Celebrating Europe Day in Kosovo
On the eve of Europe Day, the EU in Kosovo hosted its traditional Europe Day reception, bringing together the Assembly Speaker, the Prime Minister, local and international counterparts, representatives of the diplomatic community, civil society, media, as well as EU staff. During his speech, the EU Ambassador in Kosovo provided an overview of the developments in EU-Kosovo relations, elaborated on the EU’s support for Kosovo’s European path, and highlighted the need for Kosovo to make choices in line with shared values reflecting the will and wellbeing of the population. At the reception, the EU Ambassador in Kosovo presented the 2024 “European of the Year” award to Bekim Blakaj, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Law Center Kosovo, recognising his contribution to promoting the European idea and values in Kosovo.
On 9 May, the EU in Kosovo organized the main Europe Day celebration in Pristina, which featured activities for children and families, as well as music performances by renowned artists, drawing thousands of people. Joined by Pristina Mayor Perparim Rama, the EU Ambassador in Kosovo officially opened the Europe Day program after a rendition of the European anthem by a group of school students from Prizren. True to its motto, the EU in Kosovo ensured that Kosovo citizens could experience Europe in Pristina, with EU Member States, EULEX, and the UN Kosovo Team serving traditional food and beverages and distributing promotional items at designated huts. The active involvement of EU Member States, EULEX, and the UN in the Europe Day celebrations provided an excellent opportunity to embody the EU's motto "United in Diversity", showcase a Team Europe approach, and present the EU as a partner for multilateralism.
To appeal to diverse audiences, the EU in Kosovo curated an impressive line-up of music performances, featuring a children’s choir, a Jazz Quintet, the Chopin Piano Fest, a concert by Offchestra, and a performance by the chart-topping Kosovo singer Ledri Vula. In a square teeming with thousands of youngsters, Vula captivated the crowd while performing his greatest hits. A well-attended concert by Gruv Hijena & Something Went Wронг was also organized in Mitrovica North on 9 May, whereas activities for families and children were also organized in Prizren on 12 May, attracting hundreds of participants. An artistic mural, developed by local artists after a process of public consultation, is currently in the works in Prizren.
To mark Europe Day, the EU in Kosovo also organized two art exhibitions at its Europe Houses in Pristina and Mitrovica North. These exhibitions showcased EU-themed artwork created by students from the 12 schools visited by representatives from the EU in Kosovo, EULEX, and EU Member States over the past three weeks.