The Parliamentary Committee for Economy, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade has reviewed a formal complaint from Kosova Thëngjilli regarding the non-implementation of the Law of Economic Recovery, specifically concerning the company’s exemption from mining rent. Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, provided a report on the issue to the committee, addressing concerns raised by the company.
Rizvanolli acknowledged that while there is no economic logic for the rent to be billed by KEK (Kosovo Energy Corporation) to Kosova Thëngjilli, the Legal Office’s interpretation supports the rent being charged. She described the situation as an “injustice” but clarified that the legal interpretation allows licensed mining units to be charged rent.
The managing director of Kosova Thëngjilli, Isuf Mehmeti, justified the complaint by stating that the company has not been able to comply with the Law on Economic Recovery since January 1, when the law came into effect. He pointed out that the lack of rent exemption has severely affected the company, which employs 200 workers, and caused a loss of business with their key client, Ferronikeli, now sourcing from neighboring countries due to tax issues.
Ferat Shala, Chairman of the Commission, expressed concern that despite the law clearly exempting such units from rent, Kosova Thëngjilli continues to be unfairly charged. He criticized KEK for imposing rent and emphasized that the law should not favor only the ‘bosses’ of the mining sector. Shala questioned whether the company’s deteriorating financial situation could lead to bankruptcy.
Support for Kosova Thëngjilli came from MPs across party lines, including Mimoza Kusari-Lila, who criticized KEK for billing the company unfairly, and Uran Ismajli from the PDK, who argued that the Law should apply equally to all businesses without any abuse.
