Kosovo benefits over 100m euros from EU, Germany for sewage treatment

According to the announcement, both projects will contribute to environmental protection according to EU environmental standards, with the goal of solving the problem of solid waste and sewage management that Kosovo faces.

“The sewage treatment project in the Pristina region will include the construction of sewage lines, as well as the rehabilitation of sewage networks and the storm-sharing system. The project in question will complete the construction of the Black Water Treatment Impiant, which has been funded by the French government, under the case of the largest investment in Kosovo's sewage sector. For the implementation of this project, the German government through KWA will provide a total of 42m euros, while the EU will provide around 20m euros. The Pristina municipality and the Fushe Kosovo municipality will contribute 9m euros and 2m euros, respectively,”, the Government of Kosovo announced.

The solid waste management project will be implemented in the municipalities of Pristina, Prizren, Gjilan, Ferizaj, Podujevo and Peja, and will include construction, expansion and rehabilitation of solid waste transfer depots and stations.

For this project, the German government will provide 20m euros, while the EU will provide 23m euros through IPA funds. The Kosovo government will contribute 8m euros and the municipality of Pec by 3m, making the overall national contribution 11m euros”, the Government explains.

During his speech, German Ambassador to Kosovo Joern Rohde has said projects “further reflect the continued dedication of Germany and the European Union in Kosovo, with particular emphasis on maintaining water resources and maintaining the” environment.

Meanwhile, the chief of co-operation at the EU Office in Kosovo, Staebek Madsen, has said that “through these EU agreements, along with its member states, has once again demonstrated its commitment to helping Kosovo build a modern economy with efficient resources”.

Finance, Labour and Transfers Minister Iron Murati has praised close co-operation with Germany and the EU as key partners in advancing Kosovo's development agenda.

The signed agreements today enable two very important projects, which will significantly improve the living conditions of Kosovo citizens by advancing our country towards a more sustainable development. The green agenda remains the priority of our government, the treatment of sewage and solid waste are important areas that require significant investment”, Murati said.

Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli said that “the projects we are signing today in the field of water and waste management not only contribute to conservation of the environment but also have a direct impact on the quality of the lives of Kosovo citizens”.

Meanwhile, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Minister Lieburn Aliu said that “Kosovo is an active and constructive partner, and this co-operation based on EU values will enable progress and further advancement of the Republic of Kosovo, in order to have the right transition towards green economy and renewable energy”.