Air quality in Kosovo, existential public health problem

Participants in this discussion meeting were representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MMPH), the Ministry of European Integration (MIE), the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, the EU Office in Kosovo, the French Embassy, and civil society.

In his opening address, Dardan Abazi from INDEP, stressed the importance of maintaining such discussions even during summer months when air pollution is not as visible as in other months.

Joseph Giustinian, Amateu for Cooperation at the French Embassy, mentioned a number of activities the embassy has undertaken to increase awareness of air pollution. Among other things, Giustinian said he hopes very much for recommendations derived from this research and this meeting in particular to have concrete results.

Mathilda Tchounikie before those present presented INDEP's findings with the title air quality in Kosovo: To European standards.

This research provides an assessment of where the European Union's Kosovo Standards stand on air quality, which is met with a set of concrete recommendations on which actions should be taken to meet EU criteria and facilitate the EU accession process.

The discussion follows the panelists' words and was characterised with bilateral debate with the audience. From MMPH, Sabit Restelica introduced the air pollution levels data in Kosovo.

We've had quite a significant part of the year overcoming the disturbing levels of pollution allowed. This shows that we really have enough work to do to meet European standards. ”

For example, the case was also present at Vjosa Beqaj from MIE, which highlighted the importance of implementing the current legal base and increasing dynamics in the swiftest alignment of local legislation with the European one.

Part of the panel was Gazmend Selimi from the EU office in Kosovo. Selimi spoke about how both institutional and civil society should work towards awareness of the public about pollution of the environment in general. That's in order to have more proactive policymaking instead of reactive measures.

Representatives of the National Institute of Public Health, Antigona Ukahramaj, presented in detail information on health damage resulting from air pollution. The panel discussion concluded Besfort Kosova from Balkan Green Foundation.

He introduced the tract with the 13 immediate measures drafted by the BGF and INDEP that the Government of Kosovo must undertake to address air pollution.

The table was organised in co-operation with the French Embassy in Kosovo, as part of the INDEP programme for sustainable development and dedication of the organisation to build a developed society that enjoys a clean environment and full health.