The Kosovo Energy Regulatory Office (ZRRE) has confirmed it will pursue legal avenues to defend its reforms after backlash from business organizations regarding the liberalization of the energy market. The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and the Kosovo Business Alliance have both heavily criticized the decision, arguing that it has caused serious harm to domestic enterprises.
ZRRE announced it will appeal a temporary suspension ordered by the Commercial Court, which halted the transition of one specific company to the open electricity market. However, the business sector claims that this selective suspension has created unfair competition.
Business Leaders Speak Out
Lulzim Rafuna, head of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, called ZRRE’s reaction “unprofessional and stubborn.” Speaking to Radio Kosova, he stated:
“Once the court suspended the decision for one business, ZRRE should have applied the suspension across the board. Otherwise, fair competition is being violated.”
He added that some businesses had:
- Shut down completely
- Scaled down operations
- Canceled planned investments
due to electricity price hikes ranging from 200% to 400%.
Meanwhile, Agim Shahini, head of the Kosovo Business Alliance, called for individual legal action by affected companies. He praised the Commercial Court’s stance and urged it to act swiftly and justly:
“Dozens of businesses are winning these cases. It’s clear the market entry was forced and unfair.”
ZRRE Defends Its Position
In response, ZRRE insisted that its decision had an informative, not mandatory character, and said that lawsuits from business associations have already been rejected by both the Commercial Court and the Basic Court.
“ZRRE will exercise its right to appeal to higher courts in order to defend the legality of its reforms and continue with structural changes in the energy sector,” the agency stated.
A Growing Rift
The dispute over Kosovo’s transition to an open energy market has become a major flashpoint between state institutions and the private sector. Critics argue that poor implementation and lack of support have left businesses unprotected and facing crippling energy costs, while ZRRE insists it is fulfilling its legal and strategic obligations.
