Prishtina, 12 August 2025
Today, the Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, took part in the graduation ceremony of 107 customs officers of the generation which also coincides with the marking of the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Kosovo Customs.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Kurti said that in the 26 years since its establishment, the Kosovo Customs has been more than just a fiscal institution – it has been a pillar in safeguarding our state sovereignty, a necessary mechanism for economic security, and a first line of defence against smuggling, corruption, and organized crime.
“The road to consolidating this institution has not been easy. The Customs has gone through periods of great challenges, including the first post-war years, efforts to consolidate border crossing points, and especially the difficult moments when the border crossing points in the north of the country were burned and destroyed by criminal groups led by Serbia. On this journey we have remembered and will always remember our heroes, such as Enver Zymeri and Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku, who fell in the line of duty to protect the rule of law and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo. In recent years, as a government, we have taken clear and determined steps to strengthen order, peace, and security always through the rule of law throughout the territory of the country, including in the north of Mitrovica,” he said.
Today, the results are tangible and visible – a significant increase in confiscations and greater control over our borders. The Customs has achieved historic records in revenue, exceeding annual projections. The agreement on joint customs spaces with Albania has significantly reduced costs for our businesses and increased efficiency. Likewise, placing the majority of terminals under state management has saved millions of euros for our economy and substantially reduced costs for businesses.
Congratulating the new generation of customs officers, the Prime Minister said that with them the Customs not only gains new staff, but also fresh energy, new thinking, and motivation to move forward together. He stressed that they are not simply future employees, but defenders of the legal and economic borders of the country.
“Your service requires integrity, dedication, and courage. It is not just a job – it is a mission. A mission in which few people have the privilege to engage, but whose responsibility is great, because every decision you make affects the safety and well-being of citizens,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
The Acting Minister of Finance, Labour and Transfers, Hekuran Murati, who also attended the graduation ceremony of the customs officers, said that today is a moment of pride for the families, but also for the cadets themselves, who are placing themselves in the service of the country. As he put it, there is no more noble duty or work than serving your state and your country.
Full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Distinguished Mr. Hekuran Murati, Minister of Finance, Labour and Transfers,
Distinguished Mr. Agron Llugaliu, Director of Kosovo Customs,
Distinguished Director of North Macedonia Customs, Mr. Nikollovski, and Deputy Director Mr. Dauti,
Distinguished representatives of the diplomatic corps in Kosovo,
Distinguished representatives and leaders of state institutions,
Distinguished Customs officers,
Distinguished attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s event, which marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of Kosovo Customs and the graduation of the new generation of cadets, is a special moment worth noting and celebrating.
Over these 26 years, the Kosovo Customs has been more than just a fiscal institution. It has been a pillar in defending our state sovereignty, a necessary mechanism for economic security, and a first line of defence against smuggling, corruption, and organized crime.
The road to consolidating this institution has not been easy. The Customs has gone through periods of great challenges, including the first post-war years, efforts to consolidate border crossing points, and especially the difficult moments when the border crossing points in the north of the country were burned and destroyed by criminal groups led by Serbia.
On this journey we have remembered and will always remember our heroes, such as Enver Zymeri and Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku, who fell in the line of duty to protect the rule of law and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo. In recent years, as a government, we have taken clear and determined steps to strengthen order, peace, and security always through the rule of law throughout the territory of the country, including in the north of Mitrovica. The results are tangible and visible – a significant increase in confiscations and greater control over our borders. But success is not only in security. The Customs has achieved historic records in revenue, exceeding annual projections.
The agreement on joint customs spaces with Albania has significantly reduced costs for our businesses and increased efficiency. Likewise, placing the majority of terminals under state management has saved millions of euros for our economy and substantially reduced costs for businesses.
Today, with your graduation, new cadets, the Customs gains not only new staff, but also fresh energy, new thinking, and motivation to move forward together. The recruitment process that brought you here followed the highest international practices and standards, with full transparency and merit-based assessment. At the request of the Kosovo Customs, this process was supported by the European Union Office in Kosovo to guarantee the highest standards of meritocracy, equality, and professionalism.
You are not simply future employees – you are defenders of the legal and economic borders of the country. Your service requires integrity, dedication, and courage. It is not just a job – it is a mission. A mission in which few people have the privilege to engage, but whose responsibility is great, because every decision you make affects the safety and well-being of citizens.
On this journey, we cannot forget to thank all the staff of Kosovo Customs for their dedication and tireless, selfless work over all these years.
We are also grateful to our international partners, especially the European Union, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom, who have made an unparalleled contribution to building capacities and improving our institutions.
You, new cadets, must always keep in mind the great sacrifices made over the years to reach the reality we have and enjoy today. It is your duty and privilege to serve with honesty and dedication, being an example for the generations to come after you.
I also wish to thank your families, who with patience and support have contributed to your preparation for this mission.
Congratulations and best wishes to you all!
