4 minutes agoKosovo estimated to have lost 300m euros in sanctions so far
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)Kosovo has continued to be officially under European Union measures since 28 June 2023. Brussels has been clear that the measures could be removed only if the conditions Josep Borell imposed on June 3rd for the de-excend of the situation, including the reduction of special police, the departure of the mayors and [...]
Leaders of Kosovo institutions, President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, have consistently called for the removal of the measures, considering it unfair and disproportionate, however, the EU is cut in demand for meeting conditions in exchange for lifting measures.
Meanwhile, Kosovo's financial losses from these measures are staggering. The head of the Kosovo Economic Ode, Lulzim Rafuna, has shown that Kosovo has lost 300m euros in European projects as a result of European punishment.
He has said these projects would have a direct impact on businesses.
“As a result of EU measures we have been damaged in two ways: the first is material where so far they are blocked over 292m, approximately 300m euros of projects that have not been implemented, those projects are capitals that then impact directly on businesses. The second is also an image issue. It's not a good image when you as a country have punitive measures in the sense of foreign investors. We demand that those measures be removed as soon as possible, we ask institutions to meet conditions and criteria so that we are not under punitive measures”, Rafuna has said.
President Vjosa Osmani in a recent interview has indicated that allies have prepared even much stricter measures for Kosovo and individuals, but have declared that thanks to its efforts day and night they have been prevented.
