Prishtina, 31 May 2022
The First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue, Besnik Bislimi, delivered an introductory speech at the conference on “Green Connectivity for the Western Balkans”, organized in the framework of the fifth edition of the Kosovo Sustainable Development Week.
The Republic of Kosovo is interested in being an example in the implementation of the Green Agenda in the Western Balkans, which is reflected in the framework of the European Reform Agenda (ERA) and the National Program for the Implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (NPISAA). It is worth noting that this agenda is being translated within the framework of various sector strategies, where concrete measures are being integrated in order to contribute to a sustainable development “, said Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi.
The Government of Kosovo intends that most IPA funds be guided towards concrete projects, mainly in infrastructure and economic development, where projects related to the Green Agenda will be given priority. To this end, under the IPA 2021 and IPA 2022 funds, 58 million euros of EU funds are planned for the green agenda, which will finance integrated waste management and the circular economy, wastewater treatment for the capital and energy efficiency.
He further stressed that as a Government, we have advanced the legal and policy framework through concept documents, which together make an important contribution in this regard. We are currently working on drafting the Strategy for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development 2022-2030, which aims to preserve the environment, air, biodiversity and is expected to be completed within this year. In parallel, the institutions are working on drafting a program and plan for consumer protection, in order to address the social challenges of the country.
The focus of the Government is on strengthening the mechanisms that ensure the increase of the level of implementation of policy and legislation through transparency and inclusion in decision-making processes.
In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi stressed that all these measures taken contribute to the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as a priority which advances our joint efforts for sustainable development at the regional level. Regional cooperation is of particular importance in advancing our countries in the process of European integration, sustainable development and increasing the well-being of the citizens of the Western Balkans.
Last modified: June 2, 2022