Prishtina, 16 February 2026
Honourable Mr Artan Asllani, Member of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honourable Ms Emilija Rexhepi, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honourable Mr Fikrim Damka, Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Issues and Cooperation,
Honourable Mr Rasim Demiri, Minister of Regional Development,
Honourable Mr Nenad Rashiq, Minister for Communities and Return,
Honourable Members of the Assembly of the Republic, Bahrim Shabani and Veton Berisha,
Honourable representatives of central and local institutions, officials and activists,
Honourable representatives of the Ashkali community,
Dear attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am aware that Ashkali Community Day is marked on 15 February. But out of a strong desire to convey my greetings to you on this day personally, up close and together with you, in coordination with the Organising Council, we have decided to mark it today. Yesterday I was in Munich, Germany, at the Security Conference there, whereas today I am here with you, because this day and this community deserve my direct attention and respect.
Today, on this marked day, we have gathered for this symbolic date. We have gathered to affirm that the Republic of Kosovo is a state that recognises, respects, and builds together with all its citizens a future that leaves no one behind. We have gathered for the Ashkali community, to reflect on the shared path we have travelled, and to reaffirm our commitment to a Kosovo that is more just, more equal and more inclusive.
A state is not measured by what it promises, but by what it enables for its citizens. This is the way in which we are building and developing Kosovo as a place where everyone has real opportunities for dignity and progress. The Ashkali community is an inseparable part of this vision. Its history, culture and contribution are part of Kosovo’s identity as a multi-ethnic, democratic society moving towards European integration.
Over the past five years, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has shown through actions that non-majority communities have had real space, concrete support, and an institutional voice. We have opened doors that for decades were closed, and we have created mechanisms that have delivered tangible results. In its third mandate, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has placed social equality and community inclusion at the heart of state policies. This translates directly into budgets, laws and concrete programmes.
Through budget planning and social reforms, we have taken bold steps to strengthen citizens economically. The Superpuna programme, now well advanced, is opening employment opportunities for young people, and especially for women. Under this programme, employed women will be supported with 500 euros per month for six months, giving them security, independence and economic dignity.
From the month of July, we are increasing support for new mothers, who will benefit from 500 euros in financial support, as a direct investment in family well-being and in children’s future. We have also doubled child allowances, because children are not an expense; they are the state’s most important investment.
Education remains the foundation of long-term development. That is why we have increased support for Ashkali children and young people through scholarships, learning centres, school textbooks, and educational support programmes. Because there is no real equality without quality education that is accessible to all.
In addition, through the Ministry for Communities and Return and the Office for Community Affairs, we continue to fund projects for housing, small businesses, start-ups, vocational training and cultural initiatives, expanding concrete opportunities for economic and social development.
Honourable attendees,
Today I want my message to be both candid and political. The Government can create policies, funds and programmes, but true development requires will from the community itself. It requires participation, engagement, and faith in knowledge, work and the law.
I call on parents to keep their children in school. I call on young people to apply to employment and training programmes. I call on women to make use of economic empowerment programmes. Our Government will create new and ongoing opportunities, but we must make use of them together. On the one hand, the Government offers opportunities; on the other, use them as much as possible, and as well as possible, all of you, that is, each and every one of you.
As the well-known philosopher of the last century, Hannah Arendt, used to say: “politics is the space where responsibility and freedom meet”. We are doing our part as a state. Now is the time to build success together. Kosovo is a country for everyone. A country of opportunity, not exclusion. A country where diversity is a strength, not an obstacle.
We often hear talk about communities, but our Government, your Government, is the one that has turned words into work and deeds, into engagement and contribution. And on this occasion, I express my gratitude to every citizen of the Ashkali community who contributes to society – to teachers, workers, students, activists and mothers who keep hope alive and play such an important role in our shared future. Let us continue on this path with more trust, more work and more solidarity. On the eve of marking 17 February, Independence Day of the Republic of Kosovo, this day takes on an even more special meaning, because our independence has been built on the sacrifice, coexistence and contribution of all citizens, without distinction.
In the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, in state institutions at the central level, and in state institutions at the local level, that is, in municipalities across the Republic – and here I see you also have the Mayor of the Municipality of Fushë Kosovë, Valon Prebreza – and among all others where the Ashkali community lives, resides and works, you can count on our continued support for your rights, requests and needs.
We are celebrating Ashkali Community Day as an inseparable part of this independence, which we will celebrate tomorrow on the 18th anniversary of its proclamation. Let us build together a Kosovo that is ever stronger, more just and more inclusive.
Happy Ashkali Community Day!
Happy 17 February, Independence Day of Kosovo!
Thank you for the invitation, your attention and your participation!
