The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, has stated in an editorial on energy security and a long-term partnership with the United States that Kosovo is struggling to meet its growing energy demand.
Prattipati argued that Kosovo should join planned U.S.-backed natural gas projects across the Balkans, noting that such cooperation would strengthen the growing economic partnership between the United States and Kosovo.
She emphasized that Kosovo must act quickly to secure this partnership, as the construction of the necessary infrastructure will require significant time.
Prattipati also stressed that Kosovo is facing an important strategic decision, particularly as the administration of President Donald Trump has made reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian energy a key priority.
“Today, Kosovo is not meeting its increasing energy needs. According to Kosovo Customs data, the country has spent €735 million on electricity imports from neighboring countries over the past four years, with import costs rising from €142 million in 2024 to €259 million in 2025. As energy prices and demand continue to increase, Kosovo will become increasingly dependent on its neighbors.
To address these structural challenges, Kosovo should join the American natural gas projects planned throughout the Balkans. These projects can provide Kosovo with access to American energy resources. U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) would diversify Kosovo’s energy supply, complement domestic energy resources, and create another important link in the expanding economic partnership between the United States and Kosovo.
In today’s world, energy security is national security, and diversifying energy sources through natural gas is essential for building a secure future. Natural gas power plants offer the flexibility needed to meet growing demand and stabilize prices during peak periods. Expanding domestic electricity production beyond national demand would strengthen energy independence and protect consumers from sudden price fluctuations.
Kosovo must move quickly to realize this partnership because building the necessary infrastructure takes time. U.S. LNG exports are expected to double by 2030 and will flow through regional projects such as the Vertical Gas Corridor and the floating LNG terminal in Croatia. Kosovo could also connect to the pipeline currently being built to link the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, Greece, with Skopje in North Macedonia.
Connecting to an already planned pipeline project would reduce both costs and implementation timelines. The U.S. Government also has financing mechanisms available to support the construction of natural gas infrastructure. Kosovo can work with regional partners to secure long-term contracts and achieve economies of scale at more competitive prices.
The opportunity to join these projects is narrowing. Delaying a decision risks having American LNG supplies committed elsewhere, potentially leaving Kosovo as the only country in the Western Balkans without access to U.S. LNG. Historical considerations should not stand in the way of decisions that would benefit the people of Kosovo today and in the future.
Kosovo now faces an important strategic choice. The Trump Administration’s priority is to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy. We encourage Kosovo to enter into a long-term energy partnership with the United States through LNG in order to secure its energy future. Together, we can strengthen energy security and grow our economies side by side.”
