Balluku inhibits reforms

Balluku inhibits reforms

Despite the fact that Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that ministerial changes were made to further develop the country's economy, this does not seem to be the case with the Energy and Infrastructure Minister, Belinda Balluku.

Janez Kopač, the Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, presented the annual report to the parliamentary commission and stated that reforms in the energy sector have become stagnant following the departure of Gjiknuri.

“Gjiknuri was replaced and the enthusiasm for implementing energy reforms completely dropped off.

“It is understood that the new minister is not well versed in the operations of the sector and needs time to become acquainted.

“I hope she can achieve it. At this point, we confirm that have noticed a slowdown in market reforms,” said Kopač.

Frequently changing rules in the renewable energy sector causes foreign investors to lose confidence, according to Kopač.

“Renewable energy is very positive since auctions have been made in this sector, but on the other hand the lack of investor confidence is linked to unpredictability in regards to the legal aspect,” explained Kopač.

Delays in approving fuel reserves are another problem according to the Director of the Energy Community Secretariat.

“The current system of holding emergency oil reserves for allocation to the oil industry and is equal to 90 days of average sales.

“This has deteriorated and we expect the bill for holding emergency oil reserves, which was drafted in 2016 with the Secretariat's assistance, to be approved as soon as possible,” concluded Kopač.



EMISIONET