The Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform for Scientific Research and Innovation, organized in Brussels by the European Commissioner for Start-ups, Scientific Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva.
This meeting discussed upon the opportunities that scientific research and innovation create for the economic development and advancement of the region; this meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Përparim Kryeziu, the Ambassador of Kosovo to Brussels, Agron Bajrami, ministers and partners from the Western Balkans and Europe.
During the meeting, the European Union and the Western Balkans partners adopted a joint declaration on strengthening cooperation in scientific research and innovation, as well as on drafting a Joint Action Plan.
Commissioner Zaharieva described this statement as a new chapter in cooperation between the EU and the region, within developing scientific research and European integration.
Innovation awards were also presented during the event, recognizing young innovators from the region. Kosovo was represented by Arbnora Kllokoqi, founder of the “Mendje” platform, which uses technology to facilitate access to mental health services by connecting Albanian speakers with licensed psychologists who understand their language and cultural context.
Kusari-Lila presented Kosovo’s initiatives for the development of the innovation ecosystem and the country’s potential for further growth in this area. She emphasized that the services sector has a positive trade balance and has the opportunity to make an even greater contribution to the country’s economic development.
As part of this commitment, Minister Kusari-Lila highlighted investments in technological and industrial infrastructure, including EUR 8 million invested by the state in the Innovation and Training Park in Prizren (ITP). In addition to infrastructure development, MIETI is supporting businesses and entrepreneurs through financial schemes.
During 2026, the envisaged support includes EUR 1.9 million for 34 enterprises and 15 start-ups, EUR 1 million for 42 beneficiaries in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, EUR 1.16 million for ICT innovation, as well as EUR 1 million for women entrepreneurs.
These measures aim to help businesses and entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into competitive products, services and activities, creating new development and employment opportunities.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to advancing agreed objectives and deepening regional and European cooperation in scientific research and innovation.
