Thematic Discussion on Kosovo’s* Energy Efficiency Obligations

With the support of the GIZ Open Regional Fund for SEE-Energy Efficiency (ORF-EE) and as part of the Public Dialogue Initiative on the Sustainable Use of Energy in South-East Europe (SEE), the Pristina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS) organized on 27 June a Thematic Discussion on Energy Efficiency in Kosovo*.

The discussion considered Kosovo’s* parliament’s role, including national institutions’ willingness to apply energy efficiency obligations, also in line with the harmonization with the Stabilization and Association Agreement. The discussion was attended by Kosovo* MPs, representatives of national institutions, the civil society, academia, embassies, the GIZ, underlining ORF-EE’s efforts for participatory decision making in the region.

Opening speeches were held by Leonora Kryeziu, Executive Director of PIPS, and GIZ ORF-EE Project Manager, Jasna Sekulovic. Kryeziu spoke about the gap which is evident between the obligations assumed by Kosovo* and concrete commitment for their implementation.

Sekulovic followed with an overview of ORF-EE project-activities referring to the cooperation and competence development on EE and climate matters of SEE parliamentarians and spoke about the importance of ORF-EE measures for the region. She added “We are particularly proud of the parliaments in the region, which have opened doors for other important stakeholders and enabled their active participation in sector relevant decision-making processes. More so, we are proud of the fact that the project has proven that parliaments are an excellent platform for active and effective sector dialogue, which is a crucial step forward towards transparency in policymaking.”

Bedri Dragusha, Lecturer at the University of Pristina, presented the PIPS publication titled “Kosovo’s* Obligations in the Field of Energy Efficiency and Harmonization with the Stabilization and Association Agreement”, which was developed with the support of the ORF-EE. The publication provides findings on policy development in the field of energy efficiency in Kosovo*, including recommendations on necessary steps.

Avni Sfishta, Manager of the Kosovo* Project for Energy Efficiency, outlined opportunities for energy transition in Kosovo*. Since improvement of energy efficiency in Kosovo* also has cross-sectoral implications, Sfishta concluded by calling for better coordination, greater political will, and commitment to fulfillment of obligations.

Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund to be established

Following the presentations, Sala Berisha, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Development of Kosovo* used the opportunity to point out the role of the parliament in advancing the process of fulfillment of EE obligations and listed aspects which are already important discussion points and under consideration within the Committee. One such, she added, is the Draft Law on Energy Efficiency.

Luan Morina, Director of the Energy Department at the Ministry of Economic Development of Kosovo*, used the opportunity to speak about the Ministry’s readiness to commit to the necessary steps. He further addressed the need and urged for the Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund to be established.

Overall, the Discussion highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between key actors in the field of energy efficiency. MPs stressed on several occasion during the meeting the need for professional cooperation with experts and various stakeholders, also referring to the need for adaptation of necessary policies for fulfilment of obligations.