ESI President speaks at Kosovo Strategy workshop in Bern

ESI President Gerald Knaus was invited to a strategy workshop on Kosovo in Bern organised by the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs. This meeting aimed at deepening reflections on the political future of Kosovo and defining and discussing specific Swiss contributions to international efforts, in particular regarding minority protection and federalism.

Mr. Knaus' contribution focused on the convergence of several different political processes in Kosovo, i.e. the "Standards before Status" discussion, the growing disenchantment of citizens with the UN administration and their own political institutions, as well as the deepening economic crisis as Kosovo adapts to a future without reconstruction assistance.

He especially stressed the value of Swiss experiences with federalism in helping to develop viable decentralised political structures in Kosovo.