Pristina, 21 May - Today, the European Commission and the Ministry of Communities and Returns handed over 17 houses to the returnee families in Klinë/Klina municipality. After the completion of this two-year-long EU project, at least 210 minority internally displaced and refugee families are expected to return and reintegrate in Kosovo.  

Head of Operations of the EC Liaison Office, Kjartan Björnsson, said: \"No return would be possible without creating and nurturing the trust among everyone who is living here. I hope that all would join efforts to making this return and reintegration a success story.” He added: “Coming home is not only about the roof above our heads, it is also about understanding neighbourhood, about attitude of the local authorities and the returnees\' welfare. It is about educating children, getting access to the healthcare and developing businesses, creating the new relations and new opportunities\". 

On behalf of returnees, representative of returnees in Dollc/Dolac village, Božidar Šarković, emphasized: \"I encourage all displaced people from Klinë/Klina municipality to use this project and to return to their home. I ask from all stakeholders to do their best on employment opportunities since that is a key element for better and sustainable reintegration of our community.\"  

Minister for Communities and Returns, Saša Rašić, addressed the returnee families: \"I would like to specifically thank and congratulate the families for their decision to return. With a good and close partnership between local and central government institutions, the support of the European Commission and good work done by the implementing partner, you have a new future at home and we will jointly with partners continue to assist and support you.\"

Return and reintegration of minority refugees and internally displaced persons will be supported in municipalities of Klinë/Klina, Ferizaj/Uroševac, Obiliq/Obilić and Rahovec/Orahovac This EU project worth € 5.1 million aims to contribute to a stable multi-ethnic society in Kosovo. Since 2003 the EU has allocated more than € 36 million to Kosovo minorities’ return and community needs. 

The two-year project Return and Reintegration to Kosovo (RRK) aims to contribute to a stable multi-ethnic society in Kosovo based on tolerance and promotion of human and minority rights. Its specific objective is to support dignified and sustainable return and reintegration of minority refugees and internally displaced persons in four municipalities of Kosovo through enhanced engagement of governmental and local stakeholders. 

The European Commission is contributing with € 4 million and the Ministry of Communities with € 1.1 million to this project. The project is implemented by the Danish Refugee Council.