The French Embassy in Kosovo hosted France’s National Day celebration on Tuesday, where French Ambassador Olivier Guérot delivered a strong message urging Kosovo’s political leaders to overcome the ongoing institutional deadlock and establish fully functional state institutions.
Opening his remarks on a lighter note, Guérot said he hoped the evening would also be marked by fireworks celebrating a French victory over Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinal.
“We are all hoping for more fireworks tonight—a high-scoring World Cup semifinal. I hope the goals will be French. Starting at 9:00 p.m., the match will be broadcast on the screens inside and outside the venue, and I invite you all to stay and watch it together,” he said.
The ambassador then recalled a message he had delivered at last year’s celebration, noting with regret that it remains just as relevant today.
“To sign agreements with you and implement them, we need functional institutions. Kosovo’s friendly governments, including the French Government, on whose behalf I speak today, need partners with whom we can move forward and accompany Kosovo on its path toward European integration.”
Guérot called on all political leaders—regardless of party affiliation or the communities they represent—to take responsibility for resolving the institutional crisis.
“I respectfully call on all political leaders in this country, without exception, to find the path to compromise themselves and to find a way out of the current deadlock, a situation that no citizen is satisfied with. My appeal is for an inclusive functioning of Kosovo’s institutions. This was my message last year. After one year and two elections, that message remains just as relevant.”
The French ambassador also announced that a member of the French Government is expected to visit Pristina in the near future, expressing confidence that the visit will mark the beginning of a new phase of France’s engagement in Kosovo’s economic development.
“France is, in Kosovo as everywhere else in the world, a committed, determined, reliable, and supportive partner. We uphold the same values here that we defend across Europe and around the world—respect for international law, international justice, and multilateralism.”
Addressing the ceremony, Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti praised France’s historic contribution to global politics, philosophy, science, culture, and diplomacy, emphasizing the country’s lasting influence on Kosovo.
“For Kosovo, France has been a friend and an ally at decisive moments. It stood by our people during the war, recognized Kosovo’s independence the day after it was declared, and has continued supporting the strengthening of our state and democracy.”
Kurti stressed that bilateral relations have become increasingly practical and substantial through political dialogue, institutional cooperation, cultural engagement, and educational exchanges.
“For Kosovo, our path to the European Union is not merely an accession process; it is a democratic choice, institutional discipline, and our natural place among the nations of Europe.”
