Demo Finland in Kosovo
The co-operation started in 2025.
Partner: Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS)
The project aims to strengthen the political participation of young people and increase co-operation and dialogue between political parties. The main activity of the project is the School of Politics, with training programmes that strengthen the skills and confidence of young politicians to participate in political processes. In addition, dialogues will be organised for young parliamentarians from different backgrounds and parties. The aim is to increase co-operation and understanding between politicians across party lines through practical experience. This is a one-year pilot project, which will serve as a basis for planning possible longer-term co-operation.
Background on Kosovo
Kosovo gained independence from Serbia in 2008, although Serbia and parts of the international community still do not recognise its independence. In the Kosovar society, ethnic divisions run deep, and this is reflected in the political arena. In particular, relations between the Albanian and Serb parties are tense. In addition, there are many minorities, including Roma, who have their own political parties. Although the state of democracy in Kosovo is generally good, multi-party co-operation has not been very common.
More than half of Kosovo’s population is young. However, youth participation in political processes is low. It is hampered by political party structures in which it is difficult for young people to influence and advance, and other challenges faced by young people, such as high youth unemployment, as well as mistrust towards young people.
- Ranked 67/179 in V-Dem’s Liberal Democracy Index.
- Classified as an electoral democracy* by V-Dem.
- Latest parliamentary election: 2025.
- Women in parliament: 33.3%.
- Kosovo is not a member of the UN and has therefore not ratified UN human rights treaties, but its constitution contains a reference to compliance with the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Women.
- More information on the state of democracy in Kosovo: https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/country/kosovo
*In electoral democracies, there are free and fair multi-party elections and satisfactory degrees of human rights and political rights, but not all the criteria of a liberal democracy are met.