site.btaTrade, Economic Ties Are Drivers of Prosperity but Do Not Occur in Vacuum, Kosovo's Economy Minister Says

Addressing the Vienna Economic Forum at the Boyana Residence in Sofia on Monday, Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli said that the importance of the slogan "Economy meets Politics" has never been greater than today. The energy crisis following the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the escalation of tensions in the Middle East are a reminder that trade and economic ties are drivers of prosperity, but they do not occur in a vacuum as economists sometimes like to think, she warned.

Rizvanolli pointed out that economy and geopolitics are closely intertwined, and this is evident in the supply of oil and natural gas, microchips and semiconductors, as well as the disrupted shipping in the Red Sea. In her words, economic interdependence reveals weaknesses. However, this does not mean countries should avoid cooperation, but on the contrary, they should strengthen it, Rizvanolli stressed.

She noted that Kosovo has adopted an ambitious strategy in the spirit of mutual cooperation and fighting climate change. Despite being the third largest energy reserve country in Europe, Kosovo has built a solar park lowering its electricity price by 35% to EUR 48 per MWh.

Rizvanolli underscored that Kosovo will continue to work for better economic integration in the region and in the EU with a young and skilled workforce.