In an exclusive response, the U.S. State Department said that energy cooperation is one of the key pillars of economic partnership with European allies, emphasizing that American energy exports play a central role in strengthening Europe’s energy security.
When asked about calls for Kosovo to connect to American gas infrastructure and the position of the Kurti government, which has preferred linking to the Vlora power facility in Albania instead of building LNG infrastructure domestically, the State Department highlighted Washington’s readiness to cooperate.
“Energy exports are a central pillar of our economic cooperation with European partners. U.S. energy exports strengthen energy security in Europe,” the State Department said.
Regarding Kosovo specifically, the State Department stated that the United States is ready to work with U.S. energy companies and the Government of Kosovo to secure a stable and diversified energy future, including the use of American Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
“The United States is ready to work with U.S. energy industry and the Government of Kosovo to secure Kosovo’s energy future through diversification of supply, including American LNG,” the statement added.
The push for Kosovo to integrate into U.S.-backed gas networks has also been echoed by the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo. The Chargé d’Affaires, Anu Prattipati, recently urged greater engagement through an opinion piece, while economic official Micah Savidge warned that Kosovo risks missing major investment opportunities without a stable energy supply and has called for gas infrastructure development.
The debate comes amid differing strategic approaches, as Prime Minister Albin Kurti has indicated that Kosovo could rely on electricity imports via the Vlora power plant in Albania rather than building domestic LNG infrastructure.
The idea of American-backed gas infrastructure is not new. In 2021, the MCC had made funding available for Kosovo to connect to a gas pipeline project supported by the United States.
