Prishtina, 23 March 2026 – The Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, hosted today a high-level delegation of the World Bank Group led by Xiaoqing Yu, Director of the World Bank Division for the Western Balkans, with the participation of Wiebke Schloemer, IFC Director for Europe and Central Asia, and Marcelo Castellanos, IFC Senior Country Manager for Southeast Europe.

The meeting discussed the cooperation so far and the planning for further deepening the partnership in priority areas of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, with a focus on energy and mining.

During the meeting, the very good cooperation between Kosovo institutions and the World Bank Group was highly appreciated, as well as the continuous professional and technical support that this important partner has provided over the years.

Both parties expressed appreciation for the results achieved so far and the willingness to continue cooperation in areas where this partnership has proven success and concrete value, including renewable energy auctions, regulatory sphere, and energy efficiency. Minister Rizvanolli emphasized that the Ministry of Economy considers the World Bank Group a partner of strategic importance, especially in supporting reforms, advancing institutional capacities, and developing projects that contribute to energy security, modernization of the sector, and sustainable economic growth.

The meeting also assessed that the models developed in Kosovo in energy efficiency, including the Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund, are being highly valued and viewed with interest at the regional level as examples of functional solutions.

The World Bank Group delegation reaffirmed its readiness to continue support for Kosovo, in line with the priorities of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and with shared objectives for sustainable development, especially for key sectors such as energy and mining.