What are the expectations of Kosovo citizens for 2025?

Developments in the northern part of Kosovo, lack of economic development and deepening poverty in the country, are among the main concerns of the citizens to whom the Voice of America spoke on the eve of the new year.

“Incidents that have occurred in the northern part, in the rest of Kosovo. The second time, I would say the economic situation, since Kosovo needs better economic stability like any other country. I think that the Western Balkan countries have a problem with economic development, these two elements have been more disturbing”, says Kadri Gashi.

Ungood security, high prices, low pensions, for example we are contributors and we remain at 120 euros, nobody cares about pensioners”, says Melire Morina.

“Concerns have been extremely high, uncertainty, domestic violence, health, education, very low wages, no security is at first talking about the health we're very bad. So far, I've never seen any perspectives, nothing appreciated, not even the one who's educated”, says Fetije Morina.

Even political concerns are bothering us, what's going on and what's going on, security and so on. Even economics cannot let aside how prices rose everywhere, life is getting worse for citizens, sorrow as much as you want”, says Nezir Colak.

They say that the new year is being expected in hopes that things will go well.

What interests me most is a more literal education, especially in a qualitative way, then the aspect of young people and young people who are constantly ambitious to get out of Kosovo. I think that young people should be motivated and stimulated by innovation in terms of business, then financial assistance for young people especially in rural countries. My expectations are for a greater focus on the economic aspect, but without forgetting this social share because we need social reform, especially among the ma what has been done, says Kadri Gashi.

I'd like to see this people once better, to walk around once and for all, to remove our concerns, to separate us from Serbia, and to conclude the” talks, says Melire Morina.

I would be impressed to part with Serbia from A to Z, and not to remain this always dragging on. Then youth get employed - schooling, employment, and being highly established”, says Fetije Morina.

I'd like to make it as good as possible, but conditions have to change slightly, investments have a little bit more to increase the standard slightly and increase the well-being of people and others. We expect better than ever, says Nezir Colak.

Leaders of local and international institutions commended citizens for the new year.

On the eve of the shift of years, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani visited the Regional Police Directorate in Northern Mitrovica to express gratitude to members of police, who she said “during this challenging year were the security pillar and steadfast defenders of the country”.

“Let it be 2025 a year of peace and prosperity for all”, said the wish of President Osmani.

The year 2024 began and closed with tensions in the north and subsequently with tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. The two countries have agreed in Brussels and Ohrid on an agreement to normalise relations, but tensions remain high, increasing Western diplomacy's concern about the possibility of renewed conflicts in the region. / VOA