The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend foreign aid for three months will have consequences for Pristina as well. Although it is unclear how much of the funds have already been used and how much has been frozen for projects and programs worth around 130 million euros, Pristina will now have to find an alternative to the foreign assistance it has relied on so far.
As a result of Trump’s decision, U.S. donations intended for Pristina to support the judicial system, government transparency and accountability, and energy market improvements have been frozen, reports Koha.
Pristina receives funding from the United States primarily through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Last year, Vjosa Osmani signed an agreement with USAID for a $34.5 million grant.
According to Koha, USAID projects in “Kosovo” include:
- €24 million to support the judicial system,
- €26 million for transparency and citizen engagement in local decision-making,
- €12 million for energy sector improvements,
- and other programs worth around €31 million.
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USAID Has Invested Over $1 Billion in Kosovo—Now an Alternative Must Be Found
It remains unclear how much of the €130 million in total project funds have already been spent and how much remains frozen.
Speaking to Koha, economist Emanuel Bajra emphasized the need for Kosovo to find an alternative to its past reliance on foreign financial assistance.
“We are a growing economy and must find another way, to create a different, more dynamic financial and economic structure in the country, so that dependence on donations is not our main goal—nor the main focus of policymaking. This has historically been the case in Kosovo,” Bajra said.
It is estimated that over the past 25 years, USAID has invested more than $1 billion in Kosovo.
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Source: Euronews, Foto: Printscreen X