Former United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, has outlined three major priorities that Kosovo should focus on nearly two decades after declaring independence: Euro-Atlantic integration, economic development, and strengthening democratic institutions.
Euro-Atlantic Integration Remains Central
Hovenier emphasized that integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures should remain Kosovo’s primary strategic goal. He noted that while Kosovo has made significant progress, continued advancement requires consistent effort and credible actions.
According to him, membership in the Council of Europe, as well as progress toward the European Union and NATO, will largely depend on the willingness of international partners to support Kosovo. However, he stressed that such support also requires serious institutional commitment, including fulfilling obligations within the EU-mediated normalization dialogue with Serbia.
Economic Growth and Investment as a Second Priority
Hovenier identified economic growth and development as the second key priority, stating that Kosovo’s long-term stability and prosperity depend on building a strong and sustainable economy that creates real opportunities for citizens.
Although he acknowledged existing progress, Hovenier argued that Kosovo must do more to attract foreign investment and create conditions that allow the private sector to compete globally. He added that stronger regional economic development and government policies that address legitimate business community demands would significantly contribute to this progress.
Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Governance
The third priority highlighted by Hovenier is the consolidation of democratic institutions and effective governance. He pointed out that Kosovo did not fully benefit from nearly a year of provisional governance, suggesting that valuable opportunities for advancement were lost during that period.
Hovenier stressed that strengthening institutional accountability, improving governance effectiveness, and ensuring political stability are essential for Kosovo’s democratic development and international credibility.
