Sofia, 24.04.2024 – Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti, and Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli participated in the Vienna Economic Forum held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

In his address, Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the importance of cooperation, solidarity, and communication among regional countries. Speaking about technological developments, he mentioned the positive aspects that also serve to strengthen bridges of cooperation among us but also highlighted their intentional misuse by autocrats who view technology as a tool to undermine democracy and security.

Continuing his speech, he highlighted Kosovo’s vision for this field, the development witnessed in the information technology sector, the steps being taken by the Government, and the opportunities our country offers.

“I am convinced that we can unlock the region’s potential. We can strengthen our democracy and promote an economic structure ready for the future. As a Government, we bear the responsibility to expand and enhance opportunities for our citizens, not diminish them. We understand the success formula: it relies on integrated economies, common rules and standards, and the four freedoms established by the European Union as the world’s largest economic area”, Prime Minister Kurti said.

In her speech at the Forum, Minister Rizvanolli emphasized that economic interconnection with other states makes us sensitive to geopolitical developments and does not mean that we should cease cooperation, on the contrary, it means we should strengthen it. However, economic cooperation must be based on common goals and values such as democracy and human rights.

Minister Rizvanolli affirmed that Kosovo, with the progress made in democratization and combating corruption, has become more attractive to foreign investments, and this was also proved by the success of our first solar auction, which concluded at a price of 48.88 EUR/MWh, 35% lower than the initial price of 75 EUR/MWh. Trust in institutions and the implementation of a fair and transparent process were key to achieving this result.

“Kosovo, with its skilled youth, full internet coverage, increasingly improved road and railway connections with the region, as well as electronic identification system and digitalization, will continue to contribute to the vision of an economically integrated Europe with shared values”, added Rizvanolli.

She also emphasized that Kosovo and regional countries should be invited to actively participate and contribute to EU’s policy decisions that concern everyone.

Minister Rizvanolli was welcomed by Minister of Economy and Industry Petko Nikolov, to whom she congratulated on his new position, and they agreed to continue and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

On another note, the Vienna Economic Forum was established in 2024 with the main objective of promoting economic cooperation. Member countries of the Vienna Economic Forum are Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, and Ukraine.