By Roy Lie Atjam
The 18th anniversary marks a “coming of age” for the youngest state in Europe, Kosovo, emphasizing resilience, democracy, and strong ties with the Netherlands. On February 17, 2026, the Embassy of Kosovo in The Hague hosted a concert and reception at the emblematic Nieuwe Kerk to mark the 18th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo. The celebration was graced by Mr. Glauk Konjufca, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo.
In his speech, the Minister highlighted Kosovo s new government’s foreign policy. ”As Europe’s youngest country, Kosova is a dynamic society, well-positioned to tackle today’s challenges. Our youthful population reflects our strong support for the European Union, consistently ranking among the highest in EU-aspiring nations. I am honoured that my first visit as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs is to The Hague, a symbol of peace and justice. It reassures me that the truth will prevail. Our relations with the Netherlands are strong and longstanding, rooted in democracy, the rule of law, and Euro-Atlantic integration. The Netherlands has been a loyal partner, and our collaboration in various fields, aided by our active diaspora, continues to deepen.”
Furthermore, at the concert-reception were various Ambassadors and foreign mission representatives stationed in the Netherlands, Dutch KFOR veterans, representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a sizeable number of guests including the diaspora.
Ambassador Dr Dren Doli, delivered the opening speech, emphasizing Kosovo’s goals of NATO membership and European Union accession, stating that these goals were part of his country’s natural orientation and vision for the future. He also expressed his gratitude to the Kosovar diaspora in the Netherlands, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the Dutch Kosovo relation. Here is a resume of Ambassador Doli’s speech, “The lesson of hope has carried us through the darkest moments in our history, shaping our resilience and keeping our dreams alive. It urged us to imagine a future of prosperity and peace for our children, fostering belief in the triumph of humanity. Hope led us to build strong alliances with friends and partners, many of whom stand with us today. We are now a democratic, sovereign Republic that has risen from the ashes of war to uphold the values of peace, multilateralism, and human rights.
Our achievements are not an endpoint but a continuation of what previous generations envisioned. They honour the legacy of our fallen heroes and martyrs. In the past year, we conducted free and fair elections, illustrating the institutionalization of democracy despite challenges. With a GDP growth of 4.5%, among the highest in the EU and the Western Balkans, we remain committed to peace, stability, cooperation, and good-neighbourly relations in South-East Europe and beyond.
Last year alone, in less than ten months, we held two rounds of general elections and two rounds of local elections, of course, all of them free, competitive, and fair. I would also like to use this opportunity and express our deepest gratitude to the Netherlands, whose cooperation, political, economic, and diplomatic alike, has been, and continues to be, fundamental in shaping our strategic partnership.
The deep bond and friendship between the Netherlands and Kosova originate in our war of liberation, when many Dutch soldiers, operating under the auspices of NATO, came to support a population whose hope for liberty kept them alive.
Let me return to our lesson: Hope. It is the power of hope that motivates Kosova to continue working diligently to secure membership in NATO and the EU.
It is hope that gave us the “bad habit” of knocking on every door, even when those doors seem already open. We will knock, because hope never dies; it only transforms.
Finally, allow me to publicly address some acknowledgments.
To my wife, Shqipe, you are the backbone of our family, my best companion in life, and my greatest supporter. Thank you for everything.
Last but not least, I thank my small but dedicated staff, whose invaluable work and commitment made this event and many of our achievements at the Embassy possible.
Let us honour those who sacrificed and gave their lives for our independence, and let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for Kosova and for all our countries, for generations to come.”
Subsequently, there was a dazzling concert by the sublime Petrit Çarkaxhiu Band, composed of Dalvin Mamusha on violin, Tanju Süleyman on percussion, and Adem Gülşen on piano.
The band surely entertained the audience with their peculiar style of music and the messages they tried to convey.
Petrit Çarkaxhiu once said his life quote is Shnet – may you have health.
The celebratory evening concluded with a reception featuring Kosovar cuisine and wines, allowing guests to experience the rich culinary heritage of Kosovo. Guests were also given the opportunity to visit a kiosk showing Kosovo’s investment opportunities and tourism.
All in all, a successful 18th anniversary deceleration.
