Kosovo celebrates the 14th anniversary of independence this Thursday. Kosovo's declaration of independence took place on February 17, 2008. 

14 years ago, the Assembly of Kosovo, through a statement signed by MPs, except Serbs, declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign state, realizing the centuries-old desire of Albanians to gain independence. In the extraordinary meeting of the Assembly of Kosovo in Pristina, which was attended by 109 out of 120 MPs, the Assembly of Kosovo unanimously declared Kosovo an independent, sovereign and democratic state. 

From February 17, 2008, a new state was added to the Balkans, Kosovo, which immediately began to be recognized by friendly countries, where so far it has been recognized by 113 countries in the world. 

The legality of Kosovo's Declaration of Independence has been a contentious issue for some time. Opposing Kosovo's Declaration of Independence, Serbia demanded an assessment of its international validity and support for its position, alleging that Kosovo's Declaration of Independence was illegal. 

Kosovo's declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, was the culmination of a long and difficult journey for the citizens of Kosovo. For years the citizens of Kosovo suffered the consequences of ethnic cleansing by the Serbian regime of Slobodan Milosevic, which resulted in a Liberation War (1997-99). After the end of the Kosovo Liberation War, international peacekeeping troops were deployed in Kosovo. On the occasion of the 14th anniversary, the Kosovo authorities have planned a series of activities. 

The historic moment of the declaration of Kosovo's Independence 

On Sunday, February 17, 2008, at 15:39 in the Assembly of Kosovo was read the Declaration of Independence. From that moment on, Kosovo was declared independent, becoming a sovereign state, with independent institutions and unique state symbols within the Western Balkans. Watch the video below to see the video of the moment of the declaration of Independence.