Acting President Haxhiu: US support became part of our national history
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, congratulated the United States of America on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of independence, emphasizing that US history and Albanian history have met at some of the most decisive moments for the freedom and self-determination of Albanians. In her address, U.S. President Haxhiu said that the 250th anniversary of the US independence draws attention to the fundamental political question that commenced the US Revolution: who has the right to govern and where this right comes from. “The answer given in 1776 was bold for its time and remains demanding even today. Power does not rest above the people. It derives its legitimacy from them and must be kept within the boundaries of law, representation, and equal citizenship,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She emphasized that Albanians understood early on the weight of US principles, especially at times when the fate of a nation was at risk of being decided without its presence. Recalling the Paris Peace Conference after World War I, Acting President Haxhiu mentioned the role of President Woodrow Wilson, who gave political strength to the Albanian cause with his stance that “Albania must be independent.” Acting President Haxhiu also spoke about Albanian public life in America, singling out Fan Noli and Faik Konica as two figures who turned the Albanian diaspora into a political, cultural and national voice. She said that in American Albanians established organizations, newspapers, associations and public spaces to defend the Albanian cause in the world. “Noli understood that language could become an institution even before the state was strong enough to defend it. He helped an immigrant community transform into a national force,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Speaking about Faik Konica, she emphasized that through Vatra, the newspaper Dielli and later the diplomatic representation in Washington, the Albanian issue gained public voice and entry into official diplomacy. In this story, Acting President Haxhiu also placed Hasan Prishtina as a figure who gave Kosovo a voice within the broader Albanian demand for self-determination. She said that, even though the state of Kosovo did not yet exist, the demand that would later define Kosovo’s modern history was already clear: a people must have its own say in its own future. Referring to the recent war in Kosovo, Acting President Haxhiu said that this demand returned in wartime circumstances, when autonomy was abolished, public life was suppressed and civilians were expelled from their homes. “Under the leadership of President Bill Clinton, with Secretary Madeleine Albright at the centre of the US diplomacy, the United States stood at the forefront of NATO’s intervention, lending political and diplomatic strength to the effort that stopped the war and opened Kosovo’s path to freedom. For the people of Kosovo, US leadership became part of our national history, because it changed its course,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She emphasized that Kosovo’s freedom took shape in the Republic, in institutions, elections, courts, security forces, and in a constitutional order that belongs to all its citizens. “For Albanians, and for the Republic of Kosovo today, this idea became tangible through history. It became tangible when the US leadership helped ensure that the right to freedom did not remain just a demand, but became the future,” said Acting President Haxhiu. In conclusion, Acting President Haxhiu said that Kosovo’s congratulations to the United States come with the gratitude of a sovereign Republic, which remembers that US support helped make Kosovo’s freedom possible. “We know that the best way to honour that support is to build a country worthy of it,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Quoting Walt Whitman, who wrote that the United States is “the most beautiful poem,” Acting President Haxhiu said that Albanians found their verse in that poem early on: in newspapers, churches, associations, letters, public gatherings, and in the long work of making a small nation visible to a powerful country. “We honour this friendship with gratitude, with remembrance, and with the responsibility to build a country worthy of the freedom we won. Happy 250th Anniversary of Independence, United States of America,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu received the Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo, Ahmet Ismaili
Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Ahmet Ismaili, who submitted the CBK Annual Report for 2025. The submission of the Report was made in compliance with the provisions of Articles 28 and 59 of Law 03/L-209 on the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, which stipulate the obligation of the CBK to report to the Assembly as the highest representative institution of the country. On this occasion, Governor Ismaili informed Acting President Haxhiu about the content of the 2025 Annual Report, which reflects the activities, developments and results achieved by CBK in fulfilling its constitutional and legal mandate to maintain financial stability, strengthen the integrity of the financial system and ensure institutional sustainability. He emphasized that the country’s economy and financial system maintained stability during 2025, while the banking sector remained well-capitalized and highly liquid. Acting President Haxhiu praised the work of the Central Bank during 2025, emphasizing its contribution to maintaining the stability of the financial system, despite the challenges arising from economic and geopolitical developments at the international level. At this meeting, Acting President Haxhiu highly praised the independence and institutional integrity of the Central Bank, reiterating her commitment to building stable and accountable institutions.
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.