Kosovo criticized for missing NATO summit as EU approves €206 million funding

Albanian‑Kosovar politicians criticised Prime Minister Albin Kurti for not attending the NATO summit in Ankara. Daut Haradinaj said Kurti’s stay in Greece caused Kosovo to lose diplomatic opportunities, warning that the country risks falling behind in its Euro‑Atlantic integration. Former ambassador Alma Lama called Kosovo’s diplomacy “asleep” and urged that Kosovo be invited as an observer at the summit. PDK deputy Enver Hoxhaj added that Kurti’s focus on academic topics in Greece highlighted the government’s lack of political priority while NATO leaders met in Turkey.

At the same time, the European Union confirmed that Kosovo will receive a total of €206.4 million under the IPA 2026 and IPA 2027 programs and the Western Balkans Investment Framework. The funding is earmarked for environment and climate (€44 m), energy (€34.5 m), border and migration management (€30.5 m), competitiveness, education and employment (€31.8 m), good governance and EU alignment (€24.7 m), and rule‑of‑law support (€15 m). Three additional grants (€25.9 m) will finance technical assistance for the Ibar‑Lepenac hydro system, a segment of the Qafë e Duhlës‑Banullë highway, and a wastewater‑treatment plant in Podujevo. Implementation will begin after parliamentary ratification of the financing agreement.