Prime Minister Kurti unveils governance plan and new ministerial team to Kosovo MPs

In a session of the Assembly of Kosovo, Prime Minister Albin Kurti delivered his programmatic speech, presenting the new government cabinet and his vision for the upcoming mandate. He began by greeting the Speaker of the Assembly, Albulena Haxhiu, deputy speakers Ardian Gola, Kujtim Shala, Emilija Rexhepi and Tanja Vujović, as well as all MPs, citizens, the diplomatic corps, families of martyrs, invalids and veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

Kurti congratulated those present on the constitution of the eleventh legislature and expressed gratitude for their commitment to the state. He then touched on a topic that, according to him, holds the whole country in anxiety: the judicial process against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and Kadri Veseli. The prime minister described the prosecution’s request as unjust and unfounded, stressing that it clashes with historical truth and the justice of the liberation war.

The position of the executive he leads, Kurti continued, remains unchanged: crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide against Albanian civilians were committed by the Serbian Yugoslav regime under Milošević. He added that no judicial instance, domestic or international, can discredit the KLA.

The prime minister then announced that he would not deliver an entirely new exposé, since the repeated elections simply interrupted the same governing cycle. He pledged to be more concise and move on to presenting the cabinet. Our vision for these years, he said, is work for the citizen and protection of the family. Government is service to the public, not privilege for the few, and our investments build a secure state and prosperous families.

This mandate, Kurti added, aims to strongly restore security and well-being in daily life, as well as investments and productivity in the culture of entrepreneurship. He argued that social redistribution is not a burden on economic development, but on the contrary, its driving force. By distributing economic growth, we have reduced poverty and inequality, stimulating aggregate demand, business turnover and further economic growth.

The prime minister stressed that his executive does not subsidise wealth, but the work that generates it, not private results, but the universal public way. When the state guarantees investment, risk decreases and courage increases. He summarised the achievements of the past five years, noting that for nearly a year and a half the government acted with limited competences. Nevertheless, Kosovo became fairer, stronger and more inclusive. Despite the pandemic, energy crisis and inflation, the country recorded the highest economic growth in the region, with an average of 6% of Gross Domestic Product, never falling below 4%. In the first quarter of this year, growth reached 5.4%. When we took office, GDP was around 7 billion euros, whereas last year it reached 11 billion euros, with a projection of 12 billion euros for this year.

On employment, Kurti noted the rise from 350,000 to 430,000 employed, with a focus on youth and women. He mentioned the increase in the minimum wage, pensions, child allowances and public sector salaries, which in the completed mandate rose on average by 47%. This increase is expected to continue in the new mandate, with the aim that the average public sector salary exceeds 1,000 euros per month. Child allowances, currently 30 to 45 euros, will double in the coming mandate, going from 45 to 90 euros per child in families with three or more children, leaving behind even some European Union states. From 1 July, maternity allowances have been raised to 500 euros per month for 6 months.

The prime minister then dwelled on plans for the country’s biggest economic and industrial transformation, starting with production. The Development Bank will directly finance strategic projects, support small and medium enterprises and provide guarantees to producers and exporters. A 1 billion euro programme for production and industry will guarantee loans for investments in new capacities, including the creative industry and wage subsidies. Investors who produce and employ will have easier access to credit and lower costs, while accelerated depreciation will allow larger deductions in the first years.

Kurti also announced that customs terminals have been returned to the state and preparations have begun for their modernisation. Following the dismantling of the fiscal cash register monopoly, electronic invoicing between businesses will be introduced, with real-time oversight and faster VAT refunds. VAT payment on imported goods will be made through domestic declaration in the following month. The 10% customs duty on vehicles imported from the European Union will be removed, while the Law on price ceilings will protect citizens and honest traders from margin abuses.

The development of Kosovo’s Digital Currency, based on blockchain technology, is another initiative announced. The Information and Communication Technology Tower will be erected in downtown Prishtina, while technology companies will be offered spaces in other cities as well. Employee training expenses will be recognised as deductible expenses and the Innovation Fund will continue to support young people, startups and small businesses. Within the framework of Innovation and Technology Parks, the government plans to build 15 innovation centres and technological and industrial incubators by the end of the mandate. At the Innovation and Training Park in Prizren, the first Centre for Energy Research and Development will be established, in cooperation with German partners, academia and diaspora professionals.

Within the mandate, the establishment of a publicly owned airline will begin, in partnership with experienced companies, and investment will be made in educating civil aviation specialists to create domestic cadres. The Anembanë programme aims to create a unified public transport network across the whole country, starting with urban traffic in each municipality and continuing with interurban traffic. With a joint subsidised monthly ticket, targeting a price of 10 euros, citizens will travel throughout Kosovo without buying another ticket.

The major Brezovica project will start at the beginning of the mandate, with investments of up to 500 million euros for roads, accommodation, ski runs and a modern cable car network, as well as hotel renovations and construction. In Peja, Rugova and Bjeshkët e Nemuna, the Dukagjini Tourist Centre will be developed, respecting nature protection. Shepherd huts in Bjeshkët e Nemuna and Sharr will be turned into ecological guesthouses through grants, while investments will also enliven Gollak and Shala e Bajgora.

A special chapter was dedicated to the diaspora. Through the Diaspora Investment Window, up to 100 million euros of diaspora investments in Kosovo will be supported, with the state as loan guarantor. Membership in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) will save diaspora members around 60 million euros from remittance costs. The teaching of the Albanian language will also be expanded in cooperation with Albania, consular services will be digitised, and the automatic restoration of citizenship will be implemented for those who lost it due to host state restrictions or historical circumstances.

In the family domain, the Generation after Generation programme will support retired grandparents caring for grandchildren aged 13 to 36 months when both parents work, with a monthly supplement of 100 euros. Unemployed mothers on maternity leave are already supported with 500 euros per month for six months, totalling 3,000 euros per year, in addition to child allowances, which will double. For women, within the first six months of the mandate, the Superpuna for Women programme will start, covering the minimum wage for six months for women of any age entering or returning to the labour market, giving them income, work experience and greater economic independence.

The prime minister reiterated that the minimum wage of 500 euros will not be taxed and that public sector wage increases will continue, with the average salary expected to exceed 1,000 euros per month. The ratio between the lowest and highest wage has improved from 20 to 1 to 4 to 1; the average salary has risen by 50%, while inequality has decreased fivefold. In consultation with businesses and workers, the government will undertake the initiative for a thirteenth salary in the public and private sectors, which has already started in 2026, with the aim of also planning a fourteenth salary. The Social Insurance Fund will support workers after job loss and cover maternity and parental leave. The number of inspectors will increase up to 200, while the new labour law and digital reporting system will strengthen workplace protection and decent working conditions.

For students, Kurti recalled that studies at public universities have become free and merit-based scholarship programmes have been set up. Mobility scholarships, already launched, will help students studying far from their place of residence, in proportion to the distance. Scholarship support will also be expanded to non-public college students and the overall scholarship budget will double. In the past mandate, around 20 million euros was allocated to 18,000 students, 40% of which for STEM scholarships, and this figure will double in the next four years. In education, the government aims to increase children’s enrolment in public nurseries and provide vouches for parents sending children to non-public nurseries, include all children aged 5-6 in the preschool cycle, advance teacher licensing with a pay rise, revise textbooks, extend supplementary teaching and open five specialised gymnasiums. Professionals with doctorates working in the most remote municipality schools will receive a special supplement. All-day school will include arts, sports and digital learning, while children with special needs will have speech therapists, psychologists and adapted activities. Ten new profiles will be added to dual education and career counselling will be introduced in schools. Fast and free internet will be extended to 1,000 pre-university institutions, while public universities will be profiled and financed according to quality and scientific work. In the Student Centre, one dormitory and three new library halls will be built.

Health protection will be in focus. Every citizen will have a family doctor and will be included in the primary care register. The annual general check-up and programmes for early detection of breast, cervical and color cancer will strengthen prevention. Support for mothers and children will start in pregnancy and continue up to age 6. The Let’s Move for Health programme will increase physical activity and mental health care in municipalities and schools. Laboratory and inspectorate control of food will be strengthened. After the law enters into force and the information system is completed, health insurance will become functional. The reimbursement list will cover out-patient medicines, while the budget for the essential list will increase up to 100 million euros. Specialist services will be extended to regions, new hospitals will be built in Mitrovica and Ferizaj, and public hospitals will be equipped with CT scanners. Specialist and stomatological polyclinics and public laboratories will bring services closer to citizens, and domestic production of medicinal products will be supported. Kurti noted that 2025 was the first year when the number of health professionals who returned, over 100, exceeded the number of those who left. Over the last three years, 370 nurses, 300 primary care doctors and 250 secondary and tertiary specialists were added.

In agriculture, over 150,000 farmers have received more than 350 million euros in grants and subsidies under this governance. In the new mandate, the market will be further regulated, production will increase and a national production insurance scheme against natural disasters will be created. Farms, orchards, greenhouses, livestock, mechanisation and irrigation systems will be supported. Products will be certified and standardised for the domestic and European markets. Producer organisations, cooperatives, processing and the cold chain will be strengthened. Grant application will be open year-round. There will be special support for girls and boys, online subsidy application, e-Farmer Card and simplified registration of seasonal workers. Three intensive horticulture zones will be created and organic production will be expanded.

For water, the government will complete the design and construction of water supply systems in all inhabited localities. Five new reservoirs will be built for drinking water, irrigation and industry: in Firajë e Poshtme of Shterpca, Pollatë of Podujeva, Kuçicë of Skenderaj, Dragaçinë of Suhareka and Desivojcë of Kamenica. Village sewerage will be treated with small plants. Embankments will be regulated, Henc Wetland and the Lepenc and Drin rivercourses will be revitalised, and rainwater collection for irrigation and sanitary needs will be supported.

In the energy and mining sector, the Kosova A and Kosova B thermal power plants will be modernised to increase production and reduce pollution. Filters at Kosova B will lower dust by 97% and nitrogen oxides by 75%, while the rehabilitation of Kosova A will raise production capacity by 60%. Through launched projects, at least 305 megawatts from wind and 250 megawatts from sun will be secured, so that 20% of consumed energy comes from clean sources. The battery system with a capacity of 340 MWh, a result of the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Compact Programme, will increase grid resilience and enable a just energy transition. Coal gasification will be planned, cooperation with Albania will deepen, and market integration through ALPEX will continue. The goal is for over 93% of energy for households and small enterprises to come from domestic sources and for exports to exceed 30%. Central heating will expand in Prishtina and start in Gjilan, Ferizaj, Prizren, Peja, Mitrovica, Fushë Kosovë, Podujevë and Lipjan. 150 million euros will be invested in energy saving for 400 public buildings and at least 8,000 families. Around 50 million euros will be allocated for scanning mineral assets, while Trepça will be at the centre of energy partnerships.

In the environmental field, Kurti announced real-time air quality reporting and the creation of the Prishtina-Obiliq-Fushë Kosovë Green Belt. Highways and national roads will be greened, illegal dumps will be closed and the Mirash landfill will be permanently shut. The warning system will protect citizens from floods and heatwaves. The state action for nature protection will halt the degradation of rivers, forests and protected areas, while Blinaja will be turned into an open, educational and recreational wildlife park.

Future infrastructure remains a priority. The government will start building the Gjakova-Shkodër railway, part of the Prishtina-Durrës line that will link the Dry Port of Prishtina with the new Port of Durrës. The lines connecting Prizren and Ferizaj with Gjilan and Bujanoc, as well as Prishtina with the Airport, will also be designed. The Gjilan motorway to Dheu i Bardhë and the connection to Corridor 1, the Prizren-Tetovë road with the tunnel under the Sharr Mountains, the Dukagjini Road, the Dollc-Gjakovë and Kijevë-Zahaq roads will be completed. Cross-border connections will increase and access to tourist and historical centres will improve, and smart motorway lighting will begin. The pace of capital investments will rise through public procurement reform, with faster, more transparent and more competitive processes, so that the annual execution of capital investments exceeds 1 billion euros. The record year was last year with close to 730 million euros of capital investments. The linkage of the public finance system with electronic procurement will strengthen budget discipline and stop unfinanced financial obligations.

With regard to municipal budgets, population census data will become the new basis for budgeting. Grants will be distributed according to the number and needs of residents, and the fourth grant will be included in the new scheme, increasing municipalities’ opportunities for education, health, water supply, sewerage and infrastructure, along with transparency and accountability in local governance.

In sports, the 2030 Mediterranean Games will transform Kosovo’s sports infrastructure. The Palace of Youth and Sports, the Student Centre, the Acquatics Centre, swimming pools, gyms and venues for Olympic sports will be refurbished to international standards. For the National Stadium, the refurbishment of existing stadiums and the construction of 20 football stadiums, 250 million euros are planned. Girls’ clubs and those led by them will have special support. Coaching licensing will be standardised, funding will be linked to results and accountability, and the Sport in Schools programme will be implemented.

For art, 200 million euros in investments are planned in film, books, performing and visual arts, architecture, design, fashion, crafts, videogames and ICT services. The Kosova Creates programme will coordinate the sector’s policies and help access international markets. The protection of intellectual property, continuous upskilling of creators, the public cinema network and support for independent artists will be strengthened. The Opera and Balet Theatre and the Museum of Contemporary Art will be centres of creativity. Monuments will be put at the service of the community. Archaeological research, support for traditional crafts, expansion of the museum network and work on the Resistance Towers in Prekaz will continue. The Genocide Museum will be established and the Memorial to Children killed during the war will be completed.

Kurti stressed that, alongside the establishment of the relevant Ministry, care for war-related categories and preservation of the liberation war heritage will continue. Civilian victims and their families will be treated with dignity. Resolving the fate of those forcibly disappeared by the Milošević regime will remain an unstoppable state duty, together with the demand to Serbia to open archives, especially those of the 37th Motorised Brigade of the Yugoslav Army, whose archive has been classified for 30 years since 2014. For martyrs’ families, the Prime Minister mentioned the increase in pensions: families with one martyr now receive 537 euros, up from 448 euros; for families with more than one martyr or missing person, the pension formula was changed, increasing by 50% of the basic pension for each additional martyr or missing person. Families with two martyrs receive 806 euros, with three martyrs 1,075 euros, with four martyrs 1,344 euros, and with more than four martyrs 1,613 euros.

In justice, the government will continue work on vetting in accordance with the Constitution. The Bureau for Seizure and Confiscation of Unjustifiable Wealth will combat illicit enrichment. The Family Court will prioritise property, inheritance, domestic violence, divorce and maintenance obligations. Claims and trials will be digitised at all stages. A specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime and Corruption and a Disciplinary Investigation Office will be established. The investigation of war crimes and bringing to justice the criminals who implemented Serbia’s genocide in 1998-1999 will be supported. The police will be equipped with modern gear, stations will be renovated, and a fund for gradual early retirement, from age 63 to 55, will be established, only upon desire and willingness. The merit-based ranking system will be improved, with special opportunities for women’s advancement. The Drone and Anti-Drone Unit will be strengthened, the National Border Management Centre will be equipped with the most advanced technologies, and the Gendarmerie of the Republic of Kosovo will be established for border protection, counter-terrorism, high-risk response and critical infrastructure protection.

For defence, Kurti announced that over 1 billion euros will be allocated to the army over the next four years. The “Made in Kosova” military industry will focus on munitions, drones, robots and other defensive technologies. Ammunition production is expected to start within 2026, while the development of the first robots has already been completed. A Joint Military Unit will be created with Albania, and cooperation will take place in education and co-production. Recruitment will increase, with the aim that within the mandate the army has 1,000 women and girl soldiers, up from around 400 at present. The Comprehensive Defence Programme will train volunteer reservists, while professionals of Kosovar origin serving in allied armies, as well as those from Albania, will be allowed to transfer to the Kosovo Security Force. Cooperation with NATO states, especially the U.S., will accelerate preparations for membership.

In foreign policy, the government will work for the recognition of the Kosovo passport in more countries and for new visa-free movement agreements. Following the application submitted on 15 December 2022, obtaining the status of candidate country in the European Union remains the main goal and strategic orientation. By 2030, the aim is to close integration chapters and advance in membership talks. The Reform Agenda 2025-2028 will guide the absorption of funds and alignment with the EU internal market. The network of defence attachés will double, SOFA agrements will increase, and relations with non-recognising states, especially NATO and EU members, will be deepened. Kosovo aims to lead at least one regional initiative, will strengthen counter-disinformation capabilities and will open the diplomatic service to new cadres and diaspora professionals. The network of economic, trade and cultural attachés will seek investments and new markets. Kosovo will participate in the Common Regional Market, implement Berlin Process obligations and remain aligned with the EU’s common foreign and security policy.

Addressing the MPs and citizens, Kurti stressed that everything presented in previous exposés, especially the February one, remains valid for the upcoming mandate, as it is the same mandate procedurally interrupted, and all will be implemented one by one.

In closing, the prime minister presented the new government cabinet: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Glauk Konjufca; Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Donika Gërvalla; Third Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Affairs and Cooperation, Fikrim Damka; Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati; Minister for Labour, Family and Values of the Liberation War, Andin Hoti; Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci; Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla; Minister of Digitisation and Public Administration, Lulëzon Jagxhiu; Minister of Health, Arben Vitia; Minister of Education and Science, Hajrullah Çeku; Minister of Culture and Tourism, Saranda Bogujevci; Minister of Local Government Administration, Elbert Krasniqi; Minister of Sport and Youth, Blerim Gashani; Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Fitore Pacolli; Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Armend Muja; Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha; Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation, Mimoza Kusari; Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli; Minister for Communities and Returns, Nenad Rashiq; and Minister for Regional Development, Rasim Demiri.

Kurti concluded by stressing that this cabinet is based on the work done and the trust given by citizens on 7 June. He added that the government has a clear programme, defined measures and measurable responsibilities. Citizens have given us the mandate to govern, he said, and it is up to the Assembly to enable its implementation and to find a solution for the election of the President. The 2027 Budget will be presented in October, and the mandate we are seeking is a mandate of justice and work, dignity for each, security and well-being for all.