The Norwegian Government assistance program to the Balkans amounts to NOK 600 million in 2007
17/08/2007 ::
The Norwegian parliament decided to allocate a total of NOK 600 million, or approximately EUR 74 million, in aid to the Balkan countries in 2006. The level of assistance is reduces by NOK 150 million compared to previous years.
The Western Balkan is a region in transformation, still burdened by ethnic tensions. The different states have different degree of support from its population and uneven economical development. Varying levels of institutional and economical development requires a flexible approach to the assistance of the region.
The overall goal of the Norwegian assistance is to contribute to peace, reconciliation and democratisation of the region. Main direction for the Norwegian project assistance to the countries of the Western Balkan is to support regional stabilisation and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The development in Kosovo and the process on status is of the great importance for regional stability. Support which can contribute to stabilisation of the situation in Kosovo will be given the highest priority. Support to reform-oriented forces in Serbia is also of great importance.
Serbia: EUR 20 mill. (NOK 160 mill.)
The assistance to Serbia is concentrated within the following main sectors:
Institution building and adaption to European standards in the fields of Public Governance, the Judiciary, Police and Defence.
Economic development and employment, entrepreneurship and SME development.
Education
Humanitarian support to refugees, internally displaced (IDP's) and vulnerable groups.
South Serbia and Sandzak are geographically prioritized areas.
A substantial part of the assistance is supporting projects developed in a close dialogue and agreement with the Serbian authorities.
Kosovo: EUR 12,2 mill. (NOK 100 mill.)
There is a great need of support to the democratization and institution building processes in Kosovo. Human rights, support to vulnerable groups, local governance and decentralisation, property rights and the rule of law are main thematic priorities. Security sector reform will also continue to be supported. Norway also works on improving the situation of ethnic minorities and to prepare for the return of internally displaced persons.
The project support for Kosovo in 2007 is concentrated geographically in central municipalities/regions such as Kosova/Kosovo Polje, Obiliq/Obilic, Gllogovc/Glogovac and Gracanica.
Montenegro: EUR 3 mill. (NOK 25 mill.)
The assistance to Montenegri is concentrated within the following main sectors:
Electricity sector, water supply
Tourism and development of the coastal areas.
Increased focus on building institutional capacity on central and local level.
A substantial part of the assistance is supporting projects developed in a close dialogue and agreement with the Montenegrian authorities.
For further information, please contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade, e-mail: emb.belgrade@mfa.no