Kosovo eyes Hungarian investors and travellers in 2026: Exclusive interview with Ambassador Delfin Pllana

On the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, Ambassador Delfin Pllana says the country is positioning itself as one of the Western Balkans’ most attractive destinations for Hungarian investors and travellers alike. In an interview with Daily News Hungary, he highlights Kosovo’s low taxes, young and multilingual workforce, expanding renewable energy and ICT sectors, and growing tourism appeal, while stressing that closer economic, educational and political ties could bring mutual benefits to both nations.
Table of contents
Daily News Hungary: Kosovo is often described as one of the most promising investment destinations in the Western Balkans. What do you see as the country’s main advantages for foreign investors, including those from Hungary?
Delfin Pllana: Let me begin by stating that I see Kosovo’s attractiveness as an investment destination as being grounded in our ability to combine highly competitive operating conditions with strong regional and international market access. From my perspective, this positions Kosovo as a natural platform for joint ventures and strategic partnerships with European investors, including companies from Hungary.
From a macroeconomic standpoint, I can confidently say that Kosovo has demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady growth in recent years. I regularly emphasise that our well-capitalised and stable banking sector, combined with low levels of public debt and prudent fiscal management, has significantly contributed to macroeconomic stability and investor confidence. The use of the euro further strengthens our appeal, as it eliminates currency risk, reduces transaction costs and aligns our financial system closely with EU standards – an important consideration for Hungarian and other EU-based investors.

I consider market access to be one of Kosovo’s most significant advantages. Through our participation in CEFTA, the EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement, and preferential trade arrangements with the United States, Turkey, EFTA countries, and Japan, companies operating in Kosovo enjoy tariff-free or preferential access to a wide range of markets. For Hungarian investors, I see particularly attractive opportunities to establish joint production, processing, or service operations that combine Hungarian capital, technology, and managerial expertise with Kosovo’s competitive cost structure and export-oriented framework.
A central pillar of Kosovo’s investment attractiveness, in my view, is our human capital. Kosovo has one of the youngest populations in Europe, with approximately 70% of our population under the age of 30. I consistently underline that this workforce is adaptable, increasingly well educated, multilingual and technologically proficient. Strong command of English and German, together with expanding technical and vocational training, supports collaborative business models in manufacturing, ICT, business services, and agribusiness.
For Hungarian companies, joint ventures with local partners can provide access to a motivated labour force while enabling Kosovar firms to integrate into regional and European value chains through technology transfer and skills development. From the perspective of economic diplomacy, I see our human capital as a key asset supporting small-state competitiveness strategies, particularly in knowledge-intensive exports, digital services, and sector-specific foreign investment.
This favourable environment is reinforced by what I regard as a liberal and investor-friendly legal framework. Kosovo offers a flat 10% corporate and personal income tax, full foreign ownership, unrestricted profit repatriation, and transparent investment protection laws aligned with EU norms. Business registration procedures are streamlined, and ongoing regulatory reforms continue to improve predictability and legal certainty – factors I consider essential for long-term investment and sustainable joint ventures.

I would also emphasise that Kosovo’s business climate is strengthened by its resource base and institutional integration. We possess significant natural resources, including some of the largest lignite reserves in Europe, alongside growing potential in renewable energy, mining, and construction materials. At the same time, Kosovo is integrated into major international and regional economic frameworks, having joined or partnered with institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Council of Europe Development Bank, and the European Union through the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
Taken together, I firmly believe these factors position Kosovo as a competitive, outward-oriented, and partnership-driven investment destination. For Hungarian investors in particular, Kosovo offers a compelling combination of macroeconomic stability, market access, human capital, and regulatory openness. In my view, this creates strong foundations for joint ventures that can generate mutual benefits, support regional integration, and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the Western Balkans.
DNH: In which sectors do you see the greatest opportunities for Hungarian–Kosovar joint ventures and investments?
Delfin Pllana: I see Kosovo as offering a wide array of sectors where joint ventures with Hungarian companies can generate substantial mutual benefits by combining complementary strengths in technology, capital, human resources, and market access. Kosovo has a very competitive labour force, valuable natural resources, a strategic location and a strong export-oriented framework. I am confident that when these advantages are paired with Hungary’s technological expertise, management experience and EU market connectivity, they create an environment conducive to productive collaboration and mutual gain.
In the energy sector, I see particularly compelling opportunities in renewable energy, district heating, energy efficiency and grid modernisation. Hungarian companies, with their extensive experience in EU-funded green projects, energy technologies, and financing mechanisms, can partner effectively with Kosovar firms. These partnerships benefit from Kosovo’s strong demand for sustainable energy solutions, accessible project sites, and supportive policy frameworks. I believe such collaborations not only contribute to the Western Balkans’ green transition but also reinforce the role of both countries in energy innovation and diversification.
The ICT and digital services sector is, in my view, one of Kosovo’s highest-potential areas for joint ventures. Software development, fintech, cybersecurity, gaming, digital marketing, and business process outsourcing can leverage Kosovo’s young and multilingual workforce alongside Hungary’s access to European clients and capital markets. With one of the youngest populations in Europe and high internet penetration, Kosovo has developed a strong ICT ecosystem, supported by a growing number of companies and a highly connected diaspora.
I see export-oriented digital services as a way for Kosovo to engage globally without requiring large-scale domestic industrial capacity, while Hungarian partners gain access to cost-efficient, highly skilled teams capable of serving EU and international markets. These collaborative initiatives enhance Kosovo’s reputation for innovation and strengthen our international economic profile.

I also see strong opportunities in manufacturing sectors such as metal processing, automotive components, furniture, construction materials, plastics and textiles. Joint ventures in these fields can merge Hungarian technological know-how and quality standards with Kosovo’s competitive labour costs and export potential. These industries benefit from Kosovo’s proximity to EU markets and integration into regional trade agreements, creating a strategic platform for both production and distribution across the Western Balkans.
Kosovo’s agricultural and agribusiness sector is another area I consider particularly promising. Food processing, cold storage, seed production, irrigation systems, dairy and meat processing, and organic farming can all benefit from partnerships with Hungarian firms. Hungarian expertise in agricultural technology, mechanisation and EU-compliant food safety standards can enhance productivity, quality, and export readiness while fostering meaningful knowledge transfer to local producers. I see this collaboration as strengthening Kosovo’s position in regional and international trade networks.
The construction and infrastructure sector remains a major driver of Kosovo’s economic growth. Joint ventures in residential, commercial, and infrastructure development can improve connectivity and trade facilitation within Kosovo and across the region. I believe Hungarian companies can benefit from stable investment opportunities while supporting Kosovo’s regulatory credibility and capacity to implement complex projects, thereby reinforcing investor confidence.
Labour-intensive industries, including textiles, also offer further possibilities. Kosovo’s textile sector, characterised by strong female workforce participation and an export-oriented structure, provides Hungarian partners with opportunities to enhance quality, introduce EU-compliant production standards, and integrate products into broader European supply chains. I see these ventures as contributing to inclusive employment and regional trade expansion.

Kosovo’s wood-processing and furniture industries are also sectors with significant collaborative potential. Our abundant forestry resources and tradition of artisanal skills support a growing export-oriented industry. Hungarian–Kosovar joint ventures in furniture production and woodcraft can capitalise on cost-effective labour, traditional expertise, and access to niche European markets. In my view, these projects enhance Kosovo’s economic diplomacy by presenting the country as a reliable and innovative trade partner while promoting sustainable and value-added production.
Finally, I would note that emerging areas such as logistics, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, vocational training, waste management, and water infrastructure also offer strategic opportunities for cooperation. These sectors can benefit from Hungary’s technical expertise and EU market knowledge while enabling Kosovo to build capacity and integrate more fully into regional and international markets.
Overall, I am convinced that Kosovo’s young and skilled workforce, liberal investment framework, strategic location, and export-oriented market access make it an exceptionally promising destination for Hungarian investors. Joint ventures across energy, ICT, manufacturing, agribusiness, construction, textiles, and wood processing can generate mutual gains and strengthen bilateral economic ties, regional stability, and Kosovo’s integration into European-aligned economic networks.
DNH: What support or guarantees does the Kosovar government provide for foreign investors and joint ventures?
Delfin Pllana: I can state with confidence that Kosovo offers a highly supportive, transparent, and predictable framework designed to attract and safeguard both domestic and foreign investment. From my perspective, this makes Kosovo one of the most promising destinations for joint ventures in the Western Balkans. The Kosovar government has established a business-friendly legal and fiscal environment that ensures security, legal certainty, and ease of operation for investors.
I frequently underline that our tax system is among the most competitive in the region. Corporate income tax is set at a flat rate of 10%, while value-added tax is 18% for standard goods and services but fully exempted for exports, providing a strong incentive for export-oriented joint ventures. Personal income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 10%, and social security contributions are capped at a total of 10%, equally shared between employers and employees. Customs duties range from 0% to 10%, with exemptions for most capital goods and raw materials, significantly reducing entry costs for foreign investors.

From a legal standpoint, I emphasise that Kosovo’s investment framework is fully aligned with EU standards and offers robust protections for foreign investors. Laws such as Law No. 04/L-220 guarantee equal treatment for domestic and foreign investors, protect property rights, and safeguard against expropriation. I consistently assure our partners that Kosovo allows 100% foreign ownership, unrestricted movement of capital and profits, and full recognition of international arbitration mechanisms. In my experience, these guarantees are essential for long-term and complex joint ventures, particularly those involving European partners. Specialised commercial courts further ensure that business disputes are resolved efficiently, reinforcing Kosovo’s credibility as a reliable investment destination.
Beyond legal protections, I see Kosovo as offering a range of fiscal and operational incentives tailored to joint ventures and strategic investments. Free Economic Zones provide VAT and customs exemptions, simplified administrative procedures, and ready-to-use infrastructure, making them particularly attractive for manufacturing, logistics, and technology-driven projects. The Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency (KIESA) plays a central role in facilitating investment, and I regularly highlight its work in helping foreign companies identify reliable local partners, obtain permits, and navigate both central and municipal procedures. In many cases, local authorities proactively support investment projects by offering land, infrastructure, and targeted assistance, especially for initiatives that create employment, boost exports, and enable technology transfer.
Taken together, I believe these measures create an environment in which Hungarian companies and other international investors can confidently establish joint ventures that leverage Kosovo’s competitive labour force, strategic location and EU-aligned regulatory system. The government’s active role as a facilitator, combined with clear legal protections and incentives, positions Kosovo not only as a safe and predictable business destination but also as a committed long-term partner for regional economic integration and sustainable growth.

DNH: What can Kosovo offer Hungarian travellers as a tourist destination?
Delfin Pllana: I am truly convinced that Kosovo can offer Hungarian travellers an extraordinary and enriching tourism experience. In my view, Kosovo successfully combines rich cultural heritage, striking natural landscapes, vibrant urban life, and a rapidly emerging culinary scene. As a compact, rather small in size and easily accessible country, Kosovo allows visitors to experience authenticity, diversity and hospitality within short distances. I often describe Kosovo as an ideal destination for cultural explorers, hikers, gastronomy enthusiasts and travellers interested in discovering emerging European destinations beyond the mainstream tourist routes.
Prizren, which is considered the cultural capital of Kosovo, is a destination I always recommend first. Its historic old town features an exceptional concentration of Ottoman-era architecture, churches, mosques and historic bridges. At the same time, Prizren is a living cultural hub, hosting internationally recognised events such as Dokufest and the Autostrada Biennale, which add a contemporary and creative dimension to the city. Culinary experiences are central to Prizren’s appeal. Visitors can enjoy local specialities such as flija, sarma, artisanal cheeses and freshly baked pastries, complemented by regional wines and craft beers that reflect the city’s festive and welcoming spirit.







