Liberalization of the energy market, businesses in Kosovo protest today with road blockades

Businesses in Kosovo have announced a protest, which will begin at 10:00 AM today, with the blocking of access roads to the capital.

Sources for A2 CNN indicate that the protest will be held against the liberalization of the electricity market. The acting government of Kosovo has announced that at its request, the National Council for Economy and Investment, on Wednesday held a meeting with chambers of commerce and manufacturing businesses regarding the process of liberalizing the electricity market.

The announcement of the meeting states that the Government will continue intensive communication and cooperation with businesses, as emphasized, "to help them face these challenges."

The announcement quotes acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and acting Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, reports A2 CNN.

"As a next concrete step, a joint meeting was agreed between electricity suppliers in Kosovo and companies expected to enter the open market, where the parties will exchange practical information, in order to increase competition and better information, so that businesses can make more favorable choices," the announcement states.

The announcement states that the Director of the ERO Board, Ymer Fejzullahu, has announced that since the meeting on May 19, 2025, ERO has had communications with licensed suppliers.

According to the announcement, the acting CEO of KEK, Gramoz Hashani, has clarified the option of the supplier of last resort for companies that fail to sign supply contracts before entering the open market.

"He informed the participants that companies that have not been able to secure regular supply contracts should sign a contract with KEK to benefit from this opportunity offered by the legislation," the announcement states, writes A2 CNN.

Businesses have warned that on Thursday, in a sign of dissatisfaction with the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) to enter the open market, which is expected to come into force starting June 1, they will block the three main entrances to Pristina, from Veternik, from Fushë-Kosovo and from Podujevo.

Based on ERO's decision, businesses that have over 50 employees and over 100 million euros in turnover are forced to choose where they will be supplied with energy at prices not regulated by ERO. (A2 Televizion)