The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the European Union ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, visited some of the 14 old houses currently being restored as part of the project “Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Economic Revival in Janjevë.” This project is funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Culture and is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
In addition to this visit, the head of the Kosovar government, along with the head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, also participated in the opening of the Janjevë Fair, “Welcome to Janjevë,” where local artisans presented various foods, clothing, and work tools.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that the government is investing in Janjevë through three ministries. The Kosovar leader emphasized that through the restoration of houses in Janjevë, the town is regaining its former glory and economic vitality.
Kurti pointed out that the restoration of the houses is not merely a physical and infrastructural intervention but a demonstration of the commitment to preserving and cultivating cultural heritage and turning it into well-being for the people and economic development for the country.
Kurti: Janjevë is regaining its former glory and economic vitality
“Through the investments made, the centuries-old houses of this town are regaining their former glory, and along with it, economic vitality. The restored houses will be ready to serve as residences, guesthouses, gastronomy spots, and venues for selling local products created by the hardworking farmers and artisans of this settlement. These projects are not only physical and infrastructural interventions but are a testament to our commitment to preserving and cultivating cultural heritage and transforming it into well-being for the people and economic development for the country. Upon the full completion of the work, the historic center of Janjevë will be transformed into an attractive destination,” he said.
The European Union ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, said that today’s fair in Janjevë is good proof that the traditions of the Croatians can still be revived and even offer job opportunities.
Orav hopes that Janjevë will become a tourist destination and a chance for citizens to return.
Orav: The fair is good proof that the traditions of the Croatians can be revived
“It is rich in culture, and the remnants of the natural heritage of the old town of Janjevë are marked under the temporary protection of cultural heritage. Janjevë was known for its artisans, merchants, and founders, and this is a village that still hosts a small community of Croatians from Kosovo. Considering all this, this is why the European Union, together with the Government of Kosovo, funded this project. And today’s fair here is good proof that the traditions of the Croatians can still be revived and even offer job opportunities. So, the project funded by the European Union together with the Government of Kosovo will end today, but I truly hope that we can continue and that Janjevë will become a destination for many tourists, and why not, some of those who have left may return,” he said.
The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kosovo, Nuno Queiros, stated that through the project entrusted to them by the EU, the foundations for a brighter future for Janjevë and Kosovo have been laid.
Queiros emphasized that UNDP remains committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage and empowering communities in Kosovo.
Queiros: We remain committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage
“I would like to stress that this is not only about physical implementation; it is about working with the community, about collective efforts to allow them to gain new skills and unlock wider opportunities for their future and socio-economic development. And this is why we are here today to celebrate the wealth of cultural heritage and unity and to provide a platform for local artisans and producers to showcase their extraordinary work and the strengths tied within the community. A word for them—they have worked hard to be here today. It’s not an easy process, and all the artisans, producers, and those involved in this process—we might think we magically arrived here and everything is ready, but there are months of work, and it’s not over yet; 12 months… We truly look forward to your continued support on this extraordinary journey that has just begun. I think together we have laid the foundation for a brighter future for Janjevë and Kosovo, and we, as UNDP, remain deeply committed to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, empowering communities, and developing cultural tourism across Kosovo,” he said.
The Ambassador of Croatia to Kosovo, Danijela Barišić, said that the Government of Kosovo is trying to help Croatians remain in Kosovo.
According to her, the survival of the Croatian community in Kosovo is important not only for Croatians but also for Kosovo.
Barišić: The government is making efforts for Croatians to stay in Kosovo
“I thank the Government of Kosovo for making efforts to help the Croatians, as a small community, to stay here, naturally with the Croatian government as well, because only together… I see there are different nationalities here, different religions, but everyone lives together, and everyone lives well, and only together can we progress. I must admit I was very skeptical when they said the renovation of some houses would begin because it takes a long time to see the result. But now, when you see the result—that the houses are there, they are renovated—they are now calling on all of us to rebuild these to expand the number of renovated houses, and, of course, to bring the residents back here to work and see the future, to see the future again here in Janjevë,” she said.
