Acting President Haxhiu: we received with deepest sorrow the news of the tragic event that occurred today on the Albanian coast
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, said that we received with deepest sorrow the news of the tragic event that occurred today on the Albanian coast, where two young people, citizens of our Republic, lost their lives, while three others, fortunately out of danger to their lives, are still in serious condition. “Our institutions are in constant and close contact with the authorities of the Republic of Albania, offering the necessary support,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu expressed her most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and their relatives. Meanwhile, Acting President Haxhiu wished lots of strength, swift recuperation and a speedy recovery to the injured.
Acting President Haxhiu received the President of the European Council, António Costa
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today the President of the European Council, António Costa, as part of his visit to the Western Balkans and ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, which will be held in Tivat. Acting President Haxhiu thanked President Costa for his visit to Kosovo and for the European Council’s continuous attention to the region. She emphasized that for the Republic of Kosovo, membership in the European Union remains a strategic orientation, a political choice of its citizens and a long-term state interest. Acting President Haxhiu underlined that Kosovo remains one of the most pro-European societies in the region. For its citizens, the European Union is a community of democracy, of the rule of law, peace and dignity. At a time of negative influences in the region, Kosovo’s clear and deeply rooted European orientation should be seen as an asset for the European Union itself. Kosovo’s European path, the need to advance the integration process, and the importance of implementing reforms related to the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans were discussed at the meeting. Acting President Haxhiu emphasized that Kosovo sees this Plan as a concrete opportunity for economic development, for rapprochement with the European common market, and for direct benefits for citizens. President Costa emphasized that issues related to integration into the European Union and the implementation of the Growth Plan require inter-party reconciliation and national consensus in Kosovo, beyond political and party differences. In this spirit, Acting President Haxhiu emphasized that Kosovo remains committed to advancing the European agenda through reforms, institutional coordination, and close cooperation with the European Union. She added that Kosovo has demonstrated commitment to democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and cooperation with the European Union. The developments in the region, the importance of security and stability, and the need for the European perspective of the Western Balkans to be accompanied by concrete, fair and equal steps for all countries that implement reforms and respect European values were also discussed. Acting President Haxhiu reiterated that the Republic of Kosovo remains committed to close relations with the European Union and to an integration process that values the merits, fulfilment of criteria and progress of Kosovo.
Acting President Haxhiu attended the reception hosted by the Italian Embassy to Kosovo, on the occasion of the Italian Republic Day
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, attended today the reception hosted by the Italian Embassy to Kosovo, on the occasion of the Italian Republic Day. Acting President Haxhiu said that, for Italy, June 2ns is a day of remembrance of democracy. “It marks the moment when citizens, after war and dictatorship, chose the Republic and opened a new chapter of European freedom and responsibility. Such dates are important because they tell the story of the determination of a people. They remind us that democratic states are born of courage,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that the Adriatic has connected our people for centuries. “It has carried families, words, songs, books and memories. In the Arbëresh communities and in figures such as Jeronim de Rada, known in Italian as Girolamo De Rada, and in Pope Clement XI, Giovanni Francesco Albani, we see how deeply Albanian and Italian histories have touched upon each other”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu said that in our most recent history, Kosovo remembers Italy as a friend and partner in difficult and decisive moments, adding further that Italy recognized Kosovo’s independence early, supported our state-building and continues to contribute to peace, security and stability. On behalf of the institutions and people of the Republic of Kosovo, Acting President Haxhiu conveyed her congratulations to the people of Italy. “I wish that the friendship between Kosovo and Italy continues to grow within our common European home”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
The President’s Office wishes to clarify that the invitation to the European Union for international observation of the June 7 elections has not been ignored
Regarding today’s reports on international observation of the June 7 elections, the Office of the President wishes to clarify that the invitation to the European Union has not been ignore. The Office of the President has received an official response from the European Union, which states that, due to the short time until the new parliamentary elections are held, it is not possible to send an Election Observation Mission or an Election Expert Mission. In the same response, the EU made it clear that it is considering and coordinating an international presence on election day through the EU Office in Kosovo, EU Member States and other partners present in the country. Therefore, presenting this issue as “ignoring” the request of the Acting President is incorrect and does not reflect the content of the official communication between the institutions. Acting President Haxhiu’s invitation to the European Union was made in the spirit of transparency, credibility and integrity of the electoral process. This remains the institutional approach of the Republic of Kosovo: free, fair, inclusive and widely observed elections by international partners. The Office of the President welcomes the presence of the EU Office in Kosovo, Member States, international partners and all accredited election observation organizations. The Republic of Kosovo has a full interest in the June 7 process being conducted in an orderly, transparent manner and in accordance with democratic standards.
The Acting President Haxhiu received the Ambassador of Germany, Rainer Rudolph
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kosovo, Rainer Rudolph. Acting President Haxhiu thanked Ambassador Rudolph for Germany’s continued support to the Republic of Kosovo, in state-building, democratic development and European integration. The importance of the strategic partnership between Kosovo and Germany, as well as the special role that Germany has played in key moments for the country were emphasized at the meeting. Acting President Haxhiu assessed that Germany remains one of Kosovo’s most important allies and highlighted the commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of common interest, including European integration, economy, security, rule of law, education and sustainable development. She reiterated that Kosovo remains committed to European values, democracy and cooperation with international partners, while appreciating Germany’s support as important for the further advancement of the Republic of Kosovo in European and international processes.
Acting President Haxhiu received the Head of Mission of the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, Eric Dietz
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today the Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, Eric Dietz. Acting President Haxhiu thanked Mr. Dietz for Luxembourg’s continued support to Kosovo, especially in development, institutional strengthening, vocational education, sustainable economy and advancement of digital skills. The importance of friendly relations between Kosovo and Luxembourg were underlined at the meeting, as well as the readiness to deepen cooperation in areas of common interest, including European integration, economic development and digitalization. Acting President Haxhiu assessed that Luxembourg has been a stable partner of Kosovo and that its support has made a concrete contribution to strengthening opportunities for the country’s citizens and institutions. She reiterated Kosovo’s commitment to deepening the partnership with Luxembourg and continuing cooperation on the European path of the Republic of Kosovo.
Acting President Haxhiu, on Children’s Day, visited the Pediatric Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, today, on the occasion of Children’s Day, together with the Minister of Health, Arben Vitia, visited the Pediatric Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, to be close to the children undergoing treatment and their families. “Care and sensitivity are not an addition to medical treatment, they are part of it. Every child who spends difficult days away from home needs not only therapy, but also warmth and the presence of people who care for them”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She expressed her sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Pediatric Clinic, doctors, nurses and all those who work with dedication every day. “The humanism and professionalism they demonstrate are a true example of public service,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu said that children deserve the best from us, this is the obligation we all have, as individuals and as institutions. Finally, Acting President Haxhiu wished health and happiness to each of them.
Acting President Haxhiu welcomed children from all communities in Kosovo at the Presidency on the occasion of 1 June
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, on the occasion of 1 June – International Children’s Day, welcomed children from all communities in Kosovo at the Presidency. “A special meeting, filled with smiles, joy and positive energy, where children brought with them dreams, talent and hope for the future of our country”, stated Acting President Haxhiu
Acting President Haxhiu: Children need 365 days of attention, protection and care
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the Ninth Conference on Health, Well-being, Education and Children’s Rights. According to her, despite progress, improvements and achievements during this period, children still face many challenges. “Therefore, children’s rights are one of the areas where the gap between what is written and what is implemented is seen very quickly. Children do not ask for impossible things. They ask to feel safe. Not to be humiliated. Not to be excluded. Not to be stigmatized because of their family’s poverty. Not to be left without help when they face difficulties in speech, behaviour, learning or mental health. Not to be told ‘it will pass’ for something that requires professional care”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She further stated that one of our biggest mistakes as a society is that sometimes we expect a child to overcome something on their own that even adults would not be able to overcome. “We expect them to be strong, calm, obedient and successful, in other words, we expect them to adapt. But a child also has the right to be afraid. They have the right to be confused. They have the right not to know how to explain what they feel inside. And above all, they have the right to receive timely support. This is where our responsibility begins. In the ability to listen to the child before they speak through a crisis. In the ability to support the parent without judgment. In the ability to provide the teacher with the tools, turn laws into services and services into equal access for every child”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. According to Acting President Haxhiu, Kosovo has built an important legal foundation for the protection of children; however, according to her, the system is not measured by the number of documents it produces, but by what happens when a child needs help. “Does the family know where to turn when there is a need? Does the school respond in time? Are there enough psychologists? Are there accessible services in the municipality? Is the child’s opinion heard? Is the child treated with dignity? Is the child protected from violence at home, at school, on the street, or in the digital space? These are very concrete questions, and precisely for this reason, your work is important. Psycho-social research, clinical experience, work with families, work with children, work in schools and in the community, all of these help the state to see more clearly and to act more appropriately”, stated Acting President Haxhiu. She stated that data, research, professional assessment and field experience are working tools for a more responsible state. “Our state is also reflected in where a child learns that his or her voice is heard. Where violence is not called education. Where seeking help is not a source of shame. Where school is a place where a child grows, not a place where a child is afraid. Where the state does not appear as a distant structure, but as a close, caring and trustworthy presence. And for this, I assure you that work is being carried out continuously and with full responsibility”, stated Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu stated that 1 June should be a day of joy, but also a day of responsibility, especially for the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. “Children need 365 days of attention, protection and care”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She thanked the Center for Psycho-Social Research and the “Empatia” Clinic for organizing this conference and for their continuous work in a field which, according to Acting President Haxhiu, requires professionalism, sensitivity and perseverance. “I thank all professionals who work with children, often away from public attention, but very close to the real needs of society! I hope that this conference will produce useful ideas, concrete proposals, and collaborations that will continue even after its conclusion! In the end, the best wish for children on 1 June is that today, tomorrow and every day thereafter, we become more responsible and always remain close to them”, stated Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu received in a meeting the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ferit Hoxha
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today in a meeting the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Ferit Hoxha. “You have been the voice of Kosovo when Kosovo had no voice”, she said, congratulating Minister Hoxha on his position and appreciating his extensive diplomatic experience in representing Albania in international organizations and forums. The meeting discussed relations between Kosovo and Albania, coordination in foreign policy, and the implementation of agreements signed between the two countries. Acting President Haxhiu emphasized that the historical, linguistic and national closeness between Kosovo and Albania remains a strong foundation for deepening institutional cooperation and for projects that directly serve the citizens of both countries. Part of the meeting was dedicated to Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic path. President Haxhiu requested the continued support of Albania for Kosovo’s membership process in the Council of Europe, for receiving the European Union questionnaire, as well as for further advancing Kosovo’s integration with NATO and the Partnership for Peace. President Haxhiu emphasized that Kosovo and Albania should continue close coordination in all international forums, in the service of strengthening Kosovo’s position and shared interests in the region and in Europe.