But the social and economic tasks remain among the most daunting of all. To date, most international efforts in the region have focused on rebuilding infrastructure, increasing public security, establishing the rule of law, and preparing for voter registration for local elections this fall. At the same time, Western governments have been increasing their pressure on Kosova Albanian refugees to return to their homes. The future of most returnees looks grim. While some Kosovars have quickly rebuilt shops and started up small businesses, the majority have little hope of finding jobs.
Many civil servants are grossly underpaid.
Production has resumed only very slowly, and unemployment remains massive. Participants analyzed the problems in transforming the gray economy into an open one amid the virtual absence of the rule of law and of legal security. Participants stressed that a clear legal framework, favorable investment conditions, and public security are central to economic development. They also stressed that a quick and responsible privatization must take place in order to bring local companies back into production. But clarifying the legal status of most companies is difficult, due to the ambiguous legal status of Kosova itself.