Another week of bittersweet farewells in Brussels.
First, joined bilateral colleagues to bid goodbye to Finland’s Ambassador to Belgium, @joukoleinonen, and thank him for his unique friendship and collegiality.
Then, with EU colleagues, said farewell to Hungarian EU PSC Ambassador @LeventeBnflvi, grateful for our many fruitful and positive exchanges over the past four years.
It’s always sad to see valued colleagues conclude their missions - yet it’s also a powerful reminder that diplomacy builds friendships that endure well beyond mandates.
Since some seek to dismiss the Serbian Minister’s ethnic cleansing remarks as an isolated gaffe, we must address the pattern.
Among many examples, there is an outstanding one from September 2018, when President of Serbia himself used a visit to northern Kosova to praise Milosevic as “a great Serbian leader” with “the best intentions” - lamenting only that “our results were very poor” because Serbia “underestimated the interests and aspirations of other nations.”
This reflects the same ideology: regret that Albanians weren’t fully cleansed from Kosova in the 1990s (which was what Milosevic and his regime attempted, as proven in cases brought before Hague Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia - ICTY).
Such rhetoric violates the core principles of Normalisation Dialogue and of Brussels Agreement’s pledge to overcome the legacy of the past and respect territorial integrity. It also fuels aggressive positioning and actions - just recall the Serbia-supported terrorist attack in Banjska, in September 2023, among other open threats.
Brussels should not praise mere “distancing” while Serbia’s leadership continues to signal continuity with Milosevic-era goals.
Normalization demands genuine rejection of these patterns - not damage control.
Kosova remains committed to peace through dialogue and mutual recognition. But words and deeds must align.
This week, we welcomed Lt. Col. Faton Bekteshi to our Embassy in Brussels as Republic of Kosova’s first Defense Attaché to the Kingdom of Belgium.
His accreditation marks an important step forward in deepening Kosova–Belgium bilateral relations and cooperation in defense & security, opening new avenues for strategic dialogue and partnership.
Congratulations and welcome to the Mission, Lt. Col. Bekteshi! 🇽🇰🤝🇧🇪
I have formally raised with @EUSR_Dialogue Sorensen the alarming statement by a Serbian Minister openly advocating the ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Kosova.
Serbian Minister said what Serbian President thinks - she only shouldn’t have said it loudly, as he now scrambles for damage control.
Such statements and behaviour by Serbian officials represent a clear violation of the 2023 Brussels Agreement, whose preamble commits the Parties to “overcome the legacy of the past” and recognises that “the inviolability of frontiers and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty… are a basic condition for peace.”
This rhetoric seriously undermines the EU Dialogue, trust, and normalisation based on mutual recognition and respect. Serbia’s distancing is mere lip service - not sincere remorse or rejection of Milosevic-era crimes.
Kosova remains committed to the process, but only if its fundamental principles are consistently upheld. What use is speaking of implementation when Serbia continues to violate the Agreements with words and deeds?
A Serbian Government minister has publicly called for the ethnic cleansing of Albanians from Kosova. Such rhetoric glorifies war crimes, threatens regional stability, and is utterly incompatible with European values as well as European future.
Silence is not an option. Nor are weak replies.
The highest levels of EU leadership must respond with clear public condemnation, remind Serbia of its obligations, and ensure that such conduct carries consequences in its accession process.
Kosova remains committed to democracy, a multi-ethnic society, reconciliation based on truth and justice, and European future. Serbia must choose that path too.
Deeply saddened by the tragic fire at the construction site near Place de Brouckère in Brussels.
Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured.
#Kosova stands in solidarity with the people and institutions of #Belgium in this difficult moment.
Congratulations to Dirk Schübel on your appointment as the European Union Special Representative in the Republic of Kosova. I wish you success in your new mandate and look forward to working together to further strengthen the partnership between 🇽🇰 and 🇪🇺.
The Republic of Kosova remains firmly committed to its European path, its reform agenda, and the values that underpin the EU.
These past days I had the bittersweet pleasure of attending two warm farewell receptions — first for #Hungary’s Ambassador Tamás Iván Kovács, and then for #Slovenia’s Ambassador Barbara Šušnik.
In diplomacy one meets many outstanding professionals. With Tamás and Barbara, I was fortunate to encounter something far rarer: true friends.
Their dedication, insight, and unwavering professionalism have been exemplary. Yet it is their kindness, warmth, and genuine friendship that I will cherish most.
I am deeply thankful for the trust, the laughter, and the shared moments that made our work feel lighter and more meaningful.
To both of you: thank you for making my journey as #Kosova’s Ambassador in Brussels richer and brighter. I wish you every success, fulfillment, and joy in the next chapter of your lives and careers.
Diplomacy brought us together — friendship will keep us connected.
With gratitude and warmest regards,
🇽🇰 🤝 🇭🇺 🇸🇮
Delighted to have joined the celebrations of Flanders Day at the kind invitation of the Government of Flanders.
It was a pleasure to hear Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and to exchange views with so many fellow ambassadors.
In true Flemish spirit, I gladly raised a glass of excellent Flanders beer to celebrate this special day! 🇽🇰🇧🇪🍺
#FlandersDay
Ce matin, ravi d’avoir rejoint mes collègues de @OIFrancophonie
à Bruxelles, à la résidence de l’Ambassadrice de Roumanie en Belgique, Madame Andreea Pastarnak, pour un échange fructueux avec Son Excellence Maxime Prévot, Vice-Premier Ministre et Ministre des Affaires étrangères, des Affaires européennes et de la Coopération au développement de Belgique.
Les priorités de l’Organisation et l’analyse du Ministre Prévot sur les évolutions internationales actuelles - notamment la nécessité d’avancer dans l’élargissement de l’UE dans les Balkans occidentaux sur la base des mérites et de l’importance stratégique - étaient au cœur de nos très riches et ouvertes discussions.
🇽🇰🇮🇪🇪🇺
I congratulate Ireland on assuming the Presidency of the Council of EU. I extend my best wishes to FM @HMcEntee and her team for a successful and productive term. Ireland’s steady commitment to EU enlargement is of particular significance for Kosova’s own European path, and I look forward to close cooperation with the 🇮🇪 Presidency in the months ahead.
@dfatirl
Congratulations to @Ireland2026eu on assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the eighth time.
We wish our Irish friends a successful six-month Presidency and look forward to advancing key priorities, including progress on #Kosova’s #EU membership bid.
Ní neart go cur le chéile - Strength with unity. 🇽🇰 ☘️🇮🇪 🇪🇺
I welcomed today Valentina Superti, @eu_enlargement_'s Director for the Western Balkans, on her first visit to Kosova.
We have made real progress on EU reforms and standards: on rule of law, anti-corruption, political rights and civil liberties, and on free, fair and competitive elections. From a merit-based enlargement perspective, Kosova deserves candidate status and the opening of accession negotiations.
We see the EU accession process for what it is, a process that strengthens our democratic institutions and the resilience of our society, raises our standards in environment, energy and transport, and deepens our shared values. In this, we have a shared responsibility with the EU.
We also discussed regional cooperation, including implementing Berlin Process agreements, particularly free movement with ID cards, still not ratified by Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the agreement on diploma recognition, which is being blocked by Serbia and is especially affecting the youth mobility of our region.
An inspiring afternoon at the @KSEmbBxls with Dr. Jamie Shea and @DavidASlinn. Reflecting on this day 27 years ago, at the dawn of #Kosova’s liberation, we honour the #NATO air campaign, the courage of the Kosova Liberation Army, and the resilience of our people, whose shared resistance and sacrifice brought an end to oppression and paved the way for freedom, peace, and statehood. 🇽🇰
A heartfelt thank-you to the NATO Permanent Representatives - Ambassador Bardhyl Kollçaku of @AlMissionNATO, Ambassador Nikolay Milkov of @BulgariaNATO, Mr. Mirko Ujdenica, Chargé d’Affaires of @CroatiaNato, Ambassador Milena Kalezić of @MontenegroNATO, Ambassador @ABenedejcic of @SloveniaNATO, and Chargé d’Affaires @IsmailEbipi of @MKmissionNATO - steadfast allies and true friends of Kosova.
Grateful for a rich and open exchange on regional security, Euro-Atlantic integration, and the challenges facing our region. I was pleased to present #Kosova’s perspective as Ambassador to the #EU and #NATO, and as Chief Negotiator in the Kosova–Serbia dialogue, while benefiting from the valuable insights and support of our partners.
Special thanks to Mr. Ebipi and the North Macedonian delegation for convening this meaningful gathering.
Diplomacy at its best: candid dialogue, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to a secure, stable, and Euro-Atlantic Western Balkans.
🇦🇱 🇧🇬 🇭🇷 🇲🇪 🇲🇰 🇸🇮 🇽🇰
Happy to have met Federal Chancellor @_CStocker today in Vienna, ahead of the Vienna Economic Forum.
I thanked Austria for its long-standing friendship and its steadfast support for Kosova's membership in the EU and @coe. I emphasized that Kosova is ready for candidate status and the opening of accession negotiations. We also discussed strengthening our cooperation in trade, investment and energy.
Austria and Kosova share close ties, not least through our thriving diaspora community that lives in and contributes to Austria.
Honoured to address the @EU_CoR Working Group on #Kosova meeting yesterday.
I used the opportunity to again thank Chair Gillian Coughlan, the members of the Group, and the entire Committee of the Regions for removing the asterisk and footnote on the name of the Republic of Kosova. I was deeply moved to see the Republic of Kosova flag proudly displayed during the meeting in this key EU institution.
These principled steps strengthen our partnership and bring Europe closer to its own values.
I also addressed the current state of EU-Kosova relations, highlighting recent positive developments and our clear vision for further deepening ties — including advancing Kosova to candidate country status.
As I stressed to the CoR: local authorities are at the heart of our shared European future.
Kosova is ready.
Delighted to participate in the Egmont Institute roundtable on “EU Enlargement: Albania’s View,” featuring Minister @HoxhaFer's reflections on Albania’s impressive progress toward EU membership.
Valuable exchanges with colleagues from Belgium, North Macedonia and Montenegro, as well as leading Brussels think tanks, on the future of enlargement and European integration in our region.
I congratulated my dear friend Minister Hoxha on #Albania’s success, which is also a success for #Kosova, for the Western Balkans, and for the European Union.
Each step forward strengthens our region’s stability, prosperity and European future.
Stronger together on our shared European path.
It was a pleasure to welcome yesterday in Prishtina @HoxhaFer, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, a country with which we share a special relationship.
We discussed the deepening of cooperation in various sectors, including diplomacy, energy, and railway infrastructure.
We also spoke about the importance of coordination in foreign policy and of close cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes of both countries, as well as advancing regional engagement.
Kosova stands in full solidarity with Romania following the Russian drone strike in Galați that injured civilians and violated Romanian airspace.
At a time when Europe’s security faces growing threats, respect for sovereignty and international law remains fundamental. We stand with the Romanian people. 🇽🇰🇷🇴
@MAERomania@oana_toiu