Kosovo abandons US gas plan, pivots to LNG imports and local generation

Arben Gashi of the Democratic League of Kosovo warned that rejecting the U.S.-backed gas‑ification project puts Kosovo at risk of economic and political isolation, calling it “a cardinal mistake that will cost us for decades.”

Memli Haradinaj echoed the concern, saying the refusal of the American gas project is “a refusal of the opportunity to make Kosovo a stronger part of the Western strategic architecture.”

Deputy Prime Minister Artane Rizvanolli clarified that Kosovo is not opposed to U.S. LNG, but prefers importing liquefied natural gas through Albania’s Vlorë terminal and transmitting the electricity to Kosovo, noting “we don’t need to bring it into Kosovo; we bring it to Vlorë and take it from there.”

Vlora Çitaku criticised the refusal as a signal to Kosovo’s strategic allies, emphasizing that the United States has historically supported Kosovo’s key moments.

The American Economic Office in Kosovo (OEAK) said Kosovo must develop domestic generation capacity and adopt LNG as the fastest, most economical path to energy security, stating “every new megawatt produced in Kosovo increases supply security, reduces dependence on regional imports, and strengthens the economy.”

Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who in 2023 said Kosovo never questions U.S. demands, has now shifted, supporting the Vlorë LNG approach and rejecting the construction of a gas pipeline on Kosovar soil. The debate highlights the clash between immediate cost considerations, long‑term energy independence, and alignment with U.S. geopolitical strategy.