Acting President Haxhiu received in a Ms. Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today Ms. Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission, during her first visit to Kosovo. Acting President Haxhiu appreciated the EU’s continued support for the country’s development and emphasized that Kosovo has converted this support into democratic institutions, reforms and a clear European orientation, which enjoys a very high civic support. Acting President emphasized that Kosovo has maintained a clear course in European reforms, is fully harmonized with the EU’s foreign and security policy, and is seriously implementing the obligations arising from the Reform Agenda and the Growth Plan. She called for Kosovo’s progress to receive a clear political response from the European Union through advancement towards candidate status and the opening of membership negotiations. Acting President Haxhiu also stressed the importance of implementing the Berlin Process agreements and equal regional cooperation, where Kosovo should be treated with equal opportunity for representation, infrastructure connections, trade, digitalization and access to common market initiatives.
Acting President Haxhiu: Kosovo remains forever grateful to the United States of America for its vital contribution to our freedom, independence, and state-building
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today at the assuming of command ceremony of the U.S. Army Area Support Group Balkans at Camp Bondsteel, where COL Kurt A. Rorvik assumed the duties of the Area Support Group Commander. “On this important occasion, we highly praise the service and dedication of the outgoing commander, as well as the cooperation to date of Camp Bondsteel with the security institutions, civil authorities, and the citizens of Kosovo,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She wished COL Rorvik success in his new appointment, with the belief that the cooperation between the Camp Bondsteel command and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo will continue to strengthen, in the service of the country’s security, regional stability, and the good of our citizens. “Kosovo remains forever grateful to the United States of America and the US Armed Forces for their vital and irreplaceable contribution to our freedom, independence, and state-building,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu in KAMO 2026: Our future is shaped by the minds of students who compete with knowledge
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, today attended the opening ceremony of the seventh edition of the Kosovo–Albania Mathematical Olympiad (KAMO 2026), held in Prizren. Addressing the participants, Acting President Haxhiu said that Prizren is a city where history is present at every step. The most significant cultural and political events throughout the history of our nation are interwoven in its streets, houses, schools, and institutions. “Today, in the minds of students who compete through knowledge, focus, and perseverance, another part of our future is taking shape here in the city of Prizren. As you know, mathematics teaches us not to be satisfied with first impressions. When faced with a problem, you must pause, read the instructions carefully, try one approach, retrace your steps if it leads nowhere, and patiently search for the solution,” said Acting President Haxhiu. According to her, where it may seem that a single answer is enough, mathematics also demands an explanation of why that answer is correct. That is why, she added, this Olympiad is particularly valuable: it teaches students to think clearly, not to give up in the face of challenges, and to understand that talent can only flourish when accompanied by consistent work. “Your presence here shows that you possess not only talent, but also discipline and dedication. But behind your talent and hard work stand the teachers who have guided you, the families who have supported you, and your own perseverance in striving for success. Today, each of you has every reason to be proud, and each of you is already a winner, because you have reached this point through your own efforts—and that is the best lesson you will learn,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further noted that the competition will produce results, medals, and rankings, like every Olympiad, but that the experience you will gain from it will remain with you throughout your lives. According to the Acting President, this experience will teach you how to cope with pressure, think clearly, embrace challenges, and understand that knowledge grows through effort. “Through KAMO, Kosovo and Albania come together through education, children, teachers, and the pursuit of knowledge. Here, we see students who have worked hard, teachers who have prepared them with dedication, and families who watch them with pride. This is a valuable tradition, because the talents of our children should be identified early, nurtured, and encouraged,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu thanked the organizers, the Kosovo Mathematical Society and the Albanian Mathematical Society, for their dedicated efforts in organizing the competition, as well as the teachers, professors, and parents who have supported these students with patience, confidence, and a lot of commitment. “I hope that KAMO 2026 will be a rewarding experience for all of you. I hope that you will remember Prizren as the place that gave you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, to see that the pursuit of knowledge is a path worth following seriously, and to build new friendships. On behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, I wish you productive work, clear minds, and success in this seventh edition of the Kosovo–Albania Mathematical Olympiad,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu awards Mr. Kemajl Luci the Presidential Medal of Merit
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, stated that the Republic of Kosovo was built by many generations who sacrificed for freedom, as well as by those who, through their daily work, preserved the memory, identity, and values upon which our state is founded. “A state is also built through memory—especially by people who document history, preserve the evidence of our civilization, and pass on our roots to future generations,” she said. Acting President Haxhiu noted that today we have gathered to honour an individual whose work and dedication have left an indelible mark on our science, culture, and national heritage. “For more than four decades, Mr. Kemajl Luci has served Kosovo with professionalism, integrity, and exceptional dedication. He has been among those scholars who have not only explored the depths of our land to uncover evidence of the past, but have also helped ensure that our history is documented, preserved, and presented to the world with dignity,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. According to her, his contribution to the study of Dardanian culture, as well as the prehistoric and ancient periods, and his research at dozens of archaeological sites across Kosovo, constitutes a priceless asset for our country. “Particularly significant was his commitment to resuming archaeological excavations at Ulpiana after the war. At a time when the country was rebuilding on many fronts, he understood that rebuilding the state also required restoring our historical memory,” stated Acting President Haxhiu. According to Acting President Haxhiu, his work in the scholarly documentation of Kosovo’s cultural heritage has been equally important. “The works and publications to which he has contributed are now fundamental references for researchers, institutions, and professionals of the field. Mr. Luci’s work reminds us that cultural heritage does not preserve itself. It requires people who research it, protect it, study it, and pass it on to future generations with accuracy and dignity as an integral part of our identity,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. For this reason, today, on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, Acting President Haxhiu awarded Mr. Kemajl Luci the Presidential Medal of Merit in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Kosovo’s cultural and archaeological heritage, as well as for his scientific work in documenting the country’s ancient history. In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu, on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo and its citizens, expressed her profound gratitude for a lifetime dedicated to the service of knowledge, culture, and the homeland. “This decoration is a mark of respect for your life’s work and for the enduring legacy you have left in Kosovo’s scientific and cultural memory,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: Let us protect our youth from the traps of drugs and the state from organized crime
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the roundtable discussion entitled “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.” In her address, Acting President Haxhiu stated that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking are among the most serious threats facing the country’s youth and social security. “We have to speak openly about drugs and their consequences, without prejudice and without concealing the danger. We need to have these conversations in schools, with parents, teachers, and young people themselves, before the problem emerges as a crisis within the family,” Acting President Haxhiu said. According to her, particular attention should be given to schools, especially in light of the ongoing reports of the presence or sale of narcotic substances in their vicinity. “When the threat reaches the schoolyard, prevention becomes an immediate responsibility of families, schools, institutions, and the entire community. Prevention begins with accurate information, with psychologists and pedagogues, with trained teachers, with engaged parents, and with a language that young people can understand. If young people hear about drugs only from the streets, social media, or those who profit from them, institutions will not be able to make a sufficient impact,” Acting President Haxhiu added. Acting President Haxhiu stated that this issue requires broad societal mobilization and clear accountability from every institution. “That is why it is important that today’s roundtable brings together those who are most familiar with this issue: public institutions, healthcare professionals, the Kosovo Police, and organizations such as Labyrinth, which has spent many years working with people struggling with addiction and their families, often serving as the first point of contact for those seeking help. On this occasion, I would like to thank you for your longstanding, hard work in this field,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasized. Speaking about addiction, Acting President Haxhiu said that a person suffering from substance addiction should not be treated as a criminal or a trafficker, but as someone who needs treatment, support, and rehabilitation within society. “A criminal is the one who exploits that person’s vulnerability, who supplies them with drugs, pushes them deeper into addiction, and profits from it,” Acting President Haxhiu stated. She stated that society and public institutions must be uncompromising in their fight against drug traffickers, while showing the utmost care and support for those who need help. “The strength of a society is measured by its ability to prevent young people from being drawn into this vicious cycle, to provide treatment for those who need help, and to help them rebuild their lives with dignity,” Acting President Haxhiu said. In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu recalled that Kosovo has already adopted the National Strategy against Drugs 2024–2028 and that a number of important measures have been taken and important mechanisms established. However, she stressed that this issue cannot be resolved through a single document alone, but requires continued efforts in prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. “Today is a call for greater responsibility, more coordination, and more action. Let us not wait for addiction to knock on the doors of our families before we respond. Let us protect every young person from the trap of drugs, protect society from drug trafficking, and protect the state from organized crime. Every life saved from addiction is a victory for our families, our society, and our state,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasized.
Acting President Haxhiu Visits the Solo Exhibition “Dalja N’dritë” (Emerging into the Light): Hazir Reka’s Photographs Serve as a Valuable Archive of Our Collective Memory
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, today visited the solo exhibition “Dalja N’dritë” (Emerging into the Light) by photographer Hazir Reka, which takes us back to pivotal moments in our history. “These photographs capture the years 1988–1989, the civic protests, the miners’ strikes, and a people who, even when deprived of their institutional voice, found ways to speak with determination, defiance, and dignity,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She further noted that a special place in the exhibition is dedicated to the historic Trepça miners’ strike. “Those men, deep beneath the earth, elevated the conscience of an entire nation. With weary bodies and unwavering hearts, the miners became the voice of Kosovo during a time when freedom demanded courage, sacrifice, and resilience,” the Acting President emphasized. According to her, the exhibition stands as a testament to and documentation of the resilience and sacrifice of many generations throughout Kosovo’s journey toward freedom and state-building. “Hazir Reka’s photographs serve as a valuable archive of our collective memory, reminding us of the importance of preserving our history and honouring those who contributed during the defining moments of our country,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: The role of communities in the Republic of Kosovo has continuously been of great importance
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, met today with the Consultative Council for Communities. In her address to the members of the Council, Acting President Haxhiu, referring to the Law on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Communities and Their Members in the Republic of Kosovo, said that the Republic of Kosovo guarantees full and effective equality for all the people of Kosovo. “Kosovo regards its national, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity as a source of strength and richness for the further development of a democratic society founded on the rule of law. The active contribution of all persons belonging to communities is encouraged and valued in the development of the Republic of Kosovo,” she said. At the outset of the meeting, Acting President Haxhiu reaffirmed her readiness, in her capacity as Acting President, as well as that of the Office of the President, to support and advance the work of the Consultative Council for Communities. “I highly value your work and your role as a mechanism for regular dialogue between communities and state institutions, with particular emphasis on the Government, as well as the Consultative Council for Communities’ multifaceted engagement on issues affecting communities in the Republic of Kosovo. Following this meeting, in recognition of the Council’s engagement and significance, I have, in accordance with the applicable law, decided to appoint a representative of the Office of the President to the Consultative Council for Communities. That representative is my adviser, Mr. Sami Kurteshi,” Acting President Haxhiu said. She welcomed the fact that the Council continues to function regularly and engage actively in different areas. “Mr. Kurteshi also previously served as the Ombudsperson, and it was precisely his work in protecting human rights and the rights of communities that led me to conclude that he is the right person to serve on this Council. I am also pleased that the Council is active and continues to maintain extensive contacts and direct cooperation with ministries and other institutions of the Republic of Kosovo for the benefit of communities. There are five working groups, which, as we know, address a broad range of topics and issues that directly affect the situation of communities in our country. These include employment, cultural issues, the use of languages, education, and, in particular, matters affecting the most marginalized groups, namely the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, as well as support for civil society organizations working to improve the overall situation of communities. I also appreciate the assistance provided in various projects related to communities, as well as through recommendations on various normative acts concerning community rights and interests,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasize. She further said that, in her capacity as Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, she encourages the members of the Council to continue their honest engagement to further improve the position of the communities living in the Republic of Kosovo and, consequently, the society as a whole. “I am committed to supporting the Council’s valuable work in the future, in accordance with my constitutional and legal responsibilities. Finally, allow me to extend my congratulations to the Egyptian community on the occasion of their day, which was marked yesterday. Indeed, the role of communities in the Republic of Kosovo has consistently been of great importance. Many of the achievements that the Republic of Kosovo enjoys today are the result of the joint efforts we have made together,” Acting President Haxhiu concluded.
Acting President Haxhiu: Democracy requires transparent institutions and protected citizens
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of the Information and Privacy Agency. Acting President Haxhiu stated that the Information and Privacy Agency is a young institution in terms of its age, but one with a mandate that directly touches upon the foundations of a democratic state: the citizen’s right to know and the right to protection. “The right to information opens institutions to citizens. The right to privacy protects citizens from the careless or unnecessary use of their personal data. At their core, both require more accountable governance and more protected citizens. Citizens have the right to know how decisions are made, how public funds are spent, how institutional actions are justified, and how power is exercised on their behalf. At the same time, personal data relate to the most private aspects of a person’s life: their name, address, health status, family, employment, movements, social status, and personal history,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasized. According to her, a democratic state treats transparency and privacy as two essential guarantees, as one makes power visible and accountable, while the other protects citizens from unnecessary interference in their private lives. “Over the past five years, the Agency has consolidated its role as an independent supervisory authority. It has established mechanisms for handling citizens’ complaints and overseeing the implementation of the law. In 2025 alone, the Agency received more than one thousand complaints, conducted hundreds of inspections, and trained hundreds of participants from various sectors. These figures show that citizens are exercising their rights and that institutions are increasingly being confronted with demands for transparency and accountability. This is an achievement for the Agency, but also for the Republic,” Acting President Haxhiu highlighted. She noted that protecting citizens’ privacy nowadays requires constant vigilance because, according to her, it is affected by the way institutions collect documents, how data are stored in systems, how forms circulate, who has access to databases, how long information is retained, and how cameras, digital platforms, and new technologies are used. “Every institution that requests personal data must be clear about the purpose, the legal basis, and its responsibility to protect that data. Public services and administrative processes in Kosovo are becoming increasingly digitalized. This development requires clear rules, well-prepared institutions, and a strong culture of accountability,” Acting President Haxhiu said. According to her, with the advancement of new technologies and artificial intelligence, the role of the Agency is becoming even more important. She further underlined that Kosovo must keep pace with European standards while ensuring that the protection of fundamental rights remains at the center of this development. “Within a relatively short period, the Agency has also succeeded in positioning Kosovo within important international privacy and transparency networks. Its participation as an observer in the European Data Protection Board, as well as its representation in the Global Privacy Assembly, the Francophone Association of Personal Data Protection Authorities, and the International Conference of Information Commissioners, are important steps for Kosovo’s professional and institutional presence in this field. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the support provided by Mr. Zdravko Vukić, in his capacity as Vice-Chair of the European Data Protection Board, for advancing this presence and for his professional cooperation throughout this process,” said Acting President Haxhiu. According to Acting President Haxhiu, these achievements demonstrate that a young institution, when equipped with a clear mandate and committed to serious work, can become a credible voice internationally as well, adding that this is of particular importance for Kosovo. She stated that our European path is also measured by institutions that embrace European standards and implement them in the daily lives of citizens. While congratulating the Information and Privacy Agency, Acting President Haxhiu said that this anniversary should serve as an impetus for greater transparency in public institutions, greater care in the handling of personal data, and greater responsibility at every stage of the state’s digitalization. “An informed citizen and a protected citizen are the foundation of a democratic Republic,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasized.
Acting President Haxhiu: Serbia bears direct responsibility for opening archives and clarifying the fate of forcibly disappeared persons
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the closing ceremony of the “We Miss Them” project, which, through documentaries and public debates, has brought to attention the stories of the families of forcibly disappeared persons and their incessant demand to know. “But the stories of the families do not end with the project. They remain even when the screen turns off and the debate ends. They remain in the homes where the same question has been asked for years: how do you accept that your loved one disappears forcibly during the war and your family is left without any answers?” said Acting President Haxhiu. According to her, enforced disappearance severs this thread of meaning, adding that there is no explanation that can make a family’s wait any easier, nor any words that can replace the person who is missing. “However, the inability to understand does not remove the obligation to know. Primo Levi wrote that if understanding is impossible, knowing is imperative. For the families of missing persons, this is their only demand: to know where their loved ones are,” the Acting President emphasized. According to her, there are no answers because Serbia has yet to open its military, police, and state archives; therefore, Serbia bears direct responsibility in this process. She noted that these archives may contain information on orders, burials, exhumations, and locations that families have been seeking for more than a quarter of a century. “The mass graves discovered on Serbian territory have made it clear that the concealment of traces was deliberate. The opening of archives cannot remain a matter of Belgrade’s will. International partners must treat this as Serbia’s clear obligation towards the families, towards justice and towards the truth. Around 1,600 people remain on the lists of missing persons, and are often mentioned merely as numbers and statistics. However, such documentaries go beyond statistics, giving us their names, faces, and stories through the voices of those who have been waiting for far too long”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She added that from Drenas to Mitrovica, from Peja to Prizren, from Gjilan to Ferizaj, and from Gjakova to Prishtina, these stories remind us that the experience of loss may not be the same in every household, but the waiting and the demand for answers are the same. According to Acting President Haxhiu, the demand to know cannot remain solely within the memory of the families; it requires, in her view, daily institutional commitment: investigation, documentation, forensic work, cooperation with the families, and the pursuit of every piece of information that may lead to the truth. “I would like to thank the Institute of Forensic Medicine, the Government Commission, the Special Prosecutor’s Office, the Police, and our international partners for their work in locating persons who were forcibly disappeared and in addressing war crimes. In recent years, progress has been achieved thanks to increased capacities and legal amendments that have enabled trials in absentia, in response to Serbia’s lack of cooperation. The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo remain committed to supporting this work, because justice for war crimes remains an inevitable obligation,” Acting President Haxhiu stated. She further stated that, in this regard, Kosovo has taken important steps by addressing this issue within both the legal and institutional framework. “In July 2023, Kosovo joined the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). In August 2023, the Institute for Crimes Committed During the War was established, while the Transitional Justice Strategy 2024–2034 places truth-seeking, justice, reparations, and institutional reform at the core of this field. This work has also produced tangible results. The identification of persons who disappeared following the Kralan Massacre and their reburial after so many years reminds us that no case is closed until the families have received answers,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu thanked BIRN Kosovo, ACDC, the European Union, and everyone who contributed to this project, adding that the most special thanks are owed to the families who agreed to speak. “They did not speak in order to turn their pain into a public narrative, but because they know that the truth must have both a voice and witnesses. Missing persons are names that belong to the memory of this country and the responsibility of its institutions. Until answers are found for them, this work cannot be considered complete,” Acting President Haxhiu concluded.
Acting President Haxhiu attended the reception held on the occasion of the end of the mandate of the Head of EULEX, Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, attended tonight the reception held on the occasion of the end of the mandate of the Head of EULEX, Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano. In her address, Acting President Haxhiu said that the relationship between Kosovo and EULEX has developed around difficult and sensitive issues. She highlighted the work of the Mission in areas of particular importance to our society, including transitional justice and the institutional response to domestic and gender-based violence. “Precisely because of the sensitivity of these issues, dialogue has always been important. Institutions serve citizens best when they speak clearly, listen carefully and hold the accountability to its citizens at the center of the action,” said the Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu said that during his mandate as Head of EULEX, Giovanni Pietro Barbano has shouldered great responsibility during a sensitive period. “Kosovo appreciates their professionalism, institutional seriousness and respectful approach. I would like to express my appreciation for the responsibility you have shown to this task, as well as for your service and cooperation”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that international missions, by their nature, are temporary, adding that institutions are not. “Therefore, the true measure of cooperation is not how long a mission lasts, but how much stronger, more accountable and more independent state institutions become. In Kosovo, institutions have been strengthened in capacity, professionalism and responsibility, and continue to carry out the constitutional and democratic duties that belong to the Republic”, said the Acting President. At the end, Acting President President Haxhiu wished Mr. Giovanni Pietro Barbano success in his future engagements. “I hope that you will take with you from Kosovo the memory of a country young in its statehood, clear in its democratic will and deeply committed to justice and a European future”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.