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INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 1

KOSOVOIn Brief: –Takes on Interaction,’s knowledge, policy values, beliefs, cooperation andchallenges unification

2019 2019 2 KOSOVO – ALBANIA INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 3

KOSOVO – ALBANIA Interaction, knowledge, values, beliefs, cooperation and unification

2019 4 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

2019 Prishtina,

PUBLISHER Kosovo Foundation for Open Society – KFOS www.kfos.org Open Society Foundation for Albania – OSFA www.osfa.al

AUTHOR Agron Demi – Policy analyst Blendi Çeka – Lecturer, Political Science

PROJECT COORDINATED Sihana Mehmeti – Program Coordinator, KFOS Klodjan Seferaj – Program Manager, OSFA

DESIGN AND PRINT Envinion INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 5 Content:

INTRODUCTION 09 2. SUMMARY 11 3. INTERACTION 13 4. SOCIAL DISTANCE 19 4.1 Social distance between themselves 19 4.2 Social distance with other peoples in the and in Western 22 4.3 Social distance with people of different 22 4.4 Social distance between Kosovo and Albanians 22 5. KNOWLEDGE 24 6. PERCEPTION OF POLICIES, SERVICES, FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS 27 7. COMMON ‘FRIENDS’ AND ‘ENEMIES’ 29 8. VALUES 32 9. TRUST 33 10. PERCEPTION OF ALBANIA’S ROLE IN KOSOVO 34 11. PERCEPTION OF OFFICIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES35 12 ATTITUDES RELATED TO NATIONAL UNIFICATION 38 13. ALBANIA AND KOSOVO TOWARDS THE 47 14. ATTITUDE TOWARDS KOSOVO- DIALOGUE 51 15. CONCLUSIONS 54

5 6 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

ALBANIA INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 7

KOSOVO 8 KOSOVO – ALBANIA INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 9

1. Introduction

It long been speculated about Albanians’ atti- visits to Albania, perceptions of the role of Albania tude to Kosovo-Albania relations, attitudes towards and Kosovo, attitudes towards other peoples of the the issue of unification, relations with neighboring Balkans and other powerful countries, social distance countries and . On the basis of with Albanians and other peoples in the region, atti- these speculations, governments of both countries, as tudes towards eventual agreement between Kosovo well as governments of the countries in the region and and Serbia. other states have often manipulated with the alleged attitudes of Albanians of Kosovo and Albania. Conducting this research is not the ultimate goal of this joint initiative between the two Foundations, but Partial studies, limited to only a few areas, have been the first step in a series of activities aimed at ana- carried out in Albania and Kosovo. But there has ne- lyzing and proposing the expansion of cooperation ver been an extensive study in both countries simul- between Kosovo and Albania, as an important project taneously to measure the perception of the citizens of in the area of regional cooperation. Albania and Kosovo on these matters. The results of the survey and the database will be To contribute in this regard, the Kosovo Foundation shared with researchers and experts from Albania for Open Society (KFOS) and the Open Society Foun- and Kosovo during various activities and through dation for Albania (OSFA) completed an extensive public communication channels. They will be used to research in Kosovo and Albania at the end of 2018 to conduct in-depth research in the areas of education, measure the interaction and attitudes of citizens of trade and customs cooperation, the labor market, in both countries on a range of issues, such as: interac- proposals for joint energy projects, joint cultural and tion, social distance, perception of neighbors, - projects, for recommendations regarding the pean integration, regional cooperation, perceptions development of common policies in tourism, foreign and stereotypes of one another, attitudes towards of- policy and other areas. ficial cooperation of the two countries and attitudes towards national unification. The survey is structured into five main blocks of ques- tions: 1. Knowledge and contact with each-other; 2. 2,504 citizens were surveyed in both countries in Oc- Attitudes and stereotypes; 3. Values and beliefs; 4. tober and November 2018: 1,200 in Albania and 1,304 Common policies; and 5. Attitudes on unification and in Kosovo (1,004 Albanians and 300 Serbs). Data col- Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. lection was carried out according to the same metho- dology but by two different companies, namely IDRA In knowledge and contacts with each-other, the in Albania, and Kantar TNS Index Kosova in Kosovo. citizens of both countries were asked whether they The survey format and number of questions were the had visited and if so, how often they had visited Alba- same in both countries, but a shorter version of the nia/Kosovo; their reasons for (not) visiting; whether survey was used for Serbian citizens in Kosovo. The they planned to make future visits; their attitudes survey with Serbian citizens included questions about towards marriages with someone from Kosovo/Al- 10 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

Partial studies, limited to only a few areas, have been carried out in Albania and Kosovo. But there has never been an extensive study in both countries simultaneously to measure the perception of the citizens of Albania and Kosovo on these matters.

bania; marriages between Albanians of different reli- to cooperation, and further scope of cooperation gious beliefs; cohabitation in a neighborhood/village/ between the two countries. city; knowledge of key historical dates and heads of institutions; relationships with other countries, ethni- Finally, respondents were asked questions about their cities in the region and beyond. attitudes towards national unification, about fac- tors which could aid/hinder unification; whether they Regarding attitudes and stereotypes, surveyed ci- would choose national unification over EU integra- tizens were asked about individual and family values, tion; whether they consider national unification and whether they are valued/found more among Koso- European integration as issues which contradict each vo Albanians or Albania Albanians, such as: who are other, or are complementary; their attitude on conti- more hardworking, more trustworthy, more traditio- nuation of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, nal, more family-oriented, etc. eventual agreements between the two countries, etc.

Regarding trust in political and social institutions, Statistical data are provided in percentages for each survey participants were asked about their attitudes of the major blocks of questions, with graphical repre- towards representative institutions, judicial institu- sentations of key indicators. tions, and security institutions. They were also asked in which country, Albania or Kosovo, people are more In order to distinguish between surveyees from the law-abiding; in which country there is greater secu- Albanian and Serbian communities of Kosovo, the re- rity; which country is more/less corrupt, etc. port provides separate data for «Kosovo - Albanian sample» and «Kosovo - Serbian sample». Regarding cooperation to date and potential en- hancement of cooperation between the two coun- tries, participants were asked about their opinion regarding the level of cooperation, potential barriers INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 11

2. Executive Summary

The Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS) and did not feel safe to travel to Albania (32.6%), as com- Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), in order pared to Albania Albanians to travel to Kosovo (10.9%). to measure the attitudes, perceptions and knowledge of the citizens of Albania and Kosovo on topics related to In general, have more general interaction between countries and citizens, cooperation knowledge and are more familiar with political de- with countries in the region, attitudes towards natio- velopments in Albania than vice versa. Kosovo Alba- nal unification, European integration and other issues, nians follow the Albanian media more than the other have conducted an extensive research, and the first of way around. Respondents in both countries think that its kind, in Kosovo and Albania. The main results of the the percentage of minorities in Kosovo and Albania is research which was conducted in the period between much higher than official figures. When citizens of each October-November 2018, are presented in this report. country are asked about the number of inhabitants in the other country, respondents’ knowledge is mainly A total of 2,504 citizens participated in the survey, of inaccurate. whom 1,200 in Albania and 1,304 in Kosovo (1,004 Alba- nians and 300 Serbs). The survey was structured into five Social distance, or the willingness to accept others as main blocks of questions, in order to measure knowledge equal in every aspect of social interaction, is narrow and relationships with one another, attitudes and ste- between Albanians in both countries. Albanian respon- reotypes, values and beliefs, common policies and ins- dents in Albania and Kosovo would have no problem titutions, and attitudes towards unification of the two maintaining social relations with each-other, living in countries. shared spaces, marrying each other, or working to- gether. But to a greater degree, Albanians of Albania The survey results show that Kosovo Albanians visit Al- express a greater affinity to Kosovo Albanians than vice bania more (88.7%) than vice versa (31.6%). The main versa. Kosovo Albanians are more opposed to marrying reason for visits to both countries is tourism, with 89.9% someone of another . Meanwhile, of respondents in Kosovo stating that they visit Albania have a more rejective attitude towards Albanians of Al- for tourism and 73.5% of respondents in Albania stating bania than those of Kosovo. the same reason for visiting Kosovo. Although 68.4% of respondents in Albania stated that they have never vi- Albanians of both Kosovo and Albania are convinced sited Kosovo, those who visit Kosovo do so much more that the economy is more developed in Albania than often. This is because of seasonal or long-term employ- in Kosovo, but the well-being of residents in Kosovo is ment. On the other hand, only 4% of Kosovo Albanian higher than in Albania. Even as regards education and respondents cited employment as a reason for their health, Albanian respondents in both countries believe visits to Albania. Most of those who have not visited Ko- they are more developed in Albania than in Kosovo. The sovo or Albania express a desire to do so in the future. citizens of Albania believe that the citizens of Kosovo Financial constraints and distance are the two most are more law-abiding. In terms of freedom of speech commonly cited reasons for not making the visits so far. and respect for women’s rights, respondents think the To a greater extent, Kosovo Albanians stated that they situation is better in their own country than in the other. 12 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

Albanians of Albania and Kosovo have almost identi- As regards attitudes toward the idea of unification under cal attitudes regarding the perception of friendship a single country, the majority of Albanian respondents with other countries. , , the US and in both countries, but to a greater extent in Albania are considered the friendliest countries to Kosovo and (74.8%) as compared to those in Kosovo (63.9%), are Albania, while Serbia and are the least friendly in favor of the idea of unification and would vote for it if countries. given the opportunity in a referendum. However, those surveyed believe others in their circle of acquaintances The survey results point to more negative attitudes are less willing to vote in favor of unification. Likewise, a among Albanians in Albania and Kosovo when it comes majority of respondents do not believe that unification to values and virtues. Kosovo Albanians believe that is possible. Albanians in both countries, more specifically they are more hospitable, more trustworthy, more am- 84.7% of respondents in Albania and 66.4% in Kosovo, bitious, more family-oriented, and more hard-working would prefer the European Union to national unification. than Albanians in Albania. Albanians of Albania hold the same attitude, i.e. they maintain that these values are The overwhelming majority of respondents in both more pronounced among themselves, the Albanians of countries oppose an agreement which would involve Albania. The only value that Kosovo Albanians believe changing Kosovo’s borders, even if that would mean to be higher among Albanians in Albania is that related Serbia’s recognizing of Kosovo as an independent state, to education. Albanians in both Kosovo and Albania be- UN membership or paving of the way to national uni- lieve that Kosovo Albanians are more religious and more fication. traditional.

Regarding trust in public and social institutions, all res- pondents indicated a high degree of trust in close family and relatives, and a high degree of mistrust in political parties and courts. Citizens in both countries have a low degree of trust in the media and civil society organiza- tions.

As it relates to cooperation between the two countries, the majority of Albanian respondents are of the opinion that the relations between the two countries are not sufficiently developed and that there is still work to be done. Albania’s commitment to the Kosovo issue is not seen as interfering with Kosovo’s internal affairs by Alba- nian respondents in both countries, while most Kosovo Serbs do see it as interfering. All respondents agree that Albania plays the «» role with Kosovo. Re- garding the areas of cooperation, Albanians surveyed in both countries believe that trade relations, cooperation in the field of tourism and sports are more advanced, while the least is done in the fields of justice and natural resource utilization. INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 13

3. Interaction

Mutual visits between the citizens of Kosovo and Al- According to research conducted in both countries, bania have increased significantly, especially after 88.7% of Kosovo Albanians have visited Albania, while the liberation of Kosovo and the construction of the only 31.6% of Albanian citizens have visited Kosovo. ’s Road. However, Kosovo citizens visit Albania significantly more than Albanian citizens visit Kosovo. 88.7% OF KOSOVO ALBANIANS HAVE VISITED ALBANIA

31.6% OF ALBANIAN CITIZENS HAVE VISITED KOSOVO 14 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

GRAFI CHART 1: When was the last time you visited Kosovo/Albania? 68.4% 21.9% 21.3% 19.5% 16.1% 12.3% 11.3% 9.9% 6.3% 6.8% 3.5% 2.7%

During past 3 3-6 months ago 6-12 months ago Past 1-2 years Prior to 2 years ago Never months

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

This difference is even more evident when referring to to employment, with 14% of respondents in Albania the Serbian community in Kosovo. Only 18% of those stating that the reason for visits to Kosovo has to do surveyed from the Serb community living in Kosovo with work, while the same reason for visits to Albania is have visited Albania in the last two years only cited by 4% of Kosovo respondents. However, ove- rall tourism is the main reason for mutual visits, with Regarding the frequency of visits, Albanian citizens vi- education, health, trade and employment occupying siting Kosovo do so significantly more frequently than very little space. Kosovo citizens visiting Albania. The highest frequency of visits of Albanian citizens to Kosovo can be related INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 15

GRAFI CHART 2: Reasons for visiting Kosovo/Albania? 89.9% 73.5% 14% 11.8% 11.4% 5.7% 4.7% 4% 4.0% 4.0% 3.5% 2.6% 2.8% 2.2% 1.9% 2.5% 2.0% 0.9% 1.3% 0.8% 0.9% 1.3% 0.3% 0.3%

Tourism Curiosity Because Patriotism Sports Transit- Family/ Work Educa- Health- Com- Other of events ing Friend visit tion care merce history

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

Less than 30% of respondents in both countries stated greater the distance, the fewer are the visits. Citizens that they have friends, family, or fellow employees in of southern Albania have largely cited distance as a the other country. The vast majority of those who have reason for not visiting Kosovo. Financial reasons were not visited Albania or Kosovo say they would like to mentioned by respondents with a household monthly do so, but cannot because of financial constraints. income of below ALL 30,000 (about Euro 240). Some of the respondents in Albania and Kosovo (20%) stated that they have not visited the other country because of the distance. Survey data shows that the 16 KOSOVO – ALBANIA 85% 60% OF RESPONDENTS IN ALBANIA OF KOSOVO CITIZENS SHARED THIS STATED THAT THEY FEEL SAFE OR VERY FEELING OF SAFETY SAFE TO TRAVEL TO KOSOVO

CHART 3: Reasons for not visiting Albania/Kosovo? 6 7. 7 % 53.4% 22.3% 19.9% 16.4% 12.2% 10.3% 2.1%

Arsye financiare Largësia/Distanca Nuk kemi shumë informata Tjetër

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

Safety while traveling around Albania is of greater of safety. The feeling of insecurity is high among Koso- concern to Kosovo Albanians than to Albanian citizens vo’s Serbian population, with only 18% of respondents traveling to Kosovo. While 85% of respondents in Alba- saying they feel safe to travel to Albania. nia stated that they feel safe or very safe to travel to Kosovo, only 60% of Kosovo citizens shared this feeling INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 17

CHART 4: How safe do you feel about traveling to Albania/Kosovo?

11.7% 4 7.9 % 3 1.5% 2 5 1 VERY ALBANIA VERY SAFE UNSAFE 73.4% 1.5%

23.4% 4

3 22.8%

2 4.9% KOSOVO 5 ALBANIAN 1 VERY VERY SAFE UNSAFE 36.9% 5.0% 18 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

13.9% 14.6% 2 3 5.7% 4

KOSOVO SERBIAN 5 1 VERY VERY SAFE UNSAFE 12.2% 29.3%

Of those who have never visited Kosovo/Albania, the majority expressed their desire to visit the other country in the future.

CHART 5: Would you like to visit Kosovo/Albania? 88.3% 76.3% 11.6% 11.2% 8.1% 3.5%

Yes No Do not Know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 19

4. Social Distance

Questions about the social distance between Alba- with someone from Kosovo/Albania, or sharing the nians themselves, between Albanians and other Balk- same workplace. To a certain extent, Albanians in Al- an peoples, between Kosovo Serbs and Albanians or bania appeared more in favor of having social ties, other peoples, between all respondents and persons sharing the same residence or workplace with Kosovo of other religions, are intended to assess attitudes and Albanians, rather than the other way around. prejudices related to cohabitation with different people and religions. However, the positive attitudes start to decline in both Albania and Kosovo when surveyees are asked whether they would marry Albanians from the other 4.1 Social Distance between Albanians country - Albania/Kosovo; 75% of respondents in Al- The majority of Albanian respondents in Albania and bania saying they do not have a problem and only 56% Kosovo stated that they would have no problem ha- of respondents in Kosovo give a positive answer. About ving social relations with someone from Kosovo/Al- 37% of Albanians on both sides of the border stated bania, living in the same village, town, neighborhood that they have friends from Kosovo/Albania.

CHART 6: Social distance - Albanians in Kosovo

Albanians from Albania

People of other religions

Others - Western Europe

Montenegrin

Greek

Serbs

-80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 20 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

The greatest social distance with Albanians in Albania education, university graduates have shown greater was found in Albanians of the Prishtina and social closeness to Albanians in Albania when com- region, whereas the greatest closeness was expressed pared to those with primary education only. by the Albanians of and . In terms of

Social distance between Kosovo Albanians and Albanians in Albania (divided CHART 7: demographically)

100 73.1 56.3 62.7 48.2 49.9 51.9 52.3 52.7 53.2 55.7 39.1 45.3 75.0 50 65.3 55.8 62.0 49.4 50.0 52.0 52.3 52.9 53.7 43.1 4 7. 6 0 33.8

-50

-100 55+ Peja Male 18-24 25-34 45-54 35-44 TOTAL Ferizaj Retiree Female Student Gjakova Prishtina Mitrovica Household Unemployed Self - employed - Self employed - Self Universitycompleted High school High completed Less than elementary school Less Elementaryschool completed

Compared to Kosovo Albanians, Albanians in Albania have more social relations with Greeks, Serbs, Montenegrins and peoples of Western Europe. INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 21

CHART 8: Social distance - Albanians in Albania

People of other religions

Kosovo Albanians

Other - Western Europe

Greek

Montenegrin

Serbs

-80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80

Respondents over 55 years of age in Albania have a have a greater distance with Kosovo Albanians and greater distance with Kosovo Albanians than those of respondents in the north and southeast have a grea- younger ages. Also, inhabitants of ter distance with persons of other religions.

Social distance between Albania Albanians and Kosovo Albanians (divided CHART 9: demographically) 100 71.1 5 7. 5 59.8 62.9 64.0 64.4 65.3 66.2 68.3 50.3 54.7 50 64.4 6 7. 7 68.9 59.6 62.0 63.3 64.3 66.2 50.9 56.8 0 41.5

-50

-100

- 55+ Male 18-24 25-34 45-54 35-44 North TOTAL Center Retiree Retiree Female Student Employed Southeast University completed completed completed Household South South nemployed tary school tary High school High Self - employed - Self Less than elemen Less Elementaryschool 22 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

4.2 Social distance with other peoples Albania again have a more favorable attitude than in the Balkans and in Western Kosovo Albanians by an average difference of 20%. Europe Respondents in the region of Ferizaj and Mitrovica are more distant from persons of other faiths and less wel- Albanians of both Kosovo and Albanian are more dis- coming of inter-religious marriages. tanced to Serbs than to Montenegrins and Greeks. 84% of Kosovo Albanians and 67% of Albanian citizens do not like to have social relations with Serbs. 4.4 Social distance between Kosovo The refusal becomes more marked when survey parti- Serbs and Albanians cipants are asked whether they would like to share the same residence, workplace or marriage with someone In the case of Kosovo Serbs, the refusal is greater when from the Serbian community. they are asked whether they would consent to having social relations or coexistence with Albanians in Al- Albanians in Kosovo and Albania differ in their atti- bania than with Kosovo Albanians. This is observed in tudes towards coexistence with Greeks and Montene- all categories, both for social relations and for coexis- grins. While Albanians in Albania have a greater social tence in the same settlement (village, city, neighbo- distance with Montenegrins than with Greeks, Koso- rhood), or workplace. vo Albanians show greater rejection of Greeks than Montenegrins. In terms of social distance with Greeks and Montene- grins, Kosovo Serbs feel closer to Montenegrins than to Regarding social distance with someone from Western Greeks. In terms of distance with the peoples of Wes- Europe, on average 85% of Albanians in Albania and tern Europe, Kosovo Serbs are more reluctant than Ko- 65% of Kosovo Albanians were in favor of social ties, sovo Albanians in terms of their willingness to socialize sharing a place of residence or work. Differences are and to share a place of residence or of work. observed in the willingness to marry someone from Western Europe, where for 65.5% of respondents in When asked if they personally have friends among Ko- Albania this is not an obstacle, whereas the same at- sovo Albanians, 36% of Kosovo Serbs stated yes, which titude is only shown by 19.5% of respondents in Kosovo. was matched by only 3% of Kosovo Albanians.

4.3 Social distance with people of different religion

Significant differences between Albanians in Kosovo and Albania appear when they are asked about their willingness to marry someone of another religion – for 79% of respondents in Albania this is not a problem, while only 13.5% of respondents in Kosovo share this attitude.

Regarding social relations, or sharing a residence and workplace with people of other religions, Albanians in INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 23

CHART 10: Social distance – Kosovo Serbs

Montenegrin

Greek

People of other religions

Other - Western Europe

Kosovo Albanians

Albanians from Albania

-80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80

Serbs of southern Kosovo have a lesser distance with Kosovo Albanians than do Serbs of northern Kosovo.

Social distance between Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians CHART 11: (divided demographically) 100

50 -1.8 -13.6 0 -34.1 -31.7 -29.7 -26.8 -21.9 -46.7 -41.5 -38.5 8.7 -71.4 -12.5 -50 -31.8 -31.4 -28.1 -22.8 -19.6 -43.9 -40.2 -34.3 -61.1 -100 55+ Male 18-24 South 25-34 45-54 35-44 North TOTAL Center Retiree Female Student Less than Less Employed Southeast completed completed Household High school High Unemployed Self - employed - Self Elementaryschool elementaryschool Universitycompleted 24 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

5. Knowledge

Kosovo Albanians are convinced that they know Al- Albanians have greater knowledge of Albania than bania better than the citizens of Albania know Koso- vice versa. vo. Citizens of Albania also largely agree that Kosovo

GRAFI CHART 12: How much do the citizens of Albania know Kosovo and vice versa? 36.7% 34.9% 26.1% 25.2% 21.3% 20.6% 11.5% 9.4% 7. 0 % 3.0% 2.2% 2.1%

Not at all 2. 3. 4. Entirely Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

Kosovo Albanians are better informed about the po- Citizens of both countries tend to overestimate the litical leaders of Albania’s main institutions and its percentage of minorities living in Kosovo and Albania historical dates when compared to Albanian citizens respectively. The majority of respondents in Albania about the same information on Kosovo. 85% of Ko- (70%) think that the Serb community comprises sovo citizens know the date of Albania’s declaration 13.5% of the population in Kosovo (real figures are of independence, whereas only 30% of Albanian ci- around 3.4%), while other minorities make up 8% (in tizens know the exact date of Kosovo’s declaration of fact they make 5.6%). On the other hand, Kosovo Al- independence. For the most part, Kosovo Albanians banians think that Greeks make up 8% of Albania’s do know who is currently the Mayor of Tirana, or Alba- population (in reality they are less than 1%), while nia’s Prime Minister, while Albanian citizens give more other minorities make up 11% (the real figure is 1%). accurate answers as to who is the . INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 25

GRAFI What do you think is the percentage of Serbian and other minorities living in CHART 13: Kosovo/Albania?

Serb Other Greek Other Minority minorities Minority minorities 13.5% 8.2% 7.8% 11.0%

Over 50% of those surveyed in both countries stated portals), whereas only 17% of Albanian respondents in that they do not know what the total number of the Kosovo stated that never watch media from Albania; population is in Kosovo and Albania. Respondents in 45% of Kosovo Albanians stated that they watch the both countries give more accurate answers when as- Albanian media every week or several times a week, ked about the size of the of Kosovo/Albania. while only 23% of Albanian citizens stated the same about Kosovo media. Kosovo citizens watch more Albanian media than vice versa: 34% of respondents in Albania stated that they never watched Kosovo media (TV/newspapers/ 26 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

GRAFI CHART 14: How often do you watch Kosovo/Albania media (TV, newspapers, online portals)? 33.8% 30.0% 21.4% 20.0% 1 7. 0 % 14.8% 13.6% 13.6% 10.4% 8.6% 8.4% 8.3%

Daily/Almost daily Several times/Week Several times/Month Several times/Year Less than once/Year Never

Albania Kosova - Albanian

43% OF RESPONDENTS IN BOTH KOSOVO AND ALBANIA THINK THAT THE MEDIA IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY PROVIDE SUFFICIENT COVERAGE TO THE OTHER COUNTRY, BUT DIFFER WHEN ASKED IF THE MEDIA IN THE OTHER COUNTRY PROVIDE SUFFICIENT NEWS COVERAGE ON THEIR HOME COUNTRY. ALBANIANS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER BELIEVE KOSOVO ALBANIANS KNOW ALBANIA BETTER THAN VICE VERSA. INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 27

6. Perception of policies, services, freedoms and rights

The attitudes of Kosovo Albanians and Albanians coin- Regarding the rule of law, citizens of both countries cide in many respects with regard to the assessment of consider that the law is better enforced in Kosovo. various public services, individual freedoms and rights. However, Albanians of Albania and Kosovo have diffe- rent attitudes regarding the development of culture, The attitudes of Albanians in Kosovo and Albanian respect for women’s rights and freedom of speech, coincide in many respects with regard to the evalua- where respondents consider that they are in a better tion of various public services, individual freedoms and position in their own country. As regards economic de- rights. velopment, respondents feel that the other country is at a better level of economic development than their The majority of Albanians surveyed on both sides of own country. the border believe that healthcare is more developed in Albania than in Kosovo, but Kosovo Albanians have a Asked about their perception of corruption in Kosovo, more positive evaluation of healthcare in Albania (63% Kosovo Albanians tend to think that corruption is hi- of respondents) than Albania Albanians (46%). gher in Kosovo than in Albania, while Albanians in Al- bania largely disagree with this finding. Similarly, the majority of Albanian respondents in both countries consider that education is more developed in Albania than in Kosovo. Respondents in both countries also believe that Albania has greater potential for de- velopment in the field of tourism.

Respondents in both countries think that sports are more developed in Kosovo, just as they think that the welfare of Kosovo inhabitants is higher. 28 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

GRAFI Do you agree with the finding that corruption is higher CHART 15: in Kosovo than in Albania? 35.0% 30.4% 28.1% 20.1% 12.0% 11.5% 13.5% 10.9% 10.9% 9.9% 7. 6 % 8.6%

Totally disagre 2 Neutral 4 Totally agree Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

ASKED ABOUT THEIR PERCEPTION OF CORRUPTION IN KOSOVO, KOSOVO ALBANIANS TEND TO THINK THAT CORRUPTION IS HIGHER IN KOSOVO THAN IN ALBANIA, WHILE ALBANIANS IN ALBANIA LARGELY DISAGREE WITH THIS FINDING. INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 29

7. Common ‘Friends’ and ‘Enemies’

Albanians on both sides of the border have similar opi- Although to a lesser degree, is also seen as nions regarding which countries are friendly or hostile a friendly country to both Albania and Kosovo. The two to Albania and Kosovo. Albanians in Albania and Koso- hostile states to both Albania and Kosovo are conside- vo agree that countries like Germany, Italy, , the red to be Serbia and Russia. US, and Turkey are friendly to both countries.

CHART 16: How friendly do you think these countries are to Kosovo/Albania? 100

90 83.6 86.5 80.5 80 75.9 81.5 70 78 73.9 62.1 73 60 61.8 61.4 50 41.5 39.3 40 3 7. 4 49.1 33.1 33.4 30 35.1 31.5 20 19.3 29.8 26.6 10 1 7. 9 6.1 0 9.5 2.6 Italy Serbia States Russia United Bosnia France Turkey Croatia Germany Macedonia

Regarding Greece, Albanians in both Kosovo and Alba- both Kosovo and Albania; Albanians in Albania on the nia agree that Greece has a friendlier behavior towar- other hand believe that China has a friendly attitude ds Kosovo and a more aggressive behavior towards towards both Albania and Kosovo. Albania. Kosovo Albanians view China as hostile to 30 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

CHART 17: Index of evaluation on countries’ friendliness to Albania

-0.471 China 0.041

-1.028 Russia -0.673

1.617 USA 1.454

1.157 Turkey 1.267

-0.258 Greece -0.253

0.715 France 0.686

1.504 Germany 1.278

0.746 Italy 1.007

0.751 Croatia 0.392

Bosnia and 0.069 Herzegovina -0.039

0.054 Montenegro -0.224

-1.517 Serbia -1.654

0.181 Macedonia 0.048

-2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

Differences in opinions are also observed with regard Albanians in Albania say Montenegro and Bosnia have to Montenegro and . While a friendly attitude towards Kosovo, but a little more Kosovo Albanians consider Montenegro and Bosnia hostile towards Albania. to be friendly countries to both Kosovo and Albania, INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 31

CHART 18: Index of evaluation on countries’ friendliness to Kosovo

-0.129 China 0.485

-0.506 Russia -0.209

1.211 USA 1.513

0.959 Turkey 1.386

0.107 Greece 0.300

0.733 France 1.069

1.058 Germany 1.481

1.067 Italy 1.397

0.720 Croatia 0.809

Bosnia and 0.226 Herzegovina 0.343

0.228 Montenegro 0.323

-0.776 Serbia -0.997

0.257 Macedonia 0.491

-2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Shqipëri Kosovë - shqiptarët 32 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

8. Values

Regarding values related to integrity, faith, self-initia- are more family-oriented, more hospitable, more trus- tive, hospitality, attitude towards work, etc., Kosovo tworthy, hard-working, more open to the and Albanians and Albanians have great prejudices about with more initiative. each other. The only value that Kosovo Albanians grant to being Albanians in Albania believe that they have more higher for Albanians in Albania is better education. Al- self-initiative than Kosovo Albanians, are more fa- banians in Albania believe that Kosovo Albanians are mily-oriented, more hospitable, better educated, more open to the world. Kosovo Albanians and those more trustworthy and more hardworking. On the from Albania share the opinion that Kosovo Albanians other hand, Kosovo Albanians also believe that they are more religious and more traditional.

WE ARE MORE FAMILY-ORIENTED, WE ARE MORE MORE HOSPITABLE, FAMILY-ORIENTED, MORE BETTER EDUCATED,MORE HOSPITABLE, MORE TRUSTWORTHY AND MORE TRUSTWORTHY AND MORE HARDWORKING. HARDWORKING. YOU ARE MORE OPEN TO YOU ARE BETTER THE WORLD. EDUCATED. INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 33

9. Trust

After family and relatives, Albanians in Kosovo and Kosovo citizens trust the police the most of all state Albania put greatest trust in intellectuals of their institutions. Compared to Albanians in Albania, Koso- country, internationals at large and their religious lea- vo Albanians have less trust in state institutions such ders. They put the least trust in courts, political parties, as the Prime Minister, the Government, the President, social networks, the President’s Office and non-go- the country’s intellectuals, the international commu- vernmental organizations. nity as a whole. On the other hand, they place greater trust than Albanian citizens in the courts, political par- Despite the fact that respondents on both sides of ties and non-profit organizations. the border are of the belief that Kosovo Albanians are more religious than Albanians in Albania, trust in reli- gious leaders in Kosovo is lower than in Albania. 34 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

10. Perception of Albania’s role in Kosovo

Regarding Albania’s official attitude towards Kosovo, Citizens of Kosovo (to a greater extent of Serbian eth- the citizens of both countries agree that Albania plays nicity) believe that Albania is trying to dominate Ko- the role of «big brother» to Kosovo. Citizens of both sovo economically, but Albanians in Albania disagree. countries maintain that Albania represents Kosovo’s To Kosovo Serbs, Albania seems to interfere a lot in interests in the world, has helped with the recognition Kosovo’s internal affairs, but Albanians of both coun- of Kosovo as an independent state and has good coo- tries disagree. peration with key stakeholders in Kosovo.

CHART 19: Index of agreement on statements related to Albania’s role in Kosovo

Albania cooperates with political 1.641 0.543 actors in Kosovo 0.854 Albania tries to dominate Kosovo 1.239 0.079 economically -0.489 Albania represents Kosovo’s 1.387 0.216 interests in the world 0.780 Albania interferes in Kosovo’s 1.378 -0.136 internal affairs -0.544 1.623 Albania has aided in Kosovo’s 0.874 recognition 1.367 Albania behaves like a “big 1.378 0.411 brother”/parent to Kosovo 0.883

Value index (-2 - totally disagree; +2 - totally agree)

Albania Kosovo - Albanian Kosovo - Serbian INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 35

11. Perception of official relations between the two countries

The majority of respondents in Albania and Koso- a certain number of respondents (18% in Albania vo (of Albanian ethnicity) consider that relations and 20% in Kosovo) consider that the official rela- between the two countries have not developed suf- tions between the two countries are at a good level ficiently and that there is still work to be done. Only and there is no room for improvement.

GRAFI CHART 20: How do you rate the official relations between Kosovo and Albania? 61.4% 55.8% 19.7% 18.3% 13.3% 12.5% 10.5% 5.3% 1.6% 1.2%

Relations between two Relations between two Relations between two Relations between two Don’t know countries are countries are just like countries are not devel- countries are very good non-existent with other countries oped enough

Albania Kosovo - Albanian 36 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

Citizens of both countries state that there are close tem, the exploitation of natural resources, agricultural relations in the areas of commerce, tourism, sports policies and the fight against organized crime. and culture, customs, foreign policy, education and the establishing of common development policies. But Albanian polled in both countries agree that curricula they say that not enough has been done to enhance and textbooks in pre-university education should be cooperation in the field of justice and the judicial sys- unified.

GRAFI CHART 21: Should pre-university curricula and textbooks be unified? 6 7. 9 % 58.2% 11.8% 11.1% 11.2% 9.1% 8.9% 5.4% 5.2% 5.1% 4.1% 1.8%

Totally disagree 2 Neutral 4 Totally agree Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of respondents agree that the two countries should completely abolish customs duties.

GRAFI CHART 22: Should customs duties between the two countries be abolished? 74.8% 5 7. 5 % 12.1% 11.2% 10.3% 10.6% 7. 8 % 5.6% 3.9% 2.6% 2.1% 1.0%

Totally disagree 2 Neutral 4 Totally agree Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 37

The majority of respondents (76% in Albania and estimate that Albania benefits more from close rela- 59% in Kosovo) think that developing close relations tions between the two countries, while 10.2% of res- between Albania and Kosovo benefits both countries pondents in Albania estimate that Kosovo benefits equally. To a higher degree - (21%) – Kosovo Albanians more from these relations.

GRAFI CHART 23: Who benefits from enhanced cooperation between the two countries? 75.6% 58.5% 21.3% 10.2% 9.4% 9.2% 7. 8 % 3.8% 2.7% 1.6%

Albania Kosovo Same for both countries None Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

An overwhelming majority of respondents in both tion could accelerate the accession of both countries countries agree that the development of bilate- into the European Union, create more opportunities ral relations and the intensification of cooperation for economic development, and strengthen the Al- between Albania and Kosovo can bring about the banian factor in the region and in the international strengthening of democracy in both countries. Also, arena. the vast majority agree that an enhanced coopera- 38 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

12 Attitude toward national unification

Regarding the desire to achieve national unifica- national unification seem to be largely from urban tion, 63% of respondents in Albania and 54% of areas, both in Albania and Kosovo. Geographically, respondents in Kosovo state that they want to respondents in the Prishtina region and in central achieve it. 16% of respondents in Albania and Ko- Albania constitute the majority of those against sovo do not wish this. Those who do not want the national unification.

GRAFI Regardless of circumstances and opportunities, how in favor are you personally CHART 24: of national unification? 3 7. 4 % 29.4% 26.2% 25.1% 16.5% 16.0% 15.9% 13.5% 8.8% 5.8% 4.1% 1.2%

Very much I want it to happen So-so A little Not at all Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

But when asked if they would be willing to pay a tax dents in Albania and 43.5% of respondents in Kosovo which would enable national unification, respon- agreeing to such a tax. dents’ willingness declined, with only 29.5% of respon- INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 39

GEOGRAPHICALLY, RESPONDENTS IN THE PRISHTINA REGION AND IN CENTRAL ALBANIA CONSTITUTE THE MAJORITY OF THOSE AGAINST NATIONAL UNIFICATION.

HOW WOULD YOU VOTE IF A REFERENDUM WERE TO BE HELD FOR UNIFICATION

FOR AGAINST

GRAFI If in a hypothetical scenario you were required to pay a tax to accelerate/ CHART 25: enable unification, how much would you agree? 33.3% 24.0% 22.6% 19.5% 18.1% 16.0% 16.5% 13.1% 12.7% 11.4% 8.0% 4.6%

Totally agree Agree Somewhat agreed Do not agree Totally disagree Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

If given a chance to vote in a referendum, 75% of Albanians in Albania and 64% of Kosovo Albanians would vote in favor of national unification. 40 KOSOVO – ALBANIA INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 41

CHART 26:

If a referendum were to be held on the unification of Kosovo and Albania under a single state, how would you personally vote? 42 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

ALBANIA

DON’T KNOW 6.2%

REFUSES TO ANSWER 1.2% FOR AGAINST 74.8% 17.7 %

If a referendum were to be held on the unification of Kosovo and Albania under a single state, how would you personally vote? INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 43

KOSOVO

DON’T KNOW 18.4%

REFUSES TO ANSWER 1.0%

FOR AGAINST 63.9% 16.7%

If a referendum were to be held on the unification of Kosovo and Albania under a single state, how would you personally vote? 44 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

Those who oppose merging into one state provide vo Albanians and Albania Albanians have differences various reasons for their choice. The most frequent in culture and tradition. But when asked what would reason cited by Albanian respondents in Albania and their relatives’ and friends’ vote be in such a refe- Kosovo has to do with the belief that the separate rendum, respondents said they were more skeptical states of Kosovo and Albania would work better. A about the ‘for’ unification vote, thinking that their considerable part of those who oppose joining under family and friends would vote on a lesser scale for the one state do so also under the conviction that Koso- unification (59% in Albania and 47% in Kosovo).

GRAFI CHART 27: How do you think others around you would vote (family, friends)? 58.6% 47.1% 42.0% 27.5% 13.4% 10.3%

For Against Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

Confidence falls in both countries when participants tion is, with only 23% of Albanians in Albania and 17% of are asked how achievable they think national unifica- Kosovo Albanians believing that such a thing is possible.

GRAFI Regardless of your wish, how possible is the unification of Kosovo and Albania CHART 28: under a single state? 36.8% 25.7% 25.8% 1 7. 8 % 16.4% 15.1% 12.6% 12.0% 11.3% 9.1% 8.8% 8.5%

1.Impossible 2 3 4 5. Entirely possible Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 45

For Albanians in Albania who believe that national Albanians, the main factor that can achieve such a unification is possible, the international community scenario are the leaders of Kosovo and Albania. is seen as a key factor enabling it. Whereas to Kosovo

Who are the actors that make the unification of Kosovo and Albania possible CHART 29: (multiple answers possible)

Internationals 69.6% 44.1%

24.7% Neighboring countries 20.0%

39.0% Leaders in Albania 54.7%

36.2% Leaders in Kosovo 58.9%

8.3% Don’t know 1 7. 7 %

2.1% Other 2.2%

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

But even those who think that national unification Of those who believe in national unification, the ma- cannot occur, see the international factor as a major jority of respondents in Kosovo believe that this will obstacle, both in Albania and in Kosovo. Respondents happen within five years (39% of respondents), while in Albania see Serbia’s opposition as the second major most respondents in Albania believe that this will obstacle to national unification, while respondents in most likely happen within the next ten years. Kosovo see the countries of the region in general as the main obstacle. 46 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

CHART 30: In your opinion, who can hinder national unification (multiple answers possible)

Internationals 65.9% 55.0%

3 7. 6 % Neighboring countries 29.4%

44.0% Serbia 18.4%

1 7. 6 % Leaders in Albania 18.5%

17.3% Leaders in Kosovo 25.9%

6.0% Don’t know 16.2%

0.1% Other 0.4%

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

Kosovo Albanians believe unification may occur within the next five years, while Albanians in Albania believe it may take longer.

GRAFI CHART 31: When do you think unification could occur? 39.0% 28.0% 24.0% 24.1% 22.1% 14.6% 13.3% 12.8% 11.5% 6.9% 3.7%

Within next 5 years Within next 10 years More than 10 years More than 20 years Never Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 47

13. Albania and Kosovo towards the European Union

Asked when do they think Albania might join the Eu- not believe that Albania will ever be part of the EU are ropean Union, Kosovo Albanians are more optimis- more numerous in Albania than Kosovo Albanians. On tic that this could happen within the next five years, the other hand, Kosovo Serbs largely think that Alba- while respondents in Albania are more likely to think nia will never become part of the EU. it will happen within the next ten years. Those who do

GRAFI CHART 32: When do you think Albania will become an EU member? 52.3% 36.4% 26.2% 26.7% 21.3% 20.9% 19.4% 1 7. 9 % 15.5% 11.5% 10.3% 8.8% 8.8% 8.0% 8.5% 4.4% 1.1% 1.5%

Within next 5 years Within next 10 years More than 10 years More than 20 years Never Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian Kosovo - Serbian

Kosovo Albanians are even more optimistic about Kosovo can become a part of the EU within the next when they think Kosovo might become part of the ten years. Kosovo Serbs largely believe that Kosovo will EU, with most respondents believing it could happen never be part of the EU. within the next five years, while in Albania they think 48 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

GRAFI CHART 33: When do you think Kosovo will become an EU member? 64.6% 28.7% 29.6% 28.3% 19.5% 19.0% 17.1% 14.4% 14.2% 12.3% 11.6% 10.0% 7. 9 % 8.3% 4.4% 4.3% 4.1% 1.6%

Within next 5 years Within next 10 years More than 10 years More than 20 years Never Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian Kosovo - Serbian

It is interesting to note that the most optimistic The national unification and EU accession of Albania about Albania and Kosovo’s EU membership within and Kosovo are seen as processes which contradict five years are university graduates, compared to those each other by 42% of respondents in Kosovo and 37% who have not even completed primary school, both in of respondents in Albania. Albanians of Albania, to a Albania and Kosovo. greater extent than Kosovo Albanians, tend to view these two processes as complementary.

National unification and integration of Albania and Kosovo in the EU are seen complementary processes, that is, they do not contradict each other. 46.5% 29.6% INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 49

Those who think that the EU accession process and processes would rather choose EU membership over the scenario of national unification are opposing national unification.

GRAFI Do you think that national unification and EU integration contradict one CHART 34: another? 46.5% 41.8% 36.6% 29.6% 28.4% 16.3%

Yes No Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian

GRAFI If you had to choose, which project would you prefer: national unification or EU CHART 35: integration? 84.7% 66.4% 32.1% 11.3% 3.5% 1.5%

National Unification European Union Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian 50 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

Respondents are divided on whether EU integration would diminish the need for unification into a single state for Kosovo and Albania.

GRAFI If Kosovo and Albania join the EU, do you think this would diminish the need for CHART 36: national unification? 44.5% 40.2% 39.0% 35.4% 25.5% 14.7%

Yes No Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 51

14. Attitude towards Kosovo-Serbia dialogue

Recent months’ debates on the possibility of border Presevo region, is not seen as an acceptable option correction have not been well received by Albanians in for Albanians in both countries, even if it would re- Kosovo and Albania, nor by Kosovo Serbs. The option sult in Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo and Kosovo’s of land swap, relinquishing northern Kosovo to Serbia membership in the United (UN). and attaching the Presevo region to Kosovo has been rejected by most respondents. Such an exchange is not accepted by most of the res- pondents in Albania and Kosovo even if it would pave The exchange of , northern Kosovo for the the way for national unification.

GRAFI How much do you support a potential agreement between Kosovo and Serbia CHART 37: that entails the exchange of northern Kosovo for the Presevo region? 81.2% 7 7. 5 % 52.5% 14.9% 15.2% 7. 4 % 8.3% 7.1% 7.2% 5.5% 5.1% 4.9% 4.5% 2.4% 1.5% 1.2% 0.4% 0.8%

Not at all 2 3 4 Entirely Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian Kosovo - Serbian 52 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

GRAFI How much would you accept an agreement on changing the borders between CHART 38: Kosovo and Serbia, if it would result in Serbia recognizing Kosovo as a state and Kosovo becoming a UN member? 85.6% 72.3% 42.7% 18.9% 13.6% 9.4% 9.3% 9.0% 8.0% 8.9% 7. 5 % 6.4% 3.7% 2.1% 0.9% 0.6%

Not at all 2 3 4 Entirely Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian Kosovo - Serbian

GRAFI How much would you accept an agreement on changing the borders between Kosovo and CHART 39: Serbia, if this paves the way for the unification of Kosovo and Albania in a single state? 74.1% 46.3% 1 7. 9 % 14.1% 8.7% 8.5% 7.3% 7. 5 % 5.2% 5.9% 2.9% 0.9%

Not at all 2 3 4 Entirely Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 53

Almost the same position is held when survey partici- However, the majority of those polled in both Koso- pants are asked if they agree with the north of Kosovo vo and Albania do not like the current ‘status quo’ being relinquished to Serbia, thus paving the way for in relations between Kosovo and Serbia and expect national unification. changes to be made, but not the kind which would affect .

GRAFI How much would you agree for relations between Kosovo and Serbia to remain CHART 40: as they are, with no change? 36.4% 32.9% 27.5% 23.1% 21.7% 20.4% 19.6% 19.3% 19.2% 12.8% 12.0% 11.3% 9.2% 8.9% 8.8% 7. 8 % 4.1% 3.6%

Not at all 2 3 4 Entirely Don’t know

Albania Kosovo - Albanian Kosovo - Serbian 54 KOSOVO – ALBANIA

15. Conclusions

To Kosovo, Albania remains the most important peration between Kosovo and Albania, as an impor- partner in the region and beyond. Since 2000, the tant project in expanding and strengthening regional two countries have signed 66 agreements in the fields cooperation. of commerce, education, culture, customs coopera- tion, product security, foreign policy, etc. Some of the The survey results will be shared with researchers and agreements have been signed more than once and experts in Albania and Kosovo in order to use the fin- their implementation is slow or at an early stage. But dings and database for in-depth research in the fields even though there are 66 signed agreements, to date of education, commerce and customs cooperation, there has been no extensive study that would serve labor market, joint energy projects, joint cultural and as a basis for informing the two governments about sports projects, shared tourism policies, foreign policy their citizens’ attitudes. The findings of this research and other areas. will hopefully be of interest and put to use by both governments, experts and non-profit organizations to Currently with the support of the two Foundations, develop more in-depth studies and improve regional research experts and organizations from Kosovo and cooperation policies. Albania have started working on conducting qua- litative research in some of the above areas. These One of the main findings of the study relates to the partnerships aim at not only developing joint research common expectation of citizens for more interac- in different fields and providing related recommen- tion between them and the governments represen- dations but also at building bridges of cooperation ting them. Most of the citizens surveyed believe that between organizations and experts in Kosovo and there is still much to be done in terms of cooperation Albania. In-depth thematic analyses and studies are between the two countries and appreciate the stren- expected to be published in and Tirana in the gthening of cooperation in their mutual interest. coming months.

It seems that the cooperation between governments so far is well below the citizens’ expectations and there is room for specific initiatives in a number of areas of cooperation. The neofunctional logic of the European integration process could serve as a guide for common policies and institutions in the near fu- ture.

As noted at the outset of the study, conducting this study is not the ultimate goal of this joint initiative between the two foundations in Albania and Koso- vo, but the first step in a series of activities aimed at analyzing and identifying solutions to deepen coo- INTERACTION, KNOWLEDGE, VALUES, BELIEFS, COOPERATION AND UNIFICATION 55 56 KOSOVO – ALBANIA