Kosovo marks the 18th anniversary of its declaration of independence with state ceremonies, a military parade, and messages of support from international allies.
On February 17, Prishtina woke to streets filled with flags and celebrations, as citizens gathered in the main squares to mark the 18 years of Kosovo’s independence. The atmosphere of the city was a combination of pride, remembrance, and cheer, with music playing and crowds arriving early to take part in the day’s events.
The official commemorations began with the raising of the state flag at the Government building, followed by a solemn session attended by the country’s leaders and MPs.
President Vjosa Osmani described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on Kosovo’s journey “from suffering to dignity, from resistance to statehood,” stressing that independence was built on sacrifice and determination. “Kosovo became a state that protects the truth and never allows history to be rewritten,” Osmani added.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti honored those who, in his words, “gave everything for the Republic.” “Today we remember the peaceful resistance of the 1990s and we remember the Kosovo Liberation Army,” Kurti said.
Following the ceremony, during midday, units of the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Police paraded through the capital squares, greeted by crowds lining the boulevards.
A separate march titled “Justice, Not Politics” in support of former KLA leaders currently being tried in The Hague for war crimes, was held in the afternoon.
Kosovo Security Force parades in the squares of Prishtina on February 17, 2026. Photo: BIRN
Kosovo’s anniversary was marked by congratulatory messages from international allies as well.
President Osmani received a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirming Washington’s support for Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The United States remains steadfast in its support for Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We look forward to expanding our partnership, including increased trade and investment that advance our shared prosperity,” read the letter, as conveyed by the U.S. Embassy.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended congratulations, reiterating “support for Kosovo and stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.”
Additional messages arrived from European leaders, including King Charles III of the United Kingdom, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, all emphasising continued partnership and support for stability and integration.
Newborn Monument in Prishtina. Photo: Karrota
From the region, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama sent congratulations, while also expressing regret that he could not attend the public event in support of the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who are currently on trial in The Hague—Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli, and Rexhep Selimi..
Meanwhile, North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova highlighted the commitment to “good neighborly relations and the region’s European integration.”
As has now become tradition, the iconic NEWBORN independence monument unveiled a new design, this time dedicated to freedom and Kosovo’s state-building journey.
“Dedicated to Kosovo, its journey toward freedom and state-building through the liberation struggle, and the shared values with the United States of America, as our key ally in supporting that freedom,” read the official page of the monument.
During the day, thousands of banners bearing the inscription “KLA” were placed at the monument. On Monday evening, activists from the “Liria ka Emër” (Freedom Has a Name) platform installed symbolic prison bars around the monument, along with the logo of the Specialist Chambers and the inscription “Kosovo in Prison.”
Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008. The Declaration of Independence was read by then-Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi.
The declaration followed a long period of international negotiations after the 1998–1999 war and United Nations administration.
In July 2010, the International Court of Justice ruled that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law.