The European Union has decided to partially lift certain measures imposed on the Republic of Kosovo, paving the way for multi-million euro investments in priority projects.
The decision was communicated in a letter sent to acting Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi by Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General for Enlargement at the European Union.
The letter states that the European Commission will remove some restrictions related to EU fund programming and the contracting of priority projects.
Koopman emphasized that the gradual lifting of measures began in May, following efforts to reduce tensions in the northern part of the country. He praised the peaceful and orderly transfer of local power after the elections, as well as the removal of police from municipal buildings.
Based on these developments and in line with the European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Communication, the Commission has authorized the further removal of certain measures, inviting Kosovo to submit proposals for IPA 2026–2027 financing as soon as possible.
According to the letter, the lifted measures cover a package of priority contracts encompassing four major projects. The signing of the contract for Prishtina’s central heating plant, valued at €17.6 million, has been authorized under a contribution agreement with the European Investment Bank.
Additionally, €12 million has been allocated for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities at Kosovo B Power Plant, through an agreement with the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Another agreement worth €3 million relates to the “Young Cell” scheme, which provides direct grants through the University of Thessaloniki.
Meanwhile, €2 million has been allocated to support the company managing landfills in Kosovo, under a contract with the German Development Bank (KfW).
It should be recalled that the European Union had imposed measures on Kosovo in June 2023 in response to tensions in the northern part of the country.
