The U.S. Department of Energy’s Special Envoy for Energy Integration, Joshua Volz, said the United States is increasing its engagement in the Western Balkans to strengthen the energy security of allies and reduce their dependence on Russian energy supplies.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, he stated that Russia has repeatedly used energy as a geopolitical tool, and that Washington aims to replace reliance on “Russian molecules” through expanded American energy supplies and investments in Southeast Europe.
Volz described energy security as national security, stressing that it is directly linked to economic growth, investment, and political stability in the region.
Speaking about Kosovo, he said the country is a very important U.S. ally and is in urgent need of modernizing its energy system.
“… when market conditions change and the business environment becomes more attractive for American energy investments, the Department of Energy will be ready to facilitate cooperation between U.S. industry and industrial partners in Kosovo,” Volz said.
He added that Kosovo is viewed as a promising investment market and that its future inclusion in regional energy corridors will depend on infrastructure development and market conditions.
