Climbing a mountain is a rewarding exercise.

Once at the top, we can look back at the difficult track behind.

And all around us, we can see new heights to explore.

Today’s ceremony – on a mountaintop – is about exactly this:

First of all, we celebrate achievement.

Selac wind farm is the biggest foreign investment project in the history of independent Kosovo.

• Many foreign companies, including from Germany, have worked hand in glove to turn it into a reality.
• German investment guarantees and a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development supported the construction work.
• And the project includes company investment from the country that most recently recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state: Israel.

In short: Selac wind farm is testimony to Kosovo‘s economic and diplomatic achievements.

Congratulations!

Today’s ceremony is also about new goals.

Selac wind farm is a crucial step on Kosovo’s path to green transition.

Across the Western Balkans, huge potential for solar and wind energy remains untapped.

That is why last year‘s agreement by all six Western Balkans countries to the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and its Action Plan was so important.

We look forward to Kosovo´s forthcoming energy strategy. Albin [Kurti], Artane [Rizvanolli]:

Your presence here today is testimony to your commitment to sustainable climate policies.

Germany, through its new climate foreign policy, stands ready to expand cooperation with Kosovo in this crucial field.

We share the same ambitions:

• To fulfil our climate goals and help preserve our planet.
• To supply our populations with reliable and affordable energy and electricity.
• And to improve our energy security. President Putin’s war against Ukraine leaves us in no doubt:

We have to reduce our dependency on fossil energy – and we have to expand renewables.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Selac wind farm provides a fresh breeze of clean energy to Kosovo.

It marks an important milestone in your country’s development.

And it puts you on track for a greener future – for new heights to explore.

Germany stands ready to support you on that path.

Thank you!