Pristina, April 30, 2025 – The Ombudsperson has requested from the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) the suspension of decisions related to the increase in electricity prices (V_2697_2025 and V_2698_2025), until the completion of investigations regarding citizens’ complaints.

The Ombudsperson emphasizes that the Decision on the increase in tariffs has a direct impact on fundamental human rights, particularly burdening the most vulnerable groups and families on social assistance. This situation raises serious concerns about the economic affordability of citizens and equal access to basic services.

The Ombudsperson highlights the lack of institutional coordination and underlines that these decisions were taken at a time of institutional vacuum – without a constituted Assembly and without a mandated Government, which has contributed to the lack of the necessary public and institutional debate on issues that are of vital importance to citizens.

The Ombudsperson recalls that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, in accordance with Law No. 05/L-085 on Electricity, is responsible for guaranteeing the public interest, ensuring equal access and social inclusion in energy policies. Decisions that so directly affect the well-being of citizens must be comprehensive, based on in-depth social analysis and be undertaken only at a time when institutions are functional and coordinated to protect the general social interest.

The Ombudsperson emphasizes the need for independent bodies such as ERO to have increased accountability, transparency and cooperation with relevant institutions, especially when decisions that greatly affect the public interest.