Washington DC declares February 17th as Kosovo Independence Day

Washington DC declares February 17th as Kosovo Independence Day

The Kosovo Embassy in Washington DC has announced that the US capital’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has decided to declare February 17, Kosovo’s Independence Day, as an official date in Washington DC, Express writes.

In her decision, Bowser says this is as a result of the great progress that Kosovo has made in protecting the rule of law, human rights, and strengthening its international standing since 2008.

The Kosovo Embassy there thanked him through a response on “X”.

“Thank you, Speaker Bowser, for officially recognizing February 17th as Kosovo Independence Day in Washington, DC,” the Embassy’s response reads.

Full decision:

CONSIDERING that, since its declaration of independence on 17 February 2008, the Republic of Kosovo has made significant progress in promoting the rule of law, protecting human rights and strengthening its international standing; and

CONSIDERING that the relationship between Kosovo and the United States is unique and enduring, built on shared democratic values, long-standing partnership, and deep mutual respect; and

WHEREAS, Albanian-American citizens make significant contributions to the cultural and civic enrichment of Washington, DC; and

CONSIDERING that we join the Albanian community and the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in commemorating the 18th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, THE MAYOR OF WASHINGTON, DC, do hereby proclaim February 17, 2026 as “KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE DAY” in Washington, DC.

Muriel bowser

Thank you @MayorBowser for officially recognizing February 17 as Kosovo’s Independence Day in Washington, DC 🇽🇰🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/EfsWGwTDn4

— Embassy of Kosovo US (@KosovoinUS) February 14, 2026