Failure to implement Energy Agreement could lead Kosovo into energy crisis

Kosovo's Democratic Institute (KDI) has organised today a visit by members of the Commission for Economic Development, Infrastructure, Trade, Industry and Regional Development of the Republic of Kosovo at the KOST (Operator of the System, Transition and Kosovo Electricity Market).

The chairman of this commission, Sala Berisha, Shala and Commission member Mimoza Kusari Lila, attended the visit, which met COST chief executive chief Ilir Shala and board representatives.

The purpose of this visit was to inform members of the Commission for Economic Development concerning the implementation of the energy agreement reached between Kosovo and Serbia, within Brussels' dialogue and the issue of energy cooling the northern part of Kosovo.

MPs demanded from COSTT representatives, information concerning progress in implementing the Brussels Agreement and the loss of the state of Kosovo by failing to implement this agreement.

On the other hand, KOSTT representatives informed MPs that Kosovo and Serbia have so far disagreed on implementing the Energy Agreement. The reason for the failure to comply with the agreement have stressed that it is Serbia's refusal to register the new company in Kosovo “Electrico Sever”, according to the laws of the Republic of Kosovo. They have reported that delays have been reported to EU representatives, who have been asked to exert more pressure on Serbia in implementing the agreement.

According to COSTT representatives, failure to implement this agreement is causing major financial losses to Kosovo and COST in particular. Just during 2017, COSTT has had several million losses, and from 2008 to 2017, Serbia is estimated to have benefited up to 52m euros from the use of Kosovo interconction lines.

COSTT representatives asked MPs to raise this issue in the Parliament and ask the Government to find a lasting solution as soon as possible. MPs pledged to address this issue as soon as possible in Kosovo's Parliament hearings and will ask the government to address the issue with priority and seriousness.

This visit was organised within the framework of the memorandum of co-operation signed between KDI and the Republic of Kosovo Assembly aimed at boosting citizens' participation in Kosovo dialogue- Serbia, as well as empowering the government's supervisory role, with funding for the Swiss Embassy.