The Republic of Kosovo faces significant challenges regarding climate change, which impact the environment, economy, and citizens' well-being. Addressing these challenges is hindered by limited financial and human resources, as well as a lack of sustainable, data-driven planning.

Recent reports from international organizations highlight Kosovo’s unfavorable position in this regard.

The World Bank Group’s Climate and Development Report for Kosovo (link: https://bit.ly/4iTIrhW), recently published, has indicated that investing in climate resilience and transitioning the economy from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources will help Kosovo strengthen sustainable economic development and protect its citizens from natural hazards.

The report has found that Kosovo needs to invest approximately $2.8 billion over the next decade to protect residents and properties from the increasingly severe consequences of climate change.

By implementing climate adaptation initiatives, Kosovo can improve human capital development, help the workforce acquire new skills, and expand trade opportunities. Investment in adaptation will also bring other economic benefits, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, by protecting rural livelihoods, as well as in the railway and waste management sectors, where environmental and public health benefits are identified.

The report emphasizes that accelerating the energy transition to achieve net-zero emissions across Kosovo's economy by 2050 is possible but will require a fundamental transformation and decisive actions at both national and regional levels. For example, lignite-fired power plants will need to be gradually phased out and fully decommissioned by 2045, replaced by a significant expansion of wind and solar power capacity, supported by energy storage technologies and strong regional interconnections.

According to the World Bank, the private sector will play a critical role in driving this transformation by investing in renewable energy, developing innovative technologies, and building partnerships to create a more sustainable energy future.

Before this publication, the European Commission’s 2024 Report on Kosovo (link: http://bit.ly/4fg0vjO) had noted that regarding climate change, Kosovo has made some progress by adopting the Climate Change Law. "However, a target for climate neutrality by 2050 is missing, and the adoption and implementation of legislation are still pending.

The approval of decarbonization and adaptation strategies is also pending.

The National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) should be adopted as soon as possible.

The legislative framework for monitoring, reporting, verification, and accreditation of greenhouse gas emissions must be developed and implemented, along with a carbon pricing mechanism aligned with the EU emissions trading system. At the same time, Kosovo must implement measures for climate adaptation and mitigation," the report states, also calling for strengthening the capacities of relevant institutions, including inspections.

Regarding international conventions, Kosovo’s institutions have voluntarily committed to this field, including pledging to harmonize energy and climate legislation with that of the EU.

Moreover, the official position of Kosovo’s institutions is that significant progress is being made despite the country's exclusion from multilateral climate financing grants. At the same time, it is acknowledged that this journey comes at a cost and that international support is essential to enable Kosovo to face these challenges and create a more sustainable future for the region and Europe.

For these reasons, EC Ma Ndryshe recommends that Kosovo's institutions deepen cooperation with international partners to enable diversification and decarbonization in energy, strengthen financial, human, and legal capacities, support affected communities, improve infrastructure and early warning systems, and promote public participation.

Engagement in this direction would allow Kosovo to face climate change challenges more effectively, enhance its resilience, and create a greener future for its citizens.