Challenges, threats and opportunities in post-conflict urban development in Kosovo

This paper reports on a special case of restoration of municipal urban planning practice in a post-conflict context. In Kosovo, the administrative environment in which the practice of urban planning and mobility management is embedded is characterized by a high degree of instability. The main reason for this is the transition from a rather centralized form of urban planning, a typical aspect of the Yugoslav planned economy, into a markedly free form of development, characterized by loose control by the authorities. Although this trend can be observed to some extent in many former socialist countries, the Kosovo war in 1999 has dramatically accelerated this process. Given the very European-oriented historic settlement structure, based on a hierarchy of relatively small and compact cities, this trend entails many problems in the areas of environment, infrastructure, mobility, landscape, and property rights.This paper gives an overview of the reasons for this evolution and assesses possible solutions based on field experience from two support programmes (MuSPP by UN-Habitat, and MobKos by the Flemish Government (Belgium)) that are operating in the regional city of Peja/Peć.

► In Kosovo, strong construction industry contrasts with weak development control.
► Informal development has increased due to the specific post-conflict situation.
► International support programmes contribute to capacity building in urban planning.
► Results are found in raised awareness and enhanced capacity in official staff.