Constitution Day in Kosovo
Constitution Day is a public holiday observed in the Republic of Kosovo annually on April 9th. As is the case with many holidays of this type, if the holiday falls on a weekend, it is observed on the following Monday so that everyone can have a weekday off.
Kosovo (Official holiday)This holiday commemorates the ratification of the country’s constitution on April 9, 2008. However, the constitution would not take full effect in the country until June 15, 2008. This document guarantees all citizens of Kosovo basic freedoms and rights and is the most important legal document produced in the country over the last 50 years.
The History of Constitution Day in Kosovo
Currently, the Republic of Kosovo is a disputed territory and partially recognized state in the Balkans in southeastern Europe. When Yugoslavia collapsed, ethnic tensions erupted into the Kosovo War during the late 1990s. The conflict eventually led the UN to establish an Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
In 2005, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Martti Ahtisaari to lead the status process in Kosovo. This led to the Kosovo assembly declaring its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008.
Under the Ahtisaari plan, Kosovo pledged to be a democratic republic and adopt a new constitution within the next four months. On April 7, 2008, the Kosovo Constitution was signed at the national library in Pristina. On April 9 of the same year, the constitution was ratified, and on June 15, it came into full effect.
Observing Constitution Day in Kosovo
On this day, the Prime Minister of Kosovo gives a speech on the importance of this holiday. Since it is a public holiday, government offices, schools, and businesses are also closed on this day. Although there are some other special events held on this day, those are mainly held at the local level.
Kosovo (Official holiday)
