Sljuka: Institutions will feel the impact of the US decision to suspend foreign aid the most NGO

New Social Initiative" associate Aleksandar Sljuka stated to Kosovo Online that Kosovo receives a significant amount of money through the US Agency for International Development, USAID, and other American organizations providing foreign aid, noting that $100 million alone goes towards strengthening and building the capacity of various institutions. Thus, the decision by the new US administration to suspend foreign aid for 90 days for a review will significantly affect Kosovo.

"This decision does not only apply to new projects but also to existing ones, and it is the institutions that will feel the most severe negative consequences. In addition to these, civil society organizations that have numerous projects, not just USAID projects—which are the most representative and probably the most helpful—but also NED, INL, and numerous other organizations will likely be affected by this decision. There is also direct aid from the US embassy, which is provided to civil society organizations or some institutions," explains Sljuka.

He says that governments and institutions in many countries depend on American aid and cannot survive without it, nor can they maintain the level of services, development, and progress because their economies are not strong enough.

"The European Union measures introduced a year and a half ago, which pertained to pre-accession funds, have already somewhat affected Kosovo, denying it the opportunity to progress and develop, so I think this will be a major blow," Sljuka assesses.

He mentions that some countries and projects are exempt from the decision to suspend subsidies, such as Israel and Egypt, and it remains to be seen if there will be other exceptions during the 90 days and whether the decision will continue to be valid after that period.

"It will be very difficult. This is a blow to the economy as well as to democracy, the defense of human rights, the rule of law, and various other aspects," Sljuka highlights.