In Case You Missed: As we leave October behind, we take a look back at some of the highlights

Launch of the Visa Liberalisation Campaign

In October, the European Union Office in Kosovo launched the #ExploreEurope campaign, sharing information about visa liberalisation through social networks activities. The EUOK staff also joined the Government of Kosovo’s outreach activities to spread awareness and tips to help the people in Kosovo plan their first Visa-free travels to Europe.

On their journey to spread the word about visa liberalization for Kosovo, EUOK staff along with representatives from the Government of Kosovo, started from Pristina and Prizren to Gračanica/Graçanicë, Ferizaj/Uroševac, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Mitrovica South, Podujevë/Podujevo, and Štrpce/Shtërpcë – where they were also joined by Ms. Eva Palatova, Deputy Head of the EU Office in Kosovo.

People all around Kosovo happily received the news that starting 1 January, 2024, they will be able to travel visa-free for short stays in the European Union. Among other things, people had the opportunity to take selfie photos branded with the campaign as souvenirs and got more insights offered by the embassies of the European Union countries to the Republic of Kosovo on what not to miss on their travels to Europe.

Erasmus Week

Social inclusion was the focus of two panel discussions in Europe House Kosovo in Pristina and Mitrovica North organized with Erasmus+ Kosovo. Recognizing the significant progress that has been made in many parts of the world, the panelists spoke about persisting challenges in achieving true social inclusion worldwide. The two panels were aimed at diverse audiences, including both central and local institutions and departments responsible for promoting inclusion, higher education institutions and NGOs.

The discussions in Pristina and Mitrovica North were designed as platforms of reflection and discussion on social inclusivity. The two panels featured speakers coming from different fields of expertise and backgrounds. The power of social inclusion as well as equality in education, use of technology and policymaking were discussed in these two panels. The first panel was held in Europe House in Pristina with speakers Anne-Sophie Houee – The EU Office in Kosovo; Njomza Uka – Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians in Kosovo;  Mimoza Musliu – Artpolis, Erza Kurti – Center for Equality and Liberty; Valon Murati – Kolegji Universum. The second panel was held in Europe House in Mitrovica North with speakers:  Jelena Djokic – International Business College Mitrovica; Tanja Baldini – Caritas KosovaIvana Rakic – NGO Podrzhi Me; Nenad Radivojevic – NGO Domovik.

European Summer Music Academy

Highlighting the European Year of Skills, the EU in Kosovo supported the European Summer Music Academy that took place in Pristina,  bringing together youth from the Western Balkans to exchange and celebrate their cultural values. The week long activity concluded with a concert by the participants who had the chance to attend masterclasses in violoncello, double bass, guitar and chamber music led by Tomáš Vybíral – double bass (Czech Republic);  Bledar Zajmi – violoncello (Czech Republic) and Drilon Çoçaj – guitar (Kosovo).

Data Visualization Masterclass by Open Data Kosovo

25 young data passionate professionals completed the data visualization masterclass with Open Data Kosovo where they gained knowledge and skills that will help them use, present and show data.