More than 200,000 families in Kosovo have benefited from a €75 million European Union energy support package, Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli announced at an event marking the conclusion of the residential sector support programme.

Rizvanolli said the EU assistance came during a difficult period of the energy crisis, helping families cope with rising energy costs while creating opportunities for long-term savings.

“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, I thank the European Union for the support it gave us during a very difficult period for us and the entire region and all of Europe,” Rizvanolli said.

She recalled that the energy crisis in 2022, exacerbated by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, posed major challenges to energy security across Europe. Kosovo faced additional difficulties due to ageing electricity generation facilities and rapidly growing consumption, she added.

The minister said that around 85,000 families received assistance through the vulnerable consumer support programme during the winter of 2024–2025 alone. More than 20,000 families receiving social assistance also benefited from support to purchase heating fuel.

Rizvanolli stressed that the Government’s objective was not only to help citizens through the crisis but also to invest in measures that would reduce energy costs in the years ahead.

“We have supported families to cope with the winter and we have invested for many more winters to come, and not just winters,” she said.

According to Rizvanolli, the Ministry of Economy began promoting energy efficiency even before the EU support package was distributed. In October 2022, it launched its first subsidy call for energy-efficient heating equipment, while energy efficiency was established as a key priority in Kosovo’s Energy Strategy.

She described reducing energy consumption through efficiency investments as one of the most effective ways to address energy challenges, offering both immediate and long-term benefits to citizens.

The event also highlighted €20 million in residential energy efficiency measures implemented through the Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund. The investments aim to improve housing conditions, reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills for beneficiary families.

Supported by the European Union and implemented in cooperation with Kosovo institutions, the programme was presented as an example of partnership promoting more efficient energy use and the transition towards a more sustainable energy system.