During their visit, they met with Mayor Bali Muharremaj and his team to discuss various issues, including local governance, economic development, women's representation, environmental concerns, and the status of non-majority communities within the municipality. The EU Ambassador to Kosovo congratulated the Mayor on qualifying for the 2024 Municipal Performance Grant and for promoting gender balance by appointing several women to senior positions. “I also encouraged the Mayor to increase the representation of the Kosovo Roma, Kosovo Ashkali, and Kosovo Egyptian communities in the municipal civil service, especially in the Municipal Office for Communities and Return,” stated Ambassador Szunyog.

As part of their visit, the delegation also toured two EU-supported companies, "Graniti," a wood processing facility in Shirokë/Široko, and "METAL FIX," a metal processing company.

During a tour led by the owner of "Graniti," the delegation witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of the EU's support for local entrepreneurship. Thanks to a direct grant from the EU, the company managed to diversify its production and improve its wood processing facility. "Graniti" was one of 40 small and medium-sized enterprises that benefited from a total of €5 million in grants.

European Union in Kosovo, 2024

The delegation also visited "METAL FIX," a company supported through a project implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Its owners explained that thanks to EU support, they managed to lower production costs, improve their production capacities, and boost occupational health and safety. In total, this EBRD-implemented project has supported 150 companies with a total amount of €30 million, of which €6 million is an EU grant and €24 million a loan by EBRD. This support resulted in sustaining approximately 4,000 jobs.

European Union in Kosovo, 2024

Concluding the visit, the EU Ambassador to Kosovo said: “It is remarkable to witness the indispensable role of EU assistance to Kosovo’s small and medium-sized enterprises. As Kosovo’s largest donor, the support of the EU has helped stimulate growth, generate jobs, and increase competitiveness. The total EU funding to Kosovo’s private sector development from 2014 to 2023 surpasses €70 million.”

Today’s visit to Suharekë/Suvareka took place within the framework of the EU’s municipal outreach, highlighting the EU's ongoing commitment to supporting political and economic development in Kosovo.