The last complete and reliable census took place in 1981, and the first successful pilot census in 20 years was held in 2008. Due to vast changes in the demography and the 1998-99 conflict which displaced a massive amount of people, updated and reliable information is needed on Kosovo’s population.

Pierre-Louis Lorenz, Ambassador of Luxembourg to Denmark with Jan Mattsson, Executive Director of UNOPS

An updated census will help Kosovo’s government plan and implement policies for the entire population, contributing to increased stability and preparations for EU approximation (the harmonization of national legislation).

Census activities are being financed by a $15-16 million trust fund. UNOPS was requested to manage the trust fund and has recently signed or is about to sign contribution agreements with donors including the Kosovo Government, the European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo and the governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. 

The census aims to be fully transparent and adhere to international standards. This will provide essential information to Kosovo’s citizens about the population and build confidence in the census process and results.

A large scale technical assistance project has already been launched by the European Commission to assist Kosovo in all phases of the census, and the trust fund has been created to support these activities. An International Monitoring Operation, led by Eurostat, will oversee and assess compliance with international standards.

In addition to managing the trust fund, UNOPS is an implementing partner for procurement and is providing logistical support to the Statistical Office of Kosovo. UNOPS is also providing grants to civil society and government bodies for outreach campaigns.