EU Gjilani website

UNMIK-EU Gjilane
Regional Office

The European Union in Gjilane Region

UNMIK's European Union Pillar formally established its office in the Gjilane region in July 2000. Gjilane sits in the southern corner of Kosovo with Serbia to the east and the FYR of Macedonia to the south. It is geographically the largest region within Kosovo. It's proximity to Serbia has ensured that a large Serbian population, approximately

40,0000 has remained in the region. As a result the area has suffered from ethnic tensions. Gjilan/Gnjilane also has a small Roma grouping. Considerable efforts have been made to provide a safe and secure environment for all of the inhabitants of the region. Gjilan/Gnjilane and Ferizaj/ Urosevac are the region's two major cities. Incidentally Ferizaj/Urosevac is the only city in the world in which a Mosque and Orthodox Church are located on the same site. UNMIK has placed particular emphasis on devloping inclusive. The remaing muncipalities

making up the region are in Kamenica/Kamenice,Viti/Vitina
Shterpce / Strpce, Kacanik and Novoberde / Novobrdo
UNMIK has placed particular emphasis on developing inclusive structures and maintains ongoing dialogue

with all ethnic groups. Gjilane, like the rest of Kosovo, suffered not only from the ravages of war but also decades of neglect.Given the ethnic mix of the area the challenges facing the European Union Pillar of UNMIK in reconstructing the economy and providing for ongoing development are not inconsiderable. However, the EU in Gjilane is making a positive contribution to addressing the needs of the region.Particular emphasis has been placed on improving public utilities, developing the business environment, physical reconstruction of property and transport links, and developing a transparent fiscal regime. The EU Pillar in Gjilane will concentrate during 2001 on the Commercialisation of State and Socially Owned Enterprises (SSOEs), continuing to encourage economic cooperation between ethnic groups, the development of sustainable solid waste disposal facilities, improved municipal financial accountability, better targeting of housing reconstruction for the most vulnerable, increased revenue collection for public utility services.