Prishtina, 19 June 2025
Dear out-going director, Mr. Hurrelbrink,
Dear incoming director, Ms. Hofmann,
Dear Ms. Dr. Kortländer from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung headquarter in Berlin,
Dear ambassador Rohde,
Dear friends of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung,
Dear friends of Kosova and tireless supporters of our young democracy since its earliest days,
It is a great pleasure for me to join you tonight for such an excellent occasion – marking 25 years of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Kosova and celebrating 100 years of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung globally.
Tonight, I look forward to having the opportunity to reflect on a long-standing partnership, rooted not only in cooperation, but in shared values: democracy, social justice, solidarity and peace.
Since its arrival in Kosova a quarter of a century ago, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has stood beside us through our most formative years – supporting democratic transformation, investing in dialogue, and believing in the potential of a society emerging from conflict into citizenship, participation and dignity. We will never forget that solidarity.
Tonight, we also mark a moment of transition. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Peter Hurrelbrink – whose human dedication, clarity of purpose and calm leadership have made the Prishtina office of FES not only respected, but deeply trusted. You have been a consistent partner in advancing democratic culture and in empowering new voices. Thank you, Peter.
To Ms. Katharina Hofmann, we offer the warmest of welcomes. You are arriving at a time when Kosova is more committed than ever to deepening our democracy, strengthening regional cooperation, and anchoring our future in the European family. We are confident that under your leadership, this partnership will not only continue – it will grow stronger.
Dear friends,
As a social democrat, I firmly believe that politics must be guided by values – not by fear or by opportunism, but by a deep commitment to fairness, participation and human dignity. These principles are not only foundational for Kosova – they are the cornerstone of our collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Here, I would like to especially thank the foundation for its invaluable support in drafting the law on the Sovereign Wealth Fund in close cooperation with our government and institutions.
In particular, I want to acknowledge the Foundation’s unwavering support for Kosova’s youth, workers, civic actors and democratic institutions. Together, we have created platforms for learning, dialogue and transformation. And together, we will continue to empower those who carry the promise of a better tomorrow.
In closing, allow me to express my sincere gratitude – to everyone at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Prishtina, past and present and to all of you who have believed in Kosova’s democratic journey.
Here’s to the next 25 years of partnership – built on mutual trust, sustained by shared values and committed to a fairer and prosperous society.
Faleminderit shumë! Thank you, dankeschön and prost!
