Dear citizens,
We have reached the end of a year that, without a doubt, has left its mark on our country.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of one of the most painful chapters in our history: the crimes committed by the genocidal Serbian regime. But, on the other hand, this year, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of our independence, achieved with hard work and sacrifices, as a proof of the stability and strength of our people’s resistance.
Fifteen years may seem short in world history, but for us, these years represent the entirety of our existence as a sovereign state. We have faced many trials, yet here we stand, stronger than ever and unwavering in our commitment to progress and prosperity.
Our journey has had its challenges. There are moments when it seems that external forces are constantly trying to destabilize us. However, our country is not just a piece of land; it is the joint result of the efforts, sacrifices and dreams of our people. We have earned our country and we do not take it for granted. Regardless of external forces, we continue to grow and develop.
I want to assure you that this Government, your Government, takes your trust seriously. We are aware of the burden of responsibility with which we are charged and are determined to serve you with devotion and integrity. Your trust is the driving force behind our actions and every day we do our best to make decisions that positively affect the lives of our citizens.
This government is a guarantee of non-corruption and a guarantee of fighting corruption.
This year we have proven what your trust means to us. The launch of the SuperPuna platform provided employment opportunities to nearly 8,500 young people under the age of 25. In the field of justice, the finalization of the Vetingu package, the establishment of the Institute for the Research and Documentation of Crimes Committed During the War and the adoption of the Law on the State Bureau for the Verification and Confiscation of Unjustified Assets, mark important steps towards a just legal system and accountable.
Initiatives undertaken in the health field have brought the inauguration of new services, such as inhalation sedation in dentistry, endoscopic ultrasound, free service for breast reconstruction and early diagnosis of retinopathy in babies.
Meanwhile, with the new Salary Law, our doctors, professors and prosecutors for the first time have a decent salary. This year we had a record number of market inspectors. The Ministry of Economy successfully opened the auction for the solar power plant of 100MW and we have achieved full internet coverage throughout the territory of the Republic. The agricultural sector has experienced unprecedented growth, with a budget that exceeds 100 million euros. The Ministry of Defense has benefited from its highest budget ever, of 200 million euros, i.e. over 2% of the BPV as NATO requires. In addition to the increase, we have also enabled the strengthening of our army forces, including the provision of Bajraktar drones. For non-majority communities, we have allocated 259 grants for entrepreneurial projects and NGOs within the 3 million fund for them. This year we have allocated close to 1900 scholarships out of a total of over 4600 in three years for girls and women students focused in the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), as we have made public higher education free since the first year of government ours. In our government, expectant mothers for the first time receive supplements for themselves and their newborn children, as do all parents of children under the age of 16, and this year all children also received a one-time supplement for the end of the year.
After the successful piloting of dual education last year, this year we increased the number of programs to 12 profiles, in a total of 21 schools all over Kosovo in 14 municipalities, for a stronger connection between the degree and the workplace and preparation for early workforce for market demands. For the first time, the law on the sovereign fund has been approved, which will be an important and powerful tool for even greater financial development. And in the next six years, we will embark on previously unimaginable projects in our country as we prepare for the 2030 Mediterranean Games.
We are ending the year with the support of our allies, while we prepare for the future, with as much progress as possible in the basic values of democracy and human rights, and with common interests with the European Union and the United States of America.
And this coordination with our Western partners takes on even more importance when the security of Europe and various regions around the world is being threatened by destabilizing forces. The Republic of Kosovo is taken as an example of the rule of law, democratic principles and the antithesis of autocracy and tyranny.
Our cooperation with allies includes our constructive approach to the process of normalizing relations with Serbia, with the aim of bringing peace and security and removing burdens that will slow down our growth and prosperity. In this ongoing process, and in the very long talks that have preceded and will continue, I would like to assure the citizens that any agreement that will be signed will be for the good of our country and will not threaten the security and integrity territorial, constitutionality and legal order of our country.
Our Kosovo is on the verge of a future that is closer to what we deserve and for which we have worked intensively. Visa liberalization comes into force on Monday, January 1st, i.e. the day after tomorrow, ending a long wait of our citizens.
Our government serves with you and for you. Therefore, I invite you to cooperate with us as much as possible. We have gone through difficult periods in the construction of our citizenship and now it is time to develop and build the country we deserve and live our common vision. This year, we have shown our potential even further, to prove how this country can look and be experienced, when you work hard and have determination and will. We have just defined the forms, and now we must continue our commitment to complete the complete picture of our country’s image.
Work ennobles us, it does not tire us. Nobility without work is tiresome.
As we leave behind this transformative year, let’s imprint in our memory and reflect on the lessons we have received and the achievements we have marked. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and wish that the coming year 2024 will be filled with peace and love, prosperity and unity for all of us. Happy New Year from our Government!
Last modified: January 5, 2024