Kosovo towards energy collapse, Stavileci says no space for panic

Warnings that there may be a lack of energy due to a lack of coal as a result of expropriations were discussed in the Kosovo Government meeting.

Acting Minister of Economic Development Blerand Stavileci said there is no room for panic, as relevant institutions have undertaken all action measures, so that there are no obstacles to the supply of electricity.

“I think that after the decision made in Government on July 21st, the way has again been opened that, under the Law for Development, we will solve these problems by now seeing and the readiness of all the institutions and preparations that are being made by all, I believe that in line with these deadlines starting from August 10th when this public hearing will be held. I consider that since August 11th we can act in accordance with these all legal actions and mandates, which each institution has to have a preliminary decision first, as the law for expropriation provides. Then be born and the rest of the 15 days as required in this law, and after the 15-day period, the final decision of expropriations will then be a signal to KEK that can resume or continue the work. And given what's grown in public opinion and KEK, but also others, I think there's no room for panic. Because even the time for which they have warned even this which is envisioned according to the law, I think it might be timed out so that there won't be any crisis. But we're also assuming in the worst version, so we're going to take all the measures and all the acters are prepared to act in order to keep no obstacles in regular electricity supply”, he said.

Meanwhile, incumbent Environment and Spatial Planning Minister Ferat Sschala said the ministry he is running has done the jobs pertaining to the drilling process, but according to him KEK has been delayed in this direction.

I can say with full responsibility that during the period that I manage with this minister, all legal duties according to two basic framework and law documents have been carried out and fulfilled precisely. For the first time we destroy illegal houses there, for the first time, the MMPH acts and implements the law. The rest are the responsibility of other institutions, whether of local government or of public enterprises or other legal or physical acts... We have committed our obligations. We're already in a situation when we're implementing the expropriation law. We cannot speed up legal deadlines, public hearing, or the next phase that envisions the making of preliminary and final decisions... until the final decision is made, KEK can negotiate with residents and solve this problem. The moment he has received a written «agreement, he can operate in their areas. There is also a relatively good time, that instances that have judicial responsibility to solve this problem negotiate with those who have legal assets. We don't have any intelligence to engage. KEC has already engaged and specialised international companies, have been delayed what is truth and failed to reach compliance, with those seeking compensation or other conditions”, he said.

Meanwhile, incumbent Prime Minister Isa Mustafa called on the country's institutions to take measures, so that the country does not lack energy supplies.

“We take all measures so that the country will not lose energy and KEK will not risk producing electricity. Because any investments in electricity imports are too expensive and very expensive for the country. It is good yesterday we have suggested that KEK undertake all measures, during this period until the 10th, negotiate with the parties. And it would also be very good for the parties, citizens, to show their willingness, to solve these problems, through this negotiation process, in which they will realise their legal rights and with the final decision the Government makes for expropriation. But, in this case, they would help KEK and the country, so that we don't have obstacles to the superficial mine there”, Mustafa said.

Energy crisis has warned KEK director Arben Djukaj himself, under which if Kosovo is not taken action, he will remain in the dark.