Kosovo marks the 17th anniversary of its independence tomorrow. Since the formation of the state, almost all political entities in the country have governed in Kosovo. During these years, Kosovo has failed to create economic stability. In addition, from June 2023 the country remains under sanctions from the European Union as a result of the situation created in the north.

Despite the fact that the business community has repeatedly asked the Government to prioritize economic development and at the same time to support businesses, the executive branch has not met their expectations. Even though the private sector is considered a guarantee of sustainable economic development.

Another challenge for the newest country in Europe remains the high poverty rate and high unemployment rate compared to countries in the region. According to the latest World Bank report, only 37 percent of the working-age population is employed in Kosovo.

Kosovo also remains an unattractive country for foreign investment, especially from major global companies and brands. According to the CBK, Foreign Direct Investment from January to September 2024 reached a value of 657.3 million euros, which according to economic experts indicates that the pace of investment growth has slowed down. In terms of sector, real estate activities dominated foreign direct investment.

Economics professor Ilir Hajdini mentioned some achievements in these 17 years of state in the economic sector, but also the setbacks in this sector.

He says that after independence, the country invested billions of euros in road infrastructure, as well as in the construction of two highways, the one connecting the country with Albania "Ibrahim Rugova", as well as the other highway "Arben Xhaferi" in the direction of Skopje.

Economic expert, Safet Gërxhaliu told KosovaPress that it is time to follow European and global trends in economic terms. 

According to former Minister of Trade and Industry, Ismet Mulaj, after independence there have been structural reforms of interest to Kosovo's businesses, but which he says were not sufficient. Mulaj emphasizes that the legislation on the economy should be adapted to the new developments in Kosovo.

Kosovo imports most of its products from neighboring countries, the world and those of the European Union. Exports of goods according to Kosovo Customs are symbolic figures, so the trade deficit has still increased in relation to imports. At the same time, imports have also increased in the last three to four years. During 2024, Kosovo exported goods worth 889 million euros, while importing 6. 38 billion euros, which has reached the highest level of imports since the post-war period.

In 2023, the value of exports was 819 million euros, imports also 5 billion 878 million euros. 

In 2022, exports were 920 million euros, imports 5 billion and 639 million euros, in 2021 there were 755 million exports, while imports were 4 billion and 684 million euros. In 2020, the value of exports was 474 million euros, imports 3 billion and 296 million euros.

During these years of independence, the country stalled in the construction of railways and the development of public enterprises such as "Trepça", "Infraskosi" and Telecom.

Although a long-awaited achievement for the country took place on January 1, 2024, the liberalization of visas to move citizens freely in the Schengen area.

Thus, after declaring independence, Kosovo has managed to join almost all international financial organizations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, but not the Green Card Bureau, which remains a condition for our country's membership in the United Nations.

Thus, during 2009, Kosovo recorded an economic growth of 5 percent, while in 2023 this rate was 3.5 percent, and in 2024 around 4 percent, which experts in the field of economics consider natural and not as a result of economic development.

The youngest state in Europe and beyond, in 2008 Kosovo had a budget of 1 billion and 27 million euros, while a year after independence in 2009, the Kosovo Assembly approved a budget of 1 billion and 430 million euros. Thus, the budget for 2024 reached 3.3 billion euros and in 2025 3.6 billion euros.

Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008, and its statehood has been recognized by over 110 countries around the world. The last country to recognize Kosovo is Israel.