Djogovic: Statements about possible conflicts in Kosovo are harmful, capital is the "most fearful commodity"

Economic analyst Sasa Djogovic stated that the constant escalation of tensions and statements from Pristina officials about potential conflicts are detrimental to investments because “capital is the most fearful commodity.” As a result, Kosovo ranked among the lowest in direct foreign investments in the Western Balkans last year.

“Politicians are supposed to find solutions through diplomacy and peaceful means, not create turbulence that teeters on the edge of war escalation. This is not good for capital, as it is the most fearful commodity. It quickly relocates and leaves these areas, not just Kosovo, since we are all interconnected,” Djogovic told Kosovo Online.

The President of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, Lulzim Rafuna, also stated that claims by Kosovo officials about the risk of war have driven away foreign investors.

Djogovic fully agrees with this statement.

"Such remarks are harmful, as they only serve to escalate tensions, frighten potential investors, and encourage those already present to consider leaving the market,” the economic analyst emphasized.

He points out that this is evident in the level of foreign direct investment, which was the lowest in Kosovo last year compared to the entire Western Balkans region.

“In Kosovo last year, foreign direct investments amounted to just over 800 million euros, whereas in central Serbia, they reached a record 5.2 billion euros. Within the Western Balkans, only Bosnia and Herzegovina performed worse than Kosovo, with close to 800 million euros in investments due to its ongoing political crisis between the two entities. This certainly does not contribute to economic growth or an improved standard of living. It is not a ‘win-win’ situation for either Kosovo or central Serbia, and especially not for the people of Kosovo,” Djogovic noted.

He reminds that politicians should focus on improving the quality of life for their citizens rather than creating instability and tension.

Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, he warned, serve as prime examples of this issue.

“The regions of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have the lowest levels of foreign direct investment, even lower than tiny Montenegro. This is precisely due to heightened political instability and the inability to reach agreements through peaceful, compromise-driven solutions without escalating tensions or making extreme demands. Politicians are meant to bring prosperity to their people, regardless of nationality, and improve their quality of life. They are not put in power to incite tensions and call for war,” Djogovic stated.

He added that politicians must not sacrifice public interests for their own gains.

“Let’s not forget, a human life is not as long as that of a Galapagos tortoise. The little time we have should be lived in peace and quality, not in constant conflict and rising tensions, where only narrow interests prevail, while those in power line their pockets under the guise of serving the public good,” Djogovic concluded.