Kosovo is marking the 17th anniversary of its unilaterally declared independence today with nationwide celebrations, political speeches, and a show of national pride. The capital, Pristina, was at the heart of the commemorations, with outgoing Prime Minister Albin Kurti addressing the public from the city’s main square, paying tribute to those who fought for Kosovo’s independence.
„The Republic of Kosovo is indeed the youngest state on the old continent, but it perhaps has the longest history of striving to exist,“ Kurti stated.
„As we commemorate 17 years of independence, we remember the men and women who fought and sacrificed for this day. We are an indigenous people, which means our history neither begins nor ends in a single generation.“
Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence
On February 17, 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. This was a unilateral declaration, with the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement by the then UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari serving as the foundation for the establishment of an independent state through a four-year period of supervised independence.
All 109 members of the Assembly voted in favor of the declaration. Serbian representatives, the Gorani MP, as well as the heads of UNMIK and KFOR, were absent from the session. 21 international representatives were present at the session, including William Walker.
At the time, Kosovo’s leaders, primarily President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, sent a message to the Serbian people – the first stating that Kosovo is also their home, and the second assuring that they would protect the minorities.
Nationwide Celebrations
Across Kosovo, official events and public gatherings marked the occasion. In Pristina, the Kosovo flag was raised, followed by a government session. The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and Kosovo Police held a parade at noon, with large crowds waving Kosovo and former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) flags.
For the second consecutive year, North Mitrovica, a predominantly Serb-majority area, saw local institutions mark the anniversary. In the city’s Albanian-owned businesses, Kosovo and Albanian flags were prominently displayed, with traditional Albanian music playing.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Kurti paid their respects at the “Adem Jashari Memorial Complex” in Prekaz.
„On this 17th anniversary, we stand here because we endured, because we resisted injustice and cruelty,“ Osmani declared.
„Kosovo is not just a piece of land—it is a spirit, a soul, and an eternal mission. Today, we are united as one, celebrating with love and pride despite our differences and challenges.“
Kurti echoed her sentiments, calling Kosovo “one of the most powerful stories in modern European history.”
Thaçi’s Absence and U.S. Support
A notable figure absent from the celebrations was former President Hashim Thaçi, who has been detained in The Hague since 2020 on war crimes charges.
Former U.S. special envoy Richard Grenell marked the occasion by calling his detention an “injustice” and stating that Thaçi “should be celebrating in Pristina, not behind bars.”
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