American Chamber of Commerce: American liquefied natural gas should become a strategic priority for Kosovo

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo has called on the Government of Kosovo to treat access to liquefied natural gas from the United States (LNG) and the development of the necessary gas infrastructure as a national strategic priority.

OEAK emphasizes that in addition to economic and energy benefits, such an orientation would further strengthen Kosovo's strategic coordination with the United States of America, as its most important strategic partner.

"Kosovo's energy system continues to rely heavily on aging lignite-fired power plants, while electricity imports continue to be a significant burden on the economy. Planned overhauls of existing generation capacities, increasing energy demand, and increasing exposure to market fluctuations further emphasize the need for a more diversified and resilient energy mix," the announcement states.

The American Chamber recalls that significant LNG infrastructure and energy interconnection projects are underway throughout Southeast Europe, creating new opportunities for countries to secure access to diversified gas sources and strengthen their energy security.

"While neighboring countries are positioning themselves within these new energy corridors, Kosovo risks remaining outside a regional architecture that is becoming increasingly decisive for economic competitiveness and long-term security of supply.

"The challenge facing Kosovo is no longer the availability of supply, but the country's willingness to utilize it," it further states.

OEAK further emphasizes that this requires strategic investments in infrastructure, modernization of the legal and regulatory framework for natural gas, as well as stronger engagement with strategic partners. Investing in infrastructure that enables access to LNG from the US would also contribute to strengthening Kosovo's strategic alignment, at a time when energy security and geopolitical security are increasingly intertwined.

"Beyond strengthening energy security, access to gas would help reduce dependence on costly electricity imports, provide greater flexibility for the integration of renewable energy sources, and increase the competitiveness of Kosovo's industries at a time when European Union regulatory requirements related to carbon emissions are becoming more stringent and as such will affect exporters."

Consequently, the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo calls on the Government to demonstrate political will by taking concrete steps towards Kosovo's integration into regional gas networks. Lack of action risks prolonging the country's energy vulnerability and limiting its economic potential, while timely action can help ensure a more sustainable, competitive, and secure energy future," the response states.