FROM PLANS TO ACTION: GPEK SHARES PROGRESS WITH DONOR DELEGATION

12. November 2026

A delegation of representatives from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Sweden visited the Greening Private Enterprises in Kosovo (GPEK) project to review implementation progress, discuss emerging results, and engage with partners supporting Kosovo's transition towards a greener and more competitive private sector. Representatives from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the EU Office in Kosovo also participated in the discussions.

The delegation began its visit at the Helvetas Kosovo office, where the GPEK team presented the project's progress, key achievements, and priorities for the future. Discussions highlighted GPEK’s growing partnerships and efforts to help Kosovo SMEs improve resource efficiency, access green financing, and prepare for evolving market requirements, particularly those of the European Union.

Since its launch, GPEK has made progress across these areas, with several early results demonstrating how its activities are contributing to Kosovo’s green transition:

Improving access to green finance

The Green Deposit mechanism, launched by the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund (KCGF) with GPEK support, has already facilitated 24 green loans to SMEs, totaling over EUR 880,000. The mechanism uses government-owned capital to improve SMEs’ access to finance for green investments through local banks. Three partner banks have joined the mechanism in 2026, with more expected to join in the near future.

Raising awareness through local media and practical knowledge

GPEK has partnered with three local media outlets to improve access to credible practical information on the green transition. Through these partnerships, the outlets will develop and test engaging content to help SMEs and wide audience better understand greener business practices, emerging market requirements, and new business opportunities.

Beyond media engagement, GPEK is also working with chambers and business associations to identify and document practical green knowledge and business experiences that can be shared with SMEs and other stakeholders.

Documenting green practices and business experiences

GPEK has mapped green practices among Kosovo SMEs, in cooperation with business associations and chambers. Covering 122 enterprises, the inventory documents existing green practices, their business benefits, challenges, and potential for replication. It provides a basis for peer learning and sharing practical examples that other SMEs can learn from.

Helping SMEs prepare for greener EU markets

GPEK has engaged Kosovo SMEs through workshops and discussions on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Lean Manufacturing, and resource efficiency. These activities help businesses better understand evolving market requirements, identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency, and strengthen their competitiveness in increasingly sustainability-driven markets.

GPEK has also supported the establishment of the Green Economy Forum together with the National Council for the Economy and Investments (NCEI) Secretariat. The Forum is intended to provide a platform for regular public-private dialogue between businesses and and institutionson key issues affecting the green transition.

Supporting green investments through the GPEK Challenge Fund

The GPEK Challenge Fund has been launched to provide co-investment grants that help Kosovo SMEs invest in greener technologies, improve resource efficiency, and adopt more sustainable business practices. The first grants are expected to be awarded soon, marking an important step towards translating green business ambitions into tangible investments.

Encouraging digital innovation for greener businesses

Through the Digital Green Innovation Competition, GPEK is encouraging individuals and teams to propose concept ideas for digital solutions that can support Kosovo SMEs in their transition towards greener and more sustainable business practices. The finalist teams will soon present their ideas, with winners receiving awards, mentoring, and a six-month follow up support program to refine their concepts and facilitate their introduction to SMEs that could benefit from adopting these solutions.

Looking Ahead: Turning Early Progress into Lasting Change

The visit provided an important opportunity for the delegation and the GPEK team to reflect on implementation progress, exchange perspectives on emerging challenges, and discuss the priorities ahead.

“While still at an early stage, GPEK's activities demonstrate how cooperation among businesses, financial institutions, media organizations, public institutions, and other stakeholders can contribute to addressing barriers to the green transition. Building on these partnerships and initial achievements, GPEK will continue working to strengthen access to practical information, improve the enabling environment, and support innovation and green investments, helping Kosovo SMEs become more resource-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and competitive in evolving markets.”- Anastasia Bekish - Regional Portfolio manager for Economic Development, Helvetas Eastern Europe.

With several initiatives now underway and more activities planned, the GPEK team looks forward to the next stages of implementation and the opportunities ahead to support Kosovo SMEs in their green transition.

Greening Private Enterprises in Kosovo (GPEK) is a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), co-funded by Sweden and implemented by Helvetas.