The Kosovo component of the 2016 CSO Sustainability Index (CSOSI) for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia was launched on August 11^th.  At the launch event, USAID/Kosovo’s Acting Democracy and Governance Director Miranda Jolicoeur spoke about the role of this report in measuring civil society’s health, and in identifying the major challenges and achievements in each of the countries where it’s implemented.  This year’s report – the 20^th annual edition – notes that in many countries including Kosovo, the space for civil activism is diminishing.  But it also highlights that with less public funding available for many CSOs, organizations have increasingly found innovative and technology-driven approaches to staying afloat.  In her remarks, Ms. Jolicoeur emphasized the essential relationship between sustainability among CSOs and sustainable development, noting that: “a thriving and well-supported civil society is essential for development assistance to take hold and endure.” 

The CSO Sustainability Index assesses progress in the development of nonprofit organizations and CSOs in 24 countries across Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia.