The current air quality situation in Kosovo[1] is a major concern for the health of citizens and the environment. Air pollution has reached high levels, especially during the winter period. In recent years, air pollution in Kosovo has become one of the main issues for citizens and institutions. The capital, Pristina, is the city that faces the most pollution, ranking among the cities with the worst air quality in Europe. One of the main pollutants in Pristina are the coal-fired power plants, Kosovo A and Kosovo B, located in Obiliq, near the capital. These power plants use coal for electricity generation and emit high levels of fine particles and harmful gases, contributing to air pollution. In addition, the high frequency of vehicles, the use of lignite for heating residential buildings, construction activities, and industrial enterprises are also significant factors that affect air quality. Air pollution is a mixture of particles and gases that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Air pollutants can travel from one place to another through the atmosphere, causing pollution in different areas, even though they are not always linked to local sources. Examples of air pollutants include smog, smoke, pollen, methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Air pollution has a direct impact on public health in Kosovo. Respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, and lung cancer are closely related to high levels of pollution. Additionally, air pollution can also cause cardiovascular problems and negatively affect the health of children and elderly individuals, worsening their quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. This situation requires urgent intervention and coordinated measures from Kosovo’s institutions to reduce air pollution and improve air quality for the health of its citizens
Kosovo has a large number of old vehicles, many of which have a high level of depreciation. To reduce environmental pollution in cities, it would be reasonable to invest in city trams that operate on electric energy. This would not only help reduce emissions and improve air quality but also promote the use of renewable energy sources and enhance public transportation. Transitioning to electric public transport systems, such as trams, could significantly reduce traffic-related pollution, leading to a healthier environment and improving the quality of life for residents.
Thermal power plants:
To reduce the harmful emissions caused by coal-fired power plants such as Kosovo A and Kosovo B, investments in renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power plants are crucial. However, the transition from thermal to green energy is not a simple or low-cost process. It requires large-scale infrastructure investments, advanced technology, and long-term strategic planning.
Given Kosovo’s current economic situation, such a transition presents significant challenges. The government may lack the financial resources and institutional capacity to independently fund and manage this energy shift. Moreover, existing power plants still serve as primary energy providers, making it difficult to replace them overnight without risking energy insecurity.
Therefore, Kosovo would likely need substantial international support—particularly from the European Union and other global donors—to make this transformation feasible. Financial assistance, technical expertise, and policy alignment with EU environmental standards could help Kosovo gradually reduce its reliance on coal and move towards a sustainable and cleaner energy future.
Construction activities: The growth of construction, especially in large cities, has also led to an increase in pollution, mainly due to the dust created by construction and the lack of measures for dust management during the works.
Conclusion
Air pollution in Kosovo, especially in urban areas like Pristina, remains a pressing environmental and public health issue. The main contributors include outdated thermal power plants, high vehicle emissions, and unchecked construction activities. While solutions such as transitioning to renewable energy and electric transport exist, they require significant investment and international support. Addressing this challenge demands urgent and coordinated action from both national institutions and external partners like the EU.
[1] This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
