Circular economy economist and representative of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), Herald Friedl, said on Friday in Prishtina that the circular economy represents a major opportunity for economic and industrial transformation in Kosovo, as in Europe.
According to him, this requires a shift from linear models toward regenerative ones.
He made the remarks at the Forum 2026 held by the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Prishtina, organized in cooperation with the Kosovo Green Building Council (KGBC), focusing on transforming the construction sector from a linear model to a circular and sustainable one.
Friedl emphasized that recycling should not be confused with the circular economy, stating that circularity begins with rethinking and redesigning systems.
Speaking about Kosovo, Friedl praised the country’s potential to become a regional leader in the circular economy due to its young population and European perspective.
“I also read your roadmap for the circular economy in Kosovo that currently exists, looking at its strengths and weaknesses. I found things that are not unusual when studying this. I think there are many points for improvement. It is great that Kosovo has a roadmap, of course, very good. A kind of political moment is good, but you always need to move from something that is just a roadmap to an action plan. Because a roadmap, as you know, is just words lined up on a piece of paper.”
He said that only actions bring results.
“Whoever has the power to ensure that we can apply pressure in Kosovo, so that people move from idea to implementation plan, from roadmap to action plan, let us all work together on this. I think in construction, a real and clear vision must be defined for the sector on where you want to go, and a forum must be found where all stakeholders are coordinated, this is the most urgent next step. Otherwise, if you do not organize this, it will not happen,” he said.
In his speech, he also discussed the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in transforming the construction and recycling industries.
According to him, new technologies are already being used for building demolition and material sorting through robots and smart sensors.
During the presentation, he shared his experience from the Netherlands and led an interactive discussion with participants about practices that make the country a leader in the circular economy, with a focus on cooperation and sustainable transport.
Friedl also conducted an imaginative exercise with the audience, inviting participants to envision Prishtina in 2030 as a city developed according to circular economy principles, with green technologies, smart mobility, and sustainable industry.
At the end of the event, he led a motivational and energetic exercise with the audience through the slogan “Yes, we can!”, encouraging a spirit of cooperation, optimism, and commitment to the transition toward a circular economy in Kosovo.
