EU punitive measures, over 613 million euros suspended for Kosovo for two years

The punitive measures imposed on Kosovo by the European Union have brought financial consequences. Over 613 million euros is considered to be the value of projects that have been suspended, while over 7 million have been lost completely. The gradual lifting of the measures has been announced by Kaja Kallas but it has not been clarified when they will be completely lifted.

Kosovo has been under punitive measures from the European Union for two years. High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas announced their gradual lifting, conditional on the situation on the ground in the north.

The European Union has not clarified which measures are being lifted first or when they will be completely lifted.

However, what is known are the financial consequences of these measures, where some of the projects that were planned to be implemented have been suspended while others have been lost entirely.

 "The total value of these projects is 613.4 million euros. 7.1 million euros of this value have been lost in total as a result of exceeding the allowed deadlines for initiating procedures for certain projects. These measures have directly impacted the implementation of projects financed by IPA funds in the amount of 218 million euros and WBIF in the amount of 395.5 million euros," Adelina Rukolli from the GAP Institute told A2 CNN.

IPA funds have affected agreements signed in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and an unprocessed agreement from 2024.

Meanwhile, eight applications for grants and loans from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) have been blocked. Two of them in 2023 and six others in 2024.

"The most affected sectors include the environment with 350.7 million euros, energy with 114.4 million euros, digitalization with 57 million euros and culture with 15 million euros," Rukolli emphasized to A2 CNN .

The biggest losers are considered to be citizens, as there are projects that include the expansion of the sewage network or even the heating plant.

The punitive measures were imposed after unrest in four northern municipalities where Serbs opposed the decision to allow Albanian mayors to enter municipal buildings. (A2 Televizion)