Today, U.S. Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson joined leaders from Kosovo’s judiciary in inaugurating the newly renovated Gllogovc/Glogovac branch of the Pristina Basic Court, the 21st court building refurbished in a joint effort by the governments of Kosovo, the United States, and Norway. 

The ceremony featured a ribbon cutting followed by a panel discussion on the role of courts in ensuring free and democratic elections.  Addressing an audience of justice sector, civil society, and media representatives, Ambassador Jacobson emphasized that a strong and efficient judiciary is necessary to reinforcing democratic values.

"Democratic societies grow and evolve based on the rule of law, and courts are a creation of the people that seek to serve the interests of all citizens,” Ambassador Jacobson said. “The quality of a court is measured not by its ability to exclusively serve government interests, but by a people's confidence and faith that its judgments are impartial and just.”

The renovations are in line with upgrades that have taken place in model courts across Kosovo, allowing for more open, efficient, and accessible court services for the country’s citizens.  The Gllogovc/Glogovac court refurbishment was funded by USAID’s Effective Rule of Law (EROL) Program.