Kosovo’s government has approved a €4.27 billion draft budget for 2027. The plan includes higher public sector wages, increased child benefits, a 13th salary and major infrastructure investments.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the new budget exceeds the revised 2026 budget by €200 million. The government will now submit it to Parliament for approval.

Kurti also reported strong economic growth. The economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter and 5.1% in the second quarter of this year.

More investment in infrastructure

For the first time, the government has allocated more than €1 billion to capital investments. The funds will support major road projects, including the Pristina outer ring road, the Duhël-Banullë connection and the Dukagjin motorway.

Higher wages and child benefits

The draft budget provides for a 25% increase in child benefits from January 2027. The government plans further annual increases until 2030, when the benefits are expected to double.

Public sector employees will also receive a 13th salary and a €120 increase in the salary coefficient. The government plans to pay the 13th salary in the first half of the year and introduce the salary increase in the second half.

As a result, the public sector wage budget will reach €1.085 billion.

More support for former KLA leaders

The government also plans to increase funding for the defence teams of four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders held in The Hague: Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi.

Kurti said the government would support their legal defence during the appeal process. Meanwhile, a working group led by Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca will prepare a strategy for further action.

More funding for healthcare and pensions

The draft budget also increases funding for essential medicines. It allocates €586 million for goods and services and €1.446 billion for subsidies and transfers, including child benefits and pensions.

In addition, the government plans to establish Kosovo’s first airline. However, experts warn that high costs and international competition could challenge its long-term viability.

Opposition questions the deadline

The budget’s approval has also sparked criticism from the opposition. The law required the government to submit the draft to Parliament by October 31.

However, the government approved it on November 2. Opposition MP Hykmete Bajrami criticised the delay and called on the government to respect legal deadlines.

Parliament will now review the proposed budget before deciding on its final approval.

/a.c/