Remittances from the diaspora reach the value of 651 million euros within six months
Express newspaper
24/08/2025 10:46
Over 651 million euros were sent by the diaspora to Kosovo in the period January-June of this year. This value is over 21 million euros more compared to the same period last year.
Economists estimate that the increase in remittances in our country is a result of rising inflation, and consequently high prices, which affect the deterioration of the economic situation of families in Kosovo, KosovaPress reports.
They say that the increase in the value of remittances is not a good indicator for the country’s economy.
An expert on economic developments in the country, Safet Gërxhaliu, believes that diaspora remittances are vital for economic and social stability in Kosovo. He emphasizes that the main problem is that this money is spent mainly on consumption, on the purchase of goods and services, and not on productive investments.
According to him, the increase in remittances in the first six months of this year, compared to that of 2024, should not be seen only as a positive sign, but as a result of several factors such as the increase in inflation in Kosovo and Europe, as well as the increased need for social assistance.
These conditions, according to Gërxhaliu, have led the diaspora to send more money to maintain social stability and help their families in Kosovo.
The former president of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, Safet Gërxhaliu, told KosovaPress, emphasizing that the enormous increase in prices and the increase in demand for social assistance are the main factors that have increased diaspora support for families in Kosovo.
According to data from the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK), sent to KosovaPress, during the January-June period of this year, the amount of remittances from the diaspora reached 651.7 million euros, while data for June are still preliminary.
Compared to the same period last year, when remittances reached 630.1 million euros, this year there has been an increase of 21.6 million euros, writes KosovaPress.
“For the period January-June of this year, the amount of remittances recorded is 651.7 million euros (June data are preliminary). Compared to the same period last year, an increase of 21.6 million euros was recorded. Remittances for the period January-June 2024 are 630.1 million,” the CBK said in their written response.
Regarding this, economic expert Arton Muhaxhiri estimates that the increase in remittances is not a sign of economic improvement, but on the contrary, it indicates the deterioration of the situation in Kosovo.
According to him, all economic indicators from 2021 to date – inflation, trade deficit, and rising prices of essential products – prove that the economic situation is dire.
In a statement to KosovaPress, Muhaxheri says that remittances are expected to increase next year, not as a result of development, but as a consequence of the need for survival.
On the other hand, economic expert Florin Aliu tells KosovaPress that remittances continue to be an important pillar of Kosovo’s economy, keeping aggregate demand afloat and ensuring the well-being of many families.
According to him, the main question is what happens if remittances fall, as a decline would affect the country’s economic development.
The value of remittances in the first half of 2023 was approximately 633 million euros. Meanwhile, in the same period of 2022, the diaspora had sent over 555 million euros to Kosovo. /KP/