and municipalities are exploring innovative initiatives in the field of local governance

Representatives of the KLGI Institute were received today at a meeting by the Mayor of the Municipality of Kamenica, Qëndron Kastrati, where they discussed the prospects and challenges in strengthening the local level. The visit to this municipality took place as part of the mentorships the KLGI Institute is providing to partner municipalities that request professional and technical assistance, as a specific intervention arising from the project “Support for Strong and Sustainable Municipalities – SSSM”, supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Among the topics discussed at the meeting was the financing of municipalities, with particular emphasis on those that have a large territory under their administration, and on the way the financing formula reflects this because it is based on the number of inhabitants.

Another issue raised was the Draft Law on Granting Municipal Property for Use, with emphasis on the provision that limits municipalities' ability to grant property transferred to them to third parties for use to a four-year period. We expect this to be addressed in the Committees after the second reading, giving municipalities the opportunity, in the interest of local economic development, to grant transferred property for use, while always ensuring that this property represents a long-term interest for local economic development and opportunities for serious investors.

Instead, central institutions should put in place mechanisms that treat these properties as being of particular interest for local economic development.

The meeting discussed strengthening policies of cooperation between Kosovo's municipalities and those in Europe, as an opportunity to exchange practices and models and to find support for cooperation in the fields of education, culture and economic development. In addition, it was decided that in the coming weeks regional visits would be held together with the KLGI Institute to see model municipalities in the absorption of development funds.

During the meeting, Mayor Kastrati presented an advanced concept of inter-ethnic and inter-cultural cooperation as a common aim for integration objectives and a shared journey towards strengthening the local level. For this, increased focus and support from institutions and international partners is essential to promote a new model of cooperation and coexistence.

The KLGI Institute was invited to be part of the platform being built to improve education policies in this municipality and the efforts to raise quality in this field.

The KLGI Institute will continue its agenda of meetings with municipalities, putting forward issues of common interest in strengthening the local level.

This activity is carried out within the project “Support for Strong and Sustainable Municipalities (SSSM)”, funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo.