Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, officially opened Pride Week 2025 in Pristina, emphasizing the government’s commitment to equality and inclusion for all citizens, regardless of background or identity.

He highlighted the importance of this week as a symbol of the vibrancy and activism of the LGBTQ+ community, adding that feelings of shame must be confronted through solidarity and collective engagement, according to Kosovar media reports.

“The government belongs to all citizens of our country without distinction. Events like Pride Week are important regardless of sexual orientation. Your presence here today demonstrates the vitality and activism of the community. Feelings of shame are phenomena we must all fight against together if we believe in equality. Our institutions are fulfilling their role in building an inclusive society. As a fundamental aspect of civic equality, holding Pride Week has become a meaningful tradition of importance in Kosovo. We strongly support the principle that everyone has the right to express themselves as they are,” said Kurti.

The Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, stated that the European Union is firmly committed to the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, stressing that these are human rights, not special rights.

He praised Kosovo’s progress, particularly the fact that the Pride Parade is held annually without incident, as a sign of growing acceptance and normalization.