The European Union has decided to partially lift some of the measures imposed on the Republic of Kosovo, opening the way for multi-million-euro investments in priority development projects.
The decision was confirmed through an official letter sent to Acting Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi by Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General for Enlargement at the European Union. The letter notes that the European Commission has authorized the lifting of certain measures related to the programming of EU funds and the contracting of priority projects.
According to Koopman, the gradual process of lifting the measures began in May, following concrete steps taken to reduce tensions in the north of the country. He positively assessed the peaceful and democratic transfer of local authority after the elections, as well as the withdrawal of police forces from municipal buildings.
In line with these developments and with the European Commission’s Enlargement Communication 2025, Kosovo has been invited to submit, as soon as possible, its proposals for financing under the IPA 2026–2027 framework.
The lifted measures include a package of priority contracts covering four major projects:
- €17.6 million for the Prishtina district heating plant, through a contribution agreement with the European Investment Bank;
- €12 million for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities at Kosovo B Power Plant, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Project Services;
- €3 million for the “Young Cell” scheme, which includes direct grants administered through the University of Thessaloniki;
- €2 million to support Kosovo’s landfill management company, through a contract with the German Development Bank.
