We are thrilled to present the results of our research study titled 'Harnessing the Potential of the Kosovar Diaspora’s Economic Contributions,' prepared by our Team at GERMIN. This extensive research can be found on this LINK. It delves into the multifaceted aspects of the economic and investment potential held by the Kosovar diaspora. By conducting a thorough online survey with 548 diaspora respondents and engaging in insightful interviews with 30 diaspora businessmen, our study sheds light on a notable finding: many respondents face constraints in financial capacity when considering investments in Kosovo, compounded by a lack of adequate information about potential opportunities. Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, our research underscores a positive trajectory, indicating an increased readiness and potential for future diaspora investments in Kosovo. Sectors such as agriculture, construction, education, energy, IT, and tourism emerge as particularly attractive areas for diaspora investments. Beyond these insights, this study provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for the Kosovo government, outlining specific steps to facilitate and encourage diaspora investments. It emphasizes the pivotal role of the government and relevant institutions in fostering an environment conducive to diaspora investment. In essence, the findings from this research not only contribute significantly to our understanding of diaspora investment but also serve as a foundation for implementing practical changes in the investment landscape of Kosovo. As we navigate the dynamic economic terrain, we believe that a concerted effort from both the diaspora and the government will play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of economic contributions from the Kosovar diaspora This research paper was commissioned by Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo as part of the Municipal Action for Reintegration and Diaspora- MARDI project and implemented by GERMIN. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo.

GERMIN has published the "Kosovo Diaspora and its Role Amidst Multiple Crises" report supported by UNDP Kosovo. This study aimed to understand the impressions of the senders of remittances from the diaspora and the recipients of remittances in Kosovo after the beginning of the war in Ukraine and economic inflation. You can read the report in three languages. Albanian English Serbian

The potential of the diaspora to stimulate and promote development in their homelands has gained significant interest in recent years. Most of the studies on diaspora and their contribution to the development of their home countries focus on remittances as a factor for development. However, there is little to no research made into the interests and perceptions of the younger generations living in Diaspora regarding their connection with the homeland country. This survey aims to establish a Global Network of Albanian youth. The results are a snapshot of the attitudes and behaviors - including thoughts, opinions, and comments – of Albanian youth around the world. This valuable feedback is the baseline to measure and establish a benchmark from which to compare results over time. The movement aims to promote positive change in Albanian communities around the world by identifying, connecting, and engaging Albanian youth (group ages 14-18, 19-24, 25-30) in both homeland countries (Albania, Kosova, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Presevo Valley) and the diaspora through language, cultural, heritage, personal, and professional development programs. In order to achieve these objectives, the project consists of a research study to generate an overall understanding of the diaspora and homeland youth’s potential for cooperation and engagement. Read the full report here: Global Albanians Youth Movement - Research Report

Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo living Out-of-Country have the right to elect and to be elected similarly as everybody else living in Kosovo. Republic of Kosovo through the Constitution1 and its legislation enables the exercise of electoral rights for all citizens without distinction, regardless of the place where they live. Electoral rights fall within the framework of basic rights, and are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo and laws into force, but also by international conventions/documents. In Kosovo Out-of-Country Voting is allowed for all types of elections. Non-resident citizens can vote by mail in the local or central elections, after being successfully registered to vote at the Central Election Commission (CEC). But, although there is a large number of citizens living Out-of-Country, and the interest to vote from Out-of-Country is over the years, their participation in the elections in Kosovo continues to be a complex process, followed by recurring problems. Out-of-Country Voting since the first elections after the declaration of independence has not been treated with priority and the problems reported during the election cycles have not been sufficiently addressed. This has made the electoral potential Out-of-Country difficult to participate in democratic processes in the Republic of Kosovo, which has also affected the reduction of credibility on institutions. Regardless the positive assessment of the progress of elections within the country, Out-of-Country Voting continues to be problematic during the electoral processes in Kosovo. Problems with the registration, delivery and receipt of ballot/s envelopes from Out-of-Country , as well as the lack of proper information and education of voters, have plagued followed almost every election cycle. These and other problems have not been addressed by the relevant institutions and superficial changes such as enabling the application for registration by e-mail from 2017, have not improved the process, which was proofed even by the elections of February 14, 2021. This analysis aims to address the impediments in the Out-of-Country Voting process, and provides a detailed overview of all electoral operations within it. The analysis presents the data and results of the Out-of-Country Voting during the last elections for the Kosovo Assembly 2021 You can read/download the Analysis by clicking on the links below. It is available in: Albanian and English.   Eng: Analysis of the Out-of-Country Voting for the Kosovo Assembly Elections, held on February 14, 2021 Alb: Analiza e votimit nga jashtë vendit - Zgjedhjet për Kuvendin e Kosovës - 14 Shkurt 2021 Srb: Analiza glasanja iz inostranstva na izborima za Skupštinu Kosova održanim 14. februara 2021. godine

This study is part of the project "Matching Diaspora experts with institutional needs at home", which is implemented by Germin with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project aims to increase the engagement of diaspora professionals in countries of origin and create opportunities for knowledge and skills transfer. The population of interest includes professionals from various fields who are part of the Kosovar and Albanian diaspora living abroad, especially those from Germany. The purpose of this report is to show the needs for experts from the scientific and professional diaspora of the countries of origin, the forms that this cooperation can take and the conditions that need to be created. The report addresses both sides of the chain, on the one hand, the Albanian scientific and professional diaspora and its willingness to cooperate, and, on the other hand, the needs of Albanian institutions in Albania and Kosovo. You can find the full report by clicking on the links below: Albanian English

This study is a part of the project “Matching Diaspora Experts with Institutional Needs at Home”, which is implemented by Germin with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project aims to increase the engagement of diaspora professionals in home countries, and create opportunities for know-how and skills transfer. The population of interest includes professionals from different fields who are part of the Kosovo and Albanian diaspora residing abroad, especially those from Germany. The study aims to assess the perceptions about circular migration and the professional engagement of the Albanian Diaspora professionals. Throughout the desk research, the topic of emigration contextualized by bringing a historical background of the evolution of Albanian Diaspora, in particular, that of Kosovo and Albania. This part analyzes how the different waves of migration have influenced the creation of diaspora communities and their strong ties with the home countries - countries of origin. The latter is evidenced not only by the historical economic, political, and social contribution but also by the readiness to develop circular migration. Results from this report show that a majority of respondents are ready and committed to offering their contribution to the country of origin. The report also provides a detailed summary of the key findings from the survey with 921 respondents of Albanian Diaspora on the same topic, conducted in the second part of January 2020. Findings from the survey are presented in two main sections: (1) General Characteristics and Demographics of the Respondents, as well as their Educational and Professional Background; and (2) Perceptions on Diaspora Professional Engagement; Potential Future Engagement at the Countries of Origin; and Perceptions on Germin’s initiative and Future Commitment. 5 recommendations are given for policy and decision-makers and other stakeholders to increase the engagement of the diaspora in terms of circular migration: (1) Get to know the Albanian diaspora professionals; map, listen and understand; (2) Empower the diaspora groups and organizations; (3) Develop a multi-functional platform that connects diaspora professionals’ profiles with the public and private sector in the countries of origin; (4) Create space for engagement of diaspora professionals in public institutions of Kosovo and Albania, which face a lack of advanced knowledge and skills in key sectors; (5) Improve the coordination between different levels of governance and inter-state institutions, and increase the inclusiveness in the diaspora engagement process. Report (For English version, click here) Report (For Shqip version, click here)