Gender Equality

Gender equality remains a large and persistent problem in Kosovo, the NSG reports. There is clear discrimination against women, with those from ethnic minorities such as Ashkali, Roma and Egyptians facing particular difficulties.[1]

Gender inequality is especially visible in employment. More than 75% of the female working population (aged between 22 and 65) were not employed or seeking employment in 2023, according to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics.[2] While the rate for men was also high, at 42.2%, the 33.6-percentage-point difference is very significant. This is also confirmed by the International Monetary Fund’s Report on Gender Equality and the Labour Market in Kosovo. The IMF estimated a female labour force participation rate of less than 20% in 2022, significantly below the Western Balkans’ regional average of 45%.[3] Civil Society Organization research and statistics showed that women from marginalized communities and women with disabilities face discrimination in employment.[4]

The NSG identifies several barriers to women’s access to employment. Kosovan society still has a patriarchal mindset, which favours inheritance of sons in inheriting properties and that results in less than one fifth of properties in the country being owned by women.[5] Key social issues need to be addressed, such as access to early childhood education and the gender wage gap, as data shows that women are paid less than men.[6] The lack of public childcare facilities is another substantial barrier. Kosovo only has 62 public kindergartens, and nine municipalities have none, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation reports.[7] Private kindergartens exist, but monthly prices range from €80 to €250 per month.[8] Given that the average gross monthly wage in 2024 was €639, and the net wage €552, many families in Kosovo cannot access these facilities.[9]

Problems in the implementation of the 2010 Labour Law[10] and delays in its reform prevent real and substantial improvements, even though the national government acknowledges the urgent need to reform it.[11] The law’s current form needs to implement the provisions of at least 15 European Directives before meeting EU standards. The law is also criticized for its approach to parental leave, as it makes employers primarily responsible for bearing the financial burden, disincentivizing them from hiring women. In addition, paternal leave is limited to two days, a clear disincentive for parents to share childcare responsibilities. Despite the clear need to reform the law, no concrete proposals for amendments were submitted in 2024. Moreover, at the start of 2024, the Kosovan government withdrew the Draft Labour Law – which would have reformed the 2010 Labour Law – from its legislative programme for the year[12].This raises many concerns, as the draft was essential for advancing gender equality and improving working conditions. In response, the Women’s Economic Forum held a protest on 16 September 2024, demanding that the draft immediately be reincluded in the legislative programme. They also called for public consultations.[13]

The Civil Code, which was highlighted in the European Commission’s 2024 Report on Kosovo as an important tool for advancing gender equality, also awaits adoption.[14] The NSG, too, points out that the Civil Code could help eliminate gender discrimination embedded in other laws and contains provisions on gender and domestic violence. In addition, the code could create a legal basis for the protection and assistance of women affected by gender-based violence. And it could ensure equal opportunities and rights in all aspects of life, including inheritance, marriage, family relations and property ownership. However, the delay in the code’s adoption has led to legal uncertainty and hindered the implementation of gender-equality principles and policy.

Women are underrepresented in high-level positions in both the political and justice systems. In the public sector, they are underrepresented in positions such as secretary general, department director and independent-agency head, the annual report of the Agency for Gender Equality shows.[15] It also shows that additional efforts are needed to ensure gender equality at all levels of government, as the representation of women is low in positions like deputy mayor and municipal-department director. Research from 2021 showed that women made up 15.52% of deputy mayors and 25% of municipal directors.[16] At the national level, one third of the Members of the Assembly of Kosovo were women in 2024, exceeding the legal quota of 30% but still far from parity.[17] In the justice system, 42.6% of prosecutors are women, but they occupy only 3% of leadership positions.[18]

Youth Unemployment

The youth (aged 15-24) unemployment rate was already substantial in 2023 at 16.2%, and it increased to 21.2% in 2024. Around 100,000 people aged 15 to 24 and 90,000 aged 25 to 29 are not in education, employment or training (NEET), according to the government’s Labour Force Survey.[19] This translates into 33% of NEETs aged 15-24 in the country according to Eurofound 2024 data, the highest rate in the Western Balkan region. These numbers come against a background of high (27%) and extreme (7%) child poverty, as indicated by UNICEF.[20] Children and young people living in poverty are often forced to work and do not have equal opportunities for education. The 2010 Labour Law allows the employment of children and young people, albeit under specific conditions. Yet child abuse and the children in forced labour have become widespread through the practice of forced begging. This is highlighted in the US Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.[21] The police practice of qualifying forced begging as parental neglect or abuse – rather than trafficking – makes prosecution impossible, the report points out.

There are several barriers to youth employment in Kosovo. One is a mismatch between the education system and the needs of the labour market, which means many workers are not employed in professions that match their education.[22] This is especially the case for young people: 48% work in jobs that do not match their skills.[23] Vocational education is quite common among boys, at 53.8%. But only 41.6% of girls are in vocational education.[24]

Another obstacle is unequal access to employment opportunities. The need for family and political connections to access well-paying jobs exacerbates social injustice and leads many demotivated young Kosovans to consider emigrating.[25] The informal economy is highly present: The Labor Inspectorate found 3 829 workers without a contract.[26] Of these, 1 409 were women, signalling an overrepresentation of women among such workers,  given women’s low employment rate.[27] Sectors such as hospitality and services employ large numbers of young people without employment contracts.[28]

Due to the lack of regular employment, young people have trouble in accessing financing and credit, such as loans and mortgage-based lending. This is illustrated by the registration of half the properties in Kosovo under the names of deceased people.[29] Furthermore, volunteer work is not adequately regulated, so it is not recognized as work experience.[30] Young people therefore lack a clear incentive to engage in volunteer work, for example during periods of unemployment.

Good practice:

The government of Kosovo introduced several regulations in 2024 that oblige businesses to report workers to the Tax Administration Platform one day before their contractual starting date. These workers are thus entered in the tax system ahead of the start of the employment contract, reducing the potential for malpractice or abuse, including forcing workers to work for a period of time without a contract. Furthermore, the system has advanced through the use of a digital platform, which is updated in real time, allowing employees to easily check whether their employer has declared them as taxpayers to the Tax Administration. This practice has increased the number of registered employees and has helped prevent abuses.[31]

Inclusion of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and minorities

The NSG reports challenges related to the inclusion of migrant workers and national minorities. Whilst work immigration is limited due to Kosovo’s economic and employment conditions, work visas have been issued for around 1 000 Bangladeshis. However, institutions have been unable to determine whether this migration led to active employment in Kosovo or whether the people concerned moved on to a third country. Independent labour rights monitors have reported poor working conditions for these migrant workers and serious violations of their labour rights.[32] Despite these warnings, the Labour Inspectorate does not mention violations of migrants’ labour rights in its statistics and reports.

Serious and widespread problems affecting national minorities have been pointed out in a study by Internews Kosova, which leads the NSG for Kosovo. The study, which examined 50 public institutions, shows that Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities are systematically discriminated against in employment in public institutions.[33] They are excluded from leadership positions, and inclusion quotas are often not respected. In addition, they face discrimination in private sector employment, as they have fewer opportunities to participate in the labour market and are paid less, official government reports show.[34]

[1] Qeveria e Kosovws (2023), “Strategjia per Avancimin e te Drejtave te Komuniteteve Rom dhe Ashkali ne Republiken e Kosoves 202202026 dhe Plani i Veprimit 2022-2024”: https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Strategjia-per-avansimin-e-te-drejtave-te-komuniteteve-rom-dhe-ashkali-ne-Republiken-e-Kosoves-2022-2026-dhe-Plani-i-veprimit-2022-2024.pdf

[2]  Agjencia e Statistikave të Kosovës (2023), “Rezultatet e Anketës së Fuqisë Punëtore (AFP)”: https://ask.rks-gov.net/Releases/Details/8237

[3] IMF (2025) “Labor Market and Gender – Republic of Kosovo”: https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/018/2025/002/article-A001-en.xml

[4] Women’s economic forum “Sfidat e punësimit të grave nga komunitetet rom, ashkali dhe egjiptian”: https://forumiekonomikigrave.com/storage/app/uploads/public/684/15f/cec/68415fcecc9d5250071505.pdf ; Internews Kosova IKS (2024), “Raporti i IKS, Gashi: Ka shkelje drastike të standardit për punësimin e personave me aftësi të kufizuara”: https://kallxo.com/lajm/raporti-i-iks-se-gashi-ka-shkelje-drastike-te-standardit-per-punesimin-e-personave-me-aftesi-te-kufizuara/

[5] Radio Evropa e Lirë (2023) “As një e pesta e pronave në Kosovë nuk zotërohet nga gratë” : https://www.evropaelire.org/a/pronat-ne-emer-te-grave-kosove-/32747695.html

[6] Radio Evropa e Lirë (2025), “Pabarazitë në tregun e punës: Kush punon e kush paguhet më shumë”: https://www.evropaelire.org/a/pabarazite-ne-tregun-e-punes-kush-punon-kush-paguhet/33401372.html

[7] Radio Evropa e Lirë (2022) “Shkollimi i hershëm – “luks” në Kosovë” – https://www.evropaelire.org/a/shkollimi-hershem-kosove-luks-/32153596.html?utm- ;     KOSOVO 2.0 (2025) “Angazhimet e partive politike për çerdhet” – https://kosovotwopointzero.com/en/political-parties-pledges-on-kindergartens/

[8] Ibid.

[9] Agjencia e Statistikave të Kosovës (2025), ” Paga mesatare në Kosovë (bruto/neto), 2012-2024 (€)”: https://askdata.rks-gov.net/pxweb/sq/ASKdata/ASKdata__Labour%20market__Niveli%20i%20Pagave/tab01.px/table/tableViewLayout1/?loadedQueryId=30657b65-e00b-4c7f-9566-e96ba6d8a2f9

[10] Gazeta Zyrtare e Republikës së Kosovës (2010) ” Ligji Nr. 03/L-212 I Punës”: https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=2735

[11] Qeveria e Kosovës (2022), “Aprovohet Koncept Dokumenti për Rregullimin e Fushës nga Marrëdhënia e Punës”: https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Koncept-Dokumenti-per-Rregullimin-e-Fushes-nga-Marredhenia-e-Punes.pdf

[12] KDI (2024) “ “KDI calls on the Government to return the Labor Law to the legislative agenda” – https://www.koha.net/en/arberi/kdi-ja-i-ben-thirrje-qeverise-ta-ktheje-ligjin-e-punes-ne-agjende-legjislative

[13] Telegrafi (2024), “The Women’s Economic Forum announces a protest against the Government, due to the removal of the Labor Law from the 2024 legislative calendar”: https://telegrafi.com/en/forumi-ekonomik-grave-paralajmeron-proteste-kunder-qeverise-shkak-heqja-e-ligjit-per-punen-nga-kalendari-legjislativ-2024/ ;     Kosovo 2.0 (2025), “What do political platforms say about gender justice?”: https://kosovotwopointzero.com/en/what-do-political-platforms-say-about-gender-justice/

[14] European commission (2024) “Commission staff working document kosovo* 2024 report”- https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/c790738e-4cf6-4a43-a8a9-43c1b6f01e10_en?filename=Kosovo+Report+2024.pdf

[15] ABGJ (2025) – “Raporti Vjetor i Punës 2024” – https://ip.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/RaportiVjetor_2024_InspektoratiiPunes.pdf

[16] Research Gate (2020) “Critical Analysis of Kosovo Legislation on Women’s Political Participation at the Municipal Level – International and European Standards” –  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372841720_Critical_Analysis_of_Kosovo_Legislation_on_Women%27s_Political_Participation_at_the_Municipal_Level_International_and_European_Standards

[17] Equal Future (2024) “ Women’s representation in politics and public administration – Kosovo” – https://www.equalfuture-eurasia.org/womens-representation-in-politics-and-public-administration/kosovo

[18] GI (2024) “Women are still under-represented in law enforcement and prosecution in the Western Balkans”, https://riskbulletins.globalinitiative.net/see-obs-020/04-women-under-represented-in-law-enforcement-prosecution-western-balkans.html

[19] Qeveria e Kosovës (2023) “Koncept dokument për rregullimin e fushës së punësimit” – https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Koncept-Dokumenti-per-Rregullimin-e-Fushes-se-Punesimit-per-publikim-shq.pdf

[20] Eurofound (2024), “Young people in the Western Balkans”: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/publications/2024/young-people-western-balkans#:~:text=Although%20the%20countries%20have%20experienced,Serbia%20to%2033%20%25%20in%20Kosovo.

[21] US Departament of State (2024) “Trafficking in Persons Report: Kosovo”: https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/kosovo/

[22] INSTITUTI GAP (2025) “Emigrimi dhe tregu i punës në Kosovë” https://www.institutigap.org/documents/65083_Emigrimi%20dhe%20tregu%20i%20punes.pdf

[23] Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (2024) “The Youth Study 2024” – https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/kosovo/21493-20250225.pdf

[24] Qeveria e kosovës (2023) “Koncept-Dokumenti për Rregullimin e Fushës së Punësimit”: https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Koncept-Dokumenti-per-Rregullimin-e-Fushes-se-Punesimit-per-publikim-shq.pdf

[25] HELVETAS (2022) “AI Breakthrough in Kosovo Helps Youths Choose a Career Path Leading to Employment”: https://helvetas-ks.org/eye/en/ai-breakthrough-in-kosovo-helps-youths-choose-a-career-path-leading-to-employment/

[26] Qeveria e Kosovës (2023) “Koncept-Dokumenti për Rregullimin e Fushës së Punësimit” https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Koncept-Dokumenti-per-Rregullimin-e-Fushes-se-Punesimit-per-publikim-shq.pdf

[27] Inspektorati i punës (2024) “Raporti Vjetor 2024” : https://ip.rks-gov.net/wp/content/uploads/RaportiVjetor_2024_InspektoratiiPunes.pdf

[28] DECENT WORK BALKANS (2023) “Kosovo – Fact Sheet on Informal Employment and Decent Work”- https://decentworkbalkans.com/facts/kosovo-fact-sheet/

[29] KALLXO.com (2019) “Kosovë: 50% e pronës është e regjistruar në emër të të vdekurve” https://kallxo.com/ligji/kosove-50-e-prones-eshte-e-regjistruar-ne-emer-te-te-vdekurve/

[30] KALLXO.com (2024) “Vullnetarizmi i kosovarëve përballë ngecjeve” – https://kallxo.com/gjate/vullnetarizmi-i-kosovareve-perballe-ngecjeve/

[31] Front Online (2022) ” Formalizimi i punëtorëve/ Në ATK regjistrohen mbi 2 mijë punëtorë”: https://frontonline.net/56formalizimi-i-punetoreve-ne-atk-regjistrohen-mbi-2-mije-punetore/

[32] Buletini Ekonomik (2025) “A po keqpërdoren punëtorët e Bangladeshit nga kompanitë në Kosovë?” – https://buletiniekonomik.com/2025/01/a-po-keqperdoren-punetoret-e-bangladeshit-nga-kompanite-ne-kosove/

[33] Advocacy Training and Resource CenterInternews Kosovo (2023), “Diskriminimi sistematik në hapësira dhe punësim” – https://kallxo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Diskriminimi-sistematik-ne-hapesira-dhe-punesim-Internews-Kosova.pdf

[34] Zyra e Kryeministrit të Kosovës (2023) “Strategjia për avancimin e të drejtave të komuniteteve Rom dhe Ashkali në Republikën e Kosovës 2022-2026 dhe Plani i Veprimit 2022-2024” – https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Strategjia-per-avansimin-e-te-drejtave-te-komuniteteve-rom-dhe-ashkali-ne-Republiken-e-Kosoves-2022-2026-dhe-Plani-i-veprimit-2022-2024.pdf

Job Security

Many employment contracts in Kosovo are short term. To improve working conditions and increase the inclusion of workers in formal employment, the government drafted the Employment Strategy 2024-2028. This mentions that 57.5% of workers were employed under temporary contracts in 2020, more than quadruple the EU average of 14%.[1] This is confirmed by the Labour Force Survey, published by the Kosovo Agency of Statistics, which shows that 43.5% of workers have a permanent contract. The majority thus work under temporary contracts that last up to three years.[2] Under Kosovan labour law, employees are entitled to permanent contracts if they work for 10 years in a private enterprise, so the low proportion of permanent contracts points to high level of job insecurity in the private job market – especially when considering that public-sector jobs come with permanent employment contracts.

The Employment Strategy also seeks to establish a system to protect workers’ income in times of unemployment. Kosovo currently has only one social scheme, a social assistance and minimum income programme for the poorest part of the population, which comes with very strict and specific criteria. No unemployment programme is currently available to Kosovan workers. Some forms of government support were available to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but this seems to have been a one-time occurrence, as no similar support mechanisms were set up to deal with other crises. Moreover, the COVID support schemes were mainly aimed at incentivizing businesses to hire people and not at providing unemployment benefits. At the very least, according to the NSG, sector-specific initiatives are needed to address unemployment in sectors such as agriculture, which is prone to crop damage due to weather.[3]

The judicial protection of workers’ rights remains a key issue for job security, the NSG points out. Employment-related proceedings can take more than five years to conclude, far longer than is reasonable – and too long to protect workers’ rights. The Kosovan government acknowledged this in its concept document to draft a law to establish labour and administrative courts.[4] This document also acknowledged the need for specialized courts to make judicial proceedings more efficient and strengthen the enforcement of workers’ rights. The adoption in December 2024 of a law to establish an administrative court seemed to be an important step in this direction.[5] The law envisions that the court will have several departments, including one for labour disputes and one for social schemes. However, the law is currently being challenged before the Constitutional Court due to alleged procedural mistakes during its adoption, and it has not yet entered into force.[6]

Occupation Health and Safety

Occupational health and safety (OSH) and healthcare in general continue to be problematic in Kosovo. Long-standing initiatives meant to improve both have not been implemented. Despite the initiation over 10 years ago of a plan to implement health insurance, no action has taken place. Similarly, the 2010 labour law has not been reformed despite an urgent need. The current government even removed its reform from a list of legislative proposals for 2024.[7]

Public healthcare does not meet all citizens’ needs. The Ministry of Health, for example, sought to ensure the free provision of essential medicines to citizens through a list of these. However, there have been problems in supplying the medicines on the list because of delays in public procurement and budget limitations.[8] Private healthcare insurance exists but is not widely taken up, as most companies do not insure their workers.

Moreover, OSH regulations are largely ineffective due to structural problems. The Law on Occupational Health and Safety obliges businesses to ensure workers’ safety in several ways, yet a study by BIRN Kosovo shows widespread and systemic disregard for these rules.[9] Businesses often operate without trained OSH personnel, and nearly a quarter do not provide their workers with health certificates despite a legal obligation to do so.[10] The probable causes for this disregard are a lack of oversight on compliance with the regulations and a failure to enforce non-compliance. The Labor Inspectorate confirms the lack of compliance. In 2024, 12 000 inspections were carried out and identified the following: 8 710 cases in which medical examination certificates were not provided to workers; 4 118 cases of workers without training in OSH; 604 cases in which no risk assessment was conducted; 3 003 cases in which fire-fighting equipment was not present on the business premises; and 523 cases in which no emergency first-aid provisions were available.[11] Furthermore, 609 workplace accidents and seven workplace fatalities related to accidents were reported in 2024. Whilst the number of fatalities has been decreasing in the last few years, the lack of enforcement of OSH regulations is problematic. The Employment Strategy 2024-2028 recognizes the ineffective implementation of OSH regulations and the limited resources of the Labor Inspectorate as important challenges to improving working conditions.[12]

Social Dialogue

Social dialogue in Kosovo remains inadequate, the NSG reports. The Economic and Social Council (ESC) is an institution dedicated to social dialogue consisting of 15 members including representatives of social partners and the government.[13] It allows for dispute resolution through bilateral or tripartite agreements. However, data shows that the ESC is non-functional and that the government made no efforts to use it in 2024.[14]

Whilst trade unions are represented on the ESC, most trade unions in Kosovo are organized to protect the interests of civil servants and public enterprise employees. These unions organized several strikes in 2024, mainly to express dissatisfaction over wage levels.[15] In the private sector, there is no genuine union organization aimed at protecting workers’ interests.[16]

[1] Qeveria e Kosovës (2024) “Strategjia e Punësimit 2024–2028” – https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Employment-Strategy-2024-2028.pdf

[2] Agjencia e Statistikave të Kosovës (2025) “Anketa e Fuqisë Punëtore 2024” – https://askapi.rks-gov.net/Custom/085719f6-0ef0-4365-afa7-9a02c8d10cf5.pdf

[3] ATV LIVE (2024) “Të reshurat u shkaktojnë mijëra euro dëme bujqve në Skenderaj”: https://atvlive.tv/te-reshurat-u-shkaktojne-mijera-euro-deme-bujqve-ne-skenderaj/

[4] Ministria E Drejtësisë E Kosovës (2023) “Koncept-Dokumenti për Gjykatën Administrative dhe të Punës”- https://konsultimet.rks-gov.net/viewConsult.php?ConsultationID=41848

[5] Ministria e Drejtësisë e Kosovës (2024) “Miratohet Ligji i cili themelon Gjykatën Administrative” – https://md.rks-gov.net/lajmet/miratohet-ligji-i-cili-themelon-gjykaten-administrative

[6] Kallxo (2024) ” PDK dërgon në Kushtetuese 16 ligje të miratuara në seancën e 5 dhjetorit”: https://kallxo.com/lajm/pdk-dergon-ne-kushtetuese-16-ligje-te-miratuara-ne-seancen-e-5-dhjetorit/

[7] KDI (2024) “ “KDI calls on the Government to return the Labor Law to the legislative agenda” – https://www.koha.net/en/arberi/kdi-ja-i-ben-thirrje-qeverise-ta-ktheje-ligjin-e-punes-ne-agjende-legjislative

[8] Kallxo (2024) ” 73.5% furnizim me barna esenciale, nëpër spitale e QKUK gjatë vitit 2024“:   https://kallxo.com/lajm/73-5-per-qind-furnizimi-me-barna-esenciale-neper-spitale-e-qkuk-gjate-vitit-2024/

[9] BIRN Kosova (2023) “Menaxhimi i Punëtorëve pa Procedura” – https://kallxo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Menaxhimi-i-punetoreve-pa-procedura-Shqip-1.pdf

[10] Ibid.

[11] Inspektorati Qendror i Punës (2024) “Raporti Vjetor i Punës për Vitin 2024” – https://ip.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/RaportiVjetor_2024_InspektoratiiPunes.pdf

[12] Qeveria e Kosovës (2024) “Strategjia e Punësimit 2024–2028” – https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Employment-Strategy-2024-2028.pdf

[13] Kuvendi i Republikës së Kosovës (2023) “Ligji Nr. 07/L-018 për Mbrojtjen e të Dhënave Personale” – https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=2747

[14] Kallxo (2024) ” Këshilli Ekonomiko-Social që duhej të propozonte pagën minimale nuk është funksional, thotë njëri nga partnerët” : https://kallxo.com/lajm/keshilli-ekonomiko-social-qe-duhej-te-propozonte-pagen-minimale-nuk-eshte-funksional-thote-njeri-nga-partneret/

[15] KALLXO.com (2025) “Në grevë e pa program të miratuar, Teatri Kombëtar e nis vitin me skenë të heshtur” – https://kallxo.com/gjate/analize/ne-greve-e-pa-program-te-miratuar-teatri-kombetar-e-nis-vitin-me-skene-te-heshtur/ ;     Evropa e Lirë (2023) “Njësitë speciale protestojnë para Qeverisë, shpalosin një sërë kërkesash” – https://www.evropaelire.org/a/njesite-speciale-policore-protesojne-para-qeverise/32723427.html

[16] Ahmeti, N. (2014) “S’ka sindikata në sektorin privat” – https://www.evropaelire.org/a/26680876.html

Acesso à guarda de crianças

Participation in early childhood education is low in Kosovo, with only 8.9% of children under five enrolled in preschool education in the 2023-2024 school year.[1] A major factor is the lack of available public infrastructure: only 62 public kindergartens in the country. (Though this is insufficient, it is still more than the 49 in 2022.) There are 177 private kindergartens, but the combined total of 239 facilities do not meet the needs of the population.[2] Access to private kindergartens is also limited by their cost, as highlighted in the gender equality section mentioned above. There are also significant regional disparities, and nine municipalities have no public kindergarten at all.

The lack of public facilities and the high cost of private options prevent many children from low-income families and from rural areas from accessing early childhood education services. Children under five in rural areas are three times less likely to have access to early childhood education and care facilities, according to a report by the World Bank.[3] UNICEF’s annual report on Kosovo for 2024, too, highlights the impact of socio-economic inequalities on access to education.[4] The OECD’s report on the Competitiveness Outlook in the Western Balkans identified a lack of affordable quality childcare as a key issue for Kosovo.[5] A 2024 study by the Musine Kokalari Institute shows how the lack of developed care infrastructure and services pushes women in rural areas to spend more time on unpaid care work compared to those in urban areas.[6]

Education, health, and social welfare services for early childhood are fragmented, but some positive steps are being taken to integrate them. The Early Childhood Education Law, adopted in 2023, establishes a legal basis for intersectoral coordination and the integration of these services.[7] The World Bank approved the Early Childhood Education and Care for Kosovo’s Human Capital Project in May 2024. This project focuses on capacity building and staff training to improve quality and access.[8] Nevertheless, the services do not yet meet the population’s needs.

Another problem for public institutions and facilities is accessibility: 90% do not allow full access by persons with disabilities, according to a study by Internews Kosova.[9]

Good practice:

Pristina, Kosovo’s capital city, has launched a new social assistance and childcare programme aimed at families below the national poverty line. As a part of this programme, it launched a public call in November 2024 to promote the enrolment of children in private preschool institutions.[10] The programme offers families €  70 subsidy to enrol in private preschool, reducing the financial burden. In fact, some families are forced to enrol in private preschool due to the limited places and long waiting lists for public preschools. The second public call, also launched in November 2024, seeks to provide financial support to NGO projects that offer social and familial services to individuals, families, and vulnerable groups in Pristina.[11]This call targets organizations focused on social protection, the provision of social and family services, research, analysis, capacity building, drafting strategic documents, and supporting individuals and families in need of professional social services.

Acesso a serviços essenciais

There is a shortage of essential services in Kosovo despite significant investments by the government, the NSG reports. While access to the internet and cable television is good, outdated electrical infrastructure causes power outages during periods of increased consumption.[12] In 2023, only 79% of the population had access to public water-supply systems, and around 65% had access to public sewage systems, according to official statistics.[13] Municipal waste management plans and local collections covered only about half the territory in 2023.[14] Public transport relies heavily on buses, and there is little or no railroad infrastructure. (For more detail, see the section on access to sustainable transport.)

The national public healthcare system does not have sufficient resources to cover the health needs of all citizens, as acknowledged and emphasized in the 2024 National Health Strategy.[15] The Strategy highlights how the limited budget for the public health sector leads to a significant gap between patients’ needs and what the system can provide. Families are therefore forced to bear the costs of healthcare services and goods such as medicines when the public system does not provide them.

[1] KOSOVO 2.0 (2025) “Angazhimet e partive politike për çerdhet” – https://kosovotwopointzero.com/en/political-parties-pledges-on-kindergartens/

[2] KOSOVO 2.0 (2025) “Angazhimet e partive politike për çerdhet” – https://kosovotwopointzero.com/en/political-parties-pledges-on-kindergartens/

[3] Banka Botërore (2024) “Dokumenti i Vlerësimit të Projektit: Arsimi i Fëmijëve të Vegjël dhe Kujdesi për Kapitalin Njerëzor në Kosovë”- https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099042524153570991/pdf/BOSIB152c2122502e1a25e12f7a51c93a3d.pdf

[4] UNICEF KOSOVË (2024) “Raporti Vjetor 2024” – https://www.unicef.org/kosovoprogramme/reports/annual-report-2024

[5] OECD (2024) “Western Balkans Competitiveness Outlook 2024: Kosovo”- https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/western-balkans-competitiveness-outlook-2024-kosovo_ff74ae0e-en.html

[6] Instituti për Politika Sociale “Musine Kokalari” (2022) “Who Cares? Përkujdesi si punë e papaguar në Kosovë” – https://musineinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/07-Who-Cares-ALB03.pdf

[7] Kuvendi i Republikës së Kosovës (2023) “Ligji Nr. 08/L-153 për Edukimin në Fëmijërinë e Hershme” – https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDetail.aspx?ActID=79000

[8] BANKA BOTËRORE (2024) “World Bank Supports Improvement of Quality and Access to Early Childhood Education and Care Services in Kosovo” – https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/05/14/world-bank-supports-improvement-of-quality-and-access-to-early-childhood-education-and-care-services-in-kosovo

[9] Internews Kosova (2023) “Diskriminimi sistematik në hapësira dhe punësim” – https://kallxo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Diskriminimi-sistematik-ne-hapesira-dhe-punesim-Internews-Kosova.pdf

[10] Komuna e Prishtinës (2024) “Thirrje publike për subvencionimin e familjeve për regjistrim të fëmijëve në institucionet parashkollore private të Komunës së Prishtinës” – https://prishtinaonline.com/lajmet/4253/thirrje-publike-per-subvencionimin-e-familjeve-per-regjistrim-te-femijeve-ne-institucionet-parashkollore-private-te-komunes-se-prishtines

[11] Komuna e Prishtinës (2024) “Thirrje publike për mbështetje financiare të projekteve të OJQ-ve për shërbime sociale e familjare” – https://prishtinaonline.com/uploads/thirrje_publike_per_mbeshtetje_financiare_te_projekteve_te_ojq-ve_per_sherbime_sociale.pdf

[12] KALLXO.com (2024) “Fundviti në Kosovë, ndërprerje të rrymës në disa komuna” – https://kallxo.com/lajm/fundviti-ne-kosove-nderprerje-te-rrymes-ne-disa-komuna/

[13] Zyra e Kryeministrit të Kosovës (2023) “Rishikimi i Strategjisë Shtetërore për Ujra 2023– 2027 dhe Plani i Veprimit 2023–2025” – https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=78647

[14] Ministria e Administratës së Pushtetit Lokal (2024) “Raporti i Performancës së Komunave të Republikës së Kosovës 2023” – https://mapl.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Raporti-performances-Komunale-2023-final-18.07.2024.pdf

[15] Ministria e Shëndetësisë (2024) “Strategjia Sektoriale e Shëndetësisë 2025–2030 dhe Plani i Veprimit” – https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=99025

The CIVICUS Monitor continues to classify the civic space in Kosovo as “Narrowed”, a status that has remained unchanged since 2018.[1] This classification indicates that, while individuals and civil society organizations can exercise their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression, these rights are often violated through harassment, arrests or assaults against critics of those in power, as well as through excessive force during protests and political pressure on the media.

Enabling space for civil Society

The NSG describes the space for civil society in 2024 as generally favourable but highlights the need to address certain persistent issues. The Constitution of Kosovo guarantees the freedom of expression, association and assembly for all citizens, including marginalized communities and groups. Moreover, inclusive mechanisms are in place for public consultations, such as online consultation platforms and working groups on policy initiatives that include civil society representatives. As such, the legal environment in which NGOs operate in Kosovo is generally favourable and welcoming to CSO participation. CSOs played an active role in designing, implementing and monitoring reforms related to EU integration. CSOs were also noticeably engaged in areas including transparency, human rights protection, and legal reforms. In the field of labour rights, NGO forums that deal directly with labour rights issues are organised. One example is the Labour Rights Consortium, a consortium of organizations and workers’ representatives, which brings together 41 actors specialized in labour and trade union issues.[2]

However, the NSG points out several challenges, including how the effectiveness of public funding for NGOs is reported and evaluated. In addition, consultation and cooperation mechanisms still need to be improved to ensure effective and sustainable engagement by all civil society actors. There were several cases of government hostility against CSOs in 2024.[3] At the end of January, police raided the offices of the Centre for Peace and Tolerance. The Ministry of Internal Affairs ordered the raid on the grounds that the premises were supposedly being used for the “unlawful exercise of medical or pharmaceutical activities”. The NGO disputes this allegation. It says it only provided medical assistance to Kosovo Serbs living in Prishtina and described the raid as a direct attack on civil society. In February, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi accused several Kosovo Serb NGOs of actively hindering the integration of Serbian citizens into Kosovan society. Deputy Minister of Public Administration Vokrri made similar claims and accused Kosovo Serb NGOs of pushing a Serbia-aligned agenda. These claims highlight the ongoing ethnic tensions in Kosovan society, as mentioned in the section on social dialogue.

[1] CIVICUS (2025), CIVICUS Monitor – Kosovo: https://monitor.civicus.org/country/kosovo/

[2] Advocacy Center (2022) ” Protecting and Promoting Labour Rights of Vulnerable Groups in the Labour Market”: https://advocacy-center.org/index.php/program-labour-rights/

[3] CIVICUS (2025), “Raids in NGO offices over alleged illegal activities spark controversy”: https://monitor.civicus.org/explore/raids-in-ngo-offices-over-alleged-illegal-activities-spark-controversy/

Acesso à mobilidade sustentável e pobreza nos transportes

Public transport in Kosovo is inadequate, the NSG reports. Only 46% of municipalities fulfilled mobility plans to provide basic public transportation, official data shows.[1] Interurban transport relies solely on private bus lines. While these require licenses, standards are not monitored strictly. Operators are not coordinated, and they do not communicate, resulting in confusion and differences in schedules and ticket pricing.[2] No real alternative is available, as Kosovo’s railway system is extremely poor, with only one line being functional.[3] The government started to invest in the rehabilitation of the country’s railways in 2022, but the work only expected to be completed by 2027.[4] Thus, all transport for the foreseeable future will be by car or bus. These vehicles are mostly fossil-fuel-based, and even old diesel engines still allowed to circulate unrestricted as eco-diesel vehicle standards do not exist. Heavy trucks and transport vehicles are still allowed to circulate in urban zones. Ecological alternatives such as electric cars receive little in the way of public incentives, and electric car taxes are the same as those cars.[5] The government has begun an initiative to remove taxes on electric vehicles, but this law has not yet been fully adopted.

[1] Ministria e Administratës së Pushtetit Lokal (2024) “Raporti i Performancës së Komunave të Republikës së Kosovës 2023” – https://mapl.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Raporti-performances-Komunale-2023-final-18.07.2024.pdf

[2] Zyra e Kryeministrit të Kosovës (2023) “Strategjia e Transportit Multimodal 2023–2030” – https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/STRATEGJIA-E-TRANSPORTIT-MULTIMODAL-2030.pdf

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ministria e Mjedisit, Planifikimit Hapësinor dhe Infrastrukturës (2023) “Raporti vjetor i zbatimit të Strategjisë Sektoriale dhe Transportit Multimodal 2015–2025” – https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Raporti-vjetor-i-zbatimit-te-Strategjise-Sektoriale-dhe-Transportit.pdf

[5] Ahmeti, N. (2024) “Zero taksa për regjistrimin e veturave elektrike. A mjafton?” – https://www.evropaelire.org/a/zero-taksa-per-regjistrimin-e-veturave-elektrike-/33128054.html