TIRANA, February 12 – The  Government of Kosova submitted the 2026 draft budget to the Assembly during its first meeting. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the budget amounts to 4 billion euros.

He stated that the budget allocates 867 million euros for municipalities. He added that it includes a 13th salary for public sector workers. Kurti explained that authorities will pay the 13th salary once the budget law enters into force.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Hekuran Murati said the 4 billion euro budget relies on 3.64 billion euros in budget revenues. He added that authorities will secure the remaining amount through borrowing or other deficit financing methods.

Murati noted that the government had previously submitted the draft within legal deadlines. He said authorities resubmitted it due to the Assembly’s inability to approve it.

In addition, the cabinet approved the extension of the budget for March, as required by law. Officials said certain payments cannot wait for approval in two readings.

/a.p.