Message from ARRU Kosovo on the Balkans Memorandum of Cooperation signed on the 18th of May in Tirana, Albania.
Dear Minister, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to be standing before you today and to be a part of the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the water regulators of Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo.
First I want to thank the host, Mr Shani, for taking this initiative and the organization of this ceremony for signing the Memorandum of Cooperation between our countries.
The signing of this Memorandum is a historic moment and of special importance for the beginning and strengthening of our cooperation.
Water is essential for life and is a necessary precondition for economic development and cooperation on water issues also promises economic and environmental benefits.
The water sector in Kosovo, despite some positive developments, such as the regionalization of water supply companies and the increase of coverage with water supply and sewerage services, still has many challenges that need to be addressed and improved in the shortest possible time.
The challenges that await us are many. On the one hand, the increase in demand for water and on the other hand fewer water resources due to climate change forces all of us who work in the water sector but also every citizen, organization and institution to be more attentive to water use protection.
Only together we can achieve the objectives of sustainable management, which is a civic obligation but also an international obligation.
Ms. Hajrije Morina, Director at ARRU Kosovo
Coping with climate change, in particular, does not depend on one country, but requires enhanced effort and cooperation to meet global challenges at various levels and across borders.
The challenges of the water sector are almost similar in our countries and the beginning of this cooperation will help in the exchange of information and data, and consequently finding common management strategies, will improve the knowledge of water regulators and will contribute to the development of water sector in the region.
The Memorandum of Cooperation will facilitate and oblige us to work together towards a common goal so that we can mutually benefit from this cooperation.
Water Regulatory of Kosovo is willing and pleased to contribute to building and strengthening this cooperation.
Have a look at the official press release on the signing of the Western Balkans Memorandum of Cooperation
On May 18th the following Regulators: the Regulator of Albania (WRA), the Regulator of Montenegro (REGAGEN), the Regulator of Kosovo (ARRU) and The Regulator of North Macedonia (ERC) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to further develop their cooperation and regulatory activities.