Kosovo's 3.9m euros share of EU damage

“Although considerable progress has been achieved in mine-clearing activities, mines continue to be a threat to residents and living, preventing access, reconciliation and development in Kosovo,” said EU Ambassador to Kosovo Thomas Szunyog.

The success of this project will not only contribute to a mine-cleared Kosovo, but also pave the way for socio-economic development in previously contaminated areas. The successful experience of joint efforts between the EU, the US and Norway shows a successful pattern of co-operation between donors in behalf of communities in Kosovo and can have a positive impact on the security and socio-economic development of Kosovo communities”.

Since 1999, financing for these vital activities is directed by the US State Department and the Norwegian Foreign Affairs Ministry. Over the past two decades, the humanitarian work of HALO Trust and NPA in Kosovo has also been supported by the governments of Japan, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands.

“We are committed to a Kosovo without mines and this programme will bring us a step closer to that goal. These demining activities are critical for people's security and also have a key role for stability in the region, as well as for its development”, said Tamra Gregg, the US Embassy chief's task officer in Kosovo.

As part of this project, 400,000 square metres of land contaminated by mines will be cleared, as well as 3,60,000 square metres of land contaminated by Caspian ammunition, with the ultimate goal of offering local communities safe access to those areas. These contaminated areas are scattered by natural reserves, mountains, forests, pastures, and agricultural land, preventing access to vital services, natural resources, and areas where tourism and social activities can develop. Furthermore, through this initiative, there will also be promotion of gender representation and communities as well as cultural diversity and dialogue.

“since the 1990s, Norway has been supporting demining activities implemented by Norwean Peoples Aids in the Western Balkans and has so far provided assistance worth more than 70m euros. Norway is committed to continuing its support until the job is completed. Therefore, an additional 2m euros have been provided for an additional 5-year period until 2025 B.C. in order to clean the mines-contaminated areas, remains of casserole ammunition, and remains of other explosive means of war so that these areas can be returned to the local communities in Kosovo for safe use and productively”, said Hilde Berid, deputy chairman of the Norwegian Embassy Mission in Kosovo.

Through this grant, NPA and HALO will clear a area of 4km2 of the contaminated area. They will increase their operational capacities by 30% with EU funds for expanding monitoring and cleaning operations. Operations will be conducted in areas such as Zubin Potok, Leposaviq, Mitrovica, Belnica Rastavica and Kostunica.

In addition to participating delegations from the EU, US and Norwegian Embassys, there were the Director of Development Co-operation from the Office of the Prime Minister, Florim Canoli, Chief of Threat Management Groups near KFOR, Cyprian Andrica, members of the Interconnection Team near KFOR, representatives from the municipality of Gracanica, and representatives from the Demini Action Centre in Kosovo (QKD).

The EU will continue to provide support for mine clearing and caserial bombs across Kosovo over the next three years, significantly improving human security and economic development, while providing Kosovo with a step closer to the strategic goal of being cleared of mines and the remains of casserous ammunition.

The Action for Deminim project is the result of close co-operation over the past three years between the EU in Kosovo, the Government of Kosovo, Norgyn People's Aid (NPA) and HALO Trust.