Under the slogan "EU By Your Side", the European Union in Kosovo marked Europe Day 2026 with a broad programme of public outreach activities highlighting the EU's longstanding partnership with Kosovo and reaffirming the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

The central Europe Day reception, hosted on 7 May in Pristina by Head of the European Union in Kosovo Ad Interim Eva Palatova, brought together Kosovo's institutional representatives, political leaders, civil society, media, business community, religious leaders, diplomatic corps and international partners.

EU in Kosovo, 2026

The event commemorated the 1950 Schuman Declaration, marking the foundation of the European Union as a peace project built on unity, cooperation and shared values after the Second World War.

In her remarks, Palatova stressed the EU's continued engagement and support for Kosovo.

"Ever since 1999, the European Union has stood alongside Kosovo, supporting reconstruction, building institutions, and encouraging reforms. Today, 27 years later, through the EU in Kosovo and EULEX, that support continues," she said.

She underlined that Kosovo is included in all major EU instruments and frameworks available to the Western Balkans, aimed at accelerating the region's gradual integration into the European Union through reforms, economic development and connectivity.

The reception also highlighted the EU's role as Kosovo's strongest and most reliable partner and the largest provider of financial assistance, with more than €3.7 billion invested since 1999 across sectors including infrastructure, energy, education, governance, media and rule of law.

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that "for Kosovo, the European Union is not a distant reality or a set of standards to be met. It is the natural home of our society, the framework of our reforms, and the future our citizens have already chosen."

EU in Kosovo, 2026

EU in Kosovo, 2026

A central moment of the reception was the presentation of the European of the Year Award 2026 to Shqipe Neziri Vela for her contribution to advancing gender equality, women's empowerment and sustainable energy governance in Kosovo and beyond.

Alongside the political dimension, the Europe Day programme placed strong emphasis on culture and youth engagement as tools for promoting European values and social cohesion.

EU in Kosovo, 2026

The opening performance of the Chopin Piano Fest on 7 May in Pristina, organised as part of the Europe Day celebrations, featured acclaimed Italian musicians Duo Gazzana. Speaking at the event, Palatova highlighted culture and music as powerful instruments for bringing people together across borders and communities.

The wider Europe Day celebrations continued on 9 May with activities across Kosovo focused on direct engagement with citizens.

President of the European Council António Costa's address to the citizens of Kosovo kicked off the Europe Day communications. Speaking directly to Kosovo's people, Costa referred to them as "future members of the European Union" and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the region's European perspective.

"You share the same destination as the rest of the region - the European Union. Keep working to make this happen," Costa said.

"Together, we will build a shared European future. Long live Europe!"

In Pristina, the day continued with the exhibition "Celebrating Europe through Art", presenting works created by young people from Kosovo during a workshop led by artist Jakup Ferri. The exhibition highlighted the EU's continued support for culture, education and youth.

EU in Kosovo, 2026

The celebrations then moved to Zahir Pajaziti Square, where the Team Europe Fair brought together EU Member States, EU-funded initiatives and businesses supported by the European Union. Citizens had the opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors and learn more about EU-supported projects and opportunities.

EU in Kosovo, 2026

Europe Day was also marked in Mitrovica North through exhibitions, children's activities, sports games and concerts, reflecting efforts to ensure broader outreach across communities.

The celebrations on 9 May concluded with open-air concerts organised by the EU in both Pristina and Mitrovica North, bringing together audiences of different generations through music and shared celebration.

EU in Kosovo, 2026

This year's Europe Day celebrations in Kosovo, however, extended well beyond a two or three-day programme. Spread throughout the month of May, activities also included school outreach visits by EU Member States, hiking and biking tours along EU-supported paths, literature events, and youth social evenings hosted at Europe House in Pristina and Mitrovica North - all aimed at bringing the European Union closer to citizens across Kosovo.