By H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
As we celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Republic of Kosovo, we mark more than a milestone in the life of a young nation. Eighteen is the age of adulthood—a moment to reflect on how far we have come, to acknowledge those who made our journey possible, and to look ahead with confidence and responsibility.
What began with the international community’s humanitarian intervention has evolved into one of Europe’s youngest and most dynamic democracies. Kosovo’s story demonstrates what can be achieved when the principles of justice, the rule of law, and international solidarity prevail over violence and oppression.
Yet beyond political achievements and economic progress, there is one lesson that has defined Kosovo’s journey above all others: hope.
Hope carried our people through the darkest chapters of our history. It sustained us when our future seemed uncertain and taught us resilience when our very existence was under threat. Hope inspired us to imagine a country where future generations could live in freedom, peace, and prosperity. It also enabled us to build lasting friendships with nations and partners who believed in our cause and continue to stand with us today.
Eighteen years after declaring independence, Kosovo stands as a democratic, sovereign Republic committed to peace, multilateralism, and the protection of human rights. These accomplishments are not an endpoint but part of a longer journey envisioned by previous generations. They honour the sacrifice of all those who gave their lives for Kosovo’s freedom and independence.
Our democratic institutions continue to mature. During the past year alone, Kosovo successfully conducted two rounds of general elections and two rounds of local elections, all free, competitive, and fair. Such democratic continuity reflects the strength and resilience of our institutions. At the same time, our economy recorded GDP growth of 4.5 percent, among the highest in both the European Union and the Western Balkans, demonstrating our determination to build a prosperous future.
Kosovo remains firmly committed to peace, regional cooperation, and good-neighbourly relations throughout South-East Europe. We also remain deeply grateful to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, whose political, diplomatic, and economic support has been instrumental in strengthening our strategic partnership.
The friendship between our two countries has deep roots. During Kosovo’s struggle for liberation, Dutch soldiers serving within NATO stood alongside our people in defence of freedom and human dignity. Many of those veterans continue to support Kosovo today, serving as guardians of historical truth and reminding us that peace is built upon courage, solidarity, and shared values.
Looking ahead, Kosovo’s strategic objectives remain clear: membership in NATO and the European Union. These aspirations are not merely political ambitions; they reflect our identity and our place within the family of democratic European nations.
Hope continues to guide us. It is hope that gives us the determination to keep knocking on every door until our voice is heard. We do not seek special treatment, nor do we ask for what we have not earned. We seek our rightful place in a united Europe because we share its values, its responsibilities, and its vision for the future.
As Kosovo enters adulthood, we do so with confidence, humility, and hope. Our journey has shown that hope is not passive optimism; it is the determination to persevere, to build, and to believe that a better future is always within reach.
Hope never dies. It simply transforms into the courage to keep moving forward.
