Officially referred to as the Republic of Kosovo, it is a South-Eastern Europe state recognized by a significant part of the international community. Located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula, it is bordered to the north and east by Serbia, to the southeast by North Macedonia, to the southwest by Albania, and to the west by Montenegro. It has an area of 10,888 km² and a population of approximately 1.8 million, with Pristina as its capital.
Kosovo unilaterally proclaimed its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008 after years of strained relations between Serbs and Albanians. Serbia immediately refused to recognize this independence, which was accepted on the contrary by numerous countries including Italy. Today, Kosovo is recognized by 101 out of 193 UN member states. Reconciliation between Albanian majority, most of which supports independence, and the Serbian minority results non accomplished.
Following independency Kosovo experienced a solid economic progress, with per capita income increasing by nearly 50% and a significant reduction in the poverty rate. The country has successfully transitioned from a growth model based on severe dependence on foreign aid flows, beating countries with similar economic conditions.
In order to continue this trend, Kosovo needs to create more job opportunities, improve infrastructures, prioritize investment in human capital, and create a more favorable environment for private sector. Further action is also needed to promote environmental sustainability, including compliance with the EU environmental acquis.
In 2025, a serious and persistent institutional impasse occurred, resulting in the parliamentary assembly being unable to be elected. The country is suffering due to this situation, and stabilization and growth be compromised, along the difficult but positive path undertaken so far.
Aiming to promote the country’s cultural, economic, political, social, and educational development, the Italian Development Cooperation has been present in Kosovo since 1999. Initially, it focused on the emergency, making Kosovo one of its priorities; over the years, it has expanded its scope of intervention, focusing on key sectors such as health, education, sustainable development, and the enhancement of tourism and cultural resources.
Currently, the Italian development cooperation program in Kosovo includes 7 grant projects for a total budget of € 13,7 million, in addition to activities carried out in the framework of regional projects.
