LNG gas Bay: When you reject American strategic projects in a row, a perception that does not serve Kosovo

Bajrami has declared that refusing the US gas project is not simply rejection of an infrastructure, but is refusing an opportunity to make Kosovo safer in terms of electricity supply, more economically competitive and less dependent on import.

“The consequences we're already seeing are paying citizens and businesses. The refusal of the American gas project is not simply an infrastructure rejection. It is the refusal of an opportunity to make Kosovo safer in terms of energy supply, more economically competitive and less import dependent. For six years governance has not increased new generation capacity, while during the same period Kosovo has imported about 1 billion euros of electricity. This indicates that we haven't built alternatives, but we've deepened dependence on import. Instead of Kosovo becoming part of the regional gas network, diversifying supply resources and boosting energy security, today it risks staying out of developments that will define the region's economic competitiveness in the near future. The cost is not only energy, it is economic and it is political. Businesses are facing increasingly high energy costs. Some already have serious operating difficulties, while others are considering shifting investments outside Kosovo. Thus, rejection of this project is not a decision without consequences, it is a decision that directly affects economic development, investments, jobs and the welfare of citizens. ”

LDK MP Hykmete Bajrami said the incumbent Government should answer if the American gas refusal has political background, but according to her, facts show that Kurti Government has rejected several projects from America. Bajrami asks the government in office to provide evidence and analysis why Kosovo should choose alternatives rather than American gas.

The government must respond for the motives itself. We can talk about facts. The facts show a continuation: Contour Global was initially rejected, then the MCC-backed US gas project was canceled, today the construction of gas infrastructure is being refused, while at the same time it is said to be continued with the gasification of lignite. If this is the best choice for Kosovo, then the government should testify with analysis ? Let it publish studies. Let it show how much infrastructure costs to bring LNG gas to Kosovo, how much it costs to gasification of lignite, and why one option has been chosen, not the other. Also, it has been declared that energy will be taken from Vlora under the 2022 memorandum with Albania, and that is where transparency is required. At what price will Kosovo receive that energy? At the cost of production or at the price of international scholarships? If there is an agreement that guarantees this, it should be made public. When tests and transparency are missing, it is normal for citizens to ask questions and seek accounts. ”

LDK MP Hykmete Bajrami has also been asked about the impact she might have on Kosovo- The United States rejected the American gas project. According to her, when several American projects are rejected in a row, the impression is made that it does not serve Kosovo.

“Partnerity between Kosovo and the United States is much greater than a single project, and it is in our national interest to keep it strong. However, the fact cannot be ignored that when American strategic projects are repeatedly refused, a perception that does not serve Kosovo is created. Furthermore, this is not just about political relations with the US, it's about losing opportunities for strategic investment, energy security, economic development and Kosovo's integration into the region's new energy architecture. Kosovo needs more partnership, more investment and more energy alternatives, not more import addiction. Because in the end, every decision in energy is measured by results. Today's result is this: we don't have new generation capacities, we've imported about 1 billion euros of energy, citizens are getting their bills, businesses are growing costs, while energy dealers are gaining profits. That is why we seek a change in approach and an energy policy that serves Kosovo's public interest and long-term development, a lot of policy that serves energy dealers. ” has declared Bajrami for RTV 21.