Pristina, 26 February, 2025
Dear Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Dear employees of the Office of the Prime Minister and the media,
Dear citizens,
We have entered the final stage of the vote counting process for the February 9 elections. Today, the counting of diaspora votes begins. According to the Central Election Commission, we are expected to have the final results for political entities by next week at the latest.
As the clear winners of these elections, citizens expect us to fulfill our obligation to form institutions in the 9th legislature as soon as possible. Until then, from you, dear government cabinet, colleagues, I expect to continue the work and good works at the same pace.
Meanwhile, we all expect from the Central Electoral Commission even more commitment to completing the counting process and increased care in protecting the will of the voters to conclude a free, regular, fair and democratic electoral process, with massive participation of citizens, for which I thank each and every one.
Our diaspora also had the highest participation ever in the elections, which for the first time, in addition to voting by mail, had the opportunity to vote at our embassies and consulates. I thank our compatriots who participated in these elections, whether by voting from abroad or by traveling to Kosovo to vote, becoming an inseparable part of the decision-making process for our country.
On the other hand, we have been inseparable from our diaspora throughout our government in this mandate. Our ministries, that of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, as well as of Internal Affairs, have been constantly engaged in increasing, improving and digitizing services for our compatriots.
One of the greatest facilitations is the recognition of Kosovo driver’s licenses by the countries where they live and work. This, in addition to reducing costs and saving time, enables faster integration into the labor market. Initially, it was Germany that recognized our driver’s licenses. Since the agreement entered into force, from April 2023, about 30 thousand compatriots have converted their driver’s licenses through this agreement. As of last month, the agreement with Italy on the recognition of driver’s licenses entered into force. Meanwhile, as announced by our Embassy in Austria, the amendment to the Implementing Regulation of the Law on Driver’s Licenses in Austria will come into force next month, which will facilitate the procedure for its conversion for citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. After Germany, Italy and Austria, we are also in the process of finalizing the mutual recognition of driver’s licenses with Canada and Turkey.
We are increasingly putting our diplomatic service at the service of citizens and compatriots.
Thank you!
Last modified: February 26, 2025