Statistics for a

green future
FACTSHEETS ON THE
WESTERN BALKANS AND TURKEY 2022 edition
Kosovo
Population, 2020 Population density, 2019
(million, 1 January) (persons per km2)

1.8 163.4
Most similar EU Member State: Most similar EU Member State:
Latvia: 1.9 Denmark: 138.5
Note: Kosovo: data supplied by and under the responsibility
of the national statistical authority.

Organic crop area, 2020 Greenhouse gas emissions relative to population size
(share of utilised agricultural area) (tonnes of CO2 equivalent per thousand inhabitants)

10 000

9.1% 8 000

Data not 43.5 6 000

available 4 000

2 000

0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Kosovo EU
Kosovo EU

Energy imports dependency Exports and imports of all energy products relative to
(% of energy consumption covered by imports) population size
(thousand tonnes of oil equivalent per thousand inhabitants)

297.0
55.8 57.5 268.8

29.5 93.8 91.5

24.6 29.6
50.8
1.5 6.6
2010 2020 2010 2020
2010 2020
Import Export
Kosovo EU Kosovo EU

Primary production from renewables and other fuels, 2020

(thousand tonnes of oil equivalent)

Renewables 339
(17.8%) Renewables
234 180
(40.8%)
339 529
1 562 (59.2%)
(82.2%) Other fuels
Other fuels

Kosovo EU
Statistics for a green future – factsheets on the Western Balkans and Turkey 17
 Gross electricity production, 2020 Share of renewable electricity production in final
(gigawatt-hour per thousand inhabitants) consumption of electricity
(%)

44.2%

6.2 26.1%

3.8 3.8%
7.4%

2010 2020 2010 2020

Kosovo EU Kosovo EU

Share of renewables in final energy consumption, 2020 Final energy consumption of renewables
(% of total final energy consumption) relative to poulation size
(tonnes of oil equivalent of renewable energy per thousand inhabitants)

250

200

150
24.4% Kosovo 100

EU 50

11.8% 0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Kosovo EU

Number of passenger cars Municipal waste generated, relative to population size, 2020
(per thousand inhabitants) (kilograms per inhabitant)

76 481
2010 2010
505
530 256
172
2018 2018
Kosovo EU Kosovo EU

Final energy consumption of renewables by sector, 2020

(% of final consumption of renewables)

3.9% 3.7%

22.7%
Households 28.9%

Industry

92.4% Other 48.4%

Kosovo EU

18 Statistics for a green future – factsheets on the Western Balkans and Turkey
 What is the
European Green Deal?

December 2019
#EUGreenDeal

The European Green Deal is about improving the well-being of people. Making
Europe climate-neutral and protecting our natural habitat will be good for people,
planet and economy. No one will be left behind.
The EU will:

Become Protect human life, Help companies Help ensure a

climate-neutral animals and plants, become world leaders just and inclusive
by 2050 by cutting pollution in clean products and transition
technologies

“The European Green Deal is our new growth strategy.

It will help us cut emissions while creating jobs.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

“We propose a green and inclusive transition to help

improve people’s well-being and secure a healthy planet
for generations to come.”
Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

93% 93% 79%

of Europeans see of Europeans have taken agree that taking action
climate change as at least one action on climate change will
a serious problem to tackle climate change lead to innovation
 CLIMATE
The EU will be climate neutral in 2050.
The Commission will propose a European Climate Law turning the political
commitment into a legal obligation and a trigger for investment.
Reaching this target will require action by all sectors of our economy:

ENERGY
Decarbonise the The production and use of
energy sector energy account for more than
75% of the EU’s
What will greenhouse gas emissions

PDF ISBN 978-92-76-13629-3 doi:10.2775/275924 NA-03-19-927-EN-N

Print ISBN 978-92-76-13661-3 doi:10.2775/97540 NA-03-19-927-EN-C
we do?
BUILDINGS
Renovate buildings, to help 40% of our
people cut their energy energy consumption
bills and energy use is by buildings

INDUSTRY
Support industry to European industry
innovate and to become only uses
global leaders in the
green economy
12%
recycled materials

MOBILITY
Roll out cleaner, cheaper Transport represents
and healthier forms of 25%
private and public transport of our emissions
 October 2023

Implementing

A GREEN
AGENDA for the
Western Balkans
5 MAIN PILLARS
Decarbonisation and climate resilience
Circular economy
#EIP Depollution: air, water & soil
#GreenAgenda Sustainable food systems & rural areas

#WesternBalkans Biodiversity: protection & restoration of

ecosystems

The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is the
blueprint for a 2050 future of climate neutrality and
environmental sustainability. The five-pillar agenda
is aligned with the ambitions of the European Green
Deal and it relies on urgent regulatory reforms and
significant investments.
The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is shared
between the region and the European Union, having been
adopted with the Economic and Investment Plan for
the Western Balkans and endorsed by the leaders of the
region through the Sofia Declaration in November 2020.

The Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) promotes the
implementation of the Agenda through four flagships that
extend over one or more pillars. They are related to:
Environment and climate
Clean energy
Sustainable transport
Since 2021, the European Commission has committed
€1.25 billion to support the implementation of the Green
Agenda, including technical assistance and investments in
energy efficiency, renewable energy, transition from coal
and investments in environmental management. Further
investments and grants under the Western Balkans
Investment Framework (WBIF) will support the green
transition, together with the recently adopted Energy
Support Package for the Western Balkans.

Private sector development

Enlargement
Negotiations
 Environment and climate
> The EU4Green programme is supporting the region across the pillars of the
Green Agenda and focusing on improving awareness and communication on
the Green Agenda, strategies to finance the green transition and fostering
green skills.
> Air pollution in the Western Balkans is one of the highest in Europe. The EU
is assisting the region in aligning with EU standards related to air quality,
water and wastewater management. This includes the modernisation of
air and water monitoring systems, and supporting water and wastewater
management investment projects in Podgorica, Skopje, Belgrade and
Sarajevo. The EU supports Kosovo* through the EU4Environment
programme in addressing environmental hazards emerging from air, water
and waste pollution.
> The Green Agenda commits the Western Balkans to move towards
circular economy by improving waste management; increasing resource
productivity; establishing innovative and more efficient ways of producing
and consuming and introducing circularity in business models. The EU is
supporting waste management programmes in Albania, North Macedonia
and Serbia.
> IPARD (IPA Rural Development) programmes in Albania, North Macedonia,
Montenegro and Serbia support agribusiness and farms in their green and
digital transition, and implementation of more sustainable models of
food production. In North Macedonia, the EU4Prespa project supports
the implementation of the Green Agenda in the transboundary Prespa
lake area, focussing on, among others, greening of agriculture and local
business as well as biodiversity.

Clean energy
> In December 2022, the Western Balkans adopted the 2030 climate and
energy targets under the Energy Community Treaty.
> EIP Clean energy transition flagships focus on investments in renewable
energy sources, energy efficiency and supporting the transition from coal,
contributing to the decarbonisation objectives of the Green Agenda and
the 2030 climate and energy targets. The WBIF is supporting 17 flagship
investment projects of solar and wind energy plants, rehabilitating existing
hydropower plants and improving the electricity transmission network.
> The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme drives the renovation wave by
scaling up comprehensive energy efficiency measures in public, residential
and private buildings.
> To help the transition from coal in the region, the EU has been supporting
the platform for Coal Regions in Transition in the Western Balkans.

* This designation is without prejudice to position on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
 Sustainable transport
> The Western Balkans are implementing the Sustainable and Smart Mobility
Strategy. The implementation of this strategy and modernisation of existing
infrastructure is supported through the Safe and Sustainable Transport
Programme to support smart and sustainable mobility solutions through
decarbonisation and digitalisation.
> The EU is also supporting the development of Tirana’s first electric bus
rapid transport system to combat high levels of air pollution and traffic
congestion.

Private sector development

> Small and medium enterprises are key players in the shift towards a
sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral
and resilient economy.
> The EIP focuses on supporting SMEs and directs significant investments
towards innovation and green growth. This includes dedicated private sector
blending schemes within WBIF, including SMEs Go Green, Climate Programme,
Green Finance for Inclusion and Green for Growth, promoting green lending.

© European Union, 2023

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THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL is not a single strategy that provides the solution for Europe’s many environmental and
climate related challenges. The goal of the European Green Deal is to make Europe the first climate neutral continent by
2050. The European Green Deal also aims to help boost the economy and improve the health and quality of life of
European Citizens.

8 Mill species are at risk of extinction on the planet, with forests and oceans polluted and destroyed. Yet, current policies
might downsize greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050 only. Particularly, de-carbonization, relying on a
comprehensive, integrated industrial strategy, with energy-intensive industries emitting roughly 15% of overall worldwide
CO2 emissions, is especially relevant, because the use of coal still accounts for 47.6% in countries like China. Nevertheless,
the trend across the EU has been that of reducing its consumption, supply and production since the 1990s.

The Western Balkans – are one of the region in Europe most heavily affected by the impact of climate change, with
estimates of temperature increases of 1.7- 4.0 °C, and even exceeding 5.0°C by the end of the century. Also, they register
CO2 emissions 3 times higher than the European Union average. Coal is still crucial to the energy sector across the area,
accounting for about 70% of electricity produced there, with some countries reaching even 97%. Across our region, all
except Albania, are highly dependent on coal, with Serbia chairing the bad performer’s group.

Rather, the European Green Deal presents a collection of targets, intentions and objectives that will be implemented over
the next ten years. It provides the overarching framework for the necessary green transition. The success of the overall
EGD will depend on the elaboration and later the implementation of a myriad of strategies and regulations in the eight
key areas, as outlined below:

1) Increasing the EU’s climate ambition for 2030 and 2050

2) Supplying clean, affordable, secure energy
3) Mobilizing industry for a clean and circular economy
4) Building and renovating in an energy and resource efficient way
5) A zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment
6) Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity
7) Farm to Fork: a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system
) Accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility

At the EU level it has been acknowledged that achieving climate-neutrality without transitioning to a fully circular economy
is not feasible. Therefore, the core of the EU Green Deal incorporates a new Circular Economy Action Plan, whereas value
and resources are maintained in the economy for as long as possible and waste generation is minimized. Particularly with
a look at de-carbonization, the EU Green Deal proposes to cut 55% greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The example of
strengthening the ambitions for greenhouse gas emission reductions shows how difficult it will be to reconcile different
interests and, ultimately, to achieve the overarching goal of contributing to the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate
Agreement. While the goal of 55% emission reduction is criticized by scientists and climate activists, certain actors whose
livelihood depends on fossil fuels, perceive it as too high.

Among the Western Balkans hydropower is an alternative to coal, with Albania being the leader. Also, Montenegro has
shown its continued interest in building new hydropower plants. North Macedonia too relies on this source of energy.
Concerning with Kosovo, whether multiple smaller hydropower and renewable energy facilities exist, their capabilities are
not fully used, despite availability. In 2019 only, lignite accounted for 94.5% of total generation, followed by hydropower
(3.7%), wind power (1.6%) and solar (0.2%). Last good news are that Kosovo will become the first economy in the Western
Balkans region to use solar power to heat homes.
The Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers signed a financing agreement on the Solar4Kosovo district heating project.
The project is worth more than €80 million and includes two grants from Germany’s KfW and the European Union (EU)
worth €31.6 and €21.5 million, respectively. The rest of the project is being financed by a loan from the EBRD in the amount
of €23.2 million.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is helping to boost much-needed energy efficiency
investments in Kosovo through a €2 million loan to Kreditimi Rural i Kosoves (KRK), a microfinance institution focusing on
rural areas of the country. Furthermore, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance provides additional funds for technical
assistance.

The creation of a European Sustainability Culture was a reoccurring topic. The idea and suggestion is to create a new
leading narrative in Europe that is centered on sustainability. A European sustainability narrative can help to create and
sustain public support for the transformation.

Another crucial aspect will be to leave no one behind and make sure the most vulnerable are not disproportionately
affected in a negative way. In addition, it is important that citizen’s feel that their opinions and concerns are taken
seriously. The European Union has a poor track record of representative democracy when it comes to climate policy.
However, the European Commission has very little experience with these exercises and should learn from the regional
and local level initiatives that already exist.

In light of the past Covid-19 crisis that hit Europe fairly unprepared, resilience and foresight have become widely discussed
topics. Resilience (the capacity of systems to prepare for, respond to, and recover from risks) should be used as a compass
for the systemic transformation towards a sustainable society. One key aspect is that we need political leadership to drive
the transformation forward.

While COVID-19 has drawn resources and attention away from the environmental crises to some extent, commitment to
the EGD and the green transformation remains high. The recovery program “Next Generation EU” and its Recovery and
Resilience Facility have dedicated 25% of its fund towards climate related activities. The response should be a process of
discovery rather than recovery so that no new money is given to old ideas and particularly fossil fuel based economic
activities. The way out of the crisis presents a chance of accelerating the transition envisaged by the EGD, the 2030 Agenda
and the Paris Agreement.

Overall, Kosova has some level of preparation on areas related to the Green Agenda and sustainable connectivity. Kosova
is actively participating in the Transport Community and Energy Community meetings. Like all Western Balkans, Kosovo
endorsed the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans at the Sofia Summit in November 2020. It made some progress during
the reporting period in the energy sector, notably with the increased investments in renewables. Despite this progress,
Kosovo remains heavily reliant on coal. Limited progress was made in the areas of transport, environment and climate
change. Kosovo needs to substantially increase its ambition to properly implement EU standards on transport and
environment. Administrative capacities needs to be reinforced in all sectors. Strategies, action plans and legislation in
these sectors need to be more consistent among themselves and with the principles and objectives of the Green Agenda.

I. IMPLEMENTING THE GREEN AGENDA AND ENSURING A JUST TRANSITION:

Local level:

• Strengthen local governance capacities to improve the ability of local governments in the Western Balkans to conduct
proper environmental impact assessments, and decentralize the implementation of the Green Agenda.
• Raise awareness about the importance of clean energy and environmental protection both among the population and
at the policy level, including by sensitizing youth to the severity of the issue and the potential for the future of the energy
transition through education. More public campaigns are needed to place climate change more squarely on the political
agenda.
• Counter public apprehensions of being confronted with unsightly renewables technologies in their immediate vicinity
through decentralized energy grids, strategic landscaping, educational campaigns, and positive messaging.
National level:
• Decentralize the implementation of the Green Agenda by incorporating local municipalities and encouraging more
private sector involvement to relieve some of the burden on national public administrations.
• Reconsider national industrial policies in order to adapt them to the new objectives set out by the Green Agenda and
align them with the EU acquis.
• Strengthen collaboration with the banking system in promoting green financing.
• Ensure sustainable sourcing of the materials used to build up renewables. Too often, the construction and maintenance
of renewable energy production capacities has caused high levels of emissions and environmental damage.
• Prioritize transitioning in the heating and transportation sectors as they require shifts toward more renewables most
urgently; energy efficiency could best be improved in the construction sector.
• Respect emission limits that governments have committed to and avoid subsidies absorbing energy costs and funding
black and brown energy.
• Look beyond short-term plans that would secure re-election and envisage a long-term transition strategy that goes
beyond procuring sufficient heating for voters this winter.
• Work to find a sustainable balance between economic and environmental interests instead of posing the question which
of the two should be prioritized.
• Ensure a “just” transition by assuring that the social impact of the Green Agenda finds consideration in all
implementation mechanisms. Democracy and rule of law are critical components to assure enforcement of existing laws,
strengthen business’ position and security, and empowering communal approaches.

Regional level:

• Strengthen regional cooperation to ease the green transition by lowering costs and avoiding inefficient parallel
structures in implementing the Green Agenda. Regional alliances are crucial to the transition process, both in the form of
stronger partnerships between the Western Balkans (WB) and the EU on the one hand, as well as among WB countries on
the other.

• Maintain momentum for the Green Agenda by aligning Western Balkans markets more closely with European Union
(EU) schemes and recognize that the implementation of the Green Agenda is a crucial step in the EU accession process of
the WB.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Local level:

• Promote circular economy (CE) approaches at all levels of the region and across the entire value chain.
• Raise awareness for CE to boost public support through campaigns that introduce the full prices of products, such as the
“Pay As You Throw” scheme.
• Counteract the public misconception of CE as a form of waste management with awareness and education campaigns
that explain the complexity of the issue and emphasize the immense potential benefits inherent in CE.

National level:

• Include CE in legislation and strategic documents since funds cannot be properly allocated if circular economy is not
explicitly named in the relevant decision papers.
• Make relevant data on CE approaches more readily available.
• Increase funds set aside for CE, especially in the form of environment schemes.
• Seek out a wider exchange with businesses and non-governmental organizations aimed at building compromise and
partnerships in securing energy and raw resources, as well as protecting employment.

Recommendations for for Experts, Civil Society, and the Media

Media plays an important role in educating and communicating environmental issues, encouraging the community to
actively participate in climate change adaptation, and protect environmental sustainability to prevent a climate crisis. This
role is known as Green Media. The importance of programs dealing with climate change-related issues is influenced by
how the media cover and frame the programs’ impacts and solutions for climate change.

The media themselves, such as the press, television, or the Internet, are the result, or product of human creativity and are
guided by the dominant informational, including the sender and recipient of the transmitted information. We also know
very well that apart from the informational and communicational functions, the media have an overwhelming influence
on society, co-create people’s attitudes, choices, and behaviour. The media decide in a very plastic and effective, or even
in a “programmed” way, about how they shape views, opinions, observations, and regularities in many areas of life.

Overall, the media communications strategy should:

 Emphasise the urgency (of the climate crisis)

 Inform citizens
 Change behaviours

According to the Eurobarometer, 93 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about the climate. But it seems
some people are confused and are not sure what to do. Because of this, we should use the channels that most of citizens
use, particularly when it comes to social media, to communicate some of the personal benefits of reversing climate
change. One of the key messages should also be: CITIZENS’ DAILY ACTIONS MATTER. Beyond disseminating information
and raising awareness, we must change behaviours. We must take actions that change the way we live our lives, and
media has a crucial role in this goal.

• The media needs to improve its expertise and reporting on climate change issues in order to effectively educate the
public.

• Experts on the environment and energy transition need to be more vocal in order to uphold pressure and prevent
governmental inertia. While ineffectiveness was often ascribed to insufficient funds, much of this could be circumvented
with unlocking business potential and empowering communities.

• Experts should liaise with activists to help them formulate simple narratives and calls to action for the public in order to
overcome lacking awareness and misconceptions that can easily be exploited by right-wing narratives.

• Experts should provide recommendations to policy-makers lacking specific expertise that cannot be expected to draft
detailed solutions to the energy crisis.

• Raise awareness of parliamentarians about the benefits of the Green Agenda and CE.