Prishtina, 15.10.2015 – Minister of Economic Development, Blerand Stavileci, stated that our country is making convincing progress towards integration to the regional and European energy market, and moreover we are committed to the expansion of new generating capacities and their diversification.

Minister of Economy made these comments in the opening of the international conference “Energy Market South East Europe 2015” which will take place over October 15 and 16 in Prishtina, organized by Evroenergie LLC, attended by representatives of the Governments of the region and beyond, representatives of the World Bank, Energy Community Treaty and representatives of companies in the energy sector in Europe.

In this context, Minister Stavileci mentioned KOSTT’s membership in ENSO-E, which will open way for KOSTT to start operating as an independent area from December 1, and the project for the 400 kV interconnection line between Kosovo and Albania, which will create conditions for a common market establishing the so-called Balkan Power Exchange, which will may also include Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia, liberalizing the market, ensuring that all the area functions separately as one, which is also the ultimate goal of EU policies on energy.

The minister said that the country is in the beginning stage of initiatives to become part of projects such as TAP and IAP, which give another dimension in terms of diversification of sources.

“We believe that our solutions must be well mixed in terms of actions and resources. In terms of actions, we must develop new generating capacities and already have a basis to reach our ultimate goal. We need to regenerate the existing capacities to cope with the demand”, said Minister Stavileci.

From her part, the German Ambassador in Kosovo, Angelika Viets said that based on the German experience, cooperation on energy issues can be of crucial importance to improve regional cooperation. She added that investments by companies are welcomed in the field of renewable energy, including solar and wind”.

Managing Director of the “Evroenergie” Bahskim Malushaj, stressed that the security of supply, affordability, protection of resources and environment protection are key challenges for energy supply.