History of Kosovo in Timeline
Kosovo is a partially recognized country in Southeast Europe. It is located in the heart of the Balkans, surrounded by Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro. The country features a diverse geography, with central plains, the Accursed Mountains in the southwest, and the Šar Mountains in the southeast. Pristina serves as Kosovo's capital and largest city.
May 1901: Albanian Uprising and Violence
In May 1901, tensions escalated as Albanians, protesting against Ottoman rule and Serbian presence, attacked towns in the region, including Novi Pazar, Sjenica, and Pristina, resulting in violence and casualties.
1910: Albanian Revolt
As part of the Albanian Renaissance and growing desire for self-determination, Albanians in Kosovo participated in a significant uprising against Ottoman rule in 1910.
1912: Start of Serbian Colonization
A large-scale Serbian colonization effort in Kosovo was initiated by the Belgrade government in 1912, aiming to alter the ethnic composition of the region.
1912: Albanian Revolt Weakens Ottoman Empire
An Albanian revolt against the Ottoman Empire took place in the spring of 1912, further weakening Ottoman control and contributing to the outbreak of the First Balkan War.
1912: Ottoman Empire Loses Control
By 1912, the Ottoman Empire lost its centuries-long control over Kosovo as a result of the First Balkan War, leading to significant political and demographic shifts in the region.
1912: Serbian Control and Demographic Shifts
Following Serbia's takeover of part of Kosovo in 1912, the region witnessed significant demographic changes, including the displacement of Albanians and the promotion of Serbian colonization efforts.
1912: Serbian Assimilation Policies
From 1912 onward, Serbian authorities implemented policies aimed at assimilating the Albanian population into Serbian society. These policies included promoting religious conversion to Serbian Orthodoxy and encouraging Serbian settlement, leading to the displacement of a significant number of Albanians.
1912: Albanian Revolts and the First Balkan War
In 1912, Albanians, led by Hasan Prishtina, revolted against Ottoman rule, demanding autonomy. This revolt weakened the Ottoman Empire, leading to the First Balkan War as Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece declared war. After the Ottoman defeat, the Treaty of London ceded parts of Kosovo to Serbia and Montenegro.
1913: Treaty of London and Aftermath
The 1913 Treaty of London, signed after the First Balkan War, resulted in the division of Kosovo between Serbia and Montenegro. This period saw the displacement and killing of many Albanians, accompanied by Serbian colonization efforts.
1913: Treaty of London Divides Kosovo
The 1913 Treaty of London, signed after the First Balkan War, resulted in the division of Kosovo, with Serbia gaining control over a portion of its territory.
1915: World War I Occupation
During World War I, in the winter of 1915-1916, Kosovo experienced occupation by Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary as the Serbian army retreated.
1918: End of World War I and Incorporation into Yugoslavia
Following the end of World War I in 1918, during which Kosovo was occupied by Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary, Allied Powers pushed out the Central Powers, and Kosovo became an autonomous province within Yugoslavia.
1918: Allied Liberation and Incorporation into Yugoslavia
In 1918, Allied Powers liberated Kosovo from the control of the Central Powers. Subsequently, Kosovo became an autonomous province within Yugoslavia.
1919: Land Reform and Albanian Emigration
The year 1919 saw the implementation of a land reform that disproportionately impacted Albanian landowners, forcing many Albanians and other Muslims to emigrate from the region.
April 1922: Kosovo's New Administrative System
In April 1922, a new administration system was implemented in Kosovo, dividing the region among three districts of the Kingdom: Kosovo, Raška, and Zeta.
1922: Founding of First Football Clubs
The year 1922 marked the establishment of Kosovo's earliest football clubs, including KF Vëllaznimi and FC Prishtina.
1929: Kingdom of Yugoslavia Formation
The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was established in 1929, leading to the reorganization of Kosovo's territories. Kosovo was divided among the Banate of Zeta, the Banate of Morava, and the Banate of Vardar.
1935: Yugoslavia-Turkey Expatriation Agreement
In 1935, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Turkey entered into an agreement to facilitate the expatriation of 240,000 Albanians to Turkey.
1938: Second Yugoslavia-Turkey Expatriation Agreement
A second agreement concerning the expatriation of 240,000 Albanians from Yugoslavia to Turkey was signed in 1938. However, the outbreak of World War II prevented the agreement from being implemented.
1941: End of Serbian Colonization
The Serbian government's campaign of colonization in Kosovo ended in 1941.
1941: Axis Invasion of Yugoslavia
The Axis powers invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, leading to the division of Kosovo between Italian-controlled Albania, Germany, and Bulgaria. This sparked a complex three-dimensional conflict involving inter-ethnic, ideological, and international affiliations.
August 1945: Law Prohibiting Return of Colonists
In August 1945, a new law was enacted in Yugoslavia that prohibited the return of colonists who had acquired land from Albanian peasants, following a decree from Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.
1945: Formation of Autonomous Region
The Autonomous Region of Kosovo and Metohija was established in 1945. This marked the first entity with the name "Kosovo" in the late modern period since the Ottoman Empire's Vilayet of Kosovo in 1877, although with different boundaries.
1945: Start of Cold War Era in Yugoslav Football
The Cold War era from 1945 to 1991 witnessed rapid growth in football within the former Yugoslavia.
1946: Formation of Kosovo Football Federation
In 1946, the Federation of Kosovo was established, operating as a subsidiary of the Federation of Yugoslavia.
1956: Show Trial in Pristina
A show trial was held in Pristina in 1956, resulting in the conviction of multiple Albanian Communists from Kosovo accused of being infiltrators from Albania. The convicted individuals received lengthy prison sentences.
1959: Final Demarcation of Kosovo
The final demarcation of the Autonomous Region of Kosovo and Metohija took place in 1959.
1960: Kosovar Footballers Win Olympic Gold and European Championship Silver
Three Kosovar footballers, Milutin Šoškić, Fahrudin Jusufi, and Vladimir Durković, were part of the Yugoslavia national team that achieved victory with a gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics and a silver medal at the 1960 European Championship.
1964: Yugoslav Investigation into War Fatalities
An official investigation conducted by the Yugoslav government in 1964 revealed nearly 8,000 war-related fatalities in Kosovo between 1941 and 1945. The investigation documented 5,489 Serb or Montenegrin deaths and 2,177 Albanian deaths during this period.
1966: Ouster of Aleksandar Ranković
Following the removal of Aleksandar Ranković from power in 1966, pro-decentralization reformers in Yugoslavia successfully implemented significant decentralization measures in the late 1960s. This resulted in substantial autonomy for Kosovo and Vojvodina and the recognition of a Muslim Yugoslav nationality.
1969: Kosovafilm Founded
The parliament of Kosovo established Kosovafilm in 1969, a state-run institution dedicated to film production, distribution, and exhibition.
1974: Concerns over Albanian Nationalism
Concerns about the rise of Albanian nationalism in Kosovo emerged following the implementation of the 1974 constitution.
1974: Yugoslavia's 1974 Constitution
The 1974 Constitution of Yugoslavia granted significant autonomy to Kosovo, including its own administration, assembly, judiciary, and membership in the collective presidency and Yugoslav parliament, where it held veto power.
1978: 100th Anniversary of the League of Prizren
Widespread celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the League of Prizren took place in 1978, contributing to anxieties regarding Albanian nationalism.
February 1979: Kosova National Art Gallery Founded
The Kosova National Art Gallery, named after prominent Kosovar artist Muslim Mulliqi, was founded in February 1979, becoming the leading institution for visual arts in Kosovo.
March 1981: Kosovo Albanian Student Protests
Starting in March 1981, Kosovar Albanian students at the University of Pristina initiated protests demanding that Kosovo be recognized as a republic within Yugoslavia and advocating for their human rights. The protests were met with a brutal crackdown by the police and army, leading to numerous arrests.
1981: Protests and State of Emergency
Protests erupted in 1981, led by Albanians demanding that Kosovo be granted republic status within Yugoslavia. In response, Yugoslav territorial defense units were deployed to Kosovo, a state of emergency was declared, and the protests were forcefully suppressed.
1982: Viktorija Represents Yugoslavia in Eurovision Song Contest
Viktorija, as part of the group Aska, became the first artist from Kosovo to represent Yugoslavia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982.
1986: Serbian Orthodox Church's Genocide Claim
The Serbian Orthodox Church made a public claim in 1986, alleging that Kosovo Serbs were being subjected to a systematic program of "genocide" by Albanians. Despite being refuted by police statistics, the claim garnered significant attention in the Serbian press, exacerbating ethnic tensions and contributing to the eventual revocation of Kosovo's autonomy.
1987: FC Prishtina Reaches Yugoslav Cup Semi-finals
FC Prishtina, Kosovo's most successful club during the Yugoslav era, reached the semi-finals of the 1987-88 Yugoslav Cup.
1989: Reduction of Kosovo's Autonomy
In 1989, Serbian President Slobodan Milošević, utilizing a combination of intimidation tactics and political maneuvers, significantly curtailed Kosovo's special autonomous status within Serbia. This move marked the beginning of cultural oppression targeting the ethnic Albanian population.
1989: Peak Wine Exports
Kosovo's wine industry, particularly the Rahovec facility, reached peak export levels in 1989, with 40 million liters of wine, primarily distributed to the German market.
July 1990: Proclamation of the Republic of Kosova
In July 1990, Kosovo Albanians declared the existence of the Republic of Kosova, asserting its sovereignty and independence.
1990: Development of Healthcare and Establishment of Faculty of Medicine
Despite a low GDP in 1990, Kosovo saw a significant development in its healthcare system with the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Pristina and the opening of various health clinics, improving conditions for professional development in healthcare.
1990: Kosovar Artists Gain International Recognition
Despite facing restrictions under the regime, Kosovar artists began to gain international recognition in 1990, with their unique artistic expressions influenced by the prevailing circumstances.
1990: Kosovafilm Dissolved
In 1990, Kosovafilm was taken over by Serbian authorities and subsequently dissolved.
1991: First Basketball Championship in Kosovo
The first basketball championship in Kosovo was held in 1991, featuring eight teams.
1991: Stevan Stojanović Captains Red Star Belgrade to European Cup Victory
Kosovo-born goalkeeper Stevan Stojanović made history in 1991 by becoming the first goalkeeper to captain a team to victory in the European Cup Final, leading Red Star Belgrade to the title.
1991: Establishment of Unsanctioned Kosovar League
An unofficial football league, the Liga e Pavarur e Kosovës (Independent League of Kosovo), was established in 1991, running concurrently with the official Yugoslav leagues.
May 1992: Election of Ibrahim Rugova
Ibrahim Rugova was elected as the president of the Republic of Kosova in May 1992.
September 1992: Declaration of Independence
The Republic of Kosova was formally declared as a sovereign and independent state in September 1992.
1992: Albanian Recognition of Kosovo
In 1992, Albania demonstrated its support for Kosovo's independence by becoming the only country whose parliament voted to recognize the Republic of Kosova.
November 1995: Dayton Agreement
The Dayton Agreement, intended to end the Bosnian War, was signed in November 1995, but it did not resolve the status of Kosovo.
1996: Rise of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)
By 1996, the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) emerged as a dominant force, surpassing Ibrahim Rugova's non-violent movement. The KLA launched attacks against Yugoslav and Serbian authorities, leading to the Kosovo War.
July 1998: KLA Abductions and Violence
The KLA, during its operations in July 1998, abducted a number of Serbs, some of whom were later released, while others remain missing. The KLA also clashed with Serbian forces in the Rahovec region.
August 1998: Killings in Klečka
In August 1998, reports emerged of the killing of Serbian civilians in the village of Klečka. Serbian authorities claimed to have found human remains in the village, suggesting a massacre.
September 1998: Lake Radonjić Massacre
In September 1998, Serbian police recovered bodies from Lake Radonjić, near Glođane. Serbian authorities attributed the killings to the KLA, alleging they targeted both Serbs and Albanians in the incident.
December 1998: Resumption of Fighting
Despite a ceasefire agreement, fighting resumed in December 1998, escalating the Kosovo War.
1998: Outbreak of the Kosovo War
Long-standing tensions between Kosovo's Albanian and Serb communities escalated in 1998, marking the beginning of the Kosovo War. This conflict resulted in widespread violence and displacement.
1998: Population Peak
Kosovo's population peaked at an estimated 2.2 million in 1998.
June 1999: NATO Intervention and Withdrawal of Yugoslav Forces
After failed negotiations and continued fighting, NATO intervened in the Kosovo War, bombing Yugoslavia. In June 1999, Yugoslav President Milošević agreed to withdraw his forces from Kosovo and allow a foreign military presence.
June 1999: UN Security Council Resolution 1244
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1244 in June 1999, establishing UN administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) and authorizing the deployment of a NATO-led peacekeeping force (KFOR). The resolution aimed to provide autonomy for Kosovo within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
June 1999: Kosovafilm Re-Established
Following the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo in June 1999, Kosovafilm was re-established with the goal of revitalizing the film industry in the region.
June 1999: ICTY Indictments
Following the Kosovo War, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) issued indictments in June 1999 against Yugoslav officials, including Slobodan Milošević, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
June 1999: KFOR Deployment
KFOR, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force, entered Kosovo on 12 June 1999, following the adoption of UNSC Resolution 1244 by the United Nations Security Council.
1999: Ethnic Cleansing and Displacement
The Kosovo War resulted in a mass exodus of ethnic Albanians from Kosovo, with many internally displaced or fleeing the region in 1999. The war also saw the displacement of a significant number of Serbs and other non-Albanian groups.
1999: Impact of the Kosovo War on the Economy
The Kosovo War in 1999 contributed to the stagnation of the industrial sector in Kosovo.
1999: End of the Kosovo War and UN Administration
The Kosovo War concluded in 1999 with the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces and the subsequent establishment of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which aimed to provide interim governance and administration.
1999: Destruction of Cultural Heritage during Kosovo Conflict
The 1999 conflict in Kosovo resulted in significant damage and destruction of cultural heritage sites, including monasteries, churches, mosques, and traditional kullas, particularly in the Dukagjini region.
1999: Liga e Pavarur e Kosovës Becomes Official League
Following the Kosovo War, the Liga e Pavarur e Kosovës, previously an unofficial league, was formally recognized as Kosovo's official league system in 1999.
2000: Increased Archaeological Exploration
Since 2000, there has been a noticeable increase in archaeological expeditions in Kosovo, leading to the discovery of numerous previously undocumented archaeological sites, enriching the understanding of the region's history.
November 2001: First Assembly of Kosovo Elections
In November 2001, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe supervised the first elections for the Assembly of Kosovo. Following the election, an all-party unity coalition was formed by Kosovo's political parties, resulting in the election of Ibrahim Rugova as president and Bajram Rexhepi as Prime Minister.
October 2004: Kosovo-wide Elections
After the Kosovo-wide elections in October 2004, the LDK and AAK formed a new governing coalition, excluding PDK and Ora. This coalition agreement led to Ramush Haradinaj becoming Prime Minister, while Ibrahim Rugova remained President. However, the agreement faced criticism from PDK and Ora, who accused the government of corruption.
2004: Kosovo Unrest
In 2004, Kosovo experienced a period of unrest, marked by violence and destruction. The unrest stemmed from tensions between Albanians and Serbs, sociopolitical issues, and nationalist sentiments.
2004: Ethnic Violence Threatens Cultural Heritage
The Medieval Monuments in Kosovo, including the Visoki Dečani monastery, came under attack during the 2004 ethnic violence.
2004: Visoki Dečani Monastery Recognized as World Heritage Site
UNESCO designated the Visoki Dečani monastery as a World Heritage Site in 2004, acknowledging its outstanding universal value.
2005: Mineral Wealth Estimation
In 2005, the Directorate for Mines and Minerals and the World Bank estimated that Kosovo had €13.5 billion worth of minerals, including substantial reserves of lignite, lead, zinc, silver, and other minerals.
February 2006: UN-Backed Negotiations
In February 2006, the UN initiated talks to determine the final status of Kosovo, as outlined in Resolution 1244. The negotiations were led by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and aimed to address the long-standing status issue.
2006: Medieval Monuments in Kosovo Listed as Endangered
In 2006, due to political instability and challenges in management and conservation, the Medieval Monuments in Kosovo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
February 2007: Ahtisaari Plan
In February 2007, Martti Ahtisaari presented a draft proposal for Kosovo's status. The plan, which proposed 'supervised independence' for the province, faced opposition from Russia, leading to difficulties in securing a UN Security Council resolution.
July 2007: Draft Resolution Discarded
A draft resolution supporting Ahtisaari's proposal was abandoned in July 2007 due to a lack of Russian support. This setback highlighted the ongoing international disagreements over Kosovo's future.
November 2007: Parliamentary Elections and Declaration of Independence
Parliamentary elections took place on 17 November 2007. Hashim Thaçi, projected to secure 35 percent of the vote, declared victory for the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and announced his intention to declare independence. Despite a low turnout, largely due to the Serb minority's boycott, Thaçi formed a coalition with President Fatmir Sejdiu's Democratic League, which came in second with 22 percent of the vote.
2007: Start of the Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2007-2008 affected Kosovo's economy, which was still recovering from political upheaval and the aftermath of the Yugoslav Wars.
2007: Start of Global Financial Crisis
The global financial crisis, which began in 2007, had a significant impact on the world economy, including Kosovo.
February 2008: Albanian Recognition of Kosovo
Albania was among the first countries to formally recognize the Republic of Kosovo in February 2008, shortly after its declaration of independence.
February 2008: Kosovo Declares Independence
On February 17, 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia. This declaration marked a significant turning point, with Kosovo seeking international recognition as a sovereign state.
February 2008: Declaration of Independence
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. This move has been recognized by 114 UN states, including all of its immediate neighbors except Serbia. However, 10 states have withdrawn their recognition since then.
February 2008: Postponement of Independence Declaration
Kosovo Albanian leaders delayed a planned declaration of independence until after the Serbian presidential elections in February 2008. The postponement aimed to prevent any potential boost for nationalist sentiments in Serbia.
October 2008: UN General Assembly Resolution and ICJ Advisory Opinion
On 8 October 2008, influenced by a Serbian proposal, the UN General Assembly decided to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence.
2008: Impact of Global Financial Crisis
The effects of the global financial crisis, which originated in 2007, were felt in 2008 and beyond, influencing economic conditions in Kosovo and prompting responses from international financial institutions.
2008: End of the Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2007-2008 affected Kosovo's economy, which was still recovering from political upheaval and the aftermath of the Yugoslav Wars.
2008: Claims of Conversion to Protestantism
In 2008, Protestant pastor Artur Krasniqi claimed that up to 15,000 Kosovar Albanians had converted to Protestantism since 1985.
2008: Preparations for the Kosovo Security Force
In 2008, NATO, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), and the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) began preparing for the formation of the Kosovo Security Force.
2008: Establishment of Kosovo Police
Following Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008, the Kosovo Police assumed the primary responsibility for law enforcement within the country.
2008: EULEX Operation and UN Security Council Acceptance
Despite initial resistance, EULEX (European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo) gained acceptance from Serbia and the UN Security Council in 2008, operating under the UNMIK mandate with operational independence.
2009: Establishment of Kosovo Security Force
The Kosovo Security Force was established in 2009 with the goal of eventually becoming self-sufficient, allowing for the gradual reduction of KFOR operations.
July 2010: International Court of Justice Ruling
On 22 July 2010, the ICJ issued a non-binding advisory opinion stating that Kosovo's declaration of independence didn't violate international law, including UNSCR 1244, which didn't specify the final status process or reserve the outcome for the Security Council.
2010: Dokufest Recognized as Top Documentary Festival
The International Documentary and Short Film Festival, also known as Dokufest, received international acclaim in 2010 when it was ranked among the top 25 international documentary festivals.
2010: Missing Persons
By 2010, over a decade after the Kosovo War, approximately 3,000 individuals, including Albanians, Serbs, and Roma, remained missing.
2011: Religious Demographics Census
The 2011 census, largely boycotted by Kosovo Serbs, recorded 95.6% of Kosovo's population as Muslim, 3.7% as Christian, and the remaining 0.3% as having no religion or another religion.
2011: Kosovo Featured in Travel List
The New York Times featured Kosovo on its list of 41 places to visit in 2011, highlighting its emerging tourism appeal.
February 2012: Asterisk Agreement
On February 24, 2012, Kosovo and Serbia reached an 11-point agreement, known as the "asterisk agreement," allowing Kosovo to participate in some international forums as "Kosovo*" with a footnote acknowledging differing stances on its status. This agreement, facilitated by the European Union, aimed to find pragmatic solutions for Kosovo's international representation.
2012: Rona Nishliu Achieves Top 5 Finish at Eurovision
Singer Rona Nishliu delivered a remarkable performance at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in 5th place.
2012: Conclusion of ICO Operations
The ICO (International Civilian Office) concluded its operations in 2012 after fulfilling its mandate, while EULEX continued its presence within Kosovo under international law, primarily focusing on monitoring with reduced responsibilities.
April 2013: Brussels Agreement
On 19 April 2013, the Brussels Agreement, brokered by the EU, marked a step toward rapprochement between the Serbian and Kosovar governments. The agreement aimed to grant Kosovo's Serb minority their own police force and court of appeals, though it awaits ratification by both parliaments.
2013: Brussels Agreement and Administrative Divisions
The Brussels Agreement of 2013 led to the formation of new municipalities with Serb majority populations within Kosovo's seven districts.
2013: Nevena Božović Debuts in Eurovision with Moje 3
Nevena Božović, a Serbian singer from Kosovo, made her Eurovision debut in 2013 as a member of the group Moje 3.
2013: Majlinda Kelmendi Becomes Judo World Champion
Judoka Majlinda Kelmendi achieved the title of World Champion in 2013.
2013: Brussels Agreement
In 2013, the Brussels Agreement was reached between Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by the European Union. Although Serbia did not officially recognize Kosovo's independence, it acknowledged the governing authority of Kosovar institutions.
2014: Kosovo Submits First Film for Academy Award Consideration
In 2014, Kosovo marked its entry into the Academy Awards by submitting "Three Windows and a Hanging," directed by Isa Qosja, for the Best Foreign Language Film category.
2014: Announcement to Establish a Ministry of Defence
Kosovo's government announced its decision to establish a Ministry of Defence by 2019, with the goal of transforming the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo Armed Forces, aligning with NATO standards.
2014: Majlinda Kelmendi Repeats as Judo World and European Champion
Majlinda Kelmendi secured her second consecutive World Champion title in judo in 2014 and also became the European Champion that year.
2014: Kosovo Olympic Committee Gains Full IOC Membership
The Olympic Committee of Kosovo was granted full membership in the International Olympic Committee in 2014.
2014: R6 Motorway Construction Begins
The construction of the R6 Motorway, connecting Pristina to the Macedonian border, began in 2014.
March 2015: Basketball Federation of Kosovo Joins FIBA
In March 2015, the Basketball Federation of Kosovo was accepted as a full member of FIBA.
2015: Nora Gjakova Wins Kosovo's First Medal at European Games
Nora Gjakova secured the first medal for Kosovo at the inaugural European Games in 2015, earning a bronze medal in the 57 kg judo category.
2015: UNESCO Membership Bid
Kosovo's attempt to gain membership in UNESCO in 2015 fell short by three votes, failing to secure the required two-thirds majority.
2015: Kosovo Participates in European Games
Kosovo participated in the European Games for the first time in 2015, held in Azerbaijan.
2016: Majlinda Kelmendi Wins Kosovo's First Olympic Gold Medal
At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Majlinda Kelmendi made history by becoming the first Kosovar athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, marking a significant milestone for Kosovo in major sports tournaments.
2016: Kosovo Debuts at Summer Olympics
Kosovo made its debut at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016.
2017: R7.1 Motorway Construction Begins
Construction of the R7.1 Motorway, an important transportation project in Kosovo, commenced in 2017.
2017: Lindita Represents Albania in Eurovision
Lindita, a singer with Kosovar roots, represented Albania in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest.
December 2018: Transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into an Army
In December 2018, the government of Kosovo enacted legislation to transform the Kosovo Security Force into an army. A Ministry of Defence was also established at this time.
2018: IMF Report on Poverty and Unemployment
The International Monetary Fund reported in 2018 that about one-sixth of Kosovo's population lived below the poverty line, and one-third of the working-age population was unemployed.
2018: Rise of Kosovar Footballers in Top European Teams
The 2010s witnessed a rise in the number of Kosovar footballers of Albanian origin playing for prominent European clubs, including Lorik Cana, Valon Behrami, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Adnan Januzaj, with Shaqiri winning the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19.
December 2019: Kosovo-Albania Energy Bloc
In December 2019, Kosovo and Albania signed an agreement to establish a joint energy bloc, enabling the exchange of energy reserves and projected to save Kosovo €4 million annually.
2019: Ethnic Composition
In 2019, Albanians made up 92% of Kosovo's population. Ethnic Serbs comprised 4%, Bosniaks 2%, Turks 1%, Romani 1%, and Gorani less than 1%.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
In 2019, Kosovo had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 5.19/10, ranking it 107th globally.
2019: Kosovo Participates in European Games
Kosovo participated in the 2019 European Games held in Belarus.
2019: Nevena Božović Returns to Eurovision as Solo Artist
Nevena Božović returned to the Eurovision stage in 2019, this time as a solo artist representing Serbia.
2019: Kosovo Judo Team Excels at European Games
The 2019 European Games saw outstanding performances from Kosovo's judo athletes, with Kelmendi winning gold, Gjakova taking silver, and Loriana Kuka securing bronze.
2019: R6 Motorway Construction Completed
The construction of the R6 Motorway, linking Pristina with the North Macedonia border at Hani i Elezit, was finished in 2019.
2019: Increase in Agriculture's Share of GDP
While still a small part of the overall economy, agriculture in Kosovo increased its share of the GDP by 0.5 percentage points from 2019.
September 2020: International Recognition and Membership
As of 4 September 2020, 114 UN states, including all immediate neighbors except Serbia, recognized Kosovo's independence, while 10 states have withdrawn recognition. Although not a UN member, Kosovo became part of international institutions like the IMF and World Bank since declaring independence.
2020: Research on Inter-Ethnic Trust and Contact
An EU-funded research report in 2020 indicated limited trust and contact between major ethnic groups in Kosovo.
2020: Kosovo Competes in Summer Olympics
Kosovo competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were held in Tokyo, Japan.
2021: Protests and Demonstrations
A series of protests and demonstrations occurred in Kosovo between 2021 and 2023, fueled by various underlying tensions.
2021: Population Estimate
In 2021, the Agency of Statistics estimated Kosovo's population to be about 1,774,000.
2021: Voluntary NDC Formulation Process
Kosovo began formulating a voluntary Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2021 with support from Japan, outlining strategies to address climate change.
December 2022: Application for EU Membership
Kosovo formally applied for membership in the European Union on 15 December 2022, aiming to join the bloc as a potential candidate for future enlargement.
December 2022: Application for EU Membership
Kosovo submitted a formal application to join the European Union in December 2022, signifying its commitment to European integration and its pursuit of closer ties with the EU.
2022: Protests and Demonstrations
The protests and demonstrations in Kosovo escalated in 2022, contributing to the tensions that persisted into 2023.
February 2023: Meeting in Brussels
Presidents of Serbia and Kosovo met in Brussels on 27 February 2023 to discuss and agree on an 11-point agreement to normalize ties between the two countries.
March 2023: Meeting in Ohrid
Furthering the initiative, the presidents of Serbia and Kosovo convened again on 18 March 2023 in Ohrid. This meeting aimed to finalize and endorse the 11-point agreement supported by the European Union. The agreement includes provisions for mutual recognition of official documents such as passports and license plates, fostering normalized relations between the two nations.
2023: Reporters Without Borders Ranks Kosovo's Press Freedom
The 2023 Press Freedom Index report by Reporters Without Borders ranked Kosovo 56th out of 180 countries.
2023: Protests and Demonstrations
The protests and demonstrations that started in 2021 continued into 2023, with some escalating to involve weapons and resulting in casualties on both sides, including injuries to 30 NATO peacekeepers.
2023: Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goal
In 2023, Kosovo set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 16.3% as part of its aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
2023: Kosovo Participates in European Games
Kosovo participated in the 2023 European Games held in Poland.
2023: Life Expectancy and Fertility Rate
In 2023, Kosovo's overall life expectancy at birth was 79.68 years. The estimated total fertility rate in 2023 was 1.88 children per woman.
2023: Kosovo Security Force Composition and KFOR Presence
By 2023, the Kosovo Security Force had over 5,000 active members, equipped with vehicles and weapons from NATO countries. KFOR continued its operations in Kosovo under a UN mandate.
2023: International Recognition
As of 2023, 104 out of 193 United Nations member states recognize the Republic of Kosovo, including 22 out of 27 members of the European Union, making Kosovo a potential candidate for future EU enlargement.
January 2024: Visa-free Travel within Schengen Area
Beginning 1 January 2024, nationals of Kosovo gained visa-free entry privileges within the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
January 2024: Resolution of Vehicle Registration Plate Dispute
The main reason behind the 2022–23 demonstrations, which involved protests and violence, ended on 1 January 2024 when both Serbia and Kosovo agreed to recognize each other's vehicle registration plates.
2030: Kosovo to Host Mediterranean Games
Kosovo is scheduled to host the Mediterranean Games in 2030.