Shahini: The US project is an opportunity for Kosovo to have cheaper gas

The President of the Kosovo Business Alliance, Agim Shahini, believes that Kosovo should enter into a long-term energy partnership with the United States through the liquefied natural gas project because it would provide cheaper gas for the economy. Speaking to Kosovo Online, Shahini said that whatever is being offered by the United States should be accepted because it is something beneficial for Kosovo.

Shahini noted that the Government of Kosovo has rejected several US projects on multiple occasions, which has resulted in various sanctions against Kosovo.

“We have paid a high price for the stubborn attitude of our leadership toward America. As the Kosovo Business Alliance, and as citizens of Kosovo, we want to join the gas project as soon as possible. This is a new opportunity for Kosovo, so that we can have a reliable and cheaper gas supply for the economy and production. The Government of Kosovo should take action as soon as possible and say: ‘We are here, we are joining together with all the countries in the Balkans, for the sake of the economy and for our own benefit,’” Shahini said.

In his view, the US gas project is as much political as it is economic.

“Kosovo cannot remain outside this project because we could face additional measures directed against us. At the same time, businesses would have to pay higher prices for electricity and gas. LNG is cheaper, natural, and better,” Shahini assessed.

Asked why the United States raised the issue of Kosovo joining its energy initiative just before the recently held elections in Kosovo, and whether this was a message to the opposition or to Albin Kurti, Shahini said that the US Embassy in Pristina has not interfered in politics for a long time.

“They play their own role, according to their own rules. This came about because the time was right and because it is part of their strategy,” Shahini believes.

On June 4, three days before the elections, US Chargé d’Affaires in Kosovo Anu Prattipati stated that Washington encourages Kosovo to enter into a long-term energy partnership with the United States through liquefied natural gas.