Austrian MEP Thomas Waitz, representing the Greens group within the European Parliament, recently submitted written questions to the European Commission. These questions specifically addressed ongoing plans and discussions concerning the development of new fossil gas infrastructure within countries currently considered candidates for European Union membership, including Kosovo. In his communication, Waitz highlighted several areas of progress within Kosovo’s energy sector.
He noted that the country has officially approved its Energy Strategy and is in the final stages of developing its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). Furthermore, he pointed out that Kosovo is actively implementing obligations mandated by the Climate Law and is preparing its voluntary climate contribution to EU goals. Despite these stated advancements and climate commitments, Waitz expressed concern over the recent intensification of political discussions surrounding the development of fossil gas infrastructure in the region.
According to the MEP, this focus on gas development appears incongruous with the current infrastructural realities of Kosovo. He emphasized that, presently, Kosovo lacks established gas market mechanisms, a comprehensive distribution network, adequate storage capacity, or a foundational base necessary to support such large-scale fossil fuel investments. The questions submitted by Waitz serve to prompt the Commission for clarification on how the EU intends to reconcile the stated climate ambitions of candidate nations with ongoing discussions promoting gas-based energy expansion.
The focus remains on ensuring that energy transition planning aligns with genuine sustainability goals rather than solely following fossil fuel development pathways.
Topics: #waitz #kosovo #mep
