Green transition, stronger businesses: New project “Greening Private Enterprises in Kosovo” launched
Switzerland and Sweden have launched the Greening Private Enterprises in Kosovo (GPEK) project together with the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation in Kosovo. This new project supports Kosovo’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become more competitive, resource-efficient, and better prepared for the green transition.
In the face of climate change pressures and an increasing regulatory framework raising green standards, the private sector’s transition towards more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient practices is becoming a necessity. Instruments such as CBAM, pressure from value chains, and changing consumer expectations are reshaping the conditions for doing business. For many enterprises, greener production will increasingly be linked to competitiveness, market access, and long-term survival.
GPEK will support Kosovo’s SMEs to respond to these challenges and opportunities by partnering with companies, service providers, financial institutions, business associations, and public institutions to make practical green solutions more accessible. By improving the use of energy, water, raw materials, and other resources, enterprises can reduce costs and increase productivity. This will also better position them to offer decent jobs, retain skilled workers, and contribute to reducing economic pressures that drive emigration. Thus, the project contributes to broader environmental and social development objectives that are important for Kosovo and its partners. The green agenda is also an important part of Kosovo’s commitment toward EU accession.
At the launching event, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Kosovo, Beate Elsaesser, noted that climate change and environmental pressures are urgent global challenges that directly impact economies. She emphasized that adopting sustainable and resource-efficient practices by the private sector is not only about environmental responsibility but also about maintaining competitiveness.
The Deputy Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation, Jeton Mehmeti, noted that the Government remains committed to creating conditions that enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to invest, innovate, and develop in line with European standards.
