Op-ed: Kosovo, a story of success

Op-ed by: H.E.Mr.Delfin Pllana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kosovo to Hungary

Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008, marking the culmination of an UN-led process based on the Ahtisaari Plan. This declaration, reflecting the will of Kosovo’s people, followed extensive negotiations between 2005 and 2007, during which Kosovo fulfilled key prerequisites, including dialogue with Serbia. UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari ultimately recommended independence under international supervision, which lasted until September 2012.

Kosovo’s leadership emphasized democracy, human rights, and European integration, pledging to build a multi-ethnic state governed by the rule of law. The path to statehood was complex, requiring institutional development, security frameworks, and the management of ethnic relations. Despite these challenges, Kosovo remained committed to domestic stability, international recognition, and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The establishment of a parliamentary democracy after Kosovo’s declaration of independence was a central objective of our society. International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2010 gave a verdict on the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence according to which the declaration did not violate international law, as there is no prohibition against unilateral declarations of independence under international law or the UN Charter. The ICJ also found no breach of binding Security Council resolutions.

Kosovo’s state-building process reflects the interplay between domestic and international factors. Post-independence period focused on institution-building, security, and building of public and economic infrastructure, influenced by external governance and support of EU, which shaped Kosovo’s institutions to ensure stability and minority protections. 

The process of building democratic institutions in Kosovo following its declaration of independence in 2008 has been a multifaceted and challenging endeavor, marked by complex interactions between international and domestic actors, significant ethnic divisions, and an overarching need for effective state-building. This journey involved both incremental progress and setbacks, shaped by several stages that span international oversight, domestic constitutional development, legal reforms, local governance restructuring, and public administration transformations. 

Kosovo continues to make significant strides on its path of progress and development, marked by notable achievements in various fields.

One of the most significant milestones was the successful liberalization of visas with the European Union, which came into effect on January 1, 2024. This achievement has strengthened Kosovo’s ties with Europe, facilitating travel and mobility for its citizens. Additionally, Kosovo has advanced in global rankings, improving its position in the Henley Passport Index and Global Passport Power Rank, reflecting its growing international recognition and mobility.

In the fight against corruption, Kosovo has demonstrated tangible progress. According to Transparency International’s 2025 Public Perceptions of Corruption Index, Kosovo ranked 73rd with a score of 44, marking an improvement from the previous year. This positive development underscores ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, strengthen institutions, and build public trust in governance.

Since gaining independence, Kosovo has made significant advancements in human rights and democracy. These achievements are reflected in key international indices, including the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, civil liberties and political rights assessments by Freedom House, and electoral democracy rankings by the V-Dem Institute. Such progress highlights Kosovo’s commitment to democratic values, freedom of expression, and inclusive governance.

On the economic front, Kosovo continues to grow steadily, with a projected economic growth rate of approximately 4% in 2024. This expansion reflects increasing investment, a resilient private sector, and a favorable business environment.

Looking ahead, Kosovo remains committed to strengthening its global presence, including through sports diplomacy. The country continues its preparations for the Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games, an event that will showcase Kosovo on the international stage and promote regional cooperation through sports.

These accomplishments demonstrate Kosovo’s resilience and determination to advance its European integration, economic development, and democratic governance, laying a strong foundation for a prosperous future.

Kosovo has made remarkable progress in strengthening its democratic institutions, enhancing security, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. A key achievement has been the successful closure of parallel and illegal structures in the north, accompanied by decisive action against organized crime. By dismantling criminal networks, Kosovo has reinforced the rule of law and ensured greater stability and security for all its citizens.

Kosovo has also demonstrated unwavering commitment to the normalization of relations with Serbia. Its constructive approach in the EU-facilitated dialogue, particularly its strong insistence on formalizing agreements, has been crucial. The signing of two key instruments—the Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations (Brussels, February 27, 2023) and its Implementation Annex (Ohrid, March 18, 2023)—reflects Kosovo’s dedication to achieving lasting peace through diplomacy and dialogue.

Despite challenges, including destabilizing efforts from external actors, Kosovo has remained steadfast in upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Its institutions continue to work diligently to protect national security while promoting stability in the region.

Kosovo’s vision for the future is firmly rooted in Euro-Atlantic integration, with continuous progress toward aligning with European values, standards, and policies. The country remains committed to deepening its partnership with the EU, NATO, and other international organizations, reinforcing its role as a reliable and responsible global partner.

Furthermore, Kosovo actively champions peace and regional cooperation, prioritizing good neighborly relations based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. Through diplomatic engagement and participation in regional initiatives, Kosovo continues to contribute to a more stable and interconnected Western Balkans.

Celebrating 17^th anniversary of our statehood, Kosovo’s achievements showcase its resilience, determination, and forward-looking vision, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for its people.

Relations with Hungary

Hungary was among the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Kosovo on March 19, 2008. Its diplomatic presence in Kosovo began on January 1, 2006, through a Liaison Office, which was later upgraded to an Embassy on May 15, 2008. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established on June 27, 2008. Subsequently, the Embassy of Kosovo in Budapest commenced its official operations in January 2010. 

Hungary actively contributes to international security efforts in Kosovo through NATO. From November 2021 to October 10, 2022, Hungary assumed command of KFOR, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional stability. The number of Hungarian military personnel in KFOR is currently at 365, making it the third-largest contingent after the United States and Italy. Hungary also remains a staunch supporter of NATO membership for Western Balkan countries, including Kosovo. 

Hungary is a vocal advocate for EU enlargement, firmly believing that integration has no alternative for the Western Balkans (BP6). Hungary has been a strong and consistent supporter of visa liberalization for Kosovo, emphasizing the importance of free movement for Kosovo’s citizens within the European Union. Last year’s Hungarian EU Presidency achieved some notable successes, among which was enacting of the reform programs of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia under the Reform and Growth Facility. This opened the door to a €6 billion assistance package for these countries, marking a significant achievement of the Hungarian EU Presidency.

The organization of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit on November 7 was a notable highlight of the Hungarian EU Presidency. During the summit in Budapest, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, held a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and other EU delegation leaders. The Hungarian Presidency also hosted numerous informal summits in Budapest, Szeged, Podgorica, and Brussels, with active participation from Western Balkans countries including the Republic of Kosovo. Senior representatives from the Republic of Kosovo demonstrated the country’s commitment to EU integration by engaging constructively in these forums as an aspiring EU member. The parliamentary dimension of the Presidency was equally significant. Members of Parliament from the Republic of Kosovo participated in four inter-parliamentary conferences, alongside representatives from the European Parliament and other EU candidate countries. The Hungarian Parliament welcomed the contributions of Kosovo’s MPs, highlighting their active involvement in plenary sessions. While the political climate and timing may not have positioned Hungary as the optimal mediator for advancing these goals, efforts made by Hungarian Minister of EU Affairs János Bóka to support the Western Balkans, including the Republic of Kosovo, were appreciated. His attempts to achieve meaningful results during the Presidency reflect a positive step, albeit insufficient in addressing the broader aspirations and needs of the Republic of Kosovo.

On the other hand, the bilateral legal framework between Hungary and Kosovo is well-established, covering a wide range of sectors. There is significant potential to further enhance economic cooperation, particularly in the fields of ICT and digitalization, water management, pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture and the green agenda.

Hungary provides scholarship opportunities for Kosovar students through the Stipendium Hungaricum program, in which Kosovo has participated since 2015. Initially, Kosovo was allocated 50 scholarships per year, but since 2020, this number has increased to 75 scholarships annually. These scholarships cover studies at all academic levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Hungarian universities. Currently, approximately 300 Kosovar students are studying or have completed their studies in Hungary under this program.

Kosovo’s presence in Hungary extends beyond the student community, with the Kosovar diaspora making a significant economic and cultural impact. One of the most notable contributions is in the bakery industry, where Kosovar entrepreneurs, own or manage, hundreds of bakeries across Hungary, a sector that has flourished over the past two decades. These two communities—students and entrepreneurs—serve as vital bridges between Kosovo and Hungary, strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

A frequently discussed topic in bilateral meetings I have conducted has been the re-establishment of a direct flight between Pristina and Budapest. In August 2024, I held discussions with Wizz Air CEO József Váradi, who confirmed the airline’s interest in resuming the Pristina-Budapest-Pristina route. The reintroduction of this direct air route would significantly boost travel, tourism, and economic exchanges between Kosovo and Hungary. It would also provide a strategic connection for Kosovo’s diaspora, students, and business community, while fostering Hungarian tourism in Kosovo and the broader Albanian-speaking regions. Beyond economic benefits, this would also be a strong symbol of deepening bilateral cooperation, fostering political, economic, cultural, and scientific ties.

A significant achievement in cultural diplomacy recently was the joint concert of the Prizren Wind Orchestra and the ELTE University Orchestra on December 3 in Budapest. This event, organized in full cooperation with Hungary’s oldest and most prestigious university (ELTE), was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MKRS). The audience of approximately 200 attendees, including officials, diplomats, students, and members of the Kosovar community, was deeply impressed by the performances.

Hungary and Kosovo have initiated city twinning projects to enhance people-to-people ties and local-level cooperation. The first city twinning agreement was signed on February 17, 2023, between Peja (Kosovo) and Eger (Hungary). Discussions are underway for additional twinning projects and partnership initiatives between other cities in Kosovo and Hungary.

Our relations with Hungary hold significant untapped potential and missed opportunities. I am committed to being a tireless advocate for strengthening our ties, fostering the necessary exchanges, and ensuring that our partnership flourishes. In view of our historical and geographical connections, as well as our shared interests, I will work diligently to further deepen this relationship.

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