Shihemi së shpejti ("See you soon")
My last week with the Academy is so bittersweet. I am excited to head home for a small break before returning to William & Mary to start 2L year but I do not look forward to leaving the coworkers who were so willing to share their knowledge and hospitality with me nor the Kosovar people with their everlasting kindness. The director presented me with a certificate for my work and we talked about how the internship program at the Academy could be improved for the next summer. I sincerely hope the Academy is able to take another William & Mary law student and I would encourage any student to spend their summer in Kosovo!
Kosovo has faced a tumultuous history but is now looking toward a brighter future as part of the European community. Since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo has made significant strides in state-building, governance, and economic development. However, its path to full integration into Europe is fraught with challenges that require careful navigation. As the youngest nation in Europe, Kosovo's future in the European Union is a topic of great importance, not only for the country itself but also for the stability and unity of the entire region.
Kosovo's aspiration to join the European Union is clear. The country sees EU membership as a key to securing its political and economic future. The EU has been a critical partner in Kosovo's development, providing financial aid, technical assistance, and political support through the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) signed in 2015. This agreement is seen as the first step toward eventual EU membership, offering Kosovo a framework for aligning its laws and policies with European standards.
However, Kosovo's path to EU membership is complex. Five EU member states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus—do not recognize Kosovo's independence, complicating its accession prospects. Despite this, Kosovo has continued to work on reforms aimed at meeting EU criteria, focusing on areas such as the rule of law, human rights, economic development, and good governance.
Kosovo's economy has shown resilience and growth, with increasing foreign investments and a young, dynamic workforce. However, unemployment, particularly among youth, remains high, and the country faces significant economic challenges, including a reliance on remittances and a large informal economy.
Integration into the European economy through EU membership could provide Kosovo with access to larger markets, increased foreign investment, and economic stability. The EU's focus on regional cooperation and connectivity in the Western Balkans presents opportunities for Kosovo to strengthen its economic ties with neighboring countries and improve infrastructure, trade, and energy networks.
One of the most significant hurdles in Kosovo's European path is the normalization of relations with Serbia. The EU-mediated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, ongoing since 2011, is crucial for both countries' EU aspirations. While progress has been made, the dialogue remains challenging, with issues such as mutual recognition, minority rights, and the status of Serbian-majority municipalities in Kosovo still unresolved.
The normalization of relations is not only vital for Kosovo's EU membership but also for the broader stability of the Western Balkans. A lasting agreement between Kosovo and Serbia would pave the way for both countries to advance their European integration and contribute to regional peace and cooperation.
Kosovo's young population is one of its greatest assets. With over 50% of the population under the age of 30, the youth of Kosovo are eager for a future that offers opportunities for education, employment, and participation in a modern European society. Many young Kosovars are actively engaged in civil society, pushing for reforms, transparency, and a stronger democratic process.
As I hugged my supervisor goodbye, she told me that I would stay in her mind for some time. I felt the same way. Kosovo, its people, and its overwhelming kindness will stay with me as I go home. I hope to be back and explore more of the Balkans and if I ever get an opportunity to return, I would take it in a heartbeat.
