Çollaku: During 2014, Kosovo benefited over EUR 200 million from donations

During the meeting were presented key findings of the Annual Report on Donor Activities 2014 and future priorities of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Isa Mustafa stated that Kosovo has marked significant progress in the last few years in every sphere of the society, and such progress was achieved due to continuous cooperation and assistance from our international partners.

“Today, I have the pleasure to participate in the opening of the High Level Forum meeting on donor coordination. Furthermore, I am pleased that we are holding this meeting one day before I part for Strasbourg, together with the Minister of European Integration, to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which is a particularly important agreement to our country because it opens the door to contractual agreements with the European Union, whereby we shall have a different capacity of economic cooperation with European Union countries” – stated Prime Minister Mustafa, also expressing the commitment of the Government of Kosovo to continue wide-ranging reforms to the benefit of the citizens and a clear perspective for membership in the European Union.

Prime Minister Isa Mustafa also stated that the process of signing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement is the beginning of a long journey aiming to become member of the European Union society.

“This is a path to which we have no other alternative, because this path is supported and embraced by our citizens and our friends”, emphasised Prime Minister Isa Mustafa.

The Minister of European Integration, Mr. Bekim Çollaku presented the Annual Report on Donor Coordination 2014. Moreover, Minister Çollaku informed the participants that during 2014, Kosovo received EUR 212.4 million in donations, focusing in economic development and rule of law. The largest donors remained unchanged, such as: the European Union and the United States of America. “Donors supported priority sectors of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo”- stated Minister Çollaku.

Mr Thomas Gnocchi, Head of Political, Economic and EU Integration Section at the EU Office in Kosovo emphasised that according to the Annual Report on Donor Activities, the EU is the largest donor in Kosovo, with almost a half of all the funds received by Kosovo.

“For 2007-2013, the allocation was EUR 637.6 million which makes Kosovo the largest net beneficiary of EU aid per capita (EUR 354.2 per capita). For 2014-2020, the total of EUR 645 million has been allocated under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance”, stated Mr. Gnochi.

Among others, Mr. Gnochi emphasised that EU supported energy efficiency measures in 63 schools throughout Kosovo, and 2 hospitals in Pristina. It extended the water treatment plant at Shipol, Mitrovica, and EU funds have also been used to rehabilitate, extend and upgrade the district heating system in Pristina which has significantly improved heating for over 11,000 households.

The ambassador of the United States in the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Greg Delawie, stated:

“In order for Kosovo to attain sustainable economic development, progress is needed in all field of the National Development Strategy. Kosovo must develop human resources, improve rule of law, increase private sector’s competitiveness and enhance the infrastructure.  The following pillars are listed as priorities for our embassy: improvement of rule of law, regional security and economic development”.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Finances, Mr. Agim Krasniqi presented the Draft-National Development Strategy and the main development priorities of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.