Albin Kurti#Rise to prominence and arrest

Albin Kurti was born on 24 March 1975 in Pristina, Kosovo of SFR Yugoslavia. Kurti's father, Zaim Kurti originates from an Albanian family from the village of Sukobin in Ulcinj Municipality, Montenegro; an engineer, he moved to Pristina in search for employment. Kurti's mother, Arife Kurti is a retired elementary school teacher, born and educated in Pristina.{{Cite news |date=2018-02-27 |title=Veseli ia përmend vendlindjen e babait Albin Kurtit: Shko në Vladimir |trans-title=Veseli reminds Albin Kurti of his father's birthplace: Go to Vladimir. |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/lajme/veseli-ia-permend-vendlindjen-e-babait-albin-kurtit-shko-ne-vladimir-505269/?archive=1 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20181128075540/https://www.gazetaexpress.com/lajme/veseli-ia-permend-vendlindjen-e-babait-albin-kurtit-shko-ne-vladimir-505269/?archive=1 |archive-date=2018-11-28 |access-date=2025-05-29}} Kurti also has two brothers, Arianit and Taulant. Kurti finished his elementary and middle education in Pristina. He graduated university in 2003 in Telecommunications and Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Pristina.{{Cite web |title=Albin Kurti |url=https://www.vetevendosje.org/profilet/albin-kurti/ |access-date=1 February 2020 |website=vetevendosje.org |language=sq}}

Kurti first came to prominence in October 1997, as one of the leaders of the student protests in Kosovo. Albanian students protested against the occupation of the University of Pristina campus by the Yugoslav police. The occupation had started in 1991 and had led to ethnic Albanian academic staff and students having to use alternative locations for their classes due to them being barred from using university premises by Serbian law.{{Cite web |title=portrait/Albin+Kurti |url=https://www.munzinger.de/search/portrait/Albin+Kurti/0/31178.html |access-date=5 April 2020 |website=munzinger |language=de}} The protests were crushed violently, but the students and Kurti did not stop the resistance and they organized other protests in the following months. In July 1998, Kurti collaborated as assistant of the political representative Adem Demaçi, close to the UÇK group. These actions made him a target of the Yugoslav police.{{Cite web |title=Historia e Kurtit, si u bë pjesë e Unionit Studentor gjatë viteve 97-ta dhe u shfaq si kryesori |trans-title=Kurti's story, how he became part of the Student Union during the 97s and emerged as the leader. |url=https://insajderi.com/historia-e-kurtit-si-u-be-pjese-e-unionit-studentor-gjate-viteve-97-ta-dhe-u-shfaq-si-kryesori/ |access-date=1 February 2020 |website=insajderi.com |language=sq}}

In April 1999, during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, Kurti was arrested and severely beaten by Yugoslav forces.{{Cite web |title=Free Albin Kurti Now |url=http://alb-net.com/ngos/freealbinkurti.com/archive/news-beat.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160330034722/http://alb-net.com/ngos/freealbinkurti.com/archive/news-beat.html |archive-date=2016-03-30 |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.alb-net.com}} He was first sent to the Dubrava Prison, but as the Serbian army withdrew from Kosovo, they transferred him to a prison in Požarevac on 10 June 1999. Later that year, he was charged with "jeopardizing Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and conspiring to commit an enemy activity linked to terrorism" and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.{{Cite web |title=Free Albin Kurti Now |url=http://alb-net.com/ngos/freealbinkurti.com/archive/news-sentreut03-14.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160330002800/http://alb-net.com/ngos/freealbinkurti.com/archive/news-sentreut03-14.html |archive-date=2016-03-30 |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.alb-net.com}}

Kurti was released in December 2001 by Yugoslavia's post-Milošević government after being pardoned by President Vojislav Koštunica{{Cite web |title=Gani Koci objavio dokument kojim je Koštunica pomilovao Kurtija - Kosovo Online |trans-title=Gani Koci published a document with which Koštunica pardoned Kurti - Kosovo Online. |url=https://www.kosovo-online.com/vesti/politika/gani-koci-objavio-dokument-kojim-je-kostunica-pomilovao-kurtija-22-5-2021 |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=www.kosovo-online.com |language=hr}} amid international pressure. Since his release, he worked outside party politics in Kosovo but was a severe critic of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and of corruption. He organised non-violent protests in support of the families of those whose relatives disappeared in the war, and in favor of Kosovo's self-determination. On 23 April 2003 Kurti graduated with a degree in Computer and Telecommunications Sciences from the University of Prishtina. He was an activist for the Action for Kosovo Network (AKN), which was formed in 1997, and was a movement whose mission focused on human rights and social justice, education, culture and art.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}

File:Albin Kurti duke protestuar.JPG

On 12 June 2005 AKN activists wrote the slogan "No negotiations, Self-Determination" on the walls of UNMIK buildings. The police, with the help of UN Police, arrested, jailed, and convicted hundreds of activists, including Kurti. AKN then changed its name to the Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje). Vetëvendosje demanded a referendum on the status of Kosovo, stating "only with a referendum as a use of international right for self-determination, can we realise a democratic solution for Kosovo, instead of negotiations which compromise freedom".{{Cite web |title=Biografia |url=http://albinkurti.weebly.com/biografia.html |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Albin Kurti}}

In February 2007 Vetëvendosje organized a protest against the Ahtisaari Plan, which according to them divided Kosovo along ethnic lines and did not give the people of Kosovo what they were striving for. The protest turned violent and the Romanian UN Police killed two unarmed protesters and injured 80 others with plastic and rubber bullets. Kurti was arrested. He was detained until July 2007 and then kept under house arrest. Amnesty International criticised the irregularities in his prosecution. He was eventually sentenced to nine months. Kurti was an advocate of "active nonviolent resistance".{{Cite web |title=Old signs |url=http://www.newkosovareport.com/200811101380/Vetevendosje/Old-signs.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108044609/http://www.newkosovareport.com/200811101380/Vetevendosje/Old-signs.html |archive-date=8 January 2009 |access-date=12 November 2008}}, New Kosova Report; accessed 13 April 2014.

Vetëvendosje joined the political spectrum of Kosovo by running in the elections of 2010 for the first time. Albin Kurti was the candidate for prime minister, though Vetëvendosje only scored 12.69% and won 14 out of 120 seats in the assembly, becoming the third political force in the country. Vetëvendosje criticized the Brussels Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. The Vetëvendosje MPs, including Kurti, were escorted out of the parliament by police for disrupting the session of the assembly.{{Cite web |date=22 July 2013 |title=Kosovo Assembly ratifies the 'Brussels Agreement' |url=https://www.infoecmi.eu/index.php/kosovo-assembly-ratifies-the-brussels-agreement/ |access-date=1 February 2020 |website=European Centre for Minority Issues}}{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Kurti ran for prime minister again in the following elections in 2014, but Vetëvendosje was third again, only gaining 16 seats. Vetëvendosje and Kurti personally were involved in the protests within the parliament that earned international attention by setting off tear gas in the parliament on multiple cases.{{Cite news |last=France-Presse |first=Agence |date=2015-10-15 |title=Kosovo parliament disrupted again after MPs set off teargas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/15/kosovo-parliament-disrupted-again-after-mps-set-off-teargas |access-date=2025-05-29 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last1=Gall |first1=Carlotta |last2=Chan |first2=Sewell |date=2016-02-19 |title=Kosovo Opposition Releases Tear Gas in Parliament |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/20/world/europe/kosovo-opposition-tear-gas-parliament.html |access-date=2025-05-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In the 2017 election Vetëvendosje doubled in size, becoming the biggest political party in Kosovo and winning 32 seats (the most as an individual party compared to other parties in that election); his party took 200.135 votes (27,49%).{{Cite web |title=Zgjedhjet Për Kuvendin E Kosovës 2017 Izbori Za Skupštinu Kosova 2017 |trans-title=Elections for the Assembly of Kosovo 2017. |url=http://www.kqz-ks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1.-Rezultatet-e-p%C3%ABrgjithshme-sipas-Subjekteve.pdf |access-date=1 July 2017}} They were still defeated by the big PANA coalition that took 245.627 (33,74%). Albin Kurti became the most-voted politician in Kosovo. During this term, Kurti was the leader of the opposition and Vetëvendosje managed to put strong pressure on the government in coordination with the other opposition party, LDK. On 3 January 2018 Kurti was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison on probation for his role in setting off the tear-gas in 2015.{{Cite web |date=3 January 2018 |title=Kosovo Court Finds Four Opposition MPs Guilty |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2018/01/03/kosovo-mps-found-guilty-of-using-tear-gas-in-parliament-01-03-2018/ |access-date=1 February 2020 |website=balkaninsight.com}}

Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj resigned in July 2019, taking Kosovo to early elections in October 2019. In the elections that followed, Kurti's Vetëvendosje won the largest share of the electorate with 221.001 (26,27% or 29 seats) and remained the first political force in Kosovo, with Kurti's share of votes increasing further in comparison to 2017. He became Prime Minister of Kosovo in early February 2020.

On 26 November 2019, an earthquake struck Albania. Kurti visited Durrës on Friday to survey the damage and stressed the importance for institutional cooperation between both Kosovo and Albania.{{Cite news |last=Kostreci |first=Keida |date=30 November 2019 |title=Albania Search, Rescue Operation For Earthquake Survivors Ends |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/europe_albania-search-rescue-operation-earthquake-survivors-ends/6180237.html |access-date=30 November 2019 |agency=Voice of America (VOA)}}{{Cite news |date=29 November 2019 |title=Haradinaj e Kurti e vizitojnë Shqipërinë pas tërmetit |trans-title=Haradinaj and Kurti visit Albania after the earthquake. |url=http://rtv21.tv/haradinaj-e-kurti-e-vizitojne-shqiperine-pas-termetit/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202202012/http://rtv21.tv/haradinaj-e-kurti-e-vizitojne-shqiperine-pas-termetit/ |archive-date=2 December 2019 |access-date=2 December 2019 |language=sq |agency=RTV 21}}

On 18 March 2020, Kurti sacked Interior Minister Agim Veliu (LDK) due to his support for declaring a state of emergency to handle the coronavirus pandemic, which would have given power to the Kosovo Security Council chaired by Hashim Thaçi (PDK). The Democratic League of Kosovo, the junior partner leader of the coalition, filed a no-confidence vote motion in retaliation for the sacking and on 25 March 82 members of the Kosovo Assembly voted in favor of the motion becoming the first government to be voted out of power due to disagreements over how to handle the coronavirus pandemic.{{Cite news |date=19 March 2020 |title=Kosovo's Crisis-Hit Govt Threatened with No-Confidence Vote |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/03/19/kosovos-crisis-hit-govt-threatened-with-no-confidence-vote/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326004128/https://balkaninsight.com/2020/03/19/kosovos-crisis-hit-govt-threatened-with-no-confidence-vote/ |archive-date=26 March 2020 |publisher=BalkanInsight}}{{Cite news |date=25 March 2020 |title=Kosovo govt toppled by no-confidence vote amid coronavirus |url=https://www.trtworld.com/europe/kosovo-govt-toppled-by-no-confidence-vote-amid-coronavirus-34859 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326004241/https://www.trtworld.com/europe/kosovo-govt-toppled-by-no-confidence-vote-amid-coronavirus-34859 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |access-date=29 March 2020}}{{Cite news |date=26 March 2020 |title=Virus Response Topples First European Government in Kosovo |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-25/pandemic-response-fells-first-european-government-in-kosovo}}

The Kurti cabinet continued as a caretaker government,{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Shaun |date=2020-03-26 |title=Kosovans look on aghast as government falls while coronavirus bites |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/kosovo-government-falls-in-vote-of-no-confidence |access-date=2025-05-30 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |date=26 March 2020 |title=Coronavirus helps bring down Kosovo's government, with nudge from US |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/kosovo-government-coronavirus-us-6332086/ |work=The Indian Express |agency=The New York Times}} until 3 June 2020, when Avdullah Hoti was elected as the next Prime Minister.{{Cite news |date=28 May 2020 |title=Avdullah Hoti Kryeministër i ri, 61 deputetë japin votën pro |trans-title=Avdullah Hoti, new Prime Minister, 61 deputies vote in favor. |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/avdullah-hoti-kryeminister-i-ri-61-deputete-japin-voten-pro/ |access-date=3 June 2020 |work=Gazeta Express |language=sq}}

On 26 January 2021, Kurti was barred from running in the 2021 Kosovan parliamentary election by Kosovo's election complaints panel, as he had been convicted of a crime less than three years prior to the election.{{Cite web |last=Bami |first=Xhorxhina |date=26 January 2021 |title=Kosovo Ex-PM Albin Kurti Barred from Running in Election |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/01/26/kosovo-ex-pm-albin-kurti-barred-from-running-in-election/ |access-date=26 January 2021 |website=BalkanInsight.com}} In spite of this, the party went on to win by a landslide with 50.28% of the vote.

In the elections of February 9, 2025, the political party led by Kurti won the electoral elections with 41 percent. Albin Kurti in these elections managed to become the most voted politician in the history of Kosovo, reaching 337 thousand votes.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-06 |title=Albin Kurti kalon numrin e votave të Vjosa Osmanit më 2021, bëhet njeriu më i votuar ndonjëherë në Kosovë |url=https://lajmi.net/albin-kurti-kalon-numrin-e-votave-te-vjosa-osmanit-me-2021-behet-njeriu-me-i-votuar-ndonjehere-ne-kosove/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Lajmi.net - Lajme të Kosovës nga politika, zgjedhjet, ekonomia, sporti, showbiz, lifestyle, arti dhe teknologjia. |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Kurti, politikani më i votuar në Kosovë {{!}} Albanian Post |url=https://albanianpost.com/kurti-politikani-me-i-votuar-ne-kosove/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=albanianpost.com}}{{Cite web |title=Zgjedhjet në Kosovë/ Vetëvendosja e Albin Kurtit e para, por kush i ka votat për Qeverinë? |trans-title=Elections in Kosovo/ Albin Kurti's Vetëvendosje first, but who has the votes for the government? |url=https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/zgjedhjet-ne-kosove-vetevendosja-e-albin-kurtit-e-para-por-kush-i-ka-votat-per-qeverine |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=shqiptarja.com |language=sq}}

{{Main|First Cabinet of Albin Kurti|Second Cabinet of Albin Kurti}}

{{Further|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Albin Kurti}}

File:First meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo 3.jpg

On 3 February 2020, Albin Kurti was elected Prime Minister of Kosovo with 66 votes in favor and 10 abstains,{{Cite web |title=Albin Kurti zgjidhet Kryeministër i Kosovës me 66 vota pro |url=https://top-channel.tv/2020/02/03/albin-kurti-zgjidhet-kryeminister-i-kosoves-me-66-vota-pro/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=top-channel.tv |language=en-US}} 34 opposition MPs boycotted the vote and left the Kosovo assembly building.

One of the first decisions by Kurti and his cabinet was to repeal the unpopular pay raise awarded to ministers by the preceding Haradinaj government and return salaries to their previous amount. As a result, the Prime Minister's monthly wage set at €2,950 will return to €1,500 for Kurti.{{Cite news |last=Bami |first=Xhorxhina |date=12 February 2020 |title=New Kurti Cabinet Repeals Former Kosovo Government's Decisions |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/02/12/new-kurti-cabinet-repeals-former-kosovo-governments-decisions/ |access-date=18 February 2020 |agency=Balkan Insight}}

As part of his government's policy platform, Kurti seeks to introduce a three-month period of military conscription service in Kosovo, viewing it important to the country's defence.{{Cite news |last=Bami |first=Xhorxhina |date=17 February 2020 |title=Kurti Vows to Make Military Service Compulsory in Kosovo |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/02/17/kurti-vows-to-make-military-service-compulsory-in-kosovo/ |access-date=18 February 2020 |agency=Balkan Insight}}{{Cite news |last=Bytyci |first=Fatos |date=4 February 2020 |title=Kosovo approves new government, PM vows to be tough negotiator with Serbia |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kosovo-government/kosovo-approves-new-government-pm-vows-to-be-tough-negotiator-with-serbia-idUSKBN1ZX2HO |access-date=18 February 2020 |work=Reuters}}

File:Gouvernement Kurti 2 2021-03-23.jpg

Kurti was elected Prime Minister of Kosovo for a second time on 22 March 2021 with 67 members of the assembly voting in favour and 30 members against.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Kosovo Parliament Elects Albin Kurti as Prime Minister |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/03/22/kosovo-parliament-elects-albin-kurti-as-prime-minister/}}

In 2021, Kurti's government faced Kosovo's biggest energy crisis since 2010, leading the government to declare a state of emergency for energy on 24 December 2021.{{Cite news |date=24 December 2021 |title=Qeveria shpall 60 ditë gjendje emergjente për furnizim me energji |trans-title=The government declares a 60-day state of emergency for energy supply. |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/energji-elektrike-kosove-rryme/31624908.html |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë}} In July 2022, the United States gave a grant to Kosovo in the amount of 236 million dollars for an energy project. Through this project, Kosovo will have energy reserves through high capacity batteries of 170 megawatts. These batteries will make it possible to provide reserves of about 340 MWh. This means that the electricity produced at a certain time can be accumulated, so that it can be used during the hours of the day when the demand for energy.{{Cite news |last=Sadiku |first=Mimoza |date=28 July 2022 |title=Kosova dhe MCC-ja nënshkruajnë programin për sektorin e energjisë |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/programi-kompakt-mcc-kosova-/31959284.html |access-date=8 November 2023 |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=27 July 2022 |title=Nënshkruhet marrëveshja mes Kosovës dhe MCC-së për energji |url=https://teve1.info/nenshkruhet-marreveshja-mes-kosoves-dhe-mcc-se-per-energji/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=teve1.info |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=27 July 2022 |title=Nënshkruhet marrëveshja me MCC-në që i sjell Kosovës mbi 230 milionë dollarë |url=https://www.kultplus.com/lajme/nenshkruhet-marreveshja-me-mcc-ne-qe-i-sjell-kosoves-mbi-230-milione-dollare/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=KultPlus |language=sq}}

The Government invested in Thermal Plant which will increase the production capacity for 30 MW and the lifetime of TC Kosova B, without increasing the emission of polluting gases and the need for frequent repairs.{{Cite web |date=7 April 2023 |title=Nënshkruhet marrëveshja për modernizim të turbinave me avull në "Kosova B" |url=https://telegrafi.com/nenshkruhet-marreveshja-per-modernizim-te-turbinave-avull-ne-kosova-b/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Telegrafi |language=sq}}{{Cite web |last=Zogaj |first=Altiana |date=8 April 2023 |title=Kurti për marrëveshjen 56.2 milionëshe: Do të rrisë kapacitetin e prodhimit për 30 MW |url=https://insajderi.org/kurti-per-marreveshjen-56-2-milioneshe-do-te-rrise-kapacitetin-e-prodhimit-per-30-mw/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Insajderi |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kastrati |first=Dorentina |date=8 April 2023 |title=Kurti për investimin në KEK: Do të rrisë kapacitetin e prodhimit për 30 MW |url=https://kallxo.com/lajm/kurti-per-investimin-ne-kek-do-te-rrise-kapacitetin-e-prodhimit-per-30-mw/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Raporto Korrupsionin! KALLXO.com |language=en}} The government's first auction for Renewable Solar Energy with a capacity of 100 MW continues to be open until January 2024.{{Cite web |date=6 November 2023 |title=Kurti thotë se Kosova ofron kushte të mira për investime në Energjinë e Ripërtrishme Solare |url=https://teve1.info/kurti-thote-se-kosova-ofron-kushte-te-mira-per-investime-ne-energjine-e-ripertrishme-solare/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=teve1.info |language=sq}}

During the election campaign, Kurti had promised Vetting and the reform of the justice system. After the victory in the elections, the Kurti government brought the file on Vetting and justice reform to the Assembly of Kosovo on 4 September 2022.{{Cite web |title=Qeveria e Kosovës dorëzon në Kuvend dosjen për vettingun në drejtësi - Shqiptarja.com |url=https://shqiptarja.com/video/qeveria-e-kosoves-dorezon-ne-kuvend-dosjen-per-vettingun-ne-drejtesi |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=shqiptarja.com}} While on 2 February, the Kurti government successfully passed the law on the Bureau of Confiscation of Unjustified Assets{{Cite web |date=9 February 2023 |title=Miratohet Ligji për Byronë e Konfiskimit të Pasurisë së Pajustifikueshme |work=Raporto Korrupsionin! KALLXO.com |url=https://kallxo.com/lajm/miratohet-ligji-per-byrone-e-konfiskimit-te-pasurise-se-pajustifikueshme/ |last1=Hoti |first1=Ilirjana }} but it was criticized by the opposition that according to them the law is not compatible with the Constitution of Kosovo, sending the law for interpretation to the Constitutional Court of Kosovo.{{Cite web |date=21 February 2023 |title=PDK e dërgon në Kushtetuese Ligjin për Byronë Shtetërore për konfiskim të pasurisë |work=Raporto Korrupsionin! KALLXO.com |trans-title=PDK sends the Law on the State Bureau for confiscation of unjustified assets to the Constitutional Court. |url=https://kallxo.com/lajm/pdk-e-dergon-ne-kushtetuese-ligjin-per-byrone-shteterore-per-konfiskim-te-pasurise/ |last1=Hoti |first1=Ilirjana }}

The Kurti government for 2023 has allocated 60 million euros for allowances for mothers and children. Children under the age of 2 will benefit from monthly allowances in the amount of 20 euros per month, while children under the age of 16 will benefit from monthly allowances in the amount of 10 euros per month. For unemployed mothers, the government paid the minimum wage of 250 euros for 6 months of maternity leave.{{Cite web |title=Shtesat për fëmijët, i vetmi premtim i Kurtit që u realizua plotësisht |url=https://nacionale.com/sociale/shtesat-per-femijet-i-vetmi-premtim-i-kurtit-qe-u-realizua-plotesisht |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Nacionale |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=10 September 2021 |title=Albin Kurti: "Realizuam zotimin për lehonat dhe shtesat për fëmijët" |url=https://albanianpost.com/albin-kurti-realizuam-zotimin-per-lehonat-dhe-shtesat-per-femijet/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Albanian Post |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=10 September 2021 |title=Kurti jep detaje për pagesat për lehonat dhe shtesat për fëmijë |url=https://www.albinfo.ch/kurti-jep-detaje-per-pagesat-per-lehonat-e-shtesat-per-femijet/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Albinfo}}

The government changed the payment for children increasing benefits. According to the decision, each child will benefit from 20 euros per month until the age of 16. Whereas if a family has 3 children or more, they will benefit from 30 euro for each child.{{Cite web |last=Ra |first=Ve |date=18 July 2024 |title=Qeveria rrit shtesat për fëmijët |url=https://klankosova.tv/qeveria-rrit-shtesat-per-femijet/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=Klan Kosova |language=sq}}{{Cite web |last=Z |first=D. |date=18 July 2024 |title=Qeveria rrit shtesat për fëmijët |url=https://gazeta10.com/qeveria-rrit-shtesat-per-femijet/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=Gazeta10 |language=en-US}}

Kurti also has stated that Kosovo has increased its GDP in first three years of his government's rule.

"We have added over 1 billion to the economy every year. In 2020, the gross domestic product was 6.77 billion euros, while next year (2024) it will be over 10 billion euros," said Kurti. He further stated that they are trying to reduce the poverty rate.{{Cite web |last=Sadiku |first=Nehat |date=16 November 2023 |title=Kurti lavdërohet për buxhetin, opozita e akuzon për "dredhim" të shifrave |url=https://paparaci.com/381342/kurti-lavderohet-per-buxhetin-opozita-e-akuzon-per-dredhim-te-shifrave/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Paparaci |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Smajli |first=Verona |date=16 November 2023 |title=Lavdërohet Kurti: Gjatë qeverisjes sime, ekonomisë i janë shtuar mbi 1 miliard euro për çdo vit |url=https://insajderi.org/lavderohet-kurti-gjate-qeverisjes-sime-ekonomise-i-jane-shtuar-mbi-1-miliard-euro-per-cdo-vit/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Insajderi |language=en-US}}

According to the Prime Minister, 150 thousand workers in the private sector will benefit from the salary increase.{{Cite news |date=28 August 2024 |title=Paga minimale në Kosovë rritet në 350 euro |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/paga-minimale-kosove-350/33096614.html |access-date=29 August 2024 |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite web |title=Kosovë, paga minimale rritet në 350 euro |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/sq/ballkani/kosov%C3%AB-paga-minimale-rritet-n%C3%AB-350-euro/3315146 |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}{{Cite web |last1=Arjana Berisha |last2=Vlera Shabani |date=28 August 2024 |title=Qeveria vendos që paga minimale të jetë 350 euro bruto në muaj |url=https://kallxo.com/lajm/qeveria-vendos-qe-paga-minimale-te-jete-350-euro-bruto-ne-muaj/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=Kallxo |language=en}}

Also the draft law on health insurance has also been approved by the Government. The draft law will be presented to the Assembly of Kosovo for approval.{{Cite web |last=Berisha |first=Unitet |date=28 August 2024 |title=Miratohet projektligji për sigurimet shëndetësore, Murati pyetet për pensionet |url=https://www.dukagjini.com/miratohet-projektligji-per-sigurimet-shendetesore-murati-pyetet-per-pensionet/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=Dukagjini |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=28 August 2024 |title=Miratohet Projektligji për sigurimin e detyrueshëm shëndetësor |url=https://telegrafi.com/miratohet-projektligji-per-sigurimin-e-detyrueshem-shendetesor/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=Telegrafi |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=28 August 2024 |title=Miratohet Projektligji për Sigurimet Shëndetësore |url=https://www.kosovarja-ks.com/miratohet-projektligji-per-sigurimet-shendetesore/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=Revista Kosovarja |language=sq}}

Kurti has stated that they have made progress in the fight against organized crime during his first two years in power, from 2021 to 2023. According to the figures published by the government, Kosovo Police have arrested over 3800 people for serious criminal offences, including over 300 public officials. 16 drug laboratories have been broken up, nine of them in North Mitrovica. In cooperation with Montenegro and North Macedonia, illegal roads have been closed along the respective borders. 24 illegal roads have also been closed in North Mitrovica which were used for smuggling, trafficking and illegal border crossing by organized crime structures.{{Cite web |last=Gashi |first=Erdin |date=18 October 2023 |title=Kurti flet për sundimin e ligjit në dy vjet e gjysmë qeverisje: Mbi 1000 operacione kundër krimit e afër 4000 të arrestuar |url=https://sinjali.com/kurti-flet-per-sundimin-e-ligjit-ne-dy-vjet-e-gjysme-qeverisje-mbi-1000-operacione-kunder-krimit-e-afer-4000-te-arrestuar/ |access-date=9 November 2023 |website=Sinjali |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=Kurti del me shifra, çka është bërë në fushën e sundimit të ligjit këto dy vjet e gjysmë sipas tij |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/kurti-del-me-shifra-cka-eshte-bere-ne-fushen-e-sundimit-te-ligjit-keto-dy-vjet-e-gjysme-sipas-tij/ |access-date=9 November 2023 |website=Gazeta Express |language=sq}}{{Cite web |title=Kurti lavdërohet për punën e Prokurorisë dhe Gjykatave, prezanton shifrat në sundimin e ligjit |url=https://demokracia.com/kurti-lavderohet-per-punen-e-prokurorise-dhe-gjykatave-prezanton-shifrat-ne-sundimin-e-ligjit/ |access-date=9 November 2023 |language=sq}}

The Kurti government has increased the budget for the Ministry of Defense. In 2017, the budget for the Kosovo Security Force was 51 million euros.

In 2022, the budget increased to 102 million euros and in 2023, it increased to 123 million. 153 million euros have been allocated for 2024. The Security Force has purchased six drones from Turkey, known as Bayraktar, and has concluded several other agreements for the purchase of armaments. New recruits have also been added to the Kosovo Security Force, increasing the number of soldiers.

The U.S. government approved a potential sale of hundreds of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Kosovo for an estimated cost of $75 million. Kosovo has requested to buy 246 Javelin missiles and 24 lightweight command launch units, among other items. Meanwhile Serbia says it is disappointed with possible US sale of anti-tank missiles to Kosovo. President Aleksandar Vučić, said that Kosovo should not have an army because this violates international law. Serbia continues to consider that Kosovo is part of its territory.

On 27 November 2024, Prime Minister Kurti signed the decision to initiate procedures for the establishment of the defense industry of the Republic of Kosovo. Later, on 16 December 2024, Kurti announced that he had signed an agreement with the state-owned Turkish defense industry producer MKEK for the operation of a factory in Kosovo for the production of ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicles.{{Cite web |date=18 December 2024 |title=Kosovo, Türkiye's MKE ink deal to establish ammunition factory |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/kosovo-turkiyes-mke-ink-deal-to-establish-ammunition-factory |website=Daily Sabah}}{{Cite web |date=27 November 2024 |title=Kurti nënshkruan vendimin për nisjen e procedurës për hapje të një fabrike për prodhimin e municionit |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/kurti-nenshkruan-vendimin-per-nisjen-e-procedures-per-hapje-te-nje-fabrike-per-prodhimin-e-municionit/}}

Kurti had opposed the "Open Balkan" project which consisted of the three countries Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia. Kurti had estimated that Serbia was the largest regional producer and opening borders for their goods would harm the economy of Albania and Kosovo.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2021 |title="Open Balkan", Kurti: Nuk janë të sigurta iniciativat që nuk e kanë brenda BE-në! Abazoviç: Mali i Zi mbështet nismën |url=http://gazetashqiptare.al/2021/10/15/open-balkan-kurti-nuk-jane-te-sigurta-iniciativat-qe-nuk-e-kane-brenda-ne-abazovic-mali-zi-mbeshtet-nismen/ |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=Gazeta Shqiptare Online |language=en-US}}

During a visit to Tirana in 2020, Kurti held a press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama where he argued that the economic project should be based on the interest of the Albanians and that it was necessary to increase commercial cooperation between Albania and Kosovo. Rama opposed Kurti, saying that opening the borders was in the interest of the region.{{Cite web |date=11 February 2020 |title=Albin Kurti e Edi Rama përplasen në Tiranë, shfaqin mospajtime rreth Mini-Schengenit |url=https://reporteri.net/lajme/albin-kurti-e-edi-rama-perplasen-ne-tirane-shfaqin-mospajtime-rreth-mini-schengenit/ |access-date=11 November 2023 |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=11 February 2020 |title=Kurti and Rama disagree over Mini-Schengen initiative during meeting in Tirana |url=https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2020/02/11/kurti-and-rama-disagree-over-mini-schengen-initiative-during-meeting-in-tirana/ |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=European Western Balkans |language=en-US}}

The European Union has held a neutral stance regarding the initiative. They have stated that the initiative would be successful if other countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina were also integrated.{{Cite web |date=13 July 2022 |title=Borell për "Open Balkan" - "Duhet të jetë gjithëpërfshirës" |url=https://albanianpost.com/borell-per-open-balkan-duhet-te-jete-gjitheperfshires/ |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=Albanian Post |language=sq}}

In June 2023, Rama announced that his country had withdrawn from this initiative because "Open Balkan" had fulfilled its mission and that it was time to focus on the processes for integration into the European Union.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Alice |date=3 July 2023 |title=Rama: Open Balkan fulfilled its mission, time to focus on Berlin Process |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/rama-open-balkan-fulfilled-its-mission-time-to-focus-on-berlin-process/ |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=www.euractiv.com |language=en-GB}}

The Serbian government were surprised by the decision, with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić stating that she would talk with the Albanian Prime Minister, adding that she did not think that the "Open Balkans" project was dead because, according to her, this initiative was in the best interests of their nations.{{Cite web |title=Kryeministrja e Serbisë: Do të flas në Tiranë me Ramën për të ardhmen e ndritur të Ballkanit të Hapur |url=https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/kryeministrja-e-serbise-do-te-flas-ne-tirane-me-ramen-per-te-ardhmen-e-ndritur-te-ballkanit-te-hapur |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=Shqiptarja.com |language=sq}}

Albin Kurti is a strong supporter of direct-democracy and he has often criticized the Constitution of Kosovo for not allowing direct referendums. One topic that he has stated should be decided on through a referendum is the potential unification of Kosovo and Albania.{{Cite web |date=9 December 2010 |title=Kosovo's Likely PM Says Relations With Serbia Should Be Based On 'Reciprocity' |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/albanian/news/2010/12/101209_albin_kurti.shtml |access-date=1 February 2020 |publisher=BBC Albanian |language=sq}} Kurti has continuously criticized the third article of the constitution for not allowing the referendum to happen. In a rally with Vetëvendosje supporters in 2018, Kurti stated that "We want to have the right of Kosovo to join Albania, but we would not start the third Balkan war for this goal."{{Cite web |date=26 November 2018 |title=Albin Kurti: Kosovo rebel who dreams of being PM |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20181126-albin-kurti-kosovo-rebel-who-dreams-being-pm |access-date=1 February 2020 |publisher=France 24}} Following the 2019 election and LVV's electoral success, Kurti stated that Kosovo Albanians were not after territorial and political unification with Albania but instead seek "integration with Albania and the EU, through the success of Kosovo as a state." Kurti has however stated that if a referendum would be held on possible unification, he would vote in favour of it.{{Cite web |date=16 February 2021 |title=I would vote to unify Albania and Kosovo, election winner Albin Kurti tells Euronews |url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/02/16/i-would-vote-to-unify-albania-and-kosovo-election-winner-albin-kurti-tells-euronews |access-date=12 April 2022 |publisher=Euronews.com}}

Kurti has claimed that Serbia is threatening Kosovo's security because it has allegedly built 48 military bases along the border with Kosovo.{{Cite web |date=25 November 2022 |title=Kurti në Madrid: Serbia ka 48 baza ushtarake përgjatë kufirit me Kosovën |trans-title=Kurti in Madrid: Serbia has 48 military bases along the border with Kosovo. |url=https://zeri.info/aktuale/471653/kurti-ne-madrid-serbia-ka-48-baza-ushtarake-pergjate-kufirit-me-kosoven/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Lajmet e fundit - Zëri |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=Kurti: Serbia ka ndërtuar 48 baza ofensive, 28 ushtarake dhe 20 të xhandarmërisë, rreth kufirit tonë |trans-title=Kurti: Serbia has built 48 offensive bases, 28 military and 20 gendarmerie, around our border. |url=https://rrugapress.al/kurti-serbia-ka-ndertuar-48-baza-ofensive-28-ushtarake-dhe-20-te-xhandarmerise-rreth-kufirit-tone/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Rruga Press |language=en-US}} The government of Kosovo has requested that the United States turn Camp Bondsteel, where KFOR troops are stationed, into a permanent American base.{{Cite web |last=A.B |date=21 May 2022 |title=Kurti kërkon që kampi "Bondsteel" të kthehet në bazë të përhershme ushtarake të ShBA-së |trans-title=Kurti requests that "Bondsteel" camp be turned into a permanent US military base. |url=https://klankosova.tv/kurti-kerkon-qe-kampi-bondsteel-te-kthehet-ne-baze-te-perhershme-ushtarake-te-shba-se/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Klan Kosova |language=sq}} In June 2023, the Government of Kosovo declared the "Civil Defense" and "North Brigade" organizations as terrorist organizations as they allege that they have been responsible for attacks against Kosovo Police and KFOR members in North Mitrovica and have support from the state of Serbia.{{Cite news |date=29 June 2023 |title=Kosova shpall "Mbrojtjen Civile" dhe "Brigadën e Veriut" organizata terroriste |trans-title=Kosovo declares "Civil Protection" and "North Brigade" terrorist organizations. |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/mbrojtja-civile-dhe-brigada-e-veriut-shpallen-organizata-terroriste-/32482051.html |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=29 June 2023 |title=Shpallen terroriste organizatat serbe "Mbrojtja Civile" dhe "Brigada e Veriut" |trans-title=Serbian organizations "Civil Protection" and "North Brigade" are declared terrorist. |url=https://telegrafi.com/shpallen-terroriste-organizatat-serbe-mbrojtja-civile-dhe-brigada-e-veriut/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Telegrafi |language=sq}} Kosovo's allies have stated that the Government did not consult with them before taking this decision.{{Cite web |title=Kurti dhe Sveçla demantohen nga të gjitha shtetet e QUINT-it, s'e koordinuan as KFOR-in për organizatat terroriste |trans-title=Kurti and Sveçla are refuted by all QUINT states; they didn't even coordinate with KFOR regarding the terrorist organizations. |url=https://nacionale.com/politike/kurti-dhe-svecla-demantohen-nga-te-gjitha-shtetet-e-quint-it-se-koordinuan-as-kfor-in-per-organizatat-terroriste |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Nacionale |language=en-US}} On 24 September 2023, a group of armed Serbs attacked the Kosovo Police in the village of Banjska, Zvečan, killing a Kosovo policeman. The Kosovo police killed three of the attackers, while the rest of the group managed to escape and enter Serbia.{{Cite web |date=24 September 2023 |title=Sulmi në veri: Një polic e tre sulmues të vrarë |trans-title=Attack in the north: One police officer and three attackers killed. |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/vritet-nje-zyrtar-i-policise-se-kosoves-ne-veri/32606731.html |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Nicklas |date=12 November 2023 |title=fb88 |url=https://getbritainout.org/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=getbritainout.org |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=1 October 2023 |title=Një javë nga sulmi terrorist ndaj Policisë së Kosovës në Banjskë |trans-title=A week since the terrorist attack on the Kosovo Police in Banjska. |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/nje-jave-nga-sulmi-terrorist-ndaj-policise-se-kosoves-ne-banjske/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Gazeta Express |language=sq}} The European Union described the attack on the Kosovo Police as a terrorist attack and asked that Serbia bring the perpetrators who were in Serbia to justice.{{Cite news |date=28 September 2023 |title=BE: Nuk mund të barazohen terroristët me viktimat e terrorizmit |trans-title=EU: Terrorists cannot be equated with victims of terrorism. |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/bashkimi-evropian-sulmi-banjske-viktimat-/32614299.html |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite web |title=BE: Të dielën u krye sulm terrorist në Kosovë |trans-title=EU: A terrorist attack was carried out in Kosovo on Sunday. |url=https://tiranapost.al/lajme-nga-bota/be-te-dielen-u-krye--terrorist-ne-kosove-i528457 |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=tiranapost.al}} The United States has also requested that Serbia extradite the alleged mastermind of the incident, Milan Radoičić, to Kosovo.{{Cite web |date=23 October 2023 |title=ShBA-ja në Këshillin e Sigurimit kërkon ekstradimin e individëve që kryen sulmin në veri |trans-title=US in Security Council demands extradition of individuals who carried out the attack in the north. |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/shba-ja-ne-keshillin-e-okb-se-kerkon-ekstradimin-e-terroristeve-qekryensulminne-veri/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Gazeta Express |language=sq}}{{Cite web |title=SHBA kërkon ekstradimin e sulmuesve në Banjskë: Duhet të ketë përgjegjësi të plotë |trans-title=US demands extradition of Banjska attackers: There must be full accountability. |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/shba-kerkon-ekstradimin-e-sulmuesve-ne-banjske-duhet-te-kete-pergjegjesi-te-plote/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=www.balkanweb.com}} Serbian Aleksandar Vučić, stated the justice system in Serbia will deal with Milan Radoičić and that he would not be extradited to Kosovo as Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.{{Cite web |last=Mehmeti |first=Blinera |date=7 October 2023 |title=Vuçiq: Nuk e ekstradoj Radojçiqin sepse nuk e njohim Kosovën - Dukagjini |trans-title=Vučić: I will not extradite Radojčić because we do not recognize Kosovo - Dukagjini. |url=https://www.dukagjini.com/vuciq-nuk-e-ekstradoj-radojciqin-sepse-nuk-e-njohim-kosoven/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |language=sq}} Kurti has accused Russia of encouraging attacks by Serbs against institutions in Kosovo with the aim of destabilizing the region.{{Cite web |date=11 November 2023 |title=Kurti në Francë: Shumica nga kryesit e sulmit terrorist në Banjskë janë ende të lirë |trans-title=Kurti in France: Most of those who carried out the terrorist attack in Banjska are still free. |url=https://kallxo.com/lajm/kurti-ne-france-shumica-nga-kryesit-e-sulmit-terrorist-ne-banjske-jane-ende-te-lire/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Kallxo |language=en |author1=Kallxo }}

While he was a member of the political opposition, Kurti was known for his strong opinions on the dialogue between the governments of Kosovo and Serbia. He has criticized Kosovo's stance in its negotiations with Serbia, saying that dialogue should be based on conditions and reciprocity. He had further criticized the government for not conditioning the dialogue with Serbia on a return of the bodies of missing persons from the Kosovo War buried in mass graves in Serbia, Serbia paying war reparations to Kosovo, along with the return of allegedly stolen pension funds and artifacts.{{Cite web |date=5 October 2019 |title=Politiker Kurti: "Holt uns aus der Patsche, und bringt uns in die EU!" |trans-title=Politician Kurti: "Get us out of this mess and into the EU!" |url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000109454503/politiker-kurti-holt-uns-aus-der-patsche-und-bringt-uns |access-date=1 February 2020 |website=Der Standard |language=de}}

Following the 2019 election, Kurti said that "solid dialogue" and "reciprocity" were needed in the process of normalizing relations with Serbia. Kurti stated that Kosovo needed first to negotiate with its Serb minority and the European Union before negotiating with Serbia. He considers future dialogue with Kosovo's minorities and the EU "a top priority".{{Cite web |date=10 October 2019 |title=Kosovo's Likely PM Says Relations With Serbia Should Be Based On 'Reciprocity' |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-s-likely-pm-kurti-relations-with-serbia-should-be-based-on-reciprocity-/30210319.html |access-date=11 October 2019 |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}

During his second term as prime minister in 2023, Kurti participated in a series of talks mediated by the European Union with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, leading to the Ohrid Agreement. Based on Kurti's policy of reciprocity in dialogue with Serbia, the agreement obliges both parties to recognise the national symbols and official documents of the other party (among other clauses). However, it stops short of mandating the formal recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign state. The implementation framework for this accord is still pending.

File:Secretary Blinken Meets with Kosovo President Osmani and Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti (52243873139).jpg and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani in 2022]]

During his first term as prime minister, Kurti had a poor relationship with Donald Trump and his administration. Kurti accused the special envoy sent by Trump, Richard Grenell, of discussing the Kosovo–Serbia land swap.{{Cite web |last=EWB |date=2020-04-21 |title=Kurti accuses Grenell of discussing the exchange of territories; Grenell denies |url=https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2020/04/21/kurti-accuses-grenell-of-discussing-the-exchange-of-territory-grenell-denies/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=European Western Balkans |language=en-US}}

Kurti's opponent Hashim Thaçi had been supported by Grenell who demanded that Kosovo must unconditionally lift punitive tariffs imposed on imports from Serbia so that a "deal" he has championed, namely the establishment of direct rail and air connections between Kosovo and Serbia, could have been enforced as soon as possible. Kurti countered by saying that Kosovo could only lift the tariffs if Serbia, for its part, also abolished trade restrictions.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-26 |title=Corona-Umgang in Kosovo führt zum Sturz der Regierung |trans-title=The handling of Corona in Kosovo leads to the fall of the government. |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/corona-umgang-in-kosovo-fuehrt-zum-sturz-der-regierung-16696706.html |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=FAZ.NET |language=de}}

In October 2020, Kurti endorsed the Democratic nominee Joe Biden for U.S. president.{{Cite news |last=Bami |first=Xhorxhina |date=20 October 2020 |title=Joe Biden Woos America's Bosnian, Albanian Voters Before Polls |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/10/20/joe-biden-woos-americas-bosnian-albanian-voters-before-polls/ |access-date=24 October 2020 |agency=Balkaninsight}}

The government of Kosovo had accepted the request of the US to shelter the refugees from Afghanistan in Kosovo. Kosovo has sheltered only Afghan citizens who were at risk due to their collaboration with the United States and NATO. An agreement between the United States and Kosovo allowed the U.S. to temporarily shelter a limited number of Afghan citizens whose applications (for visas in the US) required additional processing. About 700 refugees were sheltered in Camp Bondsteel, located in Ferizaj.{{Cite web |title=Arrijnë në Kosovë afganët e parë, Periskopi mëson vendin se ku do të strehohen |trans-title=The first Afghans arrive in Kosovo, Periskopi learns where they will be sheltered. |url=https://www.periskopi.com/arrijne-ne-kosove-afganet-e-pare-periskopi-meson-vendin-se-ku-do-te-strehohen/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Periskopi |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=5 September 2021 |title=U.S. Vice President Thanks Kosovo President for Hosting Afghan Refugees |url=https://exit.al/en/u-s-vice-president-thanks-kosovo-president-for-hosting-afghan-refugees/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Exit - Explaining Albania |language=en-US}}

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has visited the state of Greece several times, where he has also participated in various forums. Kurti participated in the "Delphi" economic forum in 2022.{{Cite web |date=28 April 2023 |title=Kurti në Greqi, merr pjesë në Forumin Ekonomik në Delphi |url=https://zeri.info/ekonomia/490157/kurti-ne-greqi-merr-pjese-ne-forumin-ekonomik-ne-delphi/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Lajmet e fundit - Zëri |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Kurti në Greqi takon ish-kryeministrin grek |url=https://rtv21.tv/kurti-takohet-me-kryediplomatin-grek-flasin-per-marredheniet-mes-dy-vendeve-dhe-dialogun-me-serbine/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=RTV21 |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=10 April 2022 |title=Kurti merr pjesë në Forumin Ekonomik, në qytetin antik Delfi, në Greqi. |url=https://gazetapapirus.com/kurti-ne-forumin-ekonomik-ne-qytetin-antik-delfi-ne-greqi/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=GAZETA PAPIRUS |language=en-US}} Also, the Foreign Minister of Greece, Nikoas Dendias, visited Pristina where he met with Prime Minister Kurti where they also expressed their views regarding the cooperation between these countries.{{Cite web |last=Fatmire Ibrahimi |date=12 March 2023 |title=Prime Minister Kurti hosted the Foreign Minister of Greece, Nikos Dendias, at a working lunch |url=https://kryeministri.rks-gov.net/en/blog/prime-minister-kurti-hosted-the-foreign-minister-of-greece-nikos-dendias-at-a-working-lunch-2/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Zyra e Kryeministrit |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=FOTO: Kurti dhe Dendias takohen në një restorant në periferi të Prishtinës |trans-title=PHOTO: Kurti and Dendias meet at a restaurant on the outskirts of Pristina. |url=https://demokracia.com/foto-kurti-dhe-dendias-takohen-ne-nje-restorant-ne-periferi-te-prishtines/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |language=sq}}

The report assigned by the Council of Europe, Dora Bakoyannis, who is a Greek politician, prepared the report for Kosovo, where she underlined that Kosovo meets the conditions to be a member of the Council of Europe{{Cite web |date=1 April 2024 |title=Raporti i Bakoyannis që rekomandon anëtarësimin e Kosovës në KiE do të hidhet në votimin më 16 prill |url=https://albanianpost.com/raporti-i-bakoyannis-qe-rekomandon-anetaresimin-e-kosoves-ne-kie-do-te-hidhet-ne-votimin-me-16-prill/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Albanian Post |language=sq}}{{Cite web |date=22 March 2024 |title=Bakoyannis ka rekomanduar që Kosova të pranohet në Këshillin e Evropës |url=https://paparaci.com/414990/bakoyannis-ka-rekomanduar-qe-kosova-te-pranohet-ne-keshillin-e-evropes/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Paparaci |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Një hap më pranë Këshillit të Europës/ Strasburgu rekomandon anëtarësimin e Kosovës |url=https://abcnews.al/nje-hap-me-prane-keshillit-te-europes-strasburgu-rekomandon-anetaresimin-e-kosoves/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |language=sq}} Her report was voted by the majority of votes in the Council of Europe, which provoked the reaction of Serbia.{{Cite news |date=16 April 2024 |title=Asambleja Parlamentare e Këshillit të Evropës mbështet anëtarësimin e Kosovës |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/asambleja-keshilli-evropes-voton-per-kosoven/32906447.html |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite web |title=Ditë historike për Kosovën, Asambleja e Këshillit të Europës voton sot për anëtarësimin! Hidhen poshtë propozimet serbe |url=https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/dite-historike-per-kosoven-asambleja-e-keshillit-te-europes-voton-sot-per-anetaresimin |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Shqiptarja.com |language=sq}} According to the Government of Serbia, Dora Bakoyannis had damaged the "fraternal" relations between Serbia and Greece with her recommendation that Kosovo become part of the Council of Europe.{{Cite web |date=16 April 2024 |title=Deputetja serbe i kapet raportueses që rekomandon anëtarësimin e Kosovës në KiE: Pa integritet, hipokrite, po e hapë Kutinë e Pandorës |trans-title=Serbian MP to rapporteur recommending Kosovo's CoE membership: Without integrity, hypocritical, opening Pandora's Box. |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/deputetja-serbe-i-kapet-raportueses-qe-rekomandon-anetaresimin-e-kosoves-ne-kie-pa-integritet-hipokrite-po-e-hape-kutine-e-pandores/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Gazeta Express |language=sq}}

The good relations with Kosovo has influenced Greece to increase the trade volume by exporting their goods to this country. According to the GAP institute, Greece has exported goods worth 330 million euros to Kosovo. Greece recognizes the documents of the state of Kosovo and has its office in Pristina{{Cite web |last=Aliu |first=Argjend |date=23 October 2021 |title=Zyra greke në Prishtinë: Karateistët pa viza Schengen s'u lejuan të hyjnë në Greqi, ata me viza po |trans-title=The Greek office in Pristina: Karatekas without Schengen visas were not allowed to enter Greece, those with visas were. |url=https://sinjali.com/zyra-greke-ne-prishtine-karateistet-pa-viza-schengen-su-lejuan-te-hyjne-ne-greqi-ata-me-viza-po/ |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=Sinjali |language=sq}}

File:Albin Kurti Arben Taravari.jpg in Pristina]]

Albanian parties in Kosovo cooperate with Albanian political parties in Macedonia. According to the population census data, 446,245 Albanian people live in North Macedonia, which is 24.30 percent of the total population. The number of Albanians increases as the state of North Macedonia has also registered their citizens who live in other countries. According to the census the Albanian population in North Macedonia is 29.52 percent or 619,187 Albanians.

The political class in Kosovo has continuously supported the Albanian party in Macedonia, the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) led by Ali Ahmeti.Ahmeti was in the Government as a coalition partner with the Macedonian parties.

However, the new Government led by Albin Kurti informed the public that relations with Ali Ahmeti had deteriorated. Kurti was against the "Open Balkan" initiative, which included Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. He had stated that the economic initiative was in favor of Serbia and harmed the economies of neighboring countries. For this reason, he had disagreements with the chairman of DUI, Ali Ahmeti, who was part of the Government of North Macedonia.

He had accused Ali Ahmet of flirting with the idea of the president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, about the possibility of exchanging territories between Serbia and Kosovo. Kurti was against the exchange of territories. In the 2024 elections in North Macedonia, an Albanian party known as "VLEN" was created within the Albanian population. Kurti met with the representatives of this political entity, giving them support in these elections. The leader of the Albanian political entity VLEN is Arben Taravari, who was also the mayor of the municipality of Gostivar.

The highest official of the Democratic Union for Integration, Bujar Osmani, accused Kurti of interfering in the elections with his actions, but according to him, these interventions will not have an impact on Albanian voters. Osmani had declared that they would win the mandates and would be part of the Government again.

Kosovo signed an agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on January 22, 2025, after negotiations that lasted more than two and a half years.

The removal of tariffs is one of the facilities that will be enjoyed by Kosovo companies that export or want to export to EFTA member countries, with which Kosovo has trade agreements.

EFTA members, in addition to Switzerland, also include Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Bilateral trade between Kosovo and EFTA began in 2008, after the country's independence. Since then, it has been growing steadily, reaching its highest level in 2023: 176 million euros, according to data on the organization's website.

Kosovo exports to EFTA countries mainly goods such as furniture, plastics, iron and steel, as well as wood products, while importing from them mainly vehicles, pharmaceutical products, tobacco and machinery.{{Cite news |last=Idrizi |first=Ekrem |date=2025-01-27 |title=Çfarë përfiton Kosova nga marrëveshja për tregti të lirë me EFTA-n? |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/cfare-perfiton-kosova-marreveshja-tregti-lire-efta/33286201.html |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite news |last=Lirë |first=Radio Evropa E. |date=2025-01-22 |title=Kosova nënshkruan Marrëveshje për Tregti të Lirë me EFTA-n |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/kosova-marreveshje-per-tregti-te-lire-efta-/33285166.html |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |language=sq}}{{Cite web |last=Jashari |first=Gojart |date=2025-01-22 |title=Kosova nënshkruan Marrëveshjen e Tregtisë së Lirë me shtetet e EFTA-s, Kurti: Ditë historike! |url=https://paparaci.com/482013/kosova-nenshkruan-marreveshjen-e-tregtise-se-lire-me-shtetet-e-efta-s-kurti-dite-historike/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Paparaci |language=en-US}}

Kurti is married to Norwegian researcher Rita Augestad Knudsen and have a daughter together. He speaks Albanian, Serbian and English. Besides his Kosovo citizenship, Kurti also holds Albanian citizenship and has voted in Albanian elections.{{Cite web |date=26 April 2021 |title=Kosovo PM Chastised for Voting in Albania Elections |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/04/26/kosovo-pm-chastised-for-voting-in-albania-elections/}}

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Category:1975 births

Category:Living people

Category:Kosovan prisoners and detainees

Category:Politicians from Pristina

Category:Vetëvendosje politicians

Category:Leaders of political parties

Category:Albanian nationalists in Kosovo

Category:Prime ministers of Kosovo

Category:Kosovan people of Montenegrin descent

Category:Kosovan people of Albanian descent

Category:Kosovo Albanians