Kosovo’s ties with the United States, especially since the 1990s, remain close because of the decisive role America played in the country’s liberation and independence.
This was also emphasized by Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama at the opening of an event held in the capital for the 250th anniversary of US independence, titled “America and Kosovo: A Freedom Story for the Next 250 Years.”
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The event took place two days before the 250th anniversary of American independence and at the same time on the 36th anniversary of the proclamation of the Constitutional Declaration by the then Assembly of Kosovo.
According to Rama, these two events are connected, as they express the will of the peoples of both countries for freedom, democracy and self-determination. He underlined that the July 2, 1990 Declaration carries extraordinary importance.
“That declaration was an act of courage. It reflected an unshakable belief that freedom would triumph. It became the constitutional and democratic foundation on which Kosovo’s journey toward statehood continued. Today, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we are reminded that the stories of our nations are linked through enduring ideals: freedom, democracy and human dignity, and above all, the rule of law and the belief that every people has the right to shape its own future. These ideals inspired the birth of the United States 250 years ago. They inspire Kosovo’s democratic journey. They continue to guide our shared future. When Kosovo faced the most defining moments of its history, the United States stood by our people. It gave strength to our hope. It defended the principles we cherish. It helped create the conditions in which freedom could flourish. For this, the people of Kosovo will remain forever grateful,” Rama said, KosovaPress reports.
He added that at a time when the world is undergoing profound geopolitical changes and democracy is being tested in many countries, Kosovo remains firmly committed to its Euro-Atlantic orientation, as well as its friendship and partnership with the US.
In this context, Rama announced that on behalf of the citizens of Pristina, July 4, the day of the declaration of independence of the United States, will be declared American Friendship Day in Pristina.
“At a time when the world is facing profound geopolitical changes, when democracy is challenged in many countries, and when freedom requires renewed commitment, alliances based on trust, shared values and mutual respect become more important than ever. Kosovo remains unwavering on its Euro-Atlantic path. We remain committed to democracy, to freedom, to peace, and to standing side by side with the United States of America and the democratic community of the world. And today, on July 2, a day that symbolizes Kosovo’s democratic choice and its unwavering commitment to freedom, I have the honor of announcing a symbolic decision of our capital: On behalf of the citizens of Pristina, we officially declare July 4, 2026 as American Friendship Day in Pristina,” Rama said, KosovaPress reports.
During the event, the mayor of Pristina presented American professor Daniel Serwer with the Key to Pristina. Meanwhile, another American professor, Eduard Joseph, Besa Pinchotti, chief executive of the National Military Family Association based in Washington, as well as former US Navy serviceman who served in Kosovo, Sg.t Maj. Mario Marquez, were awarded the title “Goddes of the Throne” (Queen on the Throne).
In his remarks, Daniel Serwer, who has been engaged with the Kosovo issue since the 1990s, delivered strong political messages. He said the country must emerge from the political crisis that has continued for nearly a year and a half, a period during which institutions have not functioned at full capacity. According to him, a similar situation is also being felt in the United States.
Serwer stressed that Kosovo should elect its next president as soon as possible so that it can move forward with other issues.
“You are aware that Kosovo today has a political crisis. You have spent a year, a year and a half in a difficult situation where institutions have not functioned as well as you would have liked. I feel the same about our institutions in the United States. We are experiencing a crisis of confidence in precisely those ideals that you value so highly. I think we will get through this period. I hope you get through your crisis faster than we get through ours. Yours is less a crisis of values and more a crisis of normal political fragmentation. People here in Kosovo often ask me, and even when I came earlier this week I tried not to answer, but now I am more confident in my answer, so I will say it: I think you should elect a president. I think you should form a government. And complete this process. I am often asked what Kosovo’s priorities should be. And from our conversations here, even though we have spoken with dozens of people, not thousands or hundreds of thousands, I think there is a clear consensus: NATO now, the EU soon,” Serwer said, KosovaPress reports.
However, regarding NATO membership, he assessed that Kosovo faces a difficult diplomatic process, not only because of non-recognizing countries, but also because of the United States itself, which, according to him, currently does not have the issue on its agenda. He encouraged Kosovo politicians to work hard to bring Kosovo back into the focus of the US administration.
“A difficult diplomatic road to NATO awaits you, not only because of the non-recognizing states, but also because of the United States. You heard what Secretary Rubio said when he was asked about Kosovo, he said that ‘it is not on the agenda now.’ You will have to put it on the agenda, and put it there in a positive way by showing that Kosovo’s membership in the Alliance adds security, it does not diminish it. The same applies to the European Union. The United States has recently prepared a policy for the Western Balkans that does not mention your opinion. To me, that is unacceptable, because it leaves Europe unclear. Europe should never be detached from the United States. And of course Kosovo should not be detached from Europe. Therefore, I hope that as you become more serious about NATO, you become just as serious about the European Union. And that does not mean only passing laws and fulfilling the acquis, but also the Copenhagen criteria: democracy, rule of law and economic freedom,” Serwer said.
American professor Edëard Joseph also, although he was in Pristina, recalled the period when he had served as deputy administrator of UNMIK (the UN) in Mitrovica, which he said is still not 100 percent “settled.”
He stated that Kosovo Serbs in North Mitrovica are facing pressure from Belgrade, backed by Moscow and Beijing.
“I served as deputy administrator in Mitrovica for UNMIK, and there we saw very difficult and painful clashes. And, of course, the situation in that area is still not 100% resolved. We also know, as I said, the situation in Mitrovica and the difficulties there, including Belgrade’s influence through political structures and continuing tensions. I also know about the interference and pressures coming from Belgrade, also supported by Moscow and Beijing. But this is not a ‘top-down’ approach. It is not that we in America are higher up and tell you what to do. We are together on this journey. It is a partnership. Everyone has their responsibilities, we in the US and you here in Kosovo. And what we need to do is move forward together as partners,” Joseph said.
