Prishtina, 04.11.2014-With an extensive commitment of many experts of
the Kosovo Geological Service, which operates under MED, as of October
20, 2014, Kosovo is an associate member of the European Geological
Survey – Euro GeoSurvey, resulting after the application submitted in
June this year, said the Minister of Economic Development, Fadil
Ismajli.

Minister Ismajli made these comments in a press conference where he
presented the commitment of the Ministry, respectively KGS to achieve
membership in this European mechanism. Attending this press event was
also the Chief of the Kosovo Geological Service, Fidaim Sahiti.

Minister Ismajli said that the interest of Kosovo’s membership in Euro
GeoSurvey lies in the fact that most of investments in geological data
are channeled through this service.

“It is a major step forward for Kosovo, the membership in international
organizations, which come as a result of the commitment and work of
experts, after requirements have been accomplished. In April this year, a
law on the Geological Survey Kosovo was adopted and the conditions have
been fulfilled in terms of human resources,” said Ismajli.

Minister Ismajli used the opportunity to thank the Croatian Geological
Service for its support which led to this success, and also stressed the
close cooperation with the Geological Service of Albania, for the
implementation of cross-border projects in areas which are of particular
geological interest, as well as the Austrian Geological Service.

According to him, Kosovo will no longer be a black hole, in geological
terms, in Europe, but rather part of Europe, therefore investors and
donors can come in Kosovo through regular and protected channels.

“Also, our staff will have equal access to all scientific achievements
in this regard, and such data will be used and exchanged to the benefit
of such natural resources of Kosovo”, said Ismajli.

In the voting process for Kosovo’s membership in the General Assembly of
Euro GeoSurvey, on October 20, 2014, 18 countries voted in favor, 3
against and two abstained.