GAP and UNDP launched a new online platform "How does the state collect our money?"

This platform is an extension of GAP"s project to increase transparency and accountability of public budget spending. After a successful implementation of the first platform, which carries a detailed visualization of budget spending, visited by over 17,000 online visitors, GAP has extended the platform with a new feature on how the state collects our money. This project is supported by UNDP and Swiss Development Agency.

Agron Demi (GAP) made a presentation of the online platform, saying that the level of transparency from central and local state institutions with regard to the state budget is not in a satisfactory level. He called the Ministry of Finance to use GAP"s platform in order to help citizens get easier access to information regarding state budget. A similar practice is now possible, since 23 Kosovo municipalities so far have agreed to show this platform in their websites. In this new platform users can see the income budget lines of Kosovo State Budget and that of all Kosovo Municipalities, as well as, they can compare budgets between municipalities. 

Andrew Rusell (UNDP) spoke about the importance of informing citizens about the state budget. He said that citizens should understand where does the money come from, how does the state spend that money, and how we can make some comparison regarding budget allocation and budget spending. "Through this platform GAP and UNDP would like to assist citizens to better understand this process. At the moment, this is the only useful platform and I would like to ask the media to spread out the word and inform citizens about it", said Mr Rusell.

Rufki Suma (Municipality of Hani i Elezit) spoke about the practice of his municipality and how they have managed to increase the budget transparency. The Municipality of Hani i Elezit is the only municipality in Kosovo that has shown a high level of transparency with regard to budget spending, hence, setting up an example that other municipalities should follow.

To access the platform, please click here.