American Economic Oda: American gas must become strategic priority for Kosovo

According to this approach, in addition to economic and energy benefits, such orientation would further strengthen Kosovo's strategic co-ordination with the United States as its most important strategic partner.

Kosovo's “Power System continues to rely heavily on old-fashioned power plants, while electricity imports continue to be a significant burden to the economy. Planned respect for existing generation capacities, increased demand for energy, and increased exposure to market fluctuations and stress the need for a more diverse and resistant energy mix”.

The American Oda recalls that important projects of the LNG infrastructure and energy interconnection are being developed throughout Southeast Europe, creating new opportunities for states to secure access to diversified gas sources and strengthen their energy security. As neighbouring countries deploy within these new energy corridors, Kosovo risks staying out of a regional architecture that is becoming increasingly determining for economic competitiveness and long-term supply security.

“The challenge facing Kosovo is no longer the availability of supply, but the country's readiness to exploit it. This requires strategic investments in infrastructure, modernisation of the legal and regulatory framework for natural gas, as well as stronger engagement with strategic partners. Investment into infrastructure enabling access to ING from the United States would also contribute to strengthening Kosovo's strategic co-ordination, at a time when energy security and geopolitical security are increasingly interconnected”.

“Beyond strengthening energy security, gas access would help reduce dependence on costly electricity imports, offer greater flexibility for the integration of renewable energy resources and increase Kosovo industries' competitiveness at a time when the regulatory requirements of the European Union, related to carbon emissions, are becoming more rigorous and, as such, would affect exporters”.

“Regionally, the American Economic Oda in Kosovo calls on the Government to demonstrate political will by taking concrete steps towards Kosovo's integration into regional gas networks. Lack of action risks extending the country's energy vulnerability and limiting its economic potential, while timely action can help ensure a more stable, more competitive and secure energy future”. /Periscopi