My vision is that our country should be integrated in the EU, to

Listen, O future generations, to the vision of a man who saw beyond the borders of his land, a vision shaped by both courage and foresight. Ibrahim Rugova, a leader who guided his people through times of great turbulence, spoke with clarity and purpose: "My vision is that our country should be integrated in the EU, to transfer a part of our independence there. It is also our duty to do it, if we want to establish trade and a sound economy. This is the vision that I am working on and I will continue to work in the future." These words carry with them the weight of responsibility—a call to action for those who would dare to dream of a prosperous future.

In the ancient world, the wise leaders knew that independence was not merely the ability to stand alone, but the wisdom to understand when to join hands with others. Rugova’s vision, though rooted in the desire for self-determination, saw beyond the immediate borders of his country. He recognized that true strength comes not from isolation but from being part of something greater. Unity with others, especially in the context of shared values and goals, is the means by which a nation can rise above its limitations. This was the ancient wisdom of the Greek city-states, where alliances were forged not only for defense but for trade and the flourishing of all.

Rugova’s words remind us of the importance of integration in a world that is increasingly interconnected. For in these times, the road to prosperity often passes through the open gates of collaboration. It is not a surrender of one’s sovereignty, but a redefinition of it. Just as the Roman Empire grew not merely by conquest but by the unification of diverse peoples under a common purpose, so too must modern nations learn to share in the responsibility of global progress. Independence, in this vision, is not lost but transformed into a dynamic force, one that shapes and is shaped by the larger world.

Consider the story of Germany, a land once divided, torn by war, and left in ruins. Yet, in its moment of despair, it sought not to isolate itself but to integrate with the wider world. Its visionaries, much like Rugova, understood that to rebuild, the country must seek out partnerships that would allow it to flourish. The European Union, a collective of nations seeking peace and prosperity through cooperation, was the vessel that carried Germany from division to unity. Through such integration, Germany transformed its independence into something greater—an active force within a union that stood for the common good of all.

Rugova’s call is a lesson for us all: the path of progress does not lie in the solitary pursuit of self-interest, but in the shared efforts of nations that recognize their mutual fate. There is great wisdom in this vision. To transfer part of one's independence to a larger community does not diminish the strength of a nation; rather, it elevates it. Through the EU, countries that once stood apart can now move forward together, building stronger economies, creating better trade systems, and protecting the rights and freedoms of their people.

Yet, this vision is not without its challenges. The sacrifice of partial independence is not an easy one to make. It demands trust and a willingness to compromise, both of which are often in short supply in the world of politics. But the lesson of Rugova’s words is that true strength is born not of stubborn isolation but of mutual respect and shared effort. To build a sound economy, to secure a better future for one’s people, a nation must be willing to join hands with others, even when it means letting go of some measure of its own control.

Thus, O children of the future, the path forward is clear. Seek not to isolate your nation in the false comfort of independence, but to seek the wisdom to integrate with others. Share in the responsibility of building a world that is stronger, more just, and more prosperous for all. Understand that in the unity of nations, in the joining of hearts and minds, there lies not a loss of identity, but the promise of a future greater than any one nation can achieve alone. The road to progress is not a solitary journey, but a shared endeavor that requires courage, vision, and faith in the strength of collaboration.

Let Rugova’s vision guide your actions. Work not just for the glory of your own nation but for the greater good of the world. Integrate where you can, build where you must, and always, always remember that the greatest strength comes not from standing alone, but from walking together toward a shared future. May you have the wisdom to know when to lead and when to join, for in these decisions lie the shaping of the world to come.