The purpose of leaders for the New Year: citizens, not them themselves.

When last year I was asked to write an editorial for the daily Kosova Sot, I couldn't say much. I had come to Kosovo just a few months ago and really couldn't reflect on everything that had happened during the year here. Now, a year later, I'm in a better position to give my obsessions and my thoughts on the situation here. During this year, I have met many people and had amazing experiences, but I have to admit that there have been difficulties. Things have not always moved as I would like to see as the EU representative in Kosovo. However, with the new year knocking on our door, I would like to start with a positive reflection.

General and municipal elections, which were held in a calm and democratic atmosphere, are the first thing that comes to mind. So has the process also been seen by EU Monitoring Mission chief Alojz Peterle, ambassadors and others involved in election monitoring. Elections held in line with international standards are the most fundamental concept of democracy, and we are happy to see that Kosovo has achieved it.

The year we are leaving behind has brought more medals for the Kosovo sport. I know how proud you are with Olympic champion Majlinda Kelmendi and I am happy to see that this year the Distria Krasniqi and Nora Gjakova are following in its footsteps bringing more gold medals to Kosovo from different races. And more awards for Kosovo cinematography. After the big success of film “This year we have “Home” that received the BAFTA Award for the newest short edition. Another Kosovar film “Marriage” recently had the world premiere in Estonia. All these examples give brighter color and optimism often grim reality here.

And now, we come to difficulties. Here, I cannot avoid the inevitable: visa liberalisation. It's something that's being carried out at every meeting and with all the people of all ages and I totally understand their frustration and lack of patience. So I'll tell you what I've said many times before. The elected officials and Kosovo leaders must do everything possible to meet the conditions for visa liberalisation. They should not hold their people hostage. They should not interrupt young people's dreams for better opportunities for education and new experiences. They must give them the opportunity to explore the world and bring these experiences here.

When we talk about education, this is also something that leaders need to focus on. I know people are not satisfied with the current educational system. I understand why Kosovo colleagues in my office are so concerned about the quality of their children's textbooks and the way they teach. They often show me examples that they face in various textbooks that often, rather than promoting gender equality, tend to be biased in a gender way, even discriminated against women. Or how phenomena and other social issues are explained to students who, as such, contribute to the stigmatization and prejudice of privileged groups or members of society. Parents want good education, a system that encourages knowledge and critical thinking, research, and not just study. Rather than carry heavy bags, parents want their children to maintain future skills.

A good system of education implies a stronger society. It means more qualified workers and talented people in key positions. Finally, it means an improved social system, which Kosovo so desperately needs. We as the EU have made education a priority through projects, women and different programmes in hopes of helping to transform this system and change Kosovo for good. And this is something Kosovo politicians have to do too.

Not everything should be brought about politics, about demarcation, association, elections or visa liberalisation. What I would like to see next year is the focus on education, economic development, new jobs, better health services and new opportunities for the people of Kosovo. People in Kosovo should seek better performance on the part of their leaders, and the latter should produce results on people's needs.

It is time for Kosovo politicians to put the people first. They must put their narrow political interests aside and work for the welfare of people. This, I think, should be their goal for the new year.

Happy holidays and a quiet and prosperous year for the people of Kosovo!