During his visit to the French capital, Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti participated in a discussion organized by the Jacques Delors Institute, where he was welcomed by the Institute’s Director, Sylvie Mattelly.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the main topic of discussion focused on the geopolitical situation in Europe and the role of the Western Balkans, along with issues related to defense, human rights – including minority rights – and recent developments in Kosovo.
Also present at the roundtable was René Troccaz, the Special Envoy of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Western Balkans.
In his opening remarks, Kurti emphasized that Europe is both prosperous and deeply challenged, adding that the continent’s long-term planning is often overshadowed by immediate geopolitical realities.
“Systems that thrive – whether institutions, organizations, or societies – evolve through cycles of order, disorder, and reordering,” Kurti said. “For Europe, this new balance requires a clear stance against authoritarianism and strong inclusion of countries that uphold democracy.”
Kurti highlighted that since Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, and with international support, the country has built strong democratic institutions.
He also underlined his government’s achievements, stating that Kosovo has actively fought corruption and achieved stable economic growth.
“During this mandate, Kosovo has fought corruption and recorded sustainable economic growth,” Kurti noted, pointing out that in July 2025, the IMF and World Bank officially removed Kosovo from the list of fragile and conflict-affected states due to its institutional and economic progress.
“Unemployment has dropped significantly – from nearly 26% to below 11%,” he added.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that Kosovo has introduced progressive social policies aimed at improving the lives and well-being of its citizens — including free public higher education, child and maternity benefits, youth employment programs, and increased pensions.
Kurti further emphasized that Kosovo is preparing to host the 2030 Mediterranean Games, marking one of the country’s largest investments in sports infrastructure. He expressed gratitude to the French Development Agency (AFD) for its ongoing cooperation and support.
Addressing the topic of defense and security, Kurti said his government had increased the defense budget and strengthened the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) through close collaboration with international partners.
“The defense of democracy is inseparable and unstoppable,” Kurti concluded.
Kurti was accompanied in Paris by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Kreshnik Ahmeti and Kosovo’s Ambassador to France, Mehdi Halimi.
