Kosovo Sustainable Development Week entered its third day with a sharp focus on one of the region’s most pressing issues: climate change. The panel discussion titled “Green Agenda in Kosovo – A Local Perspective!”. The European Union in Kosovo brought together institutional leaders, civil society representatives, and environmental experts to explore local strategies and challenges in tackling climate change. Moderated by Laura Hohoff, Project Leader of the EU4Green regional programme, the conversation underscored both the opportunities and the significant hurdles the region faces.

At the heart of the discussion were water pollution and biodiversity loss, two critical issues for Kosovo as it navigates the complex challenges toward the Green Agenda. As Ms. Hohoff emphasized, “Climate change is happening. It does not know borders and we need to align, collaborate, and act now.” The recent floods in Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary—devastating in their scope—highlight the urgency of these efforts. “These events symbolize the cross-boundary nature of environmental issues,” she continued, stressing that no country can tackle these problems in isolation.

A key takeaway from the discussion was the urgent need to enhance Kosovo’s capacity to implement environmental actions on the ground.. While strategies exist, there remains a significant gap between planning and execution, largely due to limited human and institutional resources. Without sufficient personnel and expertise, efforts to address water pollution and biodiversity loss may remain purely theoretical Moreover, strengthening leadership and institutional ownership is crucial for achieving these environmental goals.

Collaboration emerged as a critical factor. Austria’s partnerships between local authorities and farmers offer a successful model for the implementation of nature conservation efforts. Similarly, Kosovo’s Regional Water Company has demonstrated the impact of coordinated efforts with public institutions and NGOs. Such cross-sector partnerships are vital for addressing environmental challenges.

Political will is also indispensable. While expertise and financial backing are important, leadership must prioritize long-term sustainability, even when it conflicts with short-term economic goals. Tailored, context-specific solutions are needed, but without strong political commitment, progress will stall.

As Kosovo continues to navigate its path toward sustainable development, the lessons from this panel are clear: success depends not only on technical expertise and financial support but also on the strength of partnerships and the resolve of political leaders.

In a world where climate change knows no borders, collaboration at every level—from local farmers to international institutions—will be essential to crafting a sustainable future. The discussion also highlighted the importance of aligning Kosovo’s efforts with the broader Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, ensuring the region remains committed to shared environmental objectives.

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.