In recent years, threats to critical infrastructure have increased. This is primarily due to growing global threats and the digitalization of key operational processes, including those in the water sector. Consequently, the Government of Kosovo, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has placed significant emphasis on ensuring resilience in this sector. While Kosovo has legislative frameworks in place on protecting critical infrastructure, including the Water Law and Law on Critical Infrastructure, there are gaps in implementation. Furthermore, there is a lack of full alignment with the EU Water Framework Directive. Comprehensive integration and legislative amendments are necessary for effective water management. As regards the Law on Critical Infrastructure, the main caveats in its implementation currently derive from Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) delays in establishing responsible enforcement mechanisms. In parallel to the infancy of establishing the mechanisms, there was a need to amend the existing legislation to align it with the newest legislation of the EU in place. Reportedly, the current draft law that has been circulated does not clearly define the critical infrastructure sector. The water sector is not under the critical infrastructure law alone. Rather, it is also subject to the Law on Waters of Kosovo that provides details on how the water resources are managed, protected and used. It specifies the duties of various institutions, such as the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, in the management and protection of water resources. But as with the critical infrastructure law, the Law on Waters is unable to comply fully with EU rules, especially in terms of integrated water management and environment protection. Overall, Kosovo’s water infrastructure encompasses water supply systems, treatment facilities, distribution networks, and flood management structures. Due to its geographical characteristics, Kosovo is highly susceptible to water resource scarcity. Despite some modernization efforts, much of the infrastructure remains outdated, and the country faces considerable challenges from urbanization, agricultural demands, and climate change. Recent investments in this sector have primarily focused on the maintenance and upgrading of existing water capacities. However, no significant strategic investments aimed at enhancing water resilience have been made over the past decades. Water infrastructure governance is fragmented, and lacks proper coordination mechanisms, which hampers the implementation of effective and coordinated actions to address sector challenges.
Read the full report here: WHY KOSOVO INSTITUTIONS MUST URGENTLY ENHANCE THE SECURITY OF ITS WATERS?
