Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani told the European Parliament that Kosovo is a beacon of democracy and that its citizens deserve a European future, and called on Serbs in Kosovo to “utilize their advanced rights afforded to them in Kosovo’s Constitution.”

She said freedom, independence and democracy were not just words passionately and repeatedly uttered by Kosovo’s founding father Ibrahim Rugova but also the vision of the people of Kosovo.

“Today that vision of Rugova, of our heroes and of our people is a reality. Kosovo today is free. Kosovo today is independent. And Kosovo today is a beacon of democracy,” said Osmani, adding that the people of Kosovo only want peace and stability, the honouring of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

She called on all Serbs in Kosovo to exercise the rights given to them by the Kosovo Constitution.

“The Republic of Kosovo is your home and we will do everything in our power to make sure that you feel included, equal and heard,” said Osmani, receiving applause.

She said representatives of the Presevo Valley Albanians were also present in the Parliament and addressed them: We will stand by you, you are not alone as you face the growing violation of human rights.

The Kosovo President said she had come to the Parliament to say ‘thank you’ to Europe.

Osmani noted that there is an old Albanian proverb saying a house cannot be kept without friends and that the people of Kosovo will remain side by side with European institutions “as we guide our continent towards the full attainment of a Europe whole free and at peace.”

She stressed that “Kosovo is Europe” and that “to be Kosovar is to be European,” adding she believes everyone both in the European Parliament and in Kosovo is happy because they will never again have to hear the words “visa liberalization.”

According to Osmani, Kosovo is the most pro-European Union country in the region and beyond, and Euro-Atlantic integration is not just an ambition for Kosovo but also its future.

The region’s European integration is of strategic importance for lasting peace and stability, said the Kosovo President, adding that the Western Balkans countries are not just neighbours, but an integral part of Europe.

She said Kosovo will never sway from its Euro-Atlantic path and that it has fully aligned with European Union’s foreign and security policy.

“The Republic of Kosovo stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of its people to the strength of our liberation struggle,“ said Osmani, stressing that Kosovo demonstrates what democracies can achieve when they stand by those who fight for justice and equality and “when we all stand together against tyranny, dictatorship and genocide.”