The President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, has extended a congratulatory message to Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and the citizens of Kosovo on the occasion of the country’s 18th Independence Anniversary.
Slovenia Reaffirms Support and Regional Cooperation
According to an official statement, President Pirc Musar reaffirmed Slovenia’s continued support for Kosovo and expressed readiness to further strengthen cooperation through the Brdo-Brioni Process, describing it as an important platform for regional dialogue and coordination.
The Slovenian President emphasized that strengthening regional cooperation remains essential for long-term stability, development, and mutual understanding in Southeast Europe.
Kosovo’s Historic Declaration of Independence
Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008, at 15:39, during an extraordinary session of the Assembly of Kosovo in Prishtina. The declaration was read by then-Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, while 109 out of 120 deputies voted in favor, demonstrating strong political and public support for statehood.
Kosovo’s independence marked a historic turning point, ending decades of conflict and repression and opening a new chapter following the Kosovo war of 1998–1999 and the period of international administration under the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
International Legitimacy and Global Recognition
Serbia challenged Kosovo’s independence at the International Court of Justice, which in July 2010 ruled that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law, significantly strengthening Kosovo’s international legal standing.
Since then, Kosovo has been recognized by numerous countries, including the United States of America and most member states of the European Union, reinforcing its path toward international integration and diplomatic consolidation.
Foundations of Kosovo’s Statehood
Prior to independence, Kosovo’s state-building framework was shaped by the plan proposed by Martti Ahtisaari, the United Nations Special Envoy, whose proposal laid the institutional and legal groundwork for Kosovo’s independence.
Kosovo further solidified its democratic and institutional structure with the adoption of its Constitution on April 9, 2008, which entered into force on June 15, 2008, establishing the legal foundation of the country’s governance system.
