The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN, is a group of editors, journalism trainers and reporters, dedicated to creating a strong, professional, independent media in Southeast Europe as an essential component of developing democracy and a market economy in the Balkans. As an independent, non-governmental organization, BIRN Kosovo exists to provide momentum to the democratic transition in Kosovo by promoting accountability, rule of law and policy reform. After starting with fewer than five staff, BIRN Kosovo has since evolved into a comprehensive media organisation, employing journalists and editorial, administrative and technical staff in the production of high-quality investigative and analytical reporting. BIRN Kosovo now fields a team of 61 fulltime professionals as well as 16 local and international consultants that work in the development and implementation of on-going programmes. BIRN Kosovo in particular aims to serve as a watchdog of public institutions, monitoring the work of governing and public institutions and supporting their reform and their path towards meeting the criteria and standards of the European Union. In addition, through the production of quality and impartial TV debates and training of youth on argumentation and debating skills, BIRN aims to promote and encourage a culture of debate in Kosovo.