Kosovo clamps down on hydropower violations

Hydropower plants across Kosovo have come under increased scrutiny following inspections that identified problems with ecological river flows and shortcomings in public participation in environmental decision-making.

Inspections were carried out across Kosovo, including in Sharr National Park, and found cases where hydropower operators were not complying with ecological-flow requirements. Works at several hydropower plants were subsequently suspended and fined.

Based on these findings, in April the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning introduced stronger requirements for hydropower operators to respect ecological flows and install water-flow monitoring equipment. The Ministry also provided for the suspension of water-use rights where operators fail to meet these requirements.

In July, following findings that some EIA consultations lacked timely and complete information or meaningful public participation, the Ministry suspended and reviewed the affected procedures and called for consultations to be repeated where necessary.

The Ministry based both decisions on findings from the Blue Heart campaign, which highlighted failures to maintain minimum ecological river flows and ensure meaningful public participation.