Corruption in Kosovo: observations and implications for USAID

As in all countries, corruption exists in Kosovo today. But, despite public opinion and discussions in the mass media that presume very high levels of public corruption, it does not appear to be a pervasive force in the governance process and does not appear to significantly undermine the capacity of government to perform its duties and deliver services fundamentally. Based on interviews of government staff, international administrators, donors, civil society organizations, business representatives and mass media representatives, as well as a corruption survey of 505 respondents, this report analyzes the state of public corruption in Kosovo. It includes what is being done to control corruption and where the opportunities lie for future initiatives. It reviews corruption at the central and local levels, as well as in a variety of key governmental functions.