Prishtina, July 4, 2025
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the graduation ceremony of 18 officers of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), held at the “Adem Jashari” Barracks in Prishtina.
In his address at this special ceremony, Prime Minister Kurti reiterated the Government’s unwavering support for the army, emphasizing that the Ministry of Defence’s budget has been raised to 208 million euros—equivalent to 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—a NATO membership criterion that so far has been met by only seven NATO member states.
“From today, you begin a noble yet challenging duty. You are the pillar upon which the structural and professional development of the Kosovo Security Force will continue, leading our army toward service in the North Atlantic Alliance of democratic states—NATO’s great alliance. Geographically, ideologically, in values and politically, Kosovo is Europe. Therefore, our membership in the European democratic family to which we belong is not only necessary, it is inevitable. With the martyrs of the nation in your hearts and professional knowledge in your minds, cadets, congratulations on your graduation,” said Prime Minister Kurti, addressing the newly graduated officers and their families.
Also present at the ceremony were the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu; KSF Commander, Major General Bashkim Jashari; deputy ministers; officers and non-commissioned officers of the Ministry of Defence and the KSF.
Full Speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Honorable President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu,
Honorable KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari,
Honorable Deputy Ministers of Defence, Shemsi Syla and Adnan Rexheplar,
Honorable Director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team, Brigadier General Lange,
Honorable generals, attachés,
Honorable representatives of the U.S. Embassy – congratulations on U.S. Independence Day,
Honorable soldiers, NCOs, and officers,
Dear KSF cadets and your beloved families,
We are gathered here today to celebrate your success following four years of study at the Defence Academy. It has truly been a week full of events. Last Wednesday, 350 new recruits took their oath, and today, our army is being joined by 18 new officers.
We pledged that the army would have the Government’s full support. We have raised the Ministry of Defence’s budget to 208 million euros, which represents 2% of GDP—a benchmark currently met by only seven NATO member states.
Over the past four years, we have invested more than 300 million euros, and recruited over 2,700 new soldiers and officers—that’s 123% more than in 2021. Our army is advancing rapidly with full capabilities as a professional force, with well-prepared and resilient soldiers, dedicated to national sovereignty and territorial integrity, to peace for society, and to security for all citizens.
Just like the fearless eagle embroidered on your shoulders, our soldiers stand ready anytime and anywhere to ensure the safety of our citizens and defend the Republic of Kosovo.
As I stand before you today, I want to express how proud I am of the Kosovo Security Force, of each and every one of you. Undoubtedly, your success today is the result of great teamwork, ministerial investment in the training and education of military personnel, and the provision of weaponry—but even more, it reflects your personal and intellectual investment and the unwavering support of your families. So let me thank you from the heart—parents and family members alike.
Dear cadets,
From today onward, you begin a noble but demanding task. You are the foundation upon which the structural and professional development of the KSF will continue, guiding our army through the next stage—towards service in NATO, the great alliance of democratic nations.
Geographically, ideologically, in terms of values and politics, Kosovo is Europe; therefore, our membership in the democratic European family to which we belong is not only necessary, but also inevitable.
With the martyrs of our nation in your hearts and your professional training in mind—cadets, congratulations on your graduation.
Wishing you good health and success—always and everywhere!
