Investing in education and sports means investing in Kosovo’s European future

A line of students holding hands stretched in front of the entrance to the new "Nazim Kokollari" school in Prizren's Dardania neighbourhood. That sunny spring morning of 3rd March, the schoolyard was buzzing with the kind of energy that only a special day can bring: laughter, smiles, curiosity, and a sense of anticipation visible on everyone's face. It was a moment that captured how much a new school can mean for a neighbourhood, for a city and for the generations growing up in it.

Built with €5.2 million in European Union funding, the school currently offers modern classrooms, laboratories and a sports hall for 400 students, but with the capacity for up to 900, it will receive many more in the future.
"This is a very important day for our students and teachers," said the school director, Belkize Hoxha. "From today, they have a new school that gives them better conditions to learn, grow and enjoy everyday school life."

A few days later, a similar sense of optimism marked the opening of a new EU-funded sports hall in Zvečan/Zveçan.
Young people, sports enthusiasts and local club members gathered at what is expected to become a central meeting point for the community.

The €2.5 million sports hall, financed by the European Union, includes basketball, handball, volleyball and futsal courts, along with changing rooms, supporting infrastructure and seating for up to 640 spectators. In short, it is set to serve school children, athletes and the wider community.

"I am very happy that our hometown has a new sports hall," said Miloš, a young athlete. "It will mean a lot to young people, because now we have a place to train, compete and positively spend our free time."
Together, the two projects bring €7.7 million in investment into spaces that will be used for learning, sport, and community life.

For the students stepping into their new school in Prizren, and for the athletes, clubs and residents who will use the sports hall in Zvečan/Zveçan, the value of these EU investments will be measured by what they make possible every day: the chance to learn, to train, to meet and to spend time together.

With over €3.7 billion invested in Kosovo since 1999, the EU is the largest provider of financial assistance and Kosovo's strongest and most reliable partner.