Events

After three and half years of independent existence and two nation-wide elections, Kosovo has gained considerable experience with the functioning of institutions that are vital to a democracy, including a free press. Jeta Xharra, Kosovo’s leading investigative journalist and host of “Life in Kosovo” on public television channel RTK, addressed the status of the media and freedom of the press in Kosovo on September 21 from 10-12pm. 

It has been more than six months since the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and political leaders have shown little initiative in pursuing the dialogue needed for state-level coalition formation. Bosnia and Herzegovina's High Representative, Valentin Inzko, provided his assessment of the country's current political conundrums. 

USIP had a discussion on the challenges facing Kosovo after the snap elections in December 2010. 

A panel of experts reviewed the historical background of Kosovo’s educational system, and discussed strengths and weaknesses of its current form.  They also examined proposed educational reforms as well as Kosovars’ aspirations for the future.
 

What is next for Kosovo?  Veton Surroi, who served as a negotiator for Kosovo at both the 1999 Rambouillet and 2006 Vienna talks and now heads the Foreign Policy Club, will present his views on Kosovo’s priorities and future.
 

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci discussed his government's views on Kosovo's current status, its relationships with its most important neighbors and partners, and its future.

This event is rescheduled from its original time on April 20.

A multiethnic panel of distinguished politicians serving in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s three legislatures will offer their views on the current situation, strategies to address existing conflicts, and the domestic and international factors shaping the country’s future.  These factors include the role of the international community, upcoming general elections and the public’s appetite for change, the policies of neighboring countries, and the actions of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s leaders.

Pieter Feith, the EU special representative in Kosovo (EUSR) and international civilian representative (ICR), gave an update on developments in Kosovo in the past two years.  He reflected upon his double-hatted role as the ICR/EUSR as well as on the EU’s role in Kosovo and on EU-U.S. cooperation.

What economic and political economic factors keep Bosnia-Herzegovina a unified state?  Is the division of Bosnia-Herzegovina a viable future for the region or would smaller states lack the necessary political and economic components to survive?  Politician and businessman Fahrudin Radončić will address these questions in his discussion.

Economics and Finance Minister of Kosovo Ahmet Shala will talk about the new infrastructure projects in Kosovo, including transportation, telecommunication, energy, and waste management. He will also give his views on the current problems that Kosovo faces such as the trade blockade on Kosovo's exports to Serbia and Bosnia, membership in the International Financial Institutions, and regional integration.