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NSI in Media

Fields of work

Normalization of relations/dialogue

NSI contributes to normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina

Beograd – Pristina; Photo: EPA / Valdrin Xhemaj

NSI facilitates open exchange on the Brussels dialogue and normalization process among opinion-makers from civil society from Kosovo and Serbia. Moreover, NSI provides evidence-based independent analyses and recommendations for decision-makers involved in the process.

Key Assumptions:

–   There is a need for fostering a regular in-depth dialogue between civil society actors engaged in the normalization of relations from both sides, so to be able to propose improvements to the Track I dialogue among the officials based on an in-depth understanding of internal political dynamics and sentiments on both sides and NSI is well-positioned to facilitate such dialogue.

–    NSI will represent and include diverse representatives of the Kosovo Serbs community in the dialogue between civil society actors from different sides, which will add important voices and perspectives to the process.

–   NSI is capable of delivering high quality analysis using the evidence collected through qualitative and quantitative research, and producing recommendations for which NSI is able to advocate with decision makers.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Normalization of relations/Dialogue, see our Reference List.

Normalization of relations/dialogue

NSI contributes to normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina

Beograd – Pristina; Photo: EPA / Valdrin Xhemaj

NSI facilitates open exchange on the Brussels dialogue and normalization process among opinion-makers from civil society from Kosovo and Serbia. Moreover, NSI provides evidence-based independent analyses and recommendations for decision-makers involved in the process.

Key Assumptions:

–   There is a need for fostering a regular in-depth dialogue between civil society actors engaged in the normalization of relations from both sides, so to be able to propose improvements to the Track I dialogue among the officials based on an in-depth understanding of internal political dynamics and sentiments on both sides and NSI is well-positioned to facilitate such dialogue.

–    NSI will represent and include diverse representatives of the Kosovo Serbs community in the dialogue between civil society actors from different sides, which will add important voices and perspectives to the process.

–   NSI is capable of delivering high quality analysis using the evidence collected through qualitative and quantitative research, and producing recommendations for which NSI is able to advocate with decision makers.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Normalization of relations/Dialogue, see our Reference List.

Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past

New Social Initiative supports different approaches to Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past initiatives among communities

NSI intents to achieve several outcomes in order to meet this goal:

– NSI will be the channel of positive stories on inter-ethnic relations and reaching wider public by offering the innovative communication tools for visual and public affairs influencers (YouTubers, Instagramers, TikTokers, Journalists, Professionals and CSOs);

– NSI will be the convener and facilitator for structured exchange of attitudes and opinions, thus supporting trust building and collaboration among CSOs speaking on behalf of different ethnic groups in Kosovo;

– NSI will harvest and spread counter-narratives and positive stories, thus creating space for exchange and dialogue by partnering with media and digital outlets across Kosovo.

Key Assumptions:

–   New innovative solutions for trust building will resonate better with citizens, especially youth, and the positive frame of the inter-ethnic relations could disrupt diminish the strength and malign influence of the negative narratives they were socialized in;

Photo: Emerging Europej

–  “Pockets of Freedom” or forums, which remove the publicity constraints, will strengthen the bonds between CSOs from different communities, thus increasing the trust between them and allowing them to establish stronger coalitions on crucial societal topics, especially those related to the inclusion of the non-majority communities;

–  Engaging different audiences with opposite narratives on the same topic will soften the rooted stereotypes about the “other” communities and address the grievances from the past, and will fertilize the ground for trust building.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of DwP/trust-building, see our Reference List.

Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past

New Social Initiative supports different approaches to Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past initiatives among communities

Photo: Emerging Europej

NSI intents to achieve several outcomes in order to meet this goal:

– NSI will be the channel of positive stories on inter-ethnic relations and reaching wider public by offering the innovative communication tools for visual and public affairs influencers (YouTubers, Instagramers, TikTokers, Journalists, Professionals and CSOs);

– NSI will be the convener and facilitator for structured exchange of attitudes and opinions, thus supporting trust building and collaboration among CSOs speaking on behalf of different ethnic groups in Kosovo;

– NSI will harvest and spread counter-narratives and positive stories, thus creating space for exchange and dialogue by partnering with media and digital outlets across Kosovo.

Key Assumptions:

–   New innovative solutions for trust building will resonate better with citizens, especially youth, and the positive frame of the inter-ethnic relations could disrupt diminish the strength and malign influence of the negative narratives they were socialized in;

–  “Pockets of Freedom” or forums, which remove the publicity constraints, will strengthen the bonds between CSOs from different communities, thus increasing the trust between them and allowing them to establish stronger coalitions on crucial societal topics, especially those related to the inclusion of the non-majority communities;

–  Engaging different audiences with opposite narratives on the same topic will soften the rooted stereotypes about the “other” communities and address the grievances from the past, and will fertilize the ground for trust building.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of DwP/trust-building, see our Reference List.

Citizen participation

NSI is working on increasing non-majority participation in decision making processes for the purpose of getting better services and making institutions more accountable

Source: NSI photo archive

NSI works to achieve this goal on both supply and demand side of the citizen participation: 1) on the demand side, the outcomes of our engagement are the benefits that citizens have by utilizing the mechanisms of citizens’ participation, and 2) the creation of low profile community spaces which will support resonant voices; 3) on the supply side, the outcomes of our activities will be established and improved participation mechanisms in the institutions (in mostly Kosovo Serb majority municipalities).

Key Assumptions:

–    The increased demand for the better services will boost the efficiency of the institutions and increase their accountability;

–    Resonant voices are reluctant to speak out because of the non-pluralistic nature of the political arena of the Kosovo Serb community, but their participation in closed group discussions will encourage them to speak up in the future and preserve social capital required for any collective action;

–   Kosovo Serb majority municipalities will be open for cooperation on non-controversial issues, and will accept the citizen participation mechanisms.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Citizen Participation, see our Reference List.

Citizen participation

NSI is working on increasing non-majority participation in decision making processes for the purpose of getting better services and making institutions more accountable

Source: NSI photo archive

NSI works to achieve this goal on both supply and demand side of the citizen participation: 1) on the demand side, the outcomes of our engagement are the benefits that citizens have by utilizing the mechanisms of citizens’ participation, and 2) the creation of low profile community spaces which will support resonant voices; 3) on the supply side, the outcomes of our activities will be established and improved participation mechanisms in the institutions (in mostly Kosovo Serb majority municipalities).

Key Assumptions:

–    The increased demand for the better services will boost the efficiency of the institutions and increase their accountability;

–    Resonant voices are reluctant to speak out because of the non-pluralistic nature of the political arena of the Kosovo Serb community, but their participation in closed group discussions will encourage them to speak up in the future and preserve social capital required for any collective action;

–   Kosovo Serb majority municipalities will be open for cooperation on non-controversial issues, and will accept the citizen participation mechanisms.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Citizen Participation, see our Reference List.

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Civil society facilitation for development of citizen-centered National Strategy for Transitional Justice in Kosovo, Publications
25/02/2020

Public perception survey and public dialogue about future Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Kosovo

This survey is a result of a project/activity “Public perception survey and public dialogue about future Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Kosovo” funded by Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. The content and the results of this survey is in the sole responsibility of the organization INTEGRA, and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.

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Publications
21/02/2020

Domestic and Foreign Policy Challenges of Kurti’s Government 

This publication (Domestic and Foreign Policy Challenges of Kurti’s Government ) has been produced with the support of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED). Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of EED. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in this publication lies entirely with the author(s).

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Publications
18/12/2019

KOSOVO – SERBIA DEMARCATION – FINAL SOLUTION OR NEW PROBLEMS?

This analysis “Kosovo-Serbia Demarcation-final solutions or new problems?” addresses the issue of demarcation and its consequences, the potential costs and benefits and the impact that such a solution could have on communities, socio-economic, political and security situation.

Project “Demasking Demarcation Along the Ethnic Lines: Advantages and Consequences?” is supported by Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS) and implemented by New Social Initiative (NSI) in partnership with RTV Mir.

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Publications
16/12/2019

Kurti’s Government – A Premature Celebration?

This publication (Kurti’s Government – A Premature Celebration?) has been produced with the support of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED). Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of EED. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in this publication lies entirely with the author(s).

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Publications
19/11/2019

Participatory Budgeting in North Kosovo (possibilities and obstacles)

Government structures in Western countries have been shaped by the systemof checks and balances which has formed the core of good governance for more than two centuries. In the roots of country’s accountability framework lie the rewards and sanctions system linked to the results that help shape public sector performance. On the other side, there are many developing countries which continue to suffer from often dysfunctional governance system which include rent seeking and malfeasance, inappropriate allocation of resources, inefficient revenue systems, and weak delivery of vital public services.

Participatory budgeting is one of the tools that might help in overcoming unsatisfactory and dysfunctional local governance. Implemented right, it has potential to make governments more responsive to citizens’ needs and preferences and more accountable to them for performance in resource allocation and service delivery.This paper aims to give an overall look on participatory budgeting, to present the ways in which it had been implemented in wide range of societies, to present tools that may help in implementing it, but also to give a picture of Kosovo local government performances related to citizen participation in decision making processes with special emphasis on northern municipalities.

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Publications
19/11/2019

Media and Civil Society as a Medium for Awareness of Political Realities – the Case of the Brussels Dialog

This paper tried to understand to which level the accessibility and readiness for cooperation of political and public institutions representatives, and the information sharing, influences the work of media and civil society, in terms of contributing to the process of the Brussels Dialogue (including what that contribution could be), monitoring the process (primarily implementation of the achieved) and informing the public about it. In line with that, the paper explores the correlation of these components with the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Kosovo Constitution, as both media and civil society ultimately serve to contribute to the achievement of those rights and freedoms.

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Publications
19/11/2019

Innovative approaches in citizen participation – Good Practices Report

The overall objective of the Good Practices Report was to contribute to the strengthening of democratic potentials at the local government level in northern Kosovo, through assessment, identification, development and demonstration of innovative approaches in good governance, primarily in terms of citizen participation. The specific objective of this report was to identify good practices and exploring their applicability within the local context in one of the four municipalities in North Kosovo, as well as to provide recommendations and technical assistance to local governments to establish innovative mechanisms for interactions with the constituency.

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Publications
04/11/2019

Make it or break it: Kosovo elections and Pristina-Belgrade dialogue

This publication (Make it or break it: Kosovo elections and Prishtina – Belgrade dialogue) has been produced with the support of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED). Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of EED. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in this publication lies entirely with the author(s).

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Publications
16/10/2019

Is your municipality truly yours? Assessment of local governments’ adherence to principles of citizen participation in north Kosovo

This paper explores current circumstances and challenges, focusing on citizens participation in decision making, as one of the main condition for effective democratic governance and one of the precursors for strengthening the position of local governance in four northern municipalities. Built on that, the paper considers the potential for improvements aiming to serve as a guideline for further development of existing practices and establishment of the new ones.

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Publications
15/04/2018

REPORT – ON LOCAL ELECTIONS 2017

This publication is a product of the research within the project ‘Greater Participation for Better Engagement’ implemented by the New Social Initiative under the ‘Promotion of a Democratic Society’ scheme led by the Kosovo Foundation for Civil Society, funded by the Swiss Cooperation Office in Kosovo (SCO-K).