The European Investment Bank (EIB), the bank of the European Union, continues to support vital infrastructure in Kosovo by investing €19.8 million for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and the rehabilitation and extension of the existing wastewater collection system in the municipality of Mitrovica. The project will provide access to modern sanitation services to more than 213 000 people while protecting the environment and public health. This is the EIB’s second investment in the water sector in Kosovo since 2020 when the EIB unlocked €11 million for a wastewater treatment facility and the rehabilitation of an existing facility in the municipality of Gjilan.
The development of such major infrastructure will ensure the provision of high-level sanitation services, help decrease environmental pollution and enhance connectivity by reducing trans-boundary contamination, especially in the river Ibar and its tributaries. As the investment will improve living conditions contributing to economic and social resilience and growth, it is being provided under the EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative. The project is supported by both technical assistance and investment grants for preparation and implementation via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and is co-financed with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
EIB Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova, responsible for the Western Balkans said: “We are happy to sign the second investment for the wastewater sector in Kosovo in under two years. The project supports the objectives of the Green Agenda for environmental protection and the Economic and Investment Plan, notably Flagship 7 – Waste and Wastewater Management. Modern sanitation services will considerably improve the quality of life for people in Mitrovica and increase resilience to natural disasters and climate change. On a larger scale, it will promote socioeconomic progress and regional connections, while helping the country address its most pressing infrastructural challenges in line with EU environmental requirements and the sustainable development of the Western Balkan region.”
Hekuran Murati, Minister of Finance and Transfer in the Republic of Kosovo, added: “I welcome and strongly support the inception of the project for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in the Municipality of Mitrovica, which also reflects the Government’s dedication towards fulfilling its promises to the citizens. The project is a firm step towards environmental protection and public health safety, which were highlighted on our Government’s programme. Furthermore, it brings Kosovo closer on its path towards EU accession, through the alignment with the environmental prerequisites, specifically the EU Directive on Urban Waste Water Treatment. We look forward to seeing the project take shape and we are determined to spearhead it to its completion thanks to your continuous support and cooperation.”
Tomáš Szunyog, Head of the EU Office in Kosovo and EU Special Representative. “The European Union as a long-standing supporter of the environment has supported project preparation and is co-financing this important investment with financing of €5 million via WBIF. The project aims to improve environmental conditions by minimising pollution in the trans-boundary river of Ibar and improving the social welfare of people living in the Mitrovica region.”
