Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi has addressed the issue of the European Union’s Growth Plan funds that Kosovo is expecting to receive, clarifying that the Government of Kosovo has met all the required deadlines set by the European Commission.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Bislimi placed the blame for the delay squarely on the EU, stating that had the European Commission adhered to its own timeline, Kosovo would already have a ratified Growth Plan agreement and would have received the initial funding.
“From the very beginning, during the drafting and negotiation of the reform agenda, the Government of Kosovo met all deadlines set by the European Commission, submitting not only timely but also high-quality documentation. However, due to the delayed approval of the Growth Plan in the EU Council, the Commission failed to meet its own deadlines. Therefore, if the Commission had adhered to the previously set timelines, today we would have a ratified Growth Plan agreement and would have already received the advance payment,” Bislimi wrote.
He emphasized that Kosovo will not lose a single cent from this funding.
“Nonetheless, it is crucial to stress that no payment – including the advance – can be lost. They will be disbursed the moment Kosovo ratifies the agreement, and the plan will immediately proceed to the implementation phase as foreseen. Kosovo’s budget is substantial, and the delays caused by the failure to vote on forming new institutions do not at any point jeopardize the state budget, even if the EU funds are not received promptly.”
Bislimi further noted that despite the current institutional deadlock, the government apparatus continues to function.
“Although the constitutive session of the Assembly has not yet concluded and government officials are serving in an acting capacity, the state apparatus still functions as usual. Many tasks are being carried out, and line ministries and institutions are fulfilling their responsibilities and activities within the legal timeframes and competencies. The necessary agreements and laws are being prepared and will be approved in the Government and Assembly as soon as the institutions are formed. Therefore, neither the funds nor the implementation of the reform agenda are at risk.”
