Honourable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Konjufca,
Honourable Prime Minister Kurti and the Government Cabinet,
Honourable Members of the Assembly of the Republic,
Honourable Ambassadors,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,
I speak to you at the conclusion of a challenging year for our state. It has been a year of facing difficulties, particularly in the area of security. On 24 September, Kosovo confronted the most perilous situation since its independence.
A terrorist and paramilitary group, funded, trained, and supported by Serbia, and most importantly, directed by the leadership of that state, executed an act of aggression with a clear plan to annex the north of Kosovo and cause destabilization not only in our country but also in the entire region.
On this day, Kosovo faced an aggressor, elusive in action but apparent in ambition, with the clear intention of undermining the foundation of our state, the Republic for which many generations have fallen as martyrs.
This attack, in the wake of Serbia’s chauvinistic and hegemonic ideas and plans, once again exposed the true face of our northern neighbour, whose eternal dream remains the realization of the fascist concept of the “Serbian World”.
At this time when security has been drastically challenged throughout our continent, the nefarious plan to destabilize Kosovo and the region received the deserved response.
In this confrontation, terrorists killed Police Officer Afrim Bunjaku, making him the most recent martyr and hero in the history of Kosovo, one of the many who fell defending the integrity and sovereignty of our state.
They took one life but mobilized thousands of young men and women from our Police ranks, who on the very same day sent a clear message: Kosovo will not retreat, Kosovo will not break up and Kosovo will defend its borders in every corner and at any cost.
No one and nothing will diver our Republic from its legitimate aspirations to make this country safe and dignified for all its citizens, without distinction.
No one and nothing will divert our Republic from its legitimate aspirations to extend the rule of law throughout our territory, without any distinctions.
Honourable Members of the Assembly,
Dear participants,
The attack on 24 September once again demonstrated the exceptional professionalism and courage of Kosovo’s security institutions. I want to express my deep gratitude to the Kosovo Police, the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, and all institutions involved in thwarting this aggression by Serbia.
However, honourable members, the attack on 24 September is also a clear indicator that Serbia and its current political leadership are not interested in stable peace, good neighbourly relations, or concluding the dialogue process with Kosovo.
Unfortunately, Vučić’s current policy mirrors the outdated policy of Milošević.
Therefore, hegemonic ambitions have not ceased. Banjska was just a warning, and Serbia will therefore not abandon its dark plans. Essentially, with such actions, Serbia is striking all of Europe because it works for the interests of malignant factors aiming to strike the EU and NATO by destabilizing the Western Balkans.
However, despite Serbia’s intentions, we are here, as we have been in earlier periods of history, as we were on 24 September, and as we will be every day forever to be the guardians of our Republic.
Honourable Member of the Assembly,
Precisely in difficult times, the people of Kosovo and its representatives have known how to unite around the cause of defending our state built with so many sacrifices. This was demonstrated after 24 September, when the entire political spectrum in the country came together in defense of our Republic, proving that we stand united in facing Serbia’s hegemonic policies.
We, together, must keep standing firm and unyielding against attempts to harm our Republic.
In such situations, there should be no party or ideological divisions; there must be unity, without any distinctions.
The only lineup we need today is lining up on the side of our independent and sovereign state.
The defense and existence of this state are a will inherited from the generations before us, so we have a duty to leave it stronger and more advanced for the generations to come after us.
We are few to be divided and with distinct positions in situations like this, when only unity is the right answer to protect the sovereignty of our state.
We have not overcome this risk, so we should not succumb to division and differences, but be united in our determination to confront Serbia and stand resilient and unwavering against security challenges.
The Kosovo Police works tirelessly, facing continuous risks, but security is not solely their responsibility. It is a shared responsibility that falls upon each of us. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and united in the wake of such situations.
Honourable Members of the Assembly,
The dialogue process with Serbia is becoming increasingly difficult due to its non-constructiveness, obstructions and efforts to cause destabilization not only in Kosovo but also byon.
The lack of balance and the approach of equal treatment in the dialogue has inflicted extremely significant damage on this process. Kosovo still faces unjust and disproportionate measures directly affecting the interests of its citizens. On the other hand, not imposing measures against Serbia for the act of aggression on 24 September and the attack on KFOR soldiers and journalists during May, unfortunately, has only encouraged this state to keep using violence.
Such unequal treatment of the parties will be a blow to the credibility of the dialogue process and a major obstacle to its success.
As you know, honourable members, Kosovo has recently received a proposal – a draft statute for an association of Serb-majority municipalities, drafted by our partners. While the drafters assess that such a draft complies with the Constitution, I want to emphasize that the institution that will need to make this assessment, guided by the principles of independence and professionalism, is the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo. It is important for all of us, regardless of party affiliation, to sit down together and collectively prepare our comments based on any concerns we may have, sending them to the Constitutional Court whenever this draft is submitted to this institution. Our common goal should be to ensure full compliance with the Constitution of Kosovo and not allow any intermediate power or other anomalies that jeopardize the internal functioning of our state. Therefore, to translate our common goals into joint actions, in addition to ongoing consultations with the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Assembly, I have invited leaders of opposition parties to a meeting. The purpose is to build a unified stance in defense of the functioning of our Republic on this challenging issue.
Honourable Member of the Assembly,
Dear participants,
As a head of foreign policy and representative of the country abroad, as stipulated in the Constitution, strengthening existing alliances and establishing new ones remains among the top priorities of my work.
This is not an easy process, especially given Serbia’s and its supporters’s increased efforts in the Kremlin, to undermine Kosovo’s international position. Their aim is not only to harm Kosovo but also to damage a successful international project of Western allies that has resulted in our freedom and independence.
In combating Serbian-Russian propaganda and their attempts to undermine Kosovo’s statehood, my engagement has been intensive and unwavering. Throughout this year, I had nearly 200 meetings and discussions with heads of states and governments, as well as additional meetings with other institutional leaders and leaders of the most powerful international organizations.
I am proud of the work we have done together with my team to remedy the extensive damage caused by Kosovo’s adversaries and prevent many others, and, above all, to improve Kosovo’s image and position internationally. I am aware that a challenging road lies ahead in the international advancement of our country. We have successfully managed to reconfirm almost 100 percent of the recognitions for every case when Serbia alleged to have revoked our country’s recognition, and we have built new alliances with the countries that are expected to take this decision soon.
Our application for membership in the Council of Europe is proof of our commitment to democratic values, human rights and the rule of law. Simultaneously, submitting Kosovo’s candidacy status application to the EU underscores our unwavering commitment to integration and our European future.
As challenges persist, we approach this path with determination, dedication, and, above all, with a clear strategic orientation, addressing concerns, implementing reforms, and encouraging cooperation with European institutions.
Despite its complexity, we will never abandon this path, despite the unjust delays encountered along the way. However, given the security challenges faced by Kosovo and our entire region, I am more convinced than ever that our NATO membership should be our number one priority. Our aspirations for membership in the most powerful military alliance are resolute, based on our commitment to regional and global security and stability.
To advance our priorities, it is crucial that Albanians in the region unify foreign policy across all international organizations. Albania is our voice where we lack representation, so despite differences on some issues, we must continue to coordinate and consider the Albanian state not only a sibling state but also a powerful strategic ally in facing the challenges ahead.
At the same time, I have continued to raise the issue of the Albanians in Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanovac at every international meeting. They face daily discrimination based on ethnic grounds in Serbia. I have asked about the international community’s response to ethnic cleansing in this region, as their addresses are being changed to alter demographics. Many of the Albanians from these municipalities are now stateless and unable to exercise their basic rights. Regarding citizenship, it has been regrettable that for many years, the procedures for obtaining Kosovo citizenship for Albanians from Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanovac have been the same as those applicable to citizens coming from distant continents. Therefore, I have proposed that in the new Law on Citizenship, which is being prepared, facilitations be introduced in the procedures for acquiring citizenship for our compatriots from the Valley, and I hope that this proposal will receive your support once it comes to the Assembly.
Honourable Members of the Assembly,
In these two decades of work in Kosovo’s institutions, I have always believed that our alliances are our strength and our top priority in every process. Our citizens know this best because they have experienced firsthand how the power of these alliances, built on shared values and intertwined with the will of our citizens and the liberation struggle, saved lives, made our freedom possible after many sacrifices, and helped us build the state we dreamed of for generations.
Today, in this annual address, on behalf of the citizens of our Republic, I express deep gratitude to Kosovo’s friendly and allied states, without which we would not be where we stand now, and with whom I am confident the journey ahead will be marked by new successes. Today, in particular, I want to thank our strategic ally, the United States of America, and all other democratic states in Europe and beyond.
Therefore, even today, as the challenges Kosovo faces are not diminished Kosovo must appreciate and strengthen its alliances more than ever. Cooperation and coordination with those who stood by us in the most difficult times of our history are neither submission nor weakness. In fact, it is an action in the service of the state. Our state has strong foundations because it stands on the sacrifice of our people, but also on the partnerships we have built. These partners fought side by side with the people of Kosovo, even when destruction threatened us, even when we defended our state before and after independence, and even when we achieved constant success on our journey to strengthen our international position.
Of course, this does not mean that we will always agree at all times, as disagreements sometimes exist even within the same family. However, everything must be discussed and overcome with mutual respect and, above all, without ever shaking our beliefs. Our road ahead is long and by no means easy. But despite the challenges, I am confident that the work we are doing together day-by-day will soon lead us to new successes that will enhance the greatness of our partnerships with friendly countries and open new chapters of historical achievements for our beloved Kosovo.
Honourable Members of the Assembly,
Dear participants,
Despite the difficulties and numerous challenges, during this year, thanks to the commitment of security institutions, law enforcement in Kosovo has been carried out in a professional, effective, and efficient manner.
Maintaining public order and security, preventing and detecting crime, protecting human rights and freedoms, as well as treating all citizens equally without any distinctions, have demonstrated a police service with the highest values, competent in all aspects, trusted by citizens, and making us proud of their performance. Therefore, I welcome the increase in appreciation for the Kosovo Police, with the hope that in the coming months, even more will be done, especially for the units that are continuously defending our sovereignty, given the hazards they face.
As President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Security Force, I am very proud of the KSF men and women, who have built and developed operational capacities to fulfil their constitutional and legal mandate. In addition to expressing gratitude and high appreciation for the successes and achievements of the Police and our Armed Forces and the increase in the defense budget to 2% of GDP, it is important to improve the social and economic well-being of our security institutions’ personnel.
The Kosovo Police and the Security Force, as inheritors of the values of the struggle for freedom, independence and democracy, were built and developed with the great support of our partners, to whom we are forever grateful.
This system and these values have enabled our Police and Armed Forces to make us proud of their achievements as modern, efficient, and according to the highest standards of democratic countries.
All these achievements of the Kosovo Police confirm our reasonable demand, readiness and will to join INTERPOL and EUROPOL, as well as the KSF, which, with its successes, has strongly demonstrated that the Republic of Kosovo is ready and deserves full and dignified membership in NATO, as the primary state goal of our institutions and citizens.
Despite very serious threats to the territorial integrity of Kosovo and direct acts of aggression, I welcome the deepening of communication, coordination and cooperation between the first responders in Kosovo – our Police – and EULEX and KFOR, as second and third responders, respectively.
Honourable Members of the Assembly,
Our state must function based on the principles and values set out in our Constitution. The key role in this aspect is played by our justice system.
In this direction, I am committed to constitutional powers so that the capacity building in the justice system proceeds seamlessly with the professionalism, integrity and independence of these institutions.
No one prevents us from making what is ideal also our ideal. The rule of law is the ideal of our state, and each of us must engage every day to make our country an example of the rule of law. I use this address to the Assembly and the citizens to encourage the justice institutions to make reforms the destination of which is to serve professional and independent justice to citizens and our integration into the European family, as an equal country where the law prevails.
A reformed, professional, independent and integrity justice system is an obligation of institutions to our citizens, and this obligation must be fulfilled without any justification. Furthermore, an independent justice system is also the best response to crime and corruption.
Honourable Members of the Assembly,
And we are concluding a year weighed down by the shadow of sorrow because we unjustly and violently lost the sacred lives of our dear fellow citizens. Liridona Ademaj is a name that resonates strongly, much like the names of many other women and girls, as an indelible reminder of the overwhelming pain left behind when injustice forcefully takes hold.
This has now become a serious wound in societies around the world. If we have referred to it as a pandemic until now, the truth is that it has transformed into the tragedy of our days.
Let us be clear once and for all: gender-based violence is not just ‘women’s issue’; it is a test for humanity in a social crisis that demands our unwavering commitment to change, the commitment of all men and women together. Gender-based violence is an intolerable stain on the conscience of our society. It is not a private matter, it is a collective shame, a collective shame that we must confront head-on. We stand at a crucial moment where we must unequivocally declare that violence against any gender is an assault on the essence of humanity.
Every chain in the security and justice institutions must be strengthened in dealing with this phenomenon. In essence, a robust justice system is not just a legal imperative, it is a cornerstone in our broader societal efforts to uproot the foundations of gender-based violence. Holding the perpetrators accountable, imposing the deserved punishment on them, and ensuring justice for survivors lay the foundations for a safer and more equitable future for everyone.
Sexism is present almost everywhere. Almost every woman has experienced it in one way or another. The difference lies in the capacity of institutions to respond and the possibilities to confront it.
An equal, empowered, educated woman with equal access to property, a woman who walks safely on the streets, a woman served by justice just as any man—this woman is the greatest enemy of patriarchy and sexism. But simultaneously, this woman is the greatest asset of an advanced and successful state. These should be our goals, this should become our reality.
I have said it, reiterated it, and will say it again: Kosovo has no daughters and women to lose.
Honourable Members of the Assembly,
This building intertwines our work, your work, and the interests of the citizens of Kosovo.
This interest is paramount because you are the stewards of the people’s will, and the weight of our collective duty is extraordinary.
Our European aspirations, accountability, and the rule of law determine the fate of our citizens whom we serve.
Our decisions, debate, and commitment to the well-being of citizens have played an essential role, so I believe we have somewhat made their lives easier.
It is our duty to lead with sensitivity and foresight, ensuring that every policy crafted in the citizens’ house reflects their will and values, representing our citizens.
We must do more, we can do more, and we will not stop to do even more!
The year we are entering will not be without challenges, which will require our commitment to address the needs of those who need it most, to protect the unprotected, and to defend the cause of justice and equality.
Our responsibility does not end simply by addressing problems but by finding the best solutions and creating opportunities to shape the best perspective for all our citizens without distinction.
The year we are leaving behind was marked by our continuous efforts to extend the rule of law throughout the entire territory of the state.
This is our primary goal from which we will not retreat under any circumstances. We are here for a better Kosovo in every corner, a Kosovo that is home to all citizens without distinction.
This is our constitutional obligation.
Law enforcement is a daily challenge that does not begin or end in certain periods.
For such a task, there must be a commitment not only from all citizens but also from the entire political spectrum, understanding the importance of a stable Kosovo where order and law are our state priorities, which priorities can later translate into economic development, establishing an environment for foreign investors, but above all, preserving the potential of our youth, whose future should be sought here.
Our Republic is only 15 years old. We are mindful of its strength and resilience, alongside the heritage etched as evidence of commitment, sacrifice and heroism of our martyrs for the state of Kosovo.
The state of Kosovo has already distinguished itself and embodies the ideals upon which it was founded, undoubtedly proof of the courage of those who dared to dream and fight for our freedom and independence.
Today, just like in any previous year of our state’s existence, we need to reaffirm our commitment and loyalty to this state built on countless sacrifices. We must prove that we are unwavering in the principles upon which our Republic was built – a state that accommodates everyone, regardless of affiliation.
A Republic that promotes democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.
Strengthening our Republic requires constitutional commitment, devotion and patriotism.
The Republic of Kosovo has been built on the sacrifice of many generations, the peaceful resistance led by President Rugova, our liberation war led by the KLA with Commander Adem Jashari at the forefront, and the many martyrs and heroes, thanks to the assistance of our allies led by the United States.
Our independent state is a Republic that evolves every day, consolidates more and more every day, integrates increasingly into the international arena, and is our homeland for which we should spare nothing. Challenges should not stop us or weaken us. From this temple of democracy, my message for these two decades has been and will always be: Kosovo is to us more than just a state; it is our ideal and eternal sacrifice, our life’s determination for freedom, independence and democracy. Therefore, we are here for Kosovo, today, tomorrow and forever!
Thank you!
