An est. €420 million euros have been foreseen by the Kosovo government in order to revive the economy that has suffered damages from the pandemic.

The minister of finance, Hekuran Murati declared that 190 million euros will be coming from the state budget, whereas 230 million euros will be in loans. However, according to the need, Murati admitted, other tools could also be mobilized.

According to officials at Kosovo’s Tax Administration Agency, over 200 businesses have applied for relief packages.

Meanwhile, dozens of others, who have been contacted by Euronews Albania, say that they weren’t aware of any distribution of state funding, or they say that the criteria set up by the government are unattainable.

According to Dardan Abazi, researcher at the INDEP (Institute for Developmental Politics), the problem lies with the lack of an informative campaign regarding this government funding. According to him, this is more than just “an initiative to make it look like we are actually working” by the government of Kosovo.

Abazi added that this is being testified by the application of only 200 businesses from around 200 thousand that are currently registered in the system.

Meanwhile, according to economy expert, Safet Gerxhaliu, the economy of Kosovo has been given a helping hand by the diaspora and the earnings of emigrants.

“The biggest effect in the economic recovery in Kosovo has been the contribution of the diaspora, not the packages approved and supported by the Parliament of Kosovo,” – said the expert.

Meanwhile, several days ago, the government also adopted a fund, valued at 17 million euros, which will be part of a financial assistance package, so that the support for retired citizens and families on government support can continue until the end of the year.