Pristina, December 16, 2022
Dear Deputy Prime Ministers,
Ministers and deputy ministers,
Dear citizens,
Welcome to this next meeting at a slightly unusual time, but this week is anything but ordinary. In fact, it is extraordinary. It is the week in which we had the historic day of December 15, when we officially submitted our application to the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union for membership in the European Union. We gave a target to the European orientation. We gave answers to the European perspective. We gave a new chapter to relations with the European Union.
And just one day earlier, the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission agreed on the lifting of the visa regime for the citizens of Kosovo, no later than January 1, 2024.
We understand that our integration path will be based on our merits. But integration also means recognition. It also means acceptance and it also means interdependence. In addition to our merit, recognition by the five countries of the European Union, which have not yet recognized us, would certainly facilitate the acceleration of the accession process. So, recognitions that enable international membership and integration. Recognition of independence not as an expression of our self-sufficiency, but for more interdependence of all between and within alliances of shared values, beliefs and interests.
Meanwhile, last night the Assembly of our Republic approved the budget for the next year worth 3.2 billion euros. For the second time in a row, we are approving the budget for the next year before the end of the year. I thank the deputies of the Assembly of the Republic, each and every one of them, for the support they gave to the budget, which will be a budget for everyone. It will be more budget for everyone. More about education, health, military, agriculture, economy and culture. More about education, equality, well-being, security, production and economic and social development. More for all citizens and for our Republic.
Today we have before us one of the most important documents for review this year, the Energy Strategy 2022-2031. Ensuring a reliable supply of electricity at an affordable and clean cost is essential for the economic development of the Republic of Kosovo and the social well-being of its citizens.
This Strategy envisages rapid and convincing developments of the energy sector, as foreseen in the Government’s vision for energy and in accordance with our goal of the European Union. The strategy aims to develop a sustainable energy sector, integrated in the pan-European market, which guarantees security of electricity supply and affordability for citizens.
The strategy envisages a dynamic growth of renewable energy sources, mainly in wind and photovoltaic technologies. By the end of 2031, it is expected to have 1,600 MW of installed capacity from renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, investments in core coal capacity are essential to increase security of supply in the short term.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo is committed to market integration and joint planning of the energy system with the Republic of Albania. The joint exchange with Albania will be functionalized in the coming year, while co-investment in natural gas power plants in Albania is currently being considered. The integration of Kosovo’s electricity system into the pan-European electricity system is planned for 2030 at the latest.
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the Energy Strategy, for the first time, puts citizens at the center by ensuring that they have access to affordable energy, empowering them to participate in the sector actively and ensuring that the most vulnerable groups of society benefit from schemes dedicated to them, for example efficiency measures in homes and buildings, installation of solar panels, purchase of efficient household appliances, efficient heating systems, and others.
The energy sector has the potential to completely change the direction of the country in terms of socio-economic development. And, our main goal is for this strategy to enable the energy sector to serve as a tool for the economic growth of our country and the growth of opportunities for our businesses and the employment of our youth. Therefore, the review of this Strategy is of particular importance.
Thank you.
Last modified: December 16, 2022