On July 30, 2026 Representatives of the Collegium of Directors of Health and Social Welfare, gender equality officers, representatives of Centres for Social Work (CSWs), and the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) have addressed a letter to central institutions, requesting urgent measures to ensure sustainable funding for social services in Kosovo.
The request follows discussions held on 23 July with representatives of central and local institutions, where it was highlighted that current funding does not meet citizens’ actual needs and limits the effective implementation of legislation on social services and protection of victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
Through the letter, the signatories request an additional €3 million annually for social services through the General Grant, aiming to strengthen the capacities of municipalities and CSWs to provide quality services in line with legal standards.
Key requests include:
- hiring five additional social service professionals in CSWs, including at least one professional in each municipality dedicated to addressing cases of gender-based violence;
- increasing funding for salaries, goods and services, subsidies, and transfers;
- investments in CSW infrastructure and equipment;
- increased support for residential services, shelters, and centres protecting women and children;
- strengthening emergency funds for immediate support to victims of violence.
The representatives also call for municipal funding allocation to be based on a fair and transparent formula that reflects citizens’ actual needs and follows principles of gender-responsive budgeting.
They further urge the Ministry of Finance to initiate amendments to the Law on Local Government Finance during 2027, with the aim of establishing a Specific Grant for Social Services that would provide dedicated, sustainable, and predictable funding.
The letter emphasizes that investing in social services means investing in human rights protection, citizens’ wellbeing, and the fulfilment of Kosovo’s legal obligations.
Click here to read the full letter.
