President Osmani: Democracy for us is not just one of the options – it is the only option

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, participated at the “World Forum” in Berlin. President Osmani wrote: The “World Forum” gathered global champions of democracy in Berlin, exactly where 35 years ago the fall of the Berlin Wall marked a defining moment for democracy worldwide. Democracy is one of the greatest achievements of humanity, but it is not self-sustaining—it is the work of each generation, built and strengthened day after day. In Kosovo, we understand this best. Democracy for us is not just one of the options – it is the only option, because we know what its absence brings—destruction, suffering and loss of life. Hence, our people remain steadfast in their commitment to democratic values.
Madam President: President Clinton’s support to Kosovo has always been a reflection of American values—of freedom, justice, and democracy

The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, read last night in Berlin a ‘Laudatio’ for President Bill Clinton, who was honored with the “Peacemaker of the Century” award by the “World Forum”. President Osmani wrote: Last night in Berlin, I had the honor of reading a ‘Laudatio’ for President Bill Clinton, who was honored with the “Peacemaker of the Century” award by the “World Forum”. As I stood before him, I remembered March 1999, when we listened with hope to his speeches on a small radio, while experiencing the horrors of the Milosevic regime. Today, thanks to the liberation war and thanks to the leadership of the democratic world and the bipartisan American support, from both Democrats and Republicans, Kosovo breathes free and independent. President Clinton’s support to Kosovo has always been a reflection of American values—of freedom, justice, and democracy. Thank you, President Clinton, not only for the agreements signed, but above all for the lives saved. And in particular, thank you on behalf of the children of Kosovo today—the first generation not growing up in war and one that knows only peace. President Osmani’s full speech:
President Osmani’s address at the Berlin “The World Forum”

The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani delivered an address at “The World Forum” in Berlin. President Osmani wrote: Today at “The World Forum” in Berlin, I spoke about Kosovo as an example of a state and a nation that has fought and sacrificed for centuries, for the freedom, independence and democracy that we enjoy today. To Kosovo, democracy is not only the best system of values that humanity knows, but it is also the very synonym of freedom, peace and security. Kosovo today is synonymous with democracy that is constantly advancing, because faith in democratic values is the foundation on which our state is built. President Osmani’s address:
President Osmani awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit to Mr. Michael Roth

The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, awarded tonight in Berlin the Presidential Medal of Merit to Mr. Michael Roth. President Osmani wrote: As a steadfast defender of Kosovo’s future in the EU and a voice that has consistently echoed our aspirations on the international stage, tonight in Berlin I awarded Michael Roth the Presidential Medal of Merit—a symbol of appreciation from the people of Kosovo. Kosovo’s success has always been strengthened by the friends who stand with us—those who believe in democracy, in freedom, and in our rightful place in the European family of nations. Michael Roth, current chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the German Bundestag and former minister, worked throughout his 27 years of political engagement in defence of these values. Thank you, Mr. Roth, for your tireless dedication to bringing our two countries closer together and your engagement to the expansion of bilateral cooperation.
President Osmani received the representatives of Japanese government agencies operating in the fields of trade and economy

The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today representatives of Japanese government agencies operating in the fields of trade and economy, in a meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. During the meeting, President Osmani praised the Japanese support, highlighting Kosovo’s efforts to create a favorable climate for investments and to develop strategic sectors such as energy, minerals, infrastructure, manufacturing and technology. Kosovo’s potential for partnership with Japanese businesses, opportunities for joint projects in research and development, technology transfer and education, with a special emphasis on digital innovation and energy were also discussed at the meeting. President Osmani reaffirmed Kosovo’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with Japan and stressed the need for further cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
President Osmani received the EU Special Representative Peter Sørensen

The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, received today the EU Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue, Peter Sørensen, with whom she discussed political developments in the country, the dialogue with Serbia as well as Kosovo’s European perspective. President Osmani emphasized the importance of political stability following the parliamentary elections of February 9th, 2025 and the need to constitute institutions as soon as possible, in order to continue with key reforms required for the country’s European integration. Regarding the dialogue with Serbia, President Osmani confirmed Kosovo’s commitment to the process facilitated by the EU, emphasizing the importance of a full and balanced implementation of the agreements reached. At the meeting with Mr. Sørensen, President Osmani presented her observations on the Draft Association Statute proposed by the EU, observations that should be treated seriously in order to prevent jeopardizing the functionality of the state of Kosovo. Regarding integration into international organizations, President Osmani reiterated the importance of Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe as well as other international organizations, while re-emphasizing Serbia’s continued violations of the agreements reached in Brussels, including the violation of Article 4 of the February 2023 agreement. According to President Osmani, Kosovo is committed to the necessary reforms and emphasized that, in the context of new geopolitical dynamics, Kosovo should be granted candidate status and the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans should be accelerated, based on the principle of meritocracy. She also reiterated the need to lift the unjust measures imposed by the EU in June 2023, highlighting their negative impact on the lives of Kosovo citizens, without distinction, as well as damaging the dialogue process itself by making it unbalanced. “Kosovo has already proven itself as a constructive party in the dialogue, committed to peace, democracy and the rule of law, hence maintaining the EU’s unjust measures against our country is harming not only our citizens, but also the necessary balance in the dialogue,” stressed Madam President. During the meeting, NATO’s role in maintaining peace and security in Kosovo, alongside Kosovo institutions, was also discussed, as was the role of EULEX in the context of cooperation with international partners in the field of security and the rule of law.
President Osmani condoles former President Thaçi and his family on the passing of Haxhi Thaçi

We received with sadness the news of the passing of Mr. Haxhi Thaçi, father of the former President and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaçi. The loss of a father is an immeasurable pain, which leaves an immense void in the lives of his loved ones. I hope that his contribution and love for the homeland will become a guide and a proud memory for all those who knew him. On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Kosovo, I express my most sincere condolences to former President Thaçi, the entire Thaçi family, as well as to the friends and relatives of Mr. Haxhi Thaçi. May his memory be eternal! May he rest in peace!
President Osmani shocking news from Koçani: The loss of so many lives is a tragedy too difficult to put into words

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani has reacted after the tragedy in Koçani, North Macedonia. President Osmani wrote: Shocking news from Koçani, North Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is a tragedy too difficult to put into words. We express our deepest condolences and stand with the families of the victims and all the people of North Macedonia at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
President Osmani received in a meeting the IOM Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Arthur Erken

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today in a meeting the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Mr. Arthur Erken. In this meeting, President Osmani expressed her gratitude for IOM’s continuous and valuable contribution to Kosovo over the past 25 years, particularly in the post-war period, when support for the country’s reconstruction, migration and humanitarian assistance was vital for the people of Kosovo. President Osmani and Mr. Erken also discussed cooperation on initiatives aimed at the economic empowerment of women, creating an attractive labour market for them and supporting the establishment of a favourable business environment for young people. Among other topics, they discussed the role and contribution of the diaspora, as well as improving the quality of life to prevent migration flows. President Osmani reaffirmed her commitment to supporting IOM and further strengthening the partnership to develop sustainable and effective policies in the area of migration and social integration.
President Osmani received in a meeting the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanovic

President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today in a meeting the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanovic. During the meeting, President Osmani discussed Kosovo’s commitment to regional cooperation as a key step towards advancing the entire region and contributing to stability and progress. She commended regional initiatives that contribute to enhancing cooperation among neighbouring states in our region, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities without procedural or political obstacles. Speaking about the Berlin Process, President Osmani underlined the need to further intensify efforts to refocus on issues of particular importance, such as clarifying the fate of persons forcibly missing during the last wars in the Western Balkans. Furthermore, President Osmani highlighted the vital importance of investing in the empowerment of girls and women, considering it a prerequisite for enhancing well-being and advancing regional development. Additionally, President Osmani emphasized that Kosovo has confirmed its constructive role in the region and reaffirmed its commitment to full integration within the regional framework.