EU Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog Visits Gjakovë/Ðakovica

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EU Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog Visits Gjakovë/Ðakovica

03.07.2024 Press and information team of the EU Office/EU Special Representative in Kosovo

© EU in Kosovo, 2024

Today, the EU Ambassador in Kosovo, Tomáš Szunyog, visited the municipality of Gjakovë/Ðakovica, as part of his outreach to several municipalities across Kosovo. He began by meeting Mayor Ardian Gjini to discuss local governance issues, economic development plans, and community support initiatives. Ambassador Szunyog congratulated Mayor Gjini on receiving the 2022 "Most Roma Friendly Mayor Award", recognizing the municipality's efforts to promote inclusivity and support non-majority communities. He also praised Mayor Gjini's dedication to gender equality, highlighted through municipal staff involvement in the EU-funded Gender Equality Facility project implemented by UN Women. Additionally, he expressed appreciation for the municipality's ongoing support of the "Safe House" shelter, which plays a crucial role in helping victims of domestic violence.

During his visit to Gjakovë/Ðakovica, Ambassador Szunyog toured several EU-supported projects, including the extension and refurbishment of the municipal building. This project, supported by €2.5 million in EU funding, aims to modernize office spaces for better municipal service delivery.

Additionally, Ambassador Szunyog visited small local businesses benefiting from EU support. He highlighted the success story of "Te Ensari", a family-run sweet shop established by Vlora Kryeziu during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Known for its wedding cakes, festive treats, and edible decorations, the shop has expanded with EU assistance, hiring more staff and attracting customers from both local and neighbouring areas. It stands as the first sweet shop in the neighbourhood founded by a Kosovo Egyptian woman, serving as an inspiration for other young women entrepreneurs.

Another stop on the ambassador's itinerary was Valentina Karamoni's tailoring service, supported by EU post-COVID recovery initiatives. The shop produces a variety of clothing items and provides repair services, having adapted during the pandemic to produce protective masks for the local community. The EU's support included providing industrial sewing machines to enhance quality production. Karamoni's business not only caters to a diverse clientele, but also offers free services to vulnerable families from the Egyptian and Roma communities.

Reflecting on his visit, Ambassador Szunyog stated: "Today's visit underscores the EU's commitment to improving the economic well-being and community cohesion in Kosovo. Whether through infrastructure improvements or through supporting local businesses like those I visited today, EU initiatives empower communities and foster sustainable development. As Kosovo's largest donor, the EU remains steadfast in strengthening our partnership and advancing prosperity for all."