German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Germany wants to see Kosovo as a partner in Europe and the European Union, stressing that the end of the country’s institutional deadlock has created an opportunity for Kosovo to actively pursue its European agenda again.
Speaking at a reception marking German Unity Day 2026, Rudolph said he looked forward to working with Kosovo’s newly elected President Justina Shiroka-Pula, the government and other institutions to advance the country’s European path.
“The institutional deadlock is over. I look forward to working with the newly elected president, the government and all institutions in Kosovo on an agenda that has not changed since I arrived here a year ago: Germany wants to see Kosovo as a partner in Europe, as a partner in the European Union and its institutions,” Rudolph said.
The ambassador said his experience in Kosovo had shown him that relations between the two countries extend far beyond the work of their diplomatic missions.
“It seems that almost every family here has its own personal connections with Germany. I have come to understand that, in fact, we are family. And that has been an extraordinary experience every day,” he said.
Rudolph stressed that Kosovo’s European ambitions were more important than ever and said the resolution of the institutional crisis had put the country in a position to pursue its European agenda with renewed energy.
He cautioned, however, that the path ahead would not always be easy and would require difficult debates and decisions, both domestically and in relations with other countries.
“I know there is impatience in Kosovo with a process that already seems to be taking too long. And believe me, I share that impatience,” Rudolph said.
Nevertheless, he encouraged Kosovo to remain committed to its goal of full integration into European structures, arguing that this objective could be even more important today than when the country first embarked on its European path.
Rudolph: Kosovo Should Contribute to European Security
Rudolph also addressed the changing political and security environment in Europe, pointing to Russia’s war against Ukraine and what he described as hybrid attacks targeting Germany and other European countries.
“The war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine has entered its fifth year. My country and several other countries in Europe have been targets of so-called hybrid attacks,” he said.
The ambassador thanked Kosovo Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca for what he described as his clear expression of solidarity following the failed drone attack at Leipzig Airport earlier this year.
In this environment, Rudolph said, Kosovo should increasingly view European integration not only as a national objective but also as a contribution to peace and security across the continent.
“Kosovo can now not only look beyond itself, but should also see its European integration as an active contribution to peace and security in Europe,” he said.
Rudolph said Germany would like to see Kosovo become a more active partner and bring its own capabilities and experience to the European table.
“I would like to see Kosovo take a step forward and bring its assets to the table as a young and developing state in Europe,” he said.
The ambassador also praised what he described as Kosovo’s achievements since declaring independence 18 years ago, including the development of democratic institutions, the protection of the rule of law and freedom of expression, safeguards for non-majority communities and the country’s growing role in European security.
He said the time had come for Kosovo to build on those achievements.
Germany Pledges Continued Support for Kosovo’s European Path
Rudolph also highlighted Kosovo’s younger generation, recalling his visits to secondary schools and universities where he met students who expressed a strong desire to build their futures in Europe.
“That is encouraging. But I believe the country’s ambition can be even greater: I see all young Kosovars as future citizens of the European Union,” he said.
Rudolph said Kosovo’s young people represented the kind of future Europe needs and expressed hope for “an active Kosovo for a strong and peaceful Europe.”
“I am happy that the country is now ready to move forward. Germany will continue with you on this journey, as a friend and partner, as it always has,” the German ambassador said.
