eKosova Portal for Grant and Subsidy Applications (XK0001)

What is the problem addressed by this commitment?

With the aim of achieving equality in treatment, easy access to information and application, fair and professional evaluation, quality management, impact on economic development and with the aim of increasing transparency and reducing opportunities for misuse and corrupt affairs, the Government of Kosovo within one year allocates about 300 million euros in grants and subsidies to individuals, businesses and nongovernmental organizations, that will develop a special section within the E-KOSOVA State Platform with the aim of digitizing the processes for providing grants and subsidies. This section will include: 1. Publication of calls for grants and subsidies from all public institutions in the Republic of Kosovo. 2. Publication of application criteria and procedures. Including deadlines. 3. Publication of the online form and online application for grants and subsidies; 4. Providing 24/7 assistance to applicants in the application process. 5. Publication of the beneficiaries of each call, including the publication of their projects, financial offers and implementation timelines. 6. Publication of individual evaluation reports of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries by the evaluation commissions; 7. Possibility of complaint and online handling of complaints; 8. Regular publication of beneficiary evaluation reports by commissions for supervising the implementation of government grants and subsidies. Including impact, achievement of goals and objectives, realization of activities and financial management. 9. Every citizen of the Republic of Kosovo and every interested party will have access to the entire process of providing grants and subsidies by public institutions. Within the eKosova platform, the Single Point of Contact (SPC) has already been established for the licensing of auditors and audit companies, and by gradually and continuously expanding the SCP's services to other sectors, the Government will enable citizens to itself, businesses and others to complete all administrative procedures online.

What is the commitment?

To ensure a stable and effective process, the Government will do the following: - digitize the application process for grants and subsidies; through SPC to digitize all necessary administrative steps for obtaining permits, licenses or registrations; - train public officials how to handle digital applications; - strengthen, update and maintain the existing state portal with relevant information that would emphasize transparency; - create a list of applicants which would present previous applicant data, i.e. NGOs. Specifically, this will show NGOs that have previously won, those that were not accountable to reporting processes and vice versa; - link and coordinate documentation between institutions. For example, the Tax Administration with the Kosovo Business Registration Agency, to reduce the complications and costs in issuing relevant documentation and transferring it from one institution to another. - Online application for issuing licenses and activity permits for import/export of medical products and equipment.

How does the commitment contribute to solving the identified problem?

The digitized process will enable easily accessible application forms for all potential beneficiaries of public grants and subsidies. Public officials will create capacities for the proper handling of online applications and all documents provided by applicants will be registered in a state portal that enables a database of all information, including the quality of work and the performance of applicants in it past.

Why is it important to commit to the values of OGP?

Commitment is important for transparency, elimination of misuse and corruption and providing equal opportunities for all.

Additional information

Several steps have been initiated towards the removal of the administrative burden within the process of applying for grants and subsidies, aiming at the transition of the entire process to digital formats. For example, in 2021, the Ministry of Industry, Enterprise and Trade has enabled businesses to apply online for grants and subsidies through eKosova.

Description of expected results

The possibility of applications, evaluations and implementation of projects by individuals, NGOs and online businesses for grants and subsidies will be enabled through the e-Kosova state portal.

Achievements | Indicators | Activity bearer | Starting date | End date

1. The Government of the Republic of Kosovo drafts and approves Administrative Guidelines for the digitalization process of providing grants and subsidies. | Legal basis for the creation of the section for applying for grants and subsidies | Legal office within the office of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo | 01/01/2024 | 30/06/2024

2. The Information Society Agency (ISA) undertakes the creation of a relevant section for online grant applications on the eKosova platform. | The number of technical tools designed, prepared and included in the e-Kosova platform | ISA, MIA | 01/06/2024 | 30/12/2025

3. Public officials are more aware of the importance of online applications and have enhanced knowledge of how to handle such applications. | Number of public officials trained | Office of the Prime Minister/Office for Good Governance/ Information Society Agency (ISA) | 01/06/2024 | 01/08/2024