The European Union is expected to allocate 75 million euros as immediate aid to Kosovo in coping with the energy crisis.

This was announced by the president of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, who visited Kosovo on October 27.

“We will finalize all the necessary procedures by the end of the year so that you can receive the fund in January”, she said in a joint conference after the meeting with the president of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani.

Europe is currently facing an energy crisis as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The supply of gas for heating, but also electricity has been warned that it will be difficult during this winter.

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, thanking the EU for this support, said that “it is crucial that the EU “stand by us and support us in facing crises, such as the energy one”.

Kosovo provides the majority of its electricity supply through its coal-fired production. The need to import energy increases during the winter, as local capacities do not cover the needs of the entire country.

In addition to the immediate support for the current crisis, Von der Leyen said that another investment of 500 million euros is expected for the entire Western Balkans region.

“We want to help you in your energy independence. Our approach is that we will provide strong support to build new capacities, to replace coal with renewable energy,” she said.