On July 27, 2019, BIRN published an article titled “Alarm from Hani i Elezit, municipality without funds to tackle extremism”. The aim of this investigation was to understand the approaches which municipalities are using for the re-integration of returnees, and if they have any projects for which the primary focus would be the prevention of violent extremism. For the purpose of this investigation, mayors of Hani i Elezit, Gjilan and Prizren, and directors for Budget and Finances from Hani i Elezit, Mitrovica and Drenas were interviewed.

Throughout this research it was discovered that municipalities in Kosovo all have different approaches on how they treat cases of returnees and in regards to the prevention of violent extremism. Hani i Elezit lacks funds for reintegration and PVE programs, Vitia lacks adequate personnel and staff to treat cases of returnees or persons accused of VE. Municipality of Gjilan has implemented a project related to PVE for 4 years in a row and adapted “the Referring Mechanism” a method to tackle extremism, supported financially and technologically by UNDP. Kacanik, a municipality from which many Kosovars fled to Syria and Iraq, is focused on cultural projects.

According to a municipal official, the intention of these projects is prevention of violent extremism. The municipality of Drenas stated they have foreseen the increase in subsidies for projects of this nature. According to the mayor of Prizren, Mr. Haskukaj, quality education and employment of the youth is the main weapon against any sort of extremism and is more effective than conferences and meetings. Therefore, the municipality has organized a job fair for 2 years in a row. And to conclude, the municipality of Vushtrri and Mitrovica said they have not begun planning for their budgetary spending for the next year.

Alarmi nga Hani i Elezit, komuna pa fonde për trajtimin e ekstremizmit