Democratic Society Promotion (DSP)

Project completed

The democratic development of any country must include - besides institution building - support to an active citizenry to demand transparent, accountable and inclusive governance. DSP funds civic initiatives that advance democracy and inclusion in Kosovo. The promotion of civic participation, ethnic cohesion, gender equality and - as new component - diaspora participation are at the core of this programme.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Kosovo
Governance
Rule of Law - Democracy - Human rights
Decentralisation
Democratic participation and civil society
01.07.2014 - 31.12.2018
CHF  4’800’000
Background

Democracy in Kosovo is in early stage of development. The country suffers from weak institutions, poor governance, high level of corruption, a sub-optimal public service provision and an underperforming economy. The gender gap is substantial, both in the public and private sectors. Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians live their daily lives in two parallel worlds. The enormous Kosovar diaspora doesn't exercise its political and civil rights.

 

Objectives

The overall goal of DSP is to support the development of a democratic society in Kosovo. The project aims at supporting projects, initiatives or activities arising from civil society with a potential to contribute to significant changes in society at national, regional and local level.

Target groups

Civic groups at the central and (increasingly) at municipal level committed to advancing the democratic society in Kosovo.

 

Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Kosovar citizens and civil society organizations increase their demand for, and take an active role in seeking, high-quality services, good governance, gender equality, and the integration of minorities.

Outcome 2: Diaspora actively participates in the democratic and social development of Kosovo through contributing to policy-making and transferring know-how.

 

Results

Expected results:  

1.1 DSP funding has enabled a diverse range of original domestic civil society initiatives and actors to address relevant challenges towards the democratisation of the Kosovar society.

1.2 Funded civil society initiatives are successfully and effectively implemented. DSP has provided coaching, proportional to the democracy impact potential of the funded intervention.

1.3 Citizens and civil society are inspired from role models to contribute to democracy advancement.

2.1 Diaspora, civil society and media contribute to policy- and decision-making processes that advance diaspora social and political rights.

2.2 Initiatives that aim to create sustainable and institutional mechanisms for providing and transferring know-how between diaspora and Kosovo are supported.

 


Results from previous phases:  

The first phase of DSP supported 18 interventions (from about 170 applications). The external review by the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), made a highly positive overall assessment, concluding that: "the DSP design and practice are highly appropriate to making an original contribution to the democratic transition in Kosovo".


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    4’800’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    4’374’594
Project phases Phase 3 01.10.2019 - 31.12.2023   (Active)

Phase 2 01.07.2014 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)

Phase 1 20.11.2010 - 30.06.2014   (Active)