„Ah, I envy you!“ – This is how my former boss at the Munich Security Conference, Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, reacted when I told him that I would take up the post of German Ambassador in Kosovo. Wolfgang has his own, deep connection to the country, which is a story for another day. After not even three months in Pristina, I can say he was right: Never have I received such a warm welcome as a German diplomat. Be it in official meetings in Pristina or when I stop for a cup of macchiato in a little café out of town. The bonds between our two countries were built over many, sometimes difficult years and are today literally supported by hundreds of thousands of people who feel attached to and rooted in both Germany and Kosovo. And it is wonderful to experience that first hand every day.

But obviously, my team and I weren’t sent here just to enjoy the excellent coffee. We are here to work and we will focus on three areas.

First, Kosovo’s path of European integration. The country has been waiting for too long for full international recognition and integration. I sense everywhere the deep attachment to European values and goals in this thriving democracy. But this broad consensus needs to be put into action – through the agency of political actors here in Kosovo. I know that some of the obstacles standing in the way of progress on this path are outside of Kosovo’s control. And certainly, the awareness for the geopolitical necessity has risen in many European capitals. But Kosovo cannot rely on that alone: The process was and remains merit-based. So it is all the more important that Kosovo focuses on those steps it can take itself. The recent announcement that the European Commission is moving forward to lift the measures on Kosovo after the peaceful transfer of local governance in the north after the recent local elections is excellent news.

At risk of sounding like a broken record: Kosovo urgently needs a fully mandated government that can speak for the country internationally and take and implement decisions domestically. I write these lines before the December 28 elections, so I hope that a government can swiftly be formed in early 2026. It is one thing that this year’s stalemate cost the country money in international funds that could have been allocated. What is worse and I am not sure everyone here fully appreciates: This last year really weighed on Kosovo’s international reputation. The country cannot afford to lose another year.

From a new government, we need a strong commitment to the EU-led normalization dialogue. The smooth local elections and the handing-over of municipal administrations to the newly elected mayors in the north were definitely encouraging in that regard. Ultimately, all communities in the country need to feel at home in a multi-ethnic Kosovo.

Our second area of work is Kosovo’s economic progress. Economic relations between Germany and Kosovo are strong, but they have a huge potential to grow further. To give just one example, our trade is anything but balanced: Imports from Germany here far outweigh the exports from Kosovo to my country. I wish there was far more production of cutting-edge goods and services in Kosovo to compete on the German market. We stand ready to do our part to promote investments, strengthen the bilateral legal framework and foster bilateral trade. At the same time, Kosovo needs to create an environment that is attractive in the long-run for investment, which includes top-notch infrastructure, legal certainty and welcoming highly qualified staff and their families.

I have met with members of the large Kosovar diaspora in Germany. Oftentimes they are young people, born and raised in Germany, German citizens and yet deeply attached to the country of origin of their parents and grandparents. And not to forget: With knowledge of the Albanian language. Where I can, I will encourage an even stronger exchange – beyond a vacation during the summer season: to study for a year or two, to work, to invest. They are the most valuable connection we have between our countries.

Part of the economic picture is also our official assistance. As largest bilateral donor, we support Kosovo’s European path: All our cooperation is geared towards Kosovo’s sustainable development and its alignment with the EU’s legal framework and policy objectives. Be it investment and capacity development in renewable energies, in vocational training or in good governance: We work for tangible results that benefit all of Kosovo’s citizens from all communities and that nurture a healthy business and natural environment.

The third area I want to mention is regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. In recent weeks, I have encountered sentiments ranging from astonishment to disappointment that two of Kosovo’s immediate neighbours – Albania and Montenegro – are now considered front-runners in the EU accession process. I want to be clear here: No country will get extra-points because their neighbours are progressing faster. Time that is lost will be difficult to catch up. But European integration at its core also means close cooperation with neighbouring countries – that is how it started for Germany many decades ago. In 2026, Montenegro will chair the Berlin Process and I hope that substantial progress can be made for the region next year.

In my first speech here in Pristina I said that beyond the political tasks I was looking forward to exploring the country. During my first weeks here, I have only started: going on a Sunday run in beautiful Germia Park, strolling through downtown Mitrovica, attending a service in Gjakova’s cathedral, visiting the stunning Decan monastery or paying respects to the victims of the massacre in Krusha e Madhe. And I can’t wait for mountain hikes in the spring and summer.

In 2026, Kosovo will mark 18 years of independence and I look forward to joining the celebration. At eighteen, Kosovo is a remarkable European success story – to be built on!