In June 2007, the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation opened its office in Prishtina, so that the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation started its activities one year before the state was officially founded. A lot has been achieved since then: more than 200 young Kosovars received a scholarship, the creation of efficient and democratic state structures was supported and the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Kosovo was also able to make important contributions to the development of the country in the economic field, e.g. with the Investors Guide. Politically, however, many challenges remain to be mastered, because still not all EU and NATO states recognize the country's independence and Serbia, which still regards Kosovo as its own national territory, is also refusing to make a lot of progress. Here the dialogue must be continued by both sides, because frozen and open conflicts in the Western Balkans are slowing down the development of the countries and better living standards for the people. In addition, they are gateways for countries and actors who want to push through their aggressive ideas of a new world order, which violate international law. It is therefore important, precisely because of the difficult past with partly genocidal traits, to look ahead and to seek dialogue in the spirit of European values. The KAS can count on many friends and partners, especially the EPP party LDK.
Kosovo belongs to Europe and Germany and the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation will always stand by its side and in particular try to convince the partners with doubts about the recognition of independence and finally the granting of the EU visa liberalization.
At the ceremony, KAS Kosovo was able to look back on 15 years of successful work. The event began with the opening words of the now sixth head of the KAS Kosovo office, Mr. Daniel BRAUN, who welcomed the guests and gave an overview of the past 15 years.
This was followed by the speech by Dr. Hans-Gert PÖTTERING, former President of the EU Parliament, former Chairman of the KAS and currently Commissioner for European Affairs at the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation.
In his speech Dr. Pöttering among other things stressed the valuable friendship and partnership between Germany and Kosovo and looked forward to a European future for Kosovo. German Ambassador to Kosovo Mr. Jörn ROHDE noted KAS Kosovo’s engagement in promoting democracy, social economy of the market and the European values in Kosovo. While, Dr. Lumir ABDIXHIKU, chairman of LDK praised and valued the long-lasting cooperation between KAS and LDK. His speech was followed by German Bundestag Member Mr. Volkmar KLEIN who addressed the ceremony by pointing out, among other things, the importance of economic exchange between Germany and Kosovo. And finally speaking on behalf of our great Alumni network Dr. Jehona LUSHAKU, talked about the KAS scholarship program and the ways the program and KAS in general have shaped her career.
Over the course of the evening, the more than 150 guests, many of whom were members of parliament and former government members, partners and international representatives, talked to each other and expressed their gratitude for the work of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Kosovo
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About this series
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, its educational institutions, centres and foreign offices, offer several thousand events on various subjects each year. We provide up to date and exclusive reports on selected conferences, events and symposia at www.kas.de. In addition to a summary of the contents, you can also find additional material such as pictures, speeches, videos or audio clips.