Kosovo: Independence, a first step towards active citizenship

On Sunday 17th February thousands of Kosovan youths took to the streets to celebrate their self-proclaimed freedom, but what hopes are this independence lined in? Artan Rogova, an analyst and researcher of economic policy at the Group for Legal and Political Studies in Kosovo and member of the youth group Youth without borders, gives us an insight into what the politics is really about.

What will independence bring to young people in their day to day lives?
Independence will make the most important values for the people of Kosovo come true: freedom and democracy. It will bring the right to citizenship and will open the road to western integration and organization. To youth it is like a wall that marks the end of the memory of the genocide that took place in Kosovo and the beginning of a new, trans-Atlantic perspective.

Some people say that all independence will do is bring new banks and move suspect capitals? what do you think?
Absolutely not! Independence will stop the possible conflicts in the Balkans, because it will give to the people of Kosovo the fundamental right of self-determination, a right for which thousands have sacrificed their lives throughout several centuries. Independence is more than economic logic, it is the expression of the real identity of the people of Kosovo and it is the road to a stronger western affiliation.

What is life in Kosovo like for young people?
Young people are very active in politics and in public life generally and there is a high level of active citizenship. They face life with hope and optimism, even when the real situation is not exactly wealthy, economically speaking. I think that their hope is shaped by the European perspective for Kosovo, in the sense that they are optimistic because they desire to start a new life in freedom and dedicated to democratic public life.

How would you describe their values?
Definitely they are based on American-style governance and European-style culture. Kosovans have a deep respect and addiction to the United States and the European Union. They are deeply indebted to Italy for the democratization processes in Kosovo.

What about practical matters, like living and spending?
The cost of life is pretty high if you tale Kosovo?s per-capita incomes, but in comparison with the European Union?s CPI, life is pretty cheap. A beer cost no more than 1 euro, a university book costs about 10-15 euros, and a cell phone costs 0.10 euro?s a minute. But recent graduates can only hope to earn a low wage, since the unemployment rate is below any European standard and the national GNP is a lot lower than any country in Europe.
Students can rent apartments if they work, or if they families pay for them and they would spend about 300 euro?s a month in the capital for a 100 meters squared.

What are the main challenges that a young person in Kosovo faces today?
The rate of unemployment, the state?s improper statement in front of the public life, and the graduate studies outside the country. Of course, until today the independence was the most important factor that set up the ideology and the perspective of a young person.

Can you give me 3 good reasons why someone under the age of 30 should move to Kosovo?
Because of the aspirations of Kosovans for democracy, for their European culture of hospitality, for their honesty and their desire to share anything with the citizens of the countries who have been on our side during our history of freedom. Optimism and young styled life is visible in any corner in Kosovo.

More info:
www.legalpoliticalstudies.org
www.youthwithoutborders.org