Pristina, 28 May - The European Commission (EC) Liaison Office and the Ministry of Local Government Administration announced today the beginning of three EU-funded works projects, which will enable the construction of infrastructure in 13 municipalities across Kosovo.

“The areas of education, health, energy, transport, environment, etc. have to be developed as cornerstones of future economic growth. Therefore, the European Commission has pledged considerable financial resources for the realisation of numerous projects related to improving the public infrastructure of Kosovo. Their main goal is to promote business activities and enhance quality of public goods and services,\" said Kjartan Björnsson, Head of Operations at EC Liaison Office. 

The projects that cover construction of a health clinic, sports centre, water supply networks, sewerage networks, wastewater treatment plants and rehabilitation of roads reach the value of over EUR 10 million. 

Sadri Ferati, Minister of Local Government Administration said: \"These projects will have a positive impact on improving municipal infrastructure, which will create better conditions for local economic development. They will also allow for prevention of migration from the rural to urban areas and enable provision of better health services for citizens.\" 

The impact of the infrastructure works is expected to be significant because of the substantial lack of infrastructure especially in the newly formed municipalities. The project will improve municipal services to all sectors and communities. The emphasis will be on ensuring that minorities and the disadvantaged are able to access these services more easily.

Since 2003 the EU has invested EUR 26 million in municipal infrastructure across Kosovo.