Kosovo - toward true independence

Restructuring the energy sector: Kosovo needs to embark on a national program that reforms the energy sector by focusing first on renewable energy sources, harnessing in particular solar and wind while tackling major environmental and health problem which are badly affecting the country.

Since Kosovo aspires to become an EU member state and wants to become energy independent, it should not invite Turkish energy companies to explore its vast reservoir of energy as Turkey wants to control the energy sector. Instead, Kosovo should work in partnership with European and Israeli energy companies to guarantee sovereign control over its energy resources while ensuring a reliable energy supply.

Preventing undue influence by foreign powers: Whereas Kosovo needs to work with and establish good neighborly relations with other countries, it must remain vigilant against undue influence by foreign powers, especially Erdogan's Turkey. Ankara has its own geostrategic agendas, often contrary to Kosovo's national interests.

Turkey views Kosovo as a province of its would-be neo-Ottoman Empire, and Erdogan's investments in mosques and major national projects, including Kosovo's airport and energy distribution network, are controlled by Turkish companies designed solely to keep Kosovo in Turkey's influence. Yes, Kosovo needs foreign investments, but it must never accept any investments from foreign governments that compromise its independence.

Russia, on the other hand, has used its veto power at the UNSC against recognizing Kosovo. Putin's aim in this regard is to isolate Serbia from Europe and bring it into Moscow's orbit: as long as Serbia does not recognize Kosovo, neither country will be eligible for EU membership, as the EU made mutual recognition a pre-condition to their integration.

Expanding the technological sector: Given the rapid development of digital technology, Kosovo has an unprecedented opportunity to further advance in this area, especially now that Israel has recognized Kosovo. Israel, being the world leader in this field, can assist Kosovo in the development of its technological industry without any strings attached.

There are several IT startups in Kosovo who began at the Innovation Center Kosovo (ICK), a high-tech complex whose mission is to create jobs and business opportunities "in Kosovo's IT and 'green energy' sectors through innovation, entrepreneurship and investment." Indeed, partly due to ICK, Kosovo enjoys thriving IT startups; it can emulate Israel and become the IT hub of the Balkans.

Certainly, many of these programs and initiatives require significant funding. While the EU, the US, the World Bank, and the IMF will continue to assist financially and provide long-term loans, it is essential that Kosovo harnesses its own natural resources, especially in the energy sector. This would give Kosovo over a period of five years the funding it needs to invest wisely and provide job opportunities for tens of thousands of people, especially the young.

Thousands of Kosovar Albanians have sacrificed their lives to see Kosovo rise from the ashes of war. They bequeathed the country to this generation who must honor their sacrifices and never again allow a foreign power to impede their march toward a real democracy. They must stand tall and strong because it is only from that position of strength and vigilance Kosovo will march confidently toward true independence.