Coordination of bilateral cooperation by the Prime Minister’s Office

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

JICA is the government agency responsible for the implementation of Official Development Assistance (Official Development Assistance) through technical cooperation, grants and loans, and aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of the Japanese and global economy by supporting socio-economic development , economic recovery or stability of developing regions.

Bilateral relations between Kosovo and Japan were established in 2009 and since then, Japanese support has contributed to the stabilization of social and economic infrastructure towards sustainable construction with a focus on:

The development of environmental infrastructure and management capacities as well
Increasing administrative capacities and human resources.

For more: https://www.jica.go.jp/kosovo/english/activities/activity01.html

Cooperation with Sweden

The general objective of Swedish development cooperation with Kosovo is to facilitate EU integration. EU integration is essential for Kosovo’s efforts for democracy, rule of law and sustainable economic development. Swedish development cooperation focuses on the following areas:

Extended economic integration with the EU and the development of the market economy,
Strengthening democracy, respect for human rights and a developed state under the rule of law,
A better environment, reduced climate impact and higher resilience to environmental impacts and climate change.

For more: Agreement between Kosovo and Sweden on reforms

Cooperation with Luxembourg

Kosovo is the main beneficiary of Luxembourg’s aid for development cooperation in the Balkans. In early 1999, Luxembourg’s initial focus was humanitarian aid and reconstruction, which then paved the way for development cooperation programs from 2001 onwards.

An initial joint commission between Luxembourg and Kosovo took place in Luxembourg on April 23, 2013, during which a general cooperation agreement was signed that defines the framework of cooperation between the two countries for the period 2013-2016. The second cooperation agreement was signed on October 24, 2016 in Pristina. The agreement, covering the period 2017-2020, focuses on four sectors:

I. health;

II. vocational education and training;

III. strengthening civil society;

IV. technical assistance in the context of the European integration of Kosovo and

V. An amount of money may be dedicated to a sector other than those described above. Such a sector can be defined based on emerging needs, always bearing in mind the European aspirations of the Republic of Kosovo and in a joint agreement between the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.

For more: Agreement between Kosovo and Luxembourg on cooperation and Memorandum of understanding between Kosovo and Luxembourg on the implementation of the agreement

Cooperation with Norway

Norway has provided development assistance to Kosovo since the late 1990s. While much of the early aid was of a humanitarian nature, related to the reconstruction of Kosovo after the 1998-99 war, Norway has since supported activities in the field of education, rule of law, good governance, environmental protection, safety and security, peace and reconciliation, human rights, culture and art. Norwegian aid has had a special emphasis on improving the situation for minorities, women and young people.

The main objective of Norwegian support for the Western Balkans is to promote the development of sustainable stability and democracy. For this purpose, Norway supports a number of initiatives in Kosovo and beyond in the region, to encourage:

Close regional cooperation, including EU member countries;
Reconciliation and implementation of transitional justice;
Socio-economic development through economic growth and increased competitiveness, increased capacities in the field of environment/climate/energy and increased social and economic inclusion of marginalized groups;
Good governance through support for the development of the rule of law, defense sector reform, civil society and media, minorities and the fight against organized crime and corruption.

For more: Cooperation agreement between Kosovo and Norway.