Political entities in Kosovo, with a focus on the diaspora - How will Albanian communities be included in party programs?
The non-governmental organization Germin has analyzed the election programs of the main parties in Kosovo to assess the inclusion of the diaspora in their policies. The report focuses on several key areas, including the participation of the diaspora in the drafting of programs, the economic role, the promotion of Albanian culture and language, involvement in foreign policy, the provision of institutional services, and the encouragement of the return of professionals to the country.
The results show different approaches of the parties in this regard, from concrete measures for investments and institutional services to the lack of clear involvement in several key sectors.
The Vetëvendosje Movement’s program for the diaspora focuses on strengthening its participation in the country’s development. One of the main measures is the creation of the “Investment Window”, which aims to support investors from abroad with projects of up to 100 million euros. Vetëvendosje also aims to integrate Kosovo into the SEPA system to facilitate financial transfers, eliminating high fees and saving millions of euros from remittances. Another priority is the preservation of the Albanian language for children of the diaspora, through structured learning in cooperation with Albania, by offering it in all countries with Albanian communities.
The program of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) aims to strengthen ties and opportunities for economic cooperation and cultural exchanges. One of the main priorities is to improve consular services through their expansion and the use of technology to simplify bureaucratic procedures. The program also envisages the representation of the diaspora in Kosovo institutions, proposing guaranteed seats in the Assembly and Government. In order to preserve national identity, the PDK aims to open cultural centers and support the teaching of the Albanian language for children of communities. An important aspect is the engagement of the diaspora in international lobbying, considering it a key actor in promoting the recognition of Kosovo and attracting investments. Furthermore, the program envisages encouraging the return of professionals through the creation of programs that facilitate their integration into the labor market in Kosovo.
The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) program aims to strengthen ties and cooperation through initiatives in transport, economy, education and culture. One of the main proposals is the creation of a National Airline to facilitate air connections between Kosovo and countries with large Albanian communities. LDK values the economic role of the diaspora and its potential to attract investment and stimulate tourism. The program also foresees the creation of programs for the exchange of knowledge and mentoring by professionals living abroad, considering the transfer of knowledge as a key element for the development of Kosovo.
In cultural and political terms, the diaspora is seen as an important factor for the preservation and promotion of Kosovar culture as well as for international lobbying. To support the return and integration of the population, LDK proposes policies that facilitate this process and create opportunities for its inclusion in the local economy. Another initiative is the establishment of the “Union of Diaspora Businesses” to strengthen cooperation between community and local businesses. Furthermore, the program aims to strengthen cooperation with associations and networks for the preservation of identity and the engagement of youth.
While the program of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) plans to create a strategic approach for the engagement of Albanian communities in the economic development and international promotion of Kosovo. One of the main priorities is investing in the country's economic and tourist potential to attract investments from Albanians abroad. In this context, AAK envisages an action plan for "Nation Branding", which will include communication strategies for the promotion of tourism, as well as economic and public diplomacy. In terms of education, the regulation and improvement of supplementary education in the diaspora is considered a priority in the party's policies, to ensure the preservation of language and cultural identity. The strategy for preventing emigration and includes measures to control emigration and subsidize economic projects of communities, aiming to create more favorable conditions for investment.
Analysis of the election programs of the main parties in Kosovo shows different approaches to Albanians living abroad, but also common points that recognize their important role. However, it remains unclear how and to what extent these promises will be realized in practice. It is therefore important that the diaspora remains active in its oversight and engagement with Kosovo institutions, ensuring that its voice is translated into tangible and implementable policies.
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