Rizvanolli explains the terms of the agreement to export coal to North Macedonia

Acting Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli announced that the Kosovo Energy Corporation will sell North Macedonia up to €73.2 million worth of coal over three years.

Rizvanolli stressed that the latest agreement marks the first time such a contract has been signed directly between two public companies: KEK and North Macedonia’s state power company, ESM.

According to her, the set price of €24.4 per tonne, excluding VAT, represents a significantly more favorable condition for KEK than previous contracts, which were carried out through intermediaries.

She recalled that during the last export to North Macedonia, KEK received only €8 per tonne of coal, an amount that included a €3 royalty and 18 percent value-added tax.

The minister described that tender as unlawful.

Meanwhile, Rizvanolli guaranteed that the new agreement would not affect electricity production in Kosovo.

“Electricity production in Kosovo is not affected in any way by this contract, given that ESM is responsible for excavating and transporting the coal it will purchase,” she declared.