In Kosovo and Belgrade, Shemsi Gara spent 30 years operating heavy machinery in a coal mine, inhaling dangerous dust that led to lung cancer. Despite treatment, Gara, age 55, passed away while receiving oxygen at home. His wife, Xhejlane, reflected on his suffering, quoting, "Only God knows the pain I have."
Persistent pollution due to coal use, heating practices, and outdated infrastructure continues in the Western Balkans, impacting air quality and public health. The region's struggle to meet emission standards may hinder its EU membership prospects.
Mirko Popovic, from a Belgrade think tank, notes the lack of resources for pollution reduction in the region. While EU countries have cut emissions significantly, economic challenges impede progress in Western Balkan nations.
Kosovo heavily relies on coal for energy, with estimates suggesting a costly transition to cleaner sources. The pervasive pollution is evident during winters, as seen in cities like Belgrade and Sarajevo, where hazardous air quality persists.
The high pollution-related death rates in the region underscore the urgent need for action. Gara's burial in Obilic symbolizes the toll of coal mining and polluting power plants. His doctor, Haki Jashari, attributes his cancer to years of exposure to harmful substances.
Jashari criticizes the delayed response to environmental concerns, emphasizing that adherence to EU standards would have led to plant closures. Kosovo's energy ministry aims to reduce emissions through renewable energy investments and plant upgrades, yet Jashari regrets the missed opportunities for earlier intervention.