Air pollution expert Ilir Morina has warned that the air quality situation in Pristina has become extremely critical, emphasizing that pollution levels have exceeded the allowed limits by 100 to 200 percent.
In an interview with Ekonomia Online, Morina said that atmospheric changes, lack of wind, and fog have created a dangerous “smog” threatening public health.
“The situation right now is very serious, very bad, because pollution has exceeded all norms by 100 to 200 percent — two to three times more than the limits set by Kosovo’s law and European directives. Temperatures have dropped, humidity has increased, there has been fog, and without wind movement all that smoke has created smog — which is extremely dangerous for all categories of people,”
Morina stated.
He emphasized that in Pristina, the impact of emissions from power plants is extraordinary, contributing 30–40% of total pollution.
According to him, the lack of filters in “Kosova B”, some of which date back to 1985, and their deteriorating maintenance have worsened the crisis.
Morina also pointed to:
- the rising number of vehicles,
- the lack of technical inspections,
- the failure to implement administrative guidelines on mobile pollution sources,
- and the burning of heating materials.
“Around 400,000 registered vehicles, plus additional transport vehicles — all of these heavily influence pollution. The burning of pellets and other uncontrolled fuels creates extraordinary health problems.”
Sharp Increase in Cancer Cases
Morina expressed deep concern over the rise in malignant diseases, saying that in the first six months of 2025, over 1,010 new cancer cases have been registered, while in 2024 the number exceeded 3,640 cases.
“We’re not saying all of them come from air pollution, but certainly 40–50 percent do. Air pollution is a European and global problem, but Kosovo continues to face it in the same way year after year.”
He blamed governments for failing to implement environmental laws and for neglecting long-term investments.
Unimplemented Projects and Neglected Investments
Morina emphasized that environmental investments have been pushed aside for years:
- Over €95 million were allocated by German banks and the EU in 2019 for filters in “Kosova B”, but the project has remained stuck.
- Now, a new €75 million tender is being discussed during an election campaign — which Morina doubts will materialize.
He said that the merging of the Ministry of Environment with the Ministry of Infrastructure sidelined environmental priorities:
“For 2021–2023, more than €58 million were budgeted for waste management, but not even €58,000 were spent.”
Warning to Citizens
Morina urged citizens to take precautions:
- avoid going outside during high pollution hours,
- wear protective masks,
- keep windows closed during peak smog,
- monitor air quality regularly.
He added that hospital visits have increased, and infectious diseases, respiratory issues, and anemia are becoming widespread.
“Every year, five percent of the population is being diagnosed with malignant diseases of various forms. Our health is being seriously endangered.”
