4 minutes agoGAP: Over 600m euros suspended projects due to EU measures against Kosovo
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)About 613.4m euros in suspended or extended projects for the indefinite deadline result in measures imposed by the European Union on Kosovo, according to a report published by the GAP Institute. In the “report, the financial impact of European Union measures on Kosovo” notes that 7.1m euros out of this total sum [...]
In the “report, the financial impact of European Union measures on Kosovo” notes that 7.1m euros out of this total amount have been completely lost due to the passage of deadlines allowed for launching procedures for specific projects.
“From June 2023, the European Union (BE) has imposed punitive measures against Kosovo, which have negatively affected bilateral relations and in financial support from the European Union (BE). The measures imposed by the European Union towards Kosovo have resulted in significant financial and developmental consequences, costing Kosovo about 613.4m euros in suspended or extended projects for an indefinite term. Within that amount, due to the passage of the allowed deadlines for launching procedures for specific projects, 7.1m euros have been completely lost”, the report said.
The most affected sectors, according to the report, include the 350.7m-euro environment, energy at 114.4m euros, digitisation of around 57m euros and culture at 15m euros.
“Of the total tools influenced by the measures, around 218m euros are projects within the IPA ( IPA II and IPA III) and about 395.5m euros are projects under the IBIF. The implementation of these projects was designed to be financed through grants and loans, with a contribution of about 421m euros from the European Union -- approximately 162m euros from the third parties, such as international financial institutions, as well as self-finance in the value of 31m euros” -- is said further in the report.
Kosovo's incumbent Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi, has said days ago that the funds Kosovo will benefit from the European Union's Growth Plan (BE) will not be lost as a result of Kosovo Assembly non-compliance.
He has said that in the process of drafting and negotiating the agenda of reforms, the Kosovo government has maintained all deadlines set by the European Commission, handing in, as it has said, the necessary documents in time and quality.
According to him, delays have been caused due to the EU Council's delayed approval of the Development Plan.
