When the European Union in Kosovo named Shqipe Neziri Vela as Kosovo’s European of the Year 2026 during the Europe Day celebrations, it recognised her contribution to gender equality, women’s empowerment and sustainable energy governance.

The annual award honours individuals and institutions who embody European values and contribute to democratic development, human rights and European integration in Kosovo.
For Shqipe, the recognition reflects principles that have guided her throughout her career.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. For me, it reflects values that have guided my work throughout my career: transparency, accountability, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others.”

Today, she is recognised internationally for her work in energy governance and sustainable development. Yet her journey began in Pristina’s Qafa neighbourhood, where a desire to understand how societies develop and how public institutions can improve people’s lives would eventually shape her career.

Understanding the Human Side of Energy

Through an EU-funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship, she studied at the University of York and the Central European University, expanding her academic and professional horizons.

“My interest in energy emerged through a broader interest in public policy, governance, and development. During my university studies, I became increasingly curious about how institutions, laws and public policies shape economic growth and improve people's quality of life.”
Over time, she realised that energy is about far more than technology.

“I quickly realised that energy was far more than a technical field. The more I learned, the more I understood how energy decisions affect businesses, communities and entire countries.”

This perspective shaped her work at the intersection of energy, governance and development, including leading anti-corruption programmes in the energy sector at UNDP.
“Successful energy transitions depend on trust. Without transparency, accountability and strong institutions, even the most ambitious reforms can fall short.”

Europe as a Partner in Kosovo’s Future

Shqipe sees the European Union as both a source of opportunity for individuals and a key partner in Kosovo’s development.

“As Kosovo continues its energy transition and broader development journey, cooperation with the European Union will remain essential, not only for mobilising investment and strengthening institutions, but also for supporting Kosovo’s path towards EU membership.”

For her, European integration represents a pathway towards stronger institutions, greater opportunities and long-term stability.

Creating Opportunities for Others

Working in traditionally male-dominated sectors strengthened her determination to support other women pursuing careers in energy and mining.

In 2022, she co-founded Kosovo Women in Energy and Mining, a platform that promotes mentorship, networking and leadership opportunities for women in the sector.
Teaching has been another important part of that mission. For eight years, she taught Global Energy Policy at RIT Kosovo, helping students discover opportunities in a field many had never previously considered.

“The most meaningful moments in my career have not been awards or professional titles; they have been the moments when I have seen people I have taught or mentored succeed.”

Seeing former students continue their studies and build successful careers remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

Success Measured by Impact

Today, Shqipe divides her time between Oslo and Pristina, balancing international responsibilities, mentoring and family life. She describes her two children as a constant source of inspiration.

Currently, she is working with the Norwegian-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) on transparency, governance and responsible natural resource management. At the same time, she remains actively engaged in Kosovo through mentoring and as Chairperson of Kosovo Women in Energy and Mining.
Yet her definition of success remains simple.

For Neziri Vela, success is not measured by titles or awards, but by impact: creating opportunities for others, strengthening institutions and contributing to something larger than oneself. It is precisely this commitment to public service, inclusion and positive change that made her this year’s European of the Year.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue her journey in this field, staying engaged in both professional and academic spheres, and further contributing to energy, governance and sustainable development.