Just transition stakeholders participated in a dedicated workshop in Pristina, Kosovo* on 26 April 2023. The event was organised by the Secretariat of the Initiative for coal regions in transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine in close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Kosovo. The benefits and challenges of the just transition were the key topics of the workshop. 

Opening remarks were delivered by Leonita Shabani-Mullarama, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, and Alessandro Bianciardi, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Office in Kosovo. Scene-setting presentations were given by a representative from the European Commission (DG NEAR) and the Secretariat of the Initiative. The second part of the morning session delved deeper into experiences from the coal regions exchange program.

Participants from the Ministry of Economy, Kosovo Energy Cooperation, University of Pristina, and the Ministry of Environment Spatial Planning and Infrastructure shared their views on the transition from coal to renewable energy sources. Another panel discussion addressed the social, environmental, and health aspects of the just transition. The day concluded with a discussion of tangible steps for a successful transition away from coal in Kosovo.

Several important stakeholders, such as the Balkan Green Foundation, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Municipality of Obiliq, and UBT University, enhanced the quality of meaningful dialogue during the workshop.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.