Dear Mr. Eric Dietz, Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Kosova,
Dear madame Dietz,
Dear ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Kosova,
Dear ministers of the government, members of the parliament,
Dear soldiers and officers, COMKFOR Barduani,
Ladies and gentleman,
It is a great pleasure and honor to be here with you today to celebrate Luxembourg’s National Day.
Our countries share a special friendship. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was among the first to recognize Kosova’s independence, just days after our declaration in February 2008. This swift and unwavering support is something we will always remember with deep gratitude.
Since then, our bilateral relations have grown stronger. In 2013, Luxembourg upgraded its mission in Kosova to an embassy, marking a new chapter in our diplomatic engagement.
Luxembourg has played a vital role in supporting Kosova’s development. Your assistance has focused on key areas such as education, particularly vocational training and access to employment, local development through water and sanitation projects, healthcare, civil society, environmental protection and social initiatives. Luxembourg has also contributed to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and provided valuable technical assistance in both the financial sector and our path towards European integration.
This level of engagement makes Luxembourg the largest donor to Kosova per capita of the donor country. Kosova has also benefited from Luxembourg’s longest peacekeeping mission, which saw around 1,200 soldiers deployed on a rotational basis from 1999 to 2017. Luxembourg remains present, though in a smaller capacity, as Kosova’s own internal capabilities have strengthened over time.
This partnership has only deepened during the mandate of our current government. In the summer of 2022, we signed the third Memorandum of Understanding, covering the period 2023 to 2025. This agreement has prioritized health, the energy transition and climate mitigation, vocational training, inclusive and sustainable growth and continued support for civil society.
During our mandate, we have also strengthened our partnership through regular bilateral encounters and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels. It was a pleasure to welcome Mr. Xavier Bettel in Kosova on two occasions, both during his time as Prime Minister and in his current role as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. His visits reflect the strength and depth of our relationship.
Luxembourg’s continued engagement has helped strengthen democracy in Kosova, a fundamental pillar as we move forward on our European and Euro-Atlantic path. We believe that our commitment to good governance and growth makes us a natural and deserving partner for EU and NATO integration.
We have also shared a rich history of cultural exchange, fostered in large part by the many Kosovars whom the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg graciously welcomed during the 90s. But I would argue that there are some things native to Luxembourg that may be even more popular in Kosova than at home, two of them being RTL television, which served as an unofficial German tutor for many of us growing up, and of course, Schengen.
At this critical moment for Europe and for global security, we are reminded of the importance of unity and shared values. Today, as we celebrate the Grand Duke’s birthday, we also celebrate the values that Luxembourg represents: democracy with diversity and prosperity with solidarity.
Let me extend my warmest congratulations on this special day. May the friendship between Kosova and Luxembourg continue to grow for many years to come.
Thank you and cheers!
