GAP published report - Capacities and independence of state aid institutions
14/02/2020
GAP Institute, Prishtina Institute of Political Studies (PIPS), and Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) organized the discussion table where they presented the report “Capacities and independence of state aid institutions”.
Blendi Hasaj, senior researcher at GAP Institute, said the report compares the institutional framework for state aid in Kosovo and the states of the region. Although, in general, there is a commitment of the Western Balkan states to the independence of state aid institutions, these institutions are not addressing all projects for which there are indications of state aid presence. Although the Department of State Aid and the State Aid Commission in Kosovo have recently been established, they may lack the experience and staff to evaluate such a large project, it is important that they consider the project for the construction of the Power Plant “Kosova e Re” or request assistance from the Energy Community Secretariat. Failure to act of state aid institutions, in such a case, will damage Kosovos economy and budget.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Gerrie Willems emphasized the importance of state aid, calling for continued efforts to supplement secondary state aid legislation. She called on the new institutions to put on their agenda the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and the European Reform Agenda, instruments that would improve the well-being of Kosovo citizens.
Mrs. Fortuna Haxhikardija, Chairwoman of the State Aid Commission, emphasized that despite the fact that the state of Kosovo has approved the Law on State Aid for three years, and has completed law enforcement authorities, the focus will be on measuring the quality of decisions, that the relevant authorities issue as well as the proactivity they will show.
Other representatives from the State Aid Department, the Energy Regulatory Office, civil society representatives and journalists also contributed to the debate.
Click here to read the full report.
