EIC in Media

We are happy to announce that EIC will be part of EU Industry Week 2021. EU Industry Week is Europe’s flagship annual event on the industry. It serves as the main platform to discuss industrial challenges and co-develop opportunities and policy responses in an inclusive dialogue with a wide range of partners.

The EIC proposal on “Increasing Kosovo's economic competitiveness in the post-Covid-19 era ", is the only proposal from the business associations of the Western Balkans that has been selected to be supported by DG Grow. Furthermore, this event will be organized in close coordination with the EU Office in Kosovo and will take place on 25 March.

December, 2020

On 15 December 2020, the European Investors Council (EIC) organized a high level conference on the occasion of the publication of the White Book 2020. Present in the meeting were, His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Kosovo Mr. Avdullah Hoti, His Excellency Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog, the Head of the EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative, EBRD Head of Kosovo Mr. Neil Taylor, as well as other participants.

In his introductory speech, the Vice-Chairman of the EIC Board, Mr. Robert Wright, also the CEO of Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo, pointed out the importance of publishing the White Book designed to outline recommendations for improving the investment climate in Kosovo. The publication aims to contribute to a structured and long lasting dialogue and partnership between the private sector and the Government of Kosovo.

His Excellency Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog, Head of the EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative as the guest of honor at this event, congratulated the EIC for the work done with the publication of the White Book 2020. He recalled that the EU is the largest investor and economic partner of Kosovo, so our collective effort should be to support Kosovo in enabling better conditions for doing business during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Underlining the importance of current European investors, Ambassador Szunyog stressed that it is very important for the Government to understand which business barriers exist and that the Government should work on eliminating them within a reasonable time, given that investments are essential in creating new jobs and improving the lives of people inKosovo.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Abdullah Hoti, congratulated EIC for the publication of the White Book 2020 and stated that the Government he leads will take the findings and recommendations given by foreign investors in our country very seriously. PM Hoti noted that EIC is becoming a powerful voice representing the interests of foreign investors in our country.

The floor was subsequently given to Mr. Neil Taylor, Head of EBRD in Kosovo. He stated that the EBRD remains a serious partner and committed together with the institutions of Kosovo to advance the processes that promote the economic development of Kosovo.

Mr. Emrush Ujkani then continued with the presentation of the White Book 2020 and the main findings that have been identified, as well as the recommendations for the relevant institutions of Kosovo.

Mr. Ujkani emphasized that the EIC will continue to work towards creating a better environment for foreign direct investments.

December, 2020

Mr. Emrush Ujkani, Executive Director of EIC hosted e meeting today with the deputy head of mission of the EU Office in Kosovo Mr. Riccardo Serri, and the Insurance sector,  Mr. Shpend Balija “ Illyria” Insurance Company, Mr. Saimir Dhamo “Sigal Uniqa Group Austria” and Mr.Genond Mesareja “Sigma Vienna Insurance Group”

Important issues were raised at the meeting, among other things; the need to have relevant legislation related to the field of insurance when it comes to claims of compensation.
Market liberalization to be accomplished efficiently and in coordination with the relevant institutions.
Another issue that was discussed during today’s meeting was the strengthening and improving regulatory institutions in the insurance Industry.

EIC  will continue to contribute to creating more suitable conditions for foreign investors and the possibility of creating various facilities for the insurance industry in Kosovo.

November, 2020  

The Director of the Board Mr. Visar Ramajli and the Executive Director of the European Investors Council in Kosovo Mr. Emrush Ujkani, met the Acting Director of Customs Mr. Bajram Rexha.

During the meeting was discussed the commitment of Kosovo Customs in providing professional services to all operators and the support of exporters by facilitating export and import procedures for exporting producers.

Additionally during the discussion was raised the issue of protection of trademark rights and representative operators of imported products.

The EIC thanked Mr. Bajram Rexha for the opportunity to address issues and recommendations by working closely together to advance the position of foreign investors in Kosovo.

The EIC also seeks support to reduce the insurance burden on producers who undergo the inward processing procedure for the export destination.

Mr. Fahri Gashi presented to the EIC representatives the latest data on exports from Kosovo and is to be commended the fact that there is an increase in exports from Kosovar producers.

Kosovo's negative trade balance has begun to fade as a result of increased exports. At the same time, Mr. Gashi confirmed that the largest percentage of exports are to European Union countries as a continuous partner of economic growth in the country, among other things, it was said that the Stabilization and Association Agreement has helped increase exports of Kosovo products.

The Acting Director of Kosovo Customs, Mr. Bajram Rexha, reconfirmed their commitment to creating more suitable conditions for foreign investors and the possibility of creating various facilities for doing business in Kosovo.

November, 2020

The European Investors Council (EIC) continues to cooperate with state institutions to address priority issues for the private sector but also issues of general interest.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of EIC, Mr. Visar Ramajli and the Executive Director, Mr. Emrush Ujkani met today with the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Hykmete Bajrami, to discuss the current issues of our country, including the Economic Recovery Package.

EIC has expressed readiness to assist the ministry and any other relevant institution, giving its recommendations regarding the Emergency Package and the Economic Recovery Package.

We as a Council are interested in being part of every forum and discussion related to the economic development of our country.

November 2020

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group will provide €1.7 billion to support the social and economic recovery of the Western Balkans from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This is part of the €3.3 billion financial support package for the region announced on 29 April by the European Commission and follows the Team Europe efforts to support the Western Balkans.

In that context, the EIB has put in place two facilities to support the region of the Western Balkans as an immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Up to EUR 500 million to address urgent needs to support the health care systems and other activities directly linked to the outbreak of the disease, as well as to support the economic recovery, with particular emphasis on SMEs and the public sector. 

The EIB funds will be delivered via public sector institutions. 

Up to EUR 400 million to address working capital, liquidity, and investment constraints of SMEs and Mid-caps which are among the most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and facing severe challenges caused by the consumer demand suppression as well as significant disruption to the supply chains. 

The EIB funds will be delivered through a number of financial institutions across the region.

Considering this, we can say that EIB is among key players involved directly in the process of economic recovery; therefore we consider this meeting is of particular importance as further contribution in addressing different issues related with economic recovery process.

In the focus of the meeting was the Economic Recovery Process in Kosovo from the perspective of EIB.

In the course of the discussion with Mr. Konstantinos Mastrogiannopoulos –Loan Officer and Country Manager for Kosovo (EIB), special importance was paid to the applicable investments that we will be able to benefit from the European Investment Bank, especially the private sector and beyond.

The EIC is committed to facilitate dialogue with the country's institutions, with the EU office, EBRD International Monetary Fund and European Investment Bank.

October ,2020

EU remains Kosovo’s biggest investor, trade partner & donor. 

The Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog met virtually with EIC members, reminded of € 168m EU help to fight COVID-19.

EU investors pointed to structural weaknesses, weak production & export capacities as hindering SAA implementation & investments.

October, 2020

EIC hosted a meeting with the General Director of TAK Mr. Ilir Murtezaj and with the Deputy General Director of Operations Mr. Nijazi Asllani, as well as Mr. Nikson Mirdita - Director of the Department of Independent Functions.

Director Murtezaj said that our will is to support all foreign investors and provide the best possible services to facilitate their operations in Kosovo. He further added that we will try to provide support within the legal framework so that this economic recession created due to the pandemic is overcome and businesses return to their normalcy, as their economic stability is vital for the post-pandemic recovery of our country.

EIC members and the General Director of TAK agreed to establish a more frequent cooperation and communication plan to establish another relationship with businesses, touching on the problems and difficulties they have in the implementation of Tax Legislation, as well as building partnerships in combating and preventing the informal economy.

October, 2020   

The EIC representatives had a virtual meeting with the IMF Regional Representative for the Western Balkans, Ms. Stephanie Eble.
The focus of the meeting was "The role of the IMF in addressing the economic consequences of COVID-19 in the Western Balkans”.

Among other things, it was discussed about the Economic Recovery Plan and economic development strategies for attracting foreign investors.

The EIC has been actively involved in all government discussions regarding the Economic Recovery Package.

October, 2020

In the framework of institutional dialogue and commitment to improve conditions in the economic sector, representatives of the European Investors Council, met today with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Avdullah Hoti.

The EIC presented to the head of government the recommendations and expertise of members for the most important sectors of economic development. 

Considering Foreign Direct Investment as a catalyst of the country's economic development, and an integral part of the economic system, European investors will focus on providing better services and increasing economic well-being for all citizens of the country. Creating through successful investment, higher living standards.

The focus of the meeting was cooperation in economic recovery, supporting businesses to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic phase, as well as creating legal and economic facilities to improve doing business in Kosovo. During the meeting the parties agreed on cooperation in initiatives related to Foreign Direct Investment, and in the proactive approach to change that encourages economic development.

The European Investors Council received the support of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to support initiatives that contribute to creating a better investment climate in Kosovo. 

Also, during the meeting, the EIC informed that the strategic document White Book 2020 will be presented to the country's institutions, at the end of the year. The document will include legal and economic expertise, recommendations and analysis of progress in key economic sectors.

October, 2020

European Investors Council - EIC invites the Assembly of Kosovo for the procedure with the approval of the Draft Law on ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION AND RELIABLE SERVICES IN ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS!

The European Investors Council submitted months ago to the relevant institutions the analysis for digital transformation, offering the expertise of council members in providing the most favorable digital solutions for the country. The implementation of Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) will support businesses, government institutions and other entities to provide many services that are currently not possible to provide online.

These are some of the novelties that this draft law brings with it and especially at the time of COVID19, when most of the services are already recommended to be performed remotely, this approach would greatly help doing business in an easier way. This law will reduce bureaucratic procedures and will help citizens by providing practical solutions for administrative services in the field of business.

Consequently, the European Investors Council invited the Assembly of Kosovo to proceed as soon as possible with the adoption of this law without causing any delay.