From Extraction to Integrity: Mitigating Corruption in Kosovo's Energy Transition Journey

The worldwide pressing need to decarbonize the energy sector has sparked a significant shift towards cleaner and more efficient energy sources, in line with the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. This transition involves moving away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Nevertheless, it comes with its share of obstacles. One significant aspect of this transition lies in the intersection between the energy sector and extractive industries, particularly evident in regions like Kosovo, where fossil fuels dominate the energy mix. The transition poses complex dynamics for extractive industries, impacting not only the core mining communities but also broader economic, environmental, and social facets. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges arising in Kosovo's extractive industries amid the low-carbon energy transition. Moreover, the paper addresses the critical issue of corruption vulnerabilities within the energy sector, particularly concerning transparency in the natural resource extraction value chain. Identified corruption risks, including issues with licensing procedures and regulatory compliance, underscore the importance of strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and integrity. Furthermore, the connection between extractive industries and the energy transition unveils two key challenges: the need to phase out fossil fuel extraction and the energy-intensive nature of extractive processes, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.