This Monday, Kosovo marks the 17th anniversary of its independence. Since the establishment of the state, nearly all political parties in the country have been in power. However, over these years, Kosovo has struggled to achieve economic stability. Additionally, since June 2023, the country remains under sanctions from the European Union due to the situation in the north.
One of Kosovo’s major challenges remains the high level of poverty and unemployment compared to other countries in the region. According to the latest World Bank report, only 37% of the working-age population in Kosovo is employed.
Economics professor Ilir Hajdini highlighted some economic achievements over the past 17 years.
“Kosovo has experienced continuous economic growth over the past 20 years. The most notable projects worth mentioning include highways that connect Kosovo with Albania, such as the ‘Ibrahim Rugova’ Highway and the highway linking Pristina with Skopje. In the energy sector, we have also seen the integration of Kosovo’s and Albania’s electricity markets, facilitated by German investors. In terms of foreign investments, we have witnessed slow but steady growth,” Hajdini stated.
Economic expert Safet Gërxhaliu emphasized the need for Kosovo to align with European and global economic trends.
*“The mere fact that we lack investments and foreign investors is the biggest loss. I believe that Kosovo’s biggest source of pride in these past 17 years is the significant advancement of the private sector, which has progressed far more than politics. Additionally, the contribution of the diaspora has been highly evident in Kosovo’s socio-economic landscape. However, it is now crucial to establish a proper dialogue and strengthen this partnership because only in this way can we move forward.
It is time to follow European and global trends rather than constantly dwelling on the past. Promoting Kosovo-made products, despite the challenges, on the international stage is something that makes Kosovo’s economy proud. The private sector is the only guarantee for sustainable economic development,”* Gërxhaliu stated.
According to former Minister of Trade and Industry, Ismet Mulaj, while structural reforms have been introduced since independence to support businesses, they have not been sufficient.
*“There have indeed been structural reforms beneficial to businesses in Kosovo, but they have not been enough. We started from zero, and the first years, especially after the war, were years of reconstruction and the beginning of a new life. New legislation had to be built, but it was not always based on Kosovo’s real economic circumstances, as the country did not have a developed economy.
The post-war period created a new tradition. Following the declaration of independence, various governments implemented some reforms, including three fiscal reform packages beneficial for Kosovo. However, economic dynamics evolve rapidly, and economic legislation should have been adapted to the new developments in Kosovo,”* Mulaj explained.
Kosovo imports the majority of its products from neighboring countries, global markets, and the European Union. The youngest state in Europe and beyond had a budget of €1.027 billion in 2008, whereas for 2025, the budget has reached €3.6 billion.
