Former Austrian MPs Visit the University of Prishtina

A dozen former members of the Federal Parliament of Austria, along with politicians and individuals engaged in higher education and social issues, expressed their readiness to assist in strengthening and further expanding the excellent relations between the University of Prishtina (UP) and Austrian universities and other partners during a visit to the University.

The guests were informed that the University of Prishtina is Kosovo's oldest, largest, and most successful higher education institution. It is also ranked highest on renowned international platforms among all Albanian-language universities in the Balkans and, consequently, in the world.

The Austrian former MPs were also briefed on the ongoing challenges and efforts of the UP management towards internationalization, the stronger inclusion of Kosovar scientific research in prestigious global platforms and journals, and the placement of Kosovo on the global map of knowledge and human progress.

During the meeting, discussions also covered the invaluable Austrian assistance to UP and Kosovo since the 1990s, when this country accepted the then-diplomas of the Kosovar education system while it was operating in home schools, following the violent expulsion of pupils and students from school and university buildings.

With respect, they also acknowledged of Austrian personalities such as Alois Mock and Erhard Busek, who strongly supported Kosovo and Kosovar education both during the period of occupation and apartheid in the 1990s and in the post-liberation era. The square near the "Pjetër Bogdani" National Library bears the name of Erhard Busek.

The Austrian delegation, led by Prof. Josef Höchtl and including Dr. Ernst Wurz, Margarete Scheuch, Mag. Heinrich Scheuch, Stefanie Zobl, Franz Fuchs, Brigitte Wingelmayr, Eng. Josef Wöginger, Dr. Ernst Wunderbaldinger, Dipl. Eugen Josef Sprenger, Maria Sprenger, and Flamur Lladrovci, was received by the Rector, Prof. Arben Hajrullahu; the Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Exchange, Prof. Rozafa Basha; and the Vice-Rector for Teaching, Academic Staff Affairs, and Publications, Prof. Naim Jerliu.

Yesterday, the University of Prishtina's Rectorate was visited by the Austrian Deputy Ambassador to Kosovo, Ms. Clarissa Castek. Furthermore, last November, a meeting took place between the Austrian Ambassador to Kosovo, His Excellency Georg Shchnetzer, and the leadership of UP. Through the signed memorandum with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) for Higher Education and Sustainable Research in Kosovo, the University continues to be supported by many Austrian organizations and institutions.