Kosovo marked on Tuesday 18 years since declaring independence, commemorating the historic moment when the country’s parliament proclaimed statehood on February 17, 2008.

The declaration was adopted by the Kosovo's Parliament, cementing Kosovo’s status as Europe’s youngest state and reshaping the political landscape of the Western Balkans.

Eighteen years later, the anniversary is being observed with solemn ceremonies, tributes and official events in Prishtinë and across the country. Eighteen years later, Europe’s youngest nation commemorated the anniversary with solemn ceremonies, tributes and official events in Prishtinë and beyond.

Albania’s President, Bajram Begaj, attended the official celebrations alongside Kosovo’s institutional leaders and members of the diplomatic corps.

The commemorations began with the ceremonial raising of the flag of the Republic of Kosovo, followed by a solemn meeting of the government.

Throughout the morning, tributes will be paid at the Monument to the Missing Persons and the Memorial Plaque of the Slain Children, as well as at the graves of former President Ibrahim Rugova and prominent activist Adem Demaçi.

At 09:00 a.m., state delegations visited the Adem Jashari Memorial Complex in Prekaz, a site widely regarded as a symbol of sacrifice for freedom.

The central institutional event tookk place at 10:30 a.m. with a solemn session of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo. Later, at 11:25 a.m., honors were paid at the Monument of Heroines, followed at 11:30 a.m. by a parade of the Army and Kosovo's police.