The government answers Osman: Your request for Trepca Stone came just one day before the trip

They say that the request by the President's Office has passed the day before the first state to leave for the official trip, and that, according to the Ministry of Economy, demand was urgently addressed, but time has been insufficient to meet the requirement.

“The Ministry of Economy stresses that the request by the President's Office for a crystal donation has been accepted on February 16, 2026, a day before the official trip of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, respectively. Responsible officials have urgently addressed the request of the president's office, but due to the legal and administrative procedure, the time has been insufficient to meet the” requirement, said the Ministry of Economy's public response.

In turn, they have clarified that based on relevant legislation, minerals or crystals can be donated or exchanged with other state counterparts institutions, when this serves national interests and when their values are equivalent.

“Minerals/crystals that can be donated or exchanged are determined by the Professional Commission, which is founded by the Kosovo Geological Service Executive Director. Donation or exchange can only be realised by the final decision, following recommendation given by the professional commission. Consequently, to complete this process, the timetable has been extremely short”, said further in response.

The economy ministry adds that claims linking this issue to political developments or relations between institutions are unilateral interpretations.

They have said that according to legal competencies, it remains committed to addressing any requirement in full compliance with relevant legislation, regulations for managing public wealth, as well as the principle of transparency.