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Emigrants in Kosovo have sent nearly 633 million euros in the first half of this year, an increase of 77.5 million euros compared to the same period the previous year.
The most frequent remittances were recorded from Germany, but contributions were also received from Switzerland and the United States.
This amount could nearly quadruple if the money that emigrants spend during their vacations in Kosovo throughout the year is taken into account as well, local media reports.
Besnik Kada from the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK) has stated that during the January-June 2023 period, the total remittance amount is 632.9 million euros.
"Compared to 555.4 million euros in 2022, we have an increase of 77.5 million euros, more than the same six-month period of the previous year."
He also informed that the country from which the highest number of remittances have been registered is Germany.
"In the first quarter of this year, 38.8 million euros came from Germany, while last year, over 12 months, 161.5 million euros came from Germany. From Switzerland, 17.2 million euros were received in the first quarter, followed by the USA with 7.6 million euros, Austria and Italy with 4.8 million euros each, and so on."
Meanwhile, economy expert Safet Gerxhaliu stated that with the latest data from the CBK, which show an increase in remittances, it is further evidence that the solidarity of the diaspora with Kosovo continues.
"When we see that the diaspora has sent over 77 million euros more this year than in 2022, it is proof that the diaspora is one of the main pillars of support for Kosovo."
Gerxhaliu called for exploring the possibility of directing these incomes towards development rather than just consumption, to serve the economic development and recovery of Kosovo.