Challenge

Water is fundamental for our lives and for our planet. Yet this precious and limited resource is facing unprecedented pressures. Global population growth, rapid urbanization, industrial development, and unsustainable consumption patterns are placing increasing strain on freshwater resources worldwide. Millions of people die every year from diseases linked to poor hygiene and unsafe water, and climate change continues to intensify floods, droughts, and extreme weather events.

Kosovo is among the most water-stressed countries in Southeast Europe. Its need for fresh water has long exceeded supply due to underinvestment in water infrastructure, inefficient use of water in agriculture, and high levels of pollution. Water resources are rapidly deteriorating, and climate change is increasing water-related risks. The complexity of managing Kosovo’s water resources is heightened by the fact that the country shares four transboundary river basins (Drini i Bardhë, Ibër, Morava e Binçës, and Lepenc) with neighboring countries, requiring effective coordination and shared management approaches.

Institutional capacities across Kosovo remain limited, and many entities lack the frameworks, tools, and resources needed to effectively plan and manage water resources. Citizens and civil society often have limited opportunities to influence environmental decision-making, while outdated systems and fragmented responsibilities make it difficult to address the growing challenges.

Kosovo has made significant progress in recent years by developing new legal and institutional frameworks and formulating water strategies and action plans. However, much more coordinated investment and action are needed to secure a sustainable water future for all citizens of Kosovo.

Phase 2 of the IWRM-K Program responds directly to these challenges by supporting the alignment of Kosovo’s policies with EU standards, facilitating the implementation of River Basin Management Plans, expanding institutional capacity-building, strengthening financing mechanisms, and promoting meaningful participation from civil society and local communities. Through these efforts, Kosovo will be better prepared to face the increasing pressures on its water resources and build resilience against the long-term impacts of climate change.

What we want to achieve

PLANS AND MEASURES

• Support the alignment of Kosovo’s water policies, strategies and planning framework with EU-based standards and approaches.
• Facilitate the implementation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) by supporting targeted measures that address pollution from industry, agriculture, settlements, and other priority sectors.
• Introduce and promote nature-based solutions to help reduce climate-related risks and improve the resilience of water systems.
• Strengthen budgeting processes and provide guidance to ensure that water resources management is planned and financed in a sustainable, long-term manner.

LEGISLATION, INSTITUTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Advance the development and refinement of modern water legislation that supports integrated water resources management across national and local levels.
• Strengthen the organizational and institutional capacities of partner ministries and agencies through targeted training, peer-to-peer learning, and professional development.
• Expand university-level water science programs and create practical on-the-job training opportunities for young professionals, researchers, and technical experts.
• Upgrade the national Water Information System to improve monitoring, data quality, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.

STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION, CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS AND AWARENESS RAISING

• Enhance new stakeholder participation mechanisms to ensure transparent, inclusive and democratic water resources governance.
• Empower civil society organizations and community groups through training and grants, enabling them to effectively partner with Government institutions in water-related initiatives.
• Conduct national and local communication and awareness-raising activities designed to mobilize public engagement and position water resource management as a top socio-political priority.

Together, these efforts will strengthen Kosovo’s water governance system and support long-term, sustainable management of its water resources.