Former US Ambassador to Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier, has praised Kosovo's progress in its 18 years of statehood, emphasizing that its citizens "deserve to be congratulated and appreciated for the extraordinary progress they have made in establishing and consolidating their sovereign and independent state."
In a statement to Radio Free Europe, Hovenier said that "Kosovo is no longer a state in transition; on the contrary, it is an independent and successful democratic state."
However, he stressed that, in a rapidly changing geopolitical context, Kosovo faces clear expectations and must carefully plan its next steps.
According to him, Kosovo's priorities in the coming years can be divided into three categories, starting with integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.
Hovenier assessed that real progress has been made, but stressed that there is still work to be done.
"Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe and progress on the path towards the European Union and NATO depend on key partners, who must see credible and responsible efforts," he said.
In this context, he underlined the importance of fulfilling the obligations that Kosovo has undertaken in the dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia, mediated by the EU.
As a second priority, the former US ambassador mentioned economic growth and development, linking the country's long-term stability to the ability to build an economy that generates prosperity and real opportunities for citizens.
He acknowledged that significant progress has been achieved, but stressed that this is not enough.
According to Hovenier, Kosovo must do more to attract foreign investment and create conditions for the private sector to compete successfully in the global market.
"An increased focus on regional economic growth and development, as well as government policies that respond to the legitimate demands of the business community, would contribute to this necessary progress," he said.
The third priority, according to him, is the consolidation of democratic institutions and effective governance.
Hovenier noted that Kosovo "has not benefited from the almost one-year period of interim governance", adding that during this time "some opportunities have been missed".
He emphasized that strengthening institutions and political stability remain key elements for advancing the country's integration and development agenda.
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