Honorable Prime Minister Kurti,
Honorable Minister Maqedonci,
Honorable General Bashkim Jashari, Commander of the Kosovo Security Force,
Honorable General Christian Nawrat,
Honorable Ministers,
Director of Police,
Heads and representatives of local and international institutions,
Representatives of our security institutions,
Ladies and gentlemen,
National resilience is not just a theoretical concept, but it is the foundation on which our security, development and future as a state are built. A state is only as secure as its security links are strong.
At a time when security threats are more complex than ever – from conventional wars to hybrid attacks and cyber challenges, Kosovo must be ready for the challenges we face today and for those of the future.
We need a security architecture that is innovative, flexible and prepared to face any scenario.
Kosovo has historically proven resilience, so it is up to us to turn it into a long-term strategy for national defense and security.
Security is not just the absence of threats, but resilience against any situation we face.
The National Comprehensive Defense Program represents a concrete commitment to building a strong and sustainable defense system. Therefore, in this line, the strengthening of our defense capacities and integration into NATO are strongly interconnected. The development of the Kosovo Security Force according to the highest NATO standards remains our strategic, national priority. We aim for a modern, professional, interoperable army ready to face any challenge side by side with other allied armies within NATO. This goal of ours is within the framework of our state vision for the fastest possible membership in this Alliance.
Therefore, continued investment in armaments as well as in our military personnel and their well-being is vital, as is continued investment in other security institutions.
In a world where hybrid threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, economic resilience is equally important, protection from hybrid attacks is also indispensable. Our country must invest in improving critical infrastructure and developing a sustainable economy, with particular emphasis on energy security and the protection of important systems. Economic development is one of the key pillars of our national resilience, as it ensures stability and the ability of a country to cope with various crises and challenges. A strong economy then supports defense, i.e. sufficient resources in the field of defense as well as the continuous improvement of critical infrastructure, and the development of social and healthcare systems, all key to a more advanced system of state sustainability.
On the other hand, hybrid attacks, which also include combined military, cyber, economic and information operations, or rather disinformation as the case may be, are real challenges to our national resilience. In this regard, cybersecurity is essential, being part of these hybrid threats. With the increase of the dependence on technology, the protection of critical infrastructure and data becomes an absolute priority. Moreover, last year, with the United States of America, precisely for this purpose, I signed the Agreement on Combating Foreign State Information, which is an important step to protect our information system from interference and disinformation, thus ensuring transparency and sustainability in the digital age. More specifically, this Memorandum of Understanding with the US focuses on the exchange of information between our countries, as well as expertise and best practices to address disinformation campaigns against us as a state, which threaten our stability and national security. We aim to do the same with the EU’s sister program – FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference), which is a project that aims to address and combat manipulation and interference through disinformation coming from foreign, malign elements. This project is part of a broader EU strategy to strengthen protection against hybrid threats and to guarantee the democratic sustainability of member states and partner countries.
As technology develops and our reliance on digital systems increases, we must be prepared to protect our data and networks from potential cyberattacks. Therefore, investing in advanced technology and training experts in this field are essential to ensure a stable and secure digital environment.
We are working closely with our strategic partners to build advanced capabilities in this area and to ensure effective protection against cyberattacks.
Honourable participants,
In national or regional emergencies, effective cooperation between institutions and the engagement of citizens, including all ethnic groups, is essential. Our institutions must remain ready and coordinated at all times. To be successful in facing these security challenges, we need the comprehensive involvement of all links in our society. The example of our response to the recent terrorist attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal has clearly shown the importance and power of inter-institutional coordination, but above all the extraordinary professionalism of our security institutions and first responders.
At the same time, given the current geopolitical and regional security context, national resilience is more than just a need, it is our obligation to future generations.
A prepared and unified society is the key to success in facing challenges of any kind. We have shown this both during the active peaceful resistance and during our liberation war of the 1990s. The Republic of Kosovo and its citizens have proven in the past, as well as in the present, the clear and firm determination that our path of development and progress is oriented towards and rests on the inherent European and Euro-Atlantic values. Our painful but glorious history has taught us the importance of unity, of faith in our values and of our strength to face any challenge.
Therefore, to strengthen the foundations of national resilience, it is essential to invest in the protection of critical infrastructure such as: energy, water, transport and communications. Another important element of national sustainability is regional and international cooperation. Challenges such as: migration, terrorism, multiple threats including cyber threats and climate change require a coordinated approach with our strategic partners. In this regard, the role of NATO and allied countries, led by the USA, remains vital. Their support has been and continues to be a strong pillar of our national sustainability.
Kosovo has shown that it has consistently been and is a factor of stability and peace in the region. But security is not a static state, but a continuous effort. We must build a culture of national resilience, where each of us is aware of the role in protecting and strengthening our state.
We must not only be reacting to crises, but builders of a strong, secure Kosovo capable of preventing such crises, but if they occur to cope with them successfully and also to face the challenges of the future.
Thank you!
