To mark Europe Day, BIRN Kosovo launched a documentary showcasing the European Union’s contribution to Kosovo’s development and its path toward European integration.
On Friday, BIRN Kosovo launched the documentary “Kosovo’s Path towards Integration – A Journey Supported by the European Union” exploring the EU’s role and contributions in Kosovo since the end of the 1999 war, the country’s transition, state-building efforts, and reforms aimed at aligning Kosovo with European Union standards and policies.
The documentary notes that since 1999, the EU has invested approximately 3.7 billion euros in Kosovo across sectors such as infrastructure, education, the justice system, environmental protection, and institutional reforms.
The documentary features interviews from institutions and beneficiaries of EU-funded initiatives in the judiciary, customs, environmental protection, civil society, media, education institutions, and startup sectors. Officials highlighted how EU support has improved services, strengthened institutions, and created new opportunities.
The launch of “Kosovo’s Path Towards Integration – A Journey Supported by the European Union,” BIRN Kosovo documentary, on May 8, 2026. Photo: BIRN
Jeta Xharra, Executive Director of BIRN Kosovo, said the documentary was produced at a time when disinformation surrounding the European Union continues to grow, creating skepticism about Kosovo’s European future.
“We would have been in a much worse situation without NATO’s intervention and EU investments. I have personally witnessed the results delivered through EU funds,” Xharra said.
She added that during the past year alone, 10 investigative journalism grants were awarded to journalists, producing stories related to human rights, environmental issues, and disinformation.
“We have a civil society that does not give up easily, and this is also the result of donor support, among which the European Commission remains one of the largest contributors,” she stated.
Eva Palatova, Acting Head of the EU Office in Kosovo. Photo: BIRN
Eva Palatova, Acting Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, said the documentary comes at a symbolic moment as Kosovo marks both Europe Week and 25 years of partnership with the European Commission.
“For us, Europe Day is about peace, unity, and solidarity. It reflects a shared vision across the continent built on common values ” Palatova said.
She described the documentary as a story of resilience and progress, emphasising that the EU has continuously supported Kosovo’s institutions and improved the daily lives of its citizens.
“When values guide action, progress follows,” Palatova noted.
“The EU has been and remains Kosovo’s strongest partner and the largest provider of assistance,” she added further.
Jeton Zulfaj, Chief Negotiator and Reform Growth Facility Coordinator. Photo: BIRN
Palatova emphasised that EU support extends beyond financial aid, including investments in education, democracy, environmental protection, and independent media.
“Behind all these efforts there is a human story: a student gaining a new opportunity, improved public services, a journalist demanding accountability, or a young person deciding to build their future in Kosovo. These are the success stories highlighted in this documentary,” she said.
Jeton Zulfaj, Chief Negotiator and Reform Growth Facility Coordinator, said Europe Day serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, cooperation, and solidarity for socio-economic development.
“The core values of the European Union—respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, democracy, rule of law, and human rights—are embedded in Kosovo’s Constitution and legislation. Kosovo remains among the countries with the highest support for the EU,” Zulfaj stated.
Arjeta Sadiku, Deputy Chair of the Kosovo Judicial Council. Photo: BIRN
Meanwhile, Arjeta Sadiku, Deputy Chair of the Kosovo Judicial Council, highlighted the EU’s contribution to reforms in the justice sector.
“The EU’s support has been multidimensional. One of the most significant contributions has been support for the establishment of the National Central Criminal Record system and broader reforms aimed at improving justice delivery and data management,” Sadiku said.
She added that cooperation with the EU has helped ensure “justice is more accessible, impartial, and equal for all citizens in Kosovo.”