Dance, Music, Arts and Friends on Europe Day

This year’s Europe Day Celebrations were organized in Pristina, Prizren and Mitrovica North under the motto Experience Europe, deriving from the previous EU campaign on visa liberalisation titled Explore Europe, which marks one of the brightest moments in Kosovo – EU relations in the past year. 

On 9 May, the EU in Kosovo organized the main Europe Day celebration in Pristina and Mitrovica North, which featured activities for children and families, as well as music performances by renowned artists, drawing thousands of people. The official opening was held in Pristina, with opening remarks by the EU Ambassador in Kosovo and Pristina Mayor Perparim Rama,  after a rendition of the European anthem by the orchestra of Loyola gymnasium from Prizren.

True to its motto, the EU in Kosovo ensured that Kosovo citizens could experience Europe in Pristina, with EU Member States, EULEX, and the UN Kosovo Team serving traditional food and beverages and distributing promotional items at designated huts. The active involvement of EU Member States, EULEX, and the UN in the Europe Day celebrations provided an excellent opportunity to embody the EU’s motto “United in Diversity”, showcase a Team Europe approach, and present the EU as a partner for multilateralism.

To appeal to diverse audiences, the EU in Kosovo curated an impressive line-up of music performances in Pristina, featuring Okarina children’s choir, Andrra Jazz Quintet with Andrra Rexhepi, Dukagjin Muhaxheri, Visar Kuqi, Enes Bajramliqi and Fatlind Ferati, the opening concert of Chopin Piano Fest with a piano recital by Artem Yasynskyy, a concert by Offchestra, and a performance by the chart-topping Kosovo singer Ledri Vula, whereas in Mitrovica North, the line-up consisted of local bands Gruv Hijena and Something Went Wrong.

Activities for families and children were also organized in Prizren on 12 May, attracting hundreds of participants. An artistic mural, developed by local artists after a process of public consultation, is currently in the works in Prizren at the Lumbardhi Kej.