Austrian Member of the European Parliament Lukas Mandl was warmly welcomed by the Rector of the University of Pristina, Arben Hajrullahu, and his colleagues during a heartfelt meeting. 

Rector Hajrullahu, after explaining the achievements, results, and ongoing work at the University of Pristina to his esteemed guest, thanked MEP Mandl for his speeches in support of Kosovo, praising him as one of the great supporters of the United Europe project. According to Hajrullahu, "The university must play a key role in making a united Europe possible one day. Without science and education, even we in Kosovo cannot reach where we aim to be: the European Union," he said. 

From the University of Pristina, MEP Mandl urged all Kosovars to build friendships beyond their country’s borders.

"Every day, you can make friends and alliances, but this does not depend solely on the government. Every individual, regardless of political stance, must work to strengthen friendships across the world. Kosovo is a small country, Austria is also a small country, and we know we need these friendships," said the Austrian MEP. 

He thanked Rector Hajrullahu and the University of Pristina for using the knowledge they provide to discourage Kosovo’s people from leaving the country. "Basic education, as well as academic education, is what you are doing, and I highly appreciate it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping people here and giving them the opportunity to showcase their perspectives", Mandl declared. 

The meeting was also attended by Vice-Rectors Albana Berisha-Qehaja, Avni Hajdari, Majlinda Gjelaj, Naim Jerliu, and Rozafa Basha; the university’s General Secretary, Besnik Loxha; Legal Office Head Saranda Leka; and Rina Mehana, Legal Advisor to Rector Hajrullahu. 

After the meeting, Mandl held a lecture and discussion in the UP Senate Hall with attendees about Kosovo’s European integration—its challenges and prospects. 

Lukas Mandl, a member of the European People’s Party Group in the European Parliament, published the book "Kosovo and the EU— State of Play" in 2021. The book features contributions from numerous European and Kosovar personalities across various fields and was published in four languages: Albanian, Serbian, English, and German. 

On the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence, President Vjosa Osmani honored MEP Lukas Mandl with the "Presidential Medal of Merit." Mandl is also one of the founders of the Kosovo-Austria Friendship Association.