The European Union Office in Kosovo has named Shqipe Neziri Vela the winner of the “European of the Year 2026” award for her contribution to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the promotion of sustainable governance in the energy sector in Kosovo and beyond, Albinfo reports.
According to the EU Office, Neziri Vela is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of energy, good governance, and anti-corruption efforts. She was especially recognized for her role as co-founder of the organization “Women in Energy and Mining,” through which she has helped mentor and train hundreds of female students and young professionals.
“As co-founder of the organization ‘Women in Energy and Mining,’ she has played a key role in providing mentoring and training programs for hundreds of students and professionals… creating a new generation of leaders in sectors historically dominated by men,” the EU Office in Kosovo stated in its assessment.
The EU Office also announced that Neziri Vela was one of four nominees selected by the public in Kosovo, alongside Avni Mustafa, director of Roma Versitas Kosovo; Dejan Radivojević, director of the Forum for Multi-Ethnic Development and Cooperation; and Rozafa Basha, Vice Rector for Internationalization and Academic Exchange at the University of Prishtina.
The evaluation panel consisted of members of civil society organizations and representatives of the EU presence in Kosovo.
