KSV/023
Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo

Latest news

• KOSOVO - Innovative businesses to get a boost with new grant scheme

  Published on 14 October 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI    

  An innovation grant scheme was announced on Monday, 7 October 2024 by the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade (MIET) of Kosovo, co-funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, aimed at supporting start-ups and established micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).  

  The scheme, designed to be a game-changer, will empower businesses to develop and implement innovative ideas and projects, thereby driving Kosovo's economic growth. By fostering innovation, MSMEs are poised to create new jobs and boost exports, strengthen innovation capabilities, increase investments, and enhance the development of new or improved products, production methods, or services.  

  Press conference - launch of the innovation grant scheme

  At the launch of the grant scheme, Minister of MIET, Rozeta HAJDARI, said: “Through this financial support scheme, the government aims to foster the private sector in the development of innovative ideas that will directly impact economic, social and environmental development, a key objective of Kosovo’s 2030 industrial policy.” Rozeta HAJDARI emphasised, underlining that all industrial sectors, including producing, manufacturing, and services, are invited to apply.

  The innovation grant scheme is co-funded by the Government of Kosovo and the Government of Luxembourg with EUR 1.9 million.  

  H.E. Eric DIETZ, Chagé d’Affaires e.p., Embassy of Luxembourg in Pristina: “We are happy to launch the scheme today, which aims to stimulate innovation, an essential driver for economic development and, more particularly, sustainable economic growth. The ICT, creative industry, circular economy, and environment protection, to name just a few, are crucial to respond to the new challenges and improving the population's wellbeing.”  

  This is a unique opportunity for businesses to advance their innovation efforts and contribute to Kosovo’s economic development. The Innovation Grant Scheme allows businesses to elevate their operations and make a tangible impact. 

  Grant scheme guidelines and how to apply

  Start-ups registered between January 1, 2019, and February 29, 2024, are eligible to apply for this grant. Start-ups can receive up to 80% of total project costs, with a maximum grant of EUR 15,000. They are required to contribute at least 20% to the project, with no maximum limit on their own investment, which must be completed within 12 months. Successful implementation may qualify start-ups for additional incentives. 

  The grant is also available to MSMEs registered before December 31, 2018. These businesses can receive up to 50% of total project costs, capped at EUR 40,000, and must contribute a minimum of 50% towards the project with no maximum limit on their investment. The implementation period is also set at 12 months. Additionally, MSMEs may benefit from participation in trade fairs through other calls launched by KIESA. 

  The deadline for submitting applications is October 25, 2024. The application manual for the grant scheme is published here. 

  The Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo project - funded by the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency - led the development process of the grant scheme, working closely with MIET’s Division for Innovation and Technology and the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency. The project aims to catalyse sustainable economic growth by fostering innovation, inclusivity, and social development in a greener Kosovo. Specifically, the project endeavors to stimulate innovation and both local and foreign investments within a digitally secure and transparent ecosystem. 

• KOSOVO - Enhancing transparency: Parliament embraces E-Voting system

  Published on 12 September 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI    

  As the Kosovo Parliament resumed work for its autumn sessions, Assembly members were welcomed this 12 September 2024 by the new state-of-the-art E-Voting system in the Assembly Hall. Funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, this system promises to enhance transparency and efficiency.

  

  The Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Glauk KONJUFCA, inaugurated the system during the opening of the plenary session. Speaker Konjufca expressed his gratitude for continued support from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, emphasising that this investment is essential to strengthen the Assembly's efforts in increasing transparency.

  The Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Pristina, H.E. Eric DIETZ, expressed his satisfaction with the investment and reaffirmed Luxembourg's commitment to supporting Kosovo's development processes and democratic governance.

  H.E. Mr. Eric DIETZ and Mr Glauk KONJUFCA

  The E-voting system, tailored to Kosovo’s legislation framework and procedures, features a central control unit, chairperson and delegate units, and an integrated voting and language interpretation system. Key features include real-time voting displays, multilingual support, camera control, and advanced security measures.

  With this upgrade, the Kosovo Assembly seeks to improve session management and provide seamless, secure, and efficient voting and interpretation services for its members. At the same time, it will enable real-time public access to vote records, thereby improving institutional accountability.

  

  The installation and maintenance of the advanced E-Voting system in the Assembly Hall was implemented by the Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. The project aims to catalyse sustainable economic growth by fostering innovation, inclusivity, and social development in a greener Kosovo. Specifically, the project endeavours to stimulate innovation and both local and foreign investments within a digitally secure and transparent ecosystem.

• LUXEMBOURG - Visit of a delegation from Kosovo

  Published on 13 May 2024    By Pascal FABING   

  A delegation led by Ms Fadile Dyla, General Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Kosovo and Ms Ryve Prekorogja, Head of the lifelong education division, came to Luxembourg in the framework of the project Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo. Ms Claire Stoffels (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade), M. Behlul Shaljani and M. Pascal Fabing (LuxDev) have been accompanying the delegation who had the opportunity to exchange with the Director General of LuxDev, M. Manuel Tonnar.

  

  The objective of the visit was to initiate a partnership between the Interdisciplinary Center for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg and the University of Pristina. Two professors at the University of Pristina, Pr Blerim Rexha and Pr Qëndrim Gashi have had in-depth discussion with Prof. Dr. Marcus Völp and Dr. Carlo Duprel during the SnT Partnership Day. The cooperation will start during the second semester and will target master and PhD students, with a specific focus on cybersecurity.

  

  The delegation was also welcomed at the House of Cybersecurity by M. Pascal Steichen and M. Dominique Kogue and informed about the importance of building bridges between skills development, research and the private sector. The visit paves the way for synergies with the project Sustainable and inclusive growth and more specifically its cybersecurity component.

  

  Finally, Kim Heuskin, Deputy Headmaster at Lycée des Arts et Métiers and Benoît Fortemps, Head of the TalentHub, could share interesting ways to immerse Level V students in real life situations by organising a PowerWeek around challenges proposed by socio-economic partners every year or by hosting start-ups on their campus. These examples together with some experiments on the use of artificial intelligence in education will inspire the development of the future ICT school in Pristina supported by Luxembourg.

  The Skills for sustainable jobs and Sustainable and inclusive growth projects are financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. 
   

• KOSOVO - Strengthening institutional capacities ahead of the innovation grant scheme launch

  Published on 15 March 2024    By Veton KASAPOLLI   

  The Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo project is gearing up to launch an innovation grant scheme for entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade (MIET). A three-day workshop was held at the beginning of March to ensure smooth preparations. This workshop focused on enhancing the capacities of officials from MIET, namely, the Department of Innovation and the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency (KIESA), with an emphasis on improving skills for implementing best practices for grant schemes.

  Led by Pascal FABING, a LuxDev expert in the field, the workshop provided insights into the latest innovation policies and trends and valuable advice on enhancing Kosovo’s innovation landscape.

  

  As part of its objectives, the project supports KIESA in preparing for the inaugural call for grants within the Innovation Fund, which is expected to be announced in early 2024.

  Attendees from the KIESA and the project

  Attendees from the Department of Innovation of the MIET

  The project aims to promote sustainable economic growth by fostering innovation, inclusivity, and social development in a greener Kosovo. Specifically, it seeks to stimulate innovation and attract both local and foreign investments within a digitally secure and transparent ecosystem.

  Background on Kosovo innovation

  The Kosovo government's Programme 2021–2025 prioritises the development of innovation among entrepreneurs. The government has committed to further developing policies and legal frameworks to support business innovation and entrepreneurship.

  Recognising innovation as a key driver for economic development, particularly for achieving sustainable growth, the government incentivises innovation through grants and loans administered by KIESA.

  Kosovo boasts several geographic and demographic advantages, including its strategic location in the Western Balkans, a vibrant and youthful economy, and a strong entrepreneurial culture. Many individuals are engaged in small businesses, either as sole proprietors or within larger enterprises, reflecting Kosovo's entrepreneurial spirit.

  The Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

• KOSOVO - Introduction of the Kosovo's Sustainable and inclusive growth Project at new Ministry offices

  Published on 7 February 2024    By Vanessa STOZ   

  ​The recent introduction of the Sustainable and inclusive growth project to its new offices within the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade (MIET) was celebrated with a dynamic networking event beginning of February. This event served as a platform to foster connections and acquaint the project team with counterparts within the Ministry.

  

  Hosted as a breakfast networking session, the event offered an opportunity to outline the project's objectives over the three-year period. Additionally, it provided a forum for engaging with Ministry staff keen to learn more about the project, but also to understand the role of Luxembourg Cooperation, and familiarise themselves with the Agency's mission.

  The overarching aim of the Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo project is to catalyse sustainable economic growth by fostering innovation, inclusivity, and social development in a greener Kosovo. Specifically, the project endeavors to stimulate innovation and both local and foreign investments within a digitally secure and transparent ecosystem.

  The project KSV/023 - Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.