Workshop on regional development for the Western region, held in Peja

The workshop was opened by Deputy Minister of European Integration, Mr. Gezim Kasapolli. Also, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Mr. Basri Musmurati, Head of Operations at the EU Office in Kosovo, Mr. Christof Stock and Mayor of the Municipality of Junik, Mr. Agron Kuqi,  same time  Head of the Board of the Regional Development Agency – west of Kosovo. Present in the meeting were also the representatives from other municipalities of the western part, such as; Peja, Gjakova, Deçan, Klina and Istog and representatives from the donor community, businesses and civil society organizations.

During the workshop was presented the strategy for regional development from the Executive Director of RDA West, Leman Hatashi. After that, was developed a discussion in front of a panel consisting from representatives of the western area municipalities. The representatives of the municipalities presented their point of views and priorities for development in their municipalities.

The focus of discussion in this workshop was the relation between regional priorities for development with national planning. In particular it was discussed the relation of donors programs with the priorities of the municipalities, providing a synergy between donor`s coordination in the central level and interventions with the local programs.

The participants were also informed about the opportunities provided from donors and government activities in the central level, which were presented from the representatives of the Ministry of European Integration. MEI officials informed that after drafing the preliminary official draft of the Country Strategy Paper for EU Assistance for the period 2014-2020 (IPA 2), in October of this year is expected to commence consultation with all stakeholders regarding funding priorities from IPA 2. In order to reflect the regional dimension within these priorities, MEI, with the support of respective regional RDA`s and in cooperation with other partner institution, will organize meetings and other workshops of more technical character with the representatives of the local level.

During the meeting, as key conclusion occurred the need for larger coordination and cooperation between the central and local level. In particular, it was emphasized the need for establishment of direct contact between MEI and the officials for European Integration within the Kosovo Municipalities. MEI was pledged to directly treat the initiatives coming from the local level herein after. After this workshop, four other workshops are planned for the other economic areas of Kosovo.