Kosovo’s Older Population:A Conversation with Nafije Berisha,

Parliamentarian from Kosovo15 July 2004

Kosovo Kosovo is a small territory, approximately 4,199 square miles. 30 municipalities; capital -PrishtinaPopulation (est.): 1.9 to 2.4 million (last population census taken in 1981) Ethnic breakdown: 90% Albanian and 10% Serbianand other minoritiesAverage salary: 200 euros/monthUnemployment: 60% (2001)

Kosovo’s GovernmentIn 1989, the Republic of Serbia stripped Kosovo of its autonomy.In June of 1999, following the NATO intervention, the UN formed the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to act as a temporary government.Bernard Kouchner of France was the first UN administrator of Kosovo appointed by UNMIK.

Kosovo’s GovernmentThe current UNMIK administrator is Soren Petersen from Denmark.On October 28, 2000 UNMIK organized the first free and fair local elections in Kosovo.Presidential elections are held every three years.

Elections in KosovoThe Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG), which include the President and the Kosovo Assembly, are democratically elected.

The elections are regular, transparent and fair conforming to international standards. They allow the participation of all communities and ethnic groups.

President of Kosovo: Dr. IBRAHIM RUGOVA Prime Minister of Kosovo: Dr. REXHEP BAJRAMI

Since 1999, there have been 3 elections in Kosovo – one for President and the Assembly and two for local elections. The next Presidential election will be held on October 24, 2004.

Political Parties in KosovoKosovo’s Assembly has 120 deputies, representing 14 political parties.

The majority in the Assembly represents 4 major political parties, and includes the LDK, the PDK, AAK, and the Coalition “Kthimi” (an ethnic Serb party from Kosovo).

The Assembly has 17 committees.

President Rugova is President of the LDK (Democratic League of Kosovo).

Living and Aging In KosovoApproximately 5.5% of Kosovo’s population is over the age of 65. In comparison: Italy: 19.1%; France: 16.4%; USA: 12.4%; Albania: 8.5%; Serbia & Montenegro: 14.9%

Over 20% of Kosovo’s budget is designated for social programs designed to help the poor.

In 2001, the World Bank reported that 12% of the Kosovo’s population lives in extreme poverty, and 40% lives in poverty.

Living and Aging in Kosovo

There are approximately 89,135 retirees in Kosovo.

Of the 89,135 retirees, 25,000 of them are Serbians whom receive pensions from Serbia.

The remaining 64,135 Albanian retirees do not receive any pension income.

Challenges in Kosovo

Legislation was recently passed, guaranteeing every citizen over the age of 65 a stipend of 40 euros a month.

Health care in Kosovo is expensive and unaffordable for most seniors.

Older people in Kosovo use the 40 euros/month for everyday living expenses, including food, housing, healthcare, etc.

As a consequence, many older people live with other family members, often their children.

Progress in KosovoGovernment Priorities

Increase foreign investment to stimulate the Kosovo economy and provide jobs.

Build relationships with international aging and social development organizations.

Proposed legislation to provide a pension in addition to the 40 euro/month stipend currently provided by the Government.

Proposed legislation to provide healthcare coverage for older people (65 and over).

My Vision – How My Experience at AARP Can Help Older People in Kosovo

Analyze the older population in Kosovo to understand their needs. Assist in establishing a volunteer advocacy organization for older people.Assist the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare in long-term planning and strategy development.Assist in establishing a program similar to AARP’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), to employ/re-train older workers.Promote access to resources on the internet –similar to the AgeLine database in the RIC.