its dependence on coal and to integrate variable renewables more easily. Kosovo needs to avoid investment in gas and leapfrog to electrification, rather than investing millions of euros that will lock the country into gas pipelines and pow­er plants that will have to be phased out in the coming dec­ades. The country should orient its efforts to maximise its solar and wind potential instead of further developing damaging small hydropower plants. To do so, Kosovo should amend and modernise its energy strategy and adopt an inclusive and ambitious National Energy and Climate Plan. These must be subject to timely strategic environmental impact as­sessments and public consultations, and need to pay special attention to planning a just transition for Kosovo’s coal com­munities and reducing energy poverty by increased energy efficiency measures. Together with incentives and measures for the installation of photovoltaics and heat pumps aimed at citizens, small and medium enterprises, and other stakeholders, this would greatly contribute to the inclusiveness of energy transition and to the decarbonisation of Kosovo. In addition, Kosovo needs to align its EIA and SEA laws with the relevant EU directives and ensure better implementa­tion, monitoring and enforcement. Kosovo 37