American Oda: Political stalemate is costing Kosovo economic development, investment and international empowerment

He singled out the direct impact this situation is having on the investment climate and the country's economic security:

“We like OECA along with the American-Albanian Relations Council expressed our concern over the delays in the institution's constitutionalisation following this year's February elections. As a result, we also expressed some specific concerns about why delays in the institution arrangement may be problematic in the case of Kosovo. Starting with current geopolitical developments, the loss of various opportunities, but of course also threats, which can be presented in Kosovo's case and in terms of security, but also in terms of economic development, would mean strengthening the private sector: attracting foreign investment, American investment and other foreign investments”, he said.

In this context, Zeka also cited the issue of the customs fee for American products as a concrete example of the institutional failure to make important decisions.

Zeka said the bill on this issue is pending, which is prepared by Kosovo president, but cannot be processed without the constitution.

But what's most important, the tax on American products. We need fully functional institutions that can further push the matter into order. Thus, abolishing the customs obligation for American products can only undertake institutions that have full competence, undisputed and undisputed authority. We have seen the Kosovo president's statement that has already prepared a bill on this issue and is awaiting the constitution of the Parliament, so that the same bill can be brought to MPs and the decision can be made. This is just one issue to illustrate how this situation affects, this current political stalemate in opportunities, which Kosovo fails to use in this regard”, he said.

Zeka stressed that every day lost without functional institutions is a step back for the country.

“Sella failed effort, of course it is a lost day, and it is the lost opportunity for Kosovo to unblock its development opportunities to further prevent Kosovo's advance internationally. Kosovo's story, however, remains unfinished as long as we do not ensure a greater number of international recognitions and membership in various international organisations, including the Council of Europe, the World Justice Organisation and many other international mechanisms, which are important for strengthening Kosovo's international subjectivity,”, he told EO/Periscope/