Prishtina, 6 September 2026
Honourable Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms Albulena Haxhiu,
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Ms Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz,
Honourable Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr Xhelal Sveçla,
Honourable Director General of the Kosovo Police, Mr Gazmend Hoxha,
Honourable Director of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, Mr Petrit Ajeti,
Honourable Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia, Mr Astrit Iseni,
Honourable Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr Enver Dugolli, and Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Gegë Lleshi,
Honourable Mr Antero Lopes, Head of EULEX in Kosovo,
Honourable ambassadors and other diplomats accredited to our Republic,
Dear family members of police officers who fell in the line of duty,
Honourable commanders and officers of the Kosovo Police, and you members of the military and officers of the Kosovo Security Force,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Kosovo is safer than ever before because the state’s Police are also stronger than ever.
The establishment of the Kosovo Police 27 years ago coincided with the liberation of our country. Through sacrifice and effort, this institution was built, where today each and every person who is part of it works and contributes with dignity and precision. Throughout the country and at all times, the Police have been committed to building a state that functions and in which law and order prevail. Organized crime and criminal networks, forms of intimidation and blackmail targeting communities and citizens, no longer have a place in a democratic society such as ours, thanks also to the tireless work of the security institutions.
The Police respect and protect the rights of all citizens without distinction by enforcing the laws of our democratic state. The people’s trust depends on our service, and together with constitutionalism, we build and expand legitimacy.
The achievements in the rule of law for peace and security, which have also resulted in the extension of sovereignty and the protection of territorial integrity, are increasing the efficiency and expanding public services in the north of the country. Over the past five years, alongside increasing the Kosovo Police budget by more than 50%, we have also invested in increasing capacities for greater protection and security: among other things, more than 20 police stations and bases have been established and strengthened throughout the north, where previously there was not a single station for the protection and safeguarding of the border.
Increased security and the presence of state institutions in the north also proved to be crucial to the discovery of mass graves and the mortal remains of persons forcibly disappeared during the last war. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition were also found in their vicinity, which have been sent for examination and analysis to establish their connection with the crimes and massacres committed at those three locations in Zubin Potok, namely in the villages of Kalludër and Jabukë. The importance of the Police’s work carries moral value for our national memory and for the victims of Serbia’s aggression and genocide.
In the face of all the challenges it faces, we will continue to support the Police with modern equipment, better working conditions and institutional protection, while also increasing the forces supporting it. The establishment of the gendarmerie also serves as an additional safeguard for joint operations, with a clear mandate: securing the land, water and air border line throughout the territory of the Republic of Kosovo; conducting operations against terrorist and armed groups, including those of a paramilitary nature; preventing and combating all forms of cross-border smuggling; managing high-risk situations; and securing critical infrastructure.
This structure will assist the Kosovo Police so that we can build on our achievements in the field of security and prevent any kind of destabilizing attempt coming from our northern neighbour.
Distinguished guests,
We must dedicate our deepest gratitude and everlasting remembrance to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Among the police officers who lost their lives while wearing the Police uniform are also our heroes, Heroes of Kosovo, Enver Zymeri and Afrim Bunjaku. Their battle was a common one, and so was the terrain, namely the north of Kosovo. It was there that the Republic was challenged for a long time and where our territorial integrity and state sovereignty were violated. They are among the main sources of inspiration for every member of the Kosovo Police. Therefore, let us commit ourselves every day to doing our utmost so that the Police may continue to raise its standards, provide security to every citizen of the Republic, and continue to protect every inch of the state.
And to those who, during their service, have experienced the sudden, unforeseen and tragic loss of their colleagues from the ranks of the Kosovo Police, I express my solidarity and urge you never to forget them, but to dedicate every moment of your efforts, wherever and whenever, to their memory.
6 September is Police Day, the day of each and every one of you, the ordinary people of this country. It is the day of those who work every day and strive tirelessly for Kosovo to have a safe and peaceful life and development, and for the state to have protection, security and dignity.
Happy 27th anniversary of the Kosovo Police!
Glory to its fallen heroes!
Long live the Republic and the Kosovo Police!