AmCham calls for stronger parliamentary discussion on laws with critical implications

Prishtinë, July 16, 2018 – The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo voices its deep concern regarding the amendment of the Law No. 05/L-132 on Vehicles, namely the approval of the provisions allowing the import of vehicles older than ten years despite the calls from the American Chamber of Commerce and other business associations against this initiative.

AmCham believes that the law goes against the proclaimed efforts for the protection of environment and health of the citizens and it is a step back for Kosovo in terms of initiatives undertaken within the European Union to reduce the gas emissions released from the light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

AmCham also believes that initiatives and amendments of such scale, with extensive implications on the environment, traffic safety and health, should be discussed more widely, whereas members of the parliament should take into consideration the importance of a comprehensive decision-making approach. Nevertheless, AmCham believes that as the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning has initiated a process aiming to identify the causes and factors of pollution in the country, the amendment of the law should be halted until the results of the assessment have been published.

In conclusion, the American Chamber of Commerce once again reiterates its call on the policy-makers to reflect and understand the importance of the continuous dialogue with the private sector and civil society organizations as the only way to ensure that the laws and the sub-legal acts serve the economic growth and the welfare of the citizens.