The Kosovo before independence

Not only political independence will present a major challenge to the government of an independent Kosovo. It will also be hard to get the economy going, believes Thomas Muster. Currently annual per capita GDP is only 1,100 euros - well below that of other countries in the region. In fact, though, Kosovo has large reserves of raw materials like lignite, lead or zinc. "The current state of Kosovo's economy does ... little to inspire confidence. Among the province's some two million inhabitants around 40 percent of those able to work are unemployed. Here youth and long-term unemployment are particularly serious problems. The infrastructure and energy supply are both in a wretched state, and in view of the volatile political environment and widespread corruption, foreign investors are showing little interest in making generous commitments."

» to the homepage (external link, Neue Zürcher Zeitung)
More from the press review on the subject » EU enlargement, » Economic Policy, » Europe, » Serbia
All available articles from » Thomas Fuster

» To the complete press review of Thursday, February 14, 2008