AGP Executive Report

Presidential Deadlock: Prime Minister Albin Kurti met LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku to discuss candidates for Kosovo’s next president, aiming to avoid another election; talks are confidential and no agreement yet means Kosovo could face its fourth parliamentary election in two years. Judicial Appointments: The Kosovo Judicial Council rejected Serbian judges’ 2022 resignation withdrawal requests, saying the resignations were “irrevocable,” and will proceed toward formal release via the acting president’s office. Caretaker Government Under Fire: Two Kosovo opposition parties filed criminal complaints against the caretaker government over 17 decisions it allegedly can’t legally take, including property and senior appointments, and accused some ministers of staying in office after becoming MPs. North Mitrovica Bridge: NATO says the decision on reopening the Ibar bridge to vehicles lies with EU and Kosovo authorities, as KFOR adjusts its presence and shifts security tasks to Kosovo Police. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Serbian pro-government media blamed Kosovo for wildfires after a “parachute” device was found, but Kosovo police rejected the claim and experts questioned what the object actually was. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s officials met U.S. embassy political staff, stressing KFOR’s role in stability and calling for stronger U.S. support regarding Kosovo Serbs. International Note: UN confirms Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić has died, after a life sentence for the Srebrenica genocide.

Presidential Deadlock in Kosovo: Acting PM Albin Kurti met LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku to agree on Kosovo’s new president and avoid fresh elections, with talks kept confidential until a consensus name is found. Opposition Legal Push: Two Kosovo opposition parties filed criminal complaints against the caretaker government, challenging 17 decisions and alleging ministers are acting beyond their legal mandate. KFOR and Mitrovica Bridge: A US naval commander said the decision to reopen the Ibar bridge to vehicles lies with the EU and Kosovo institutions, not KFOR, as KFOR begins adjusting its presence. Kosovo Espionage Case: Prosecutors indicted analyst Fatmir Sheholli for alleged espionage and blackmail tied to Serbia’s BIA, with the case now moving through court review. EU Enlargement Signal: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos outlined reform pillars for future enlargement, focusing on transitional measures, internal reforms, safeguards, and gradual integration. Regional Infrastructure: Construction began on a 10.5-kilometre motorway linking Skopje to the Kosovo border, framed as part of wider Balkan connectivity. Sports Diplomacy: Kosovo will send seven judokas to Taranto 2026, aiming to build on the country’s recent international success.

Caretaker-government clash: Kosovo opposition parties have filed criminal complaints against the caretaker government, challenging 17 decisions they say the government no longer has authority to take, including property matters and senior appointments, and alleging ministers are breaking rules by staying in government after becoming MPs. Presidential deadlock: Vetevendosje deputy leader Glauk Konjufca says talks between Kurti and LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku could soon produce a new president, as parliament remains stuck without leadership and the inaugural session is still blocked. Mitrovica bridge after KFOR drawdown: A US naval commander says the decision on reopening the Ibar bridge to vehicles now sits with EU and Kosovo institutions, as KFOR continues a gradual withdrawal from the bridge area. Security and justice: Kosovo prosecutors indicted analyst Fatmir Sheholli for alleged espionage and blackmail tied to Serbia’s intelligence, while the Kosovo Police Inspectorate recommended suspending two North Mitrovica officers over alleged excessive force in Dren. EU rule-of-law pressure: The EU Office in Kosovo urged investigations into police misconduct and said demolitions must comply with the law. Infrastructure: Construction has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway link from Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, viaducts and a four-year timeline. Water politics: A dispute over the Ibar River has prompted President Vučić to float changing the river’s course upstream. KLA verdict countdown: Ferizaj/Urosevac installed a countdown clock ahead of the Hague verdict for former KLA leaders.

Kosovo Justice & Security: Kosovo prosecutors indicted political analyst Fatmir Sheholli on espionage and blackmail charges, alleging cooperation with Serbia’s BIA and attempts to influence Kosovo’s October 2025 local elections; he remains in detention as the case moves to court review. War Crimes Countdown: In Ferizaj/Urosevac, a new countdown clock was installed ahead of the September 16 verdict for former KLA leaders at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, with local officials framing it as a “freedom” moment. Police Accountability: The Kosovo Police Inspectorate recommended suspending two North Mitrovica officers over alleged excessive force in the Dren incident that left a local Serb seriously injured. Regional Politics: A €423,000 rail repair project sparked a Kosovo political row after documents showed passenger coaches were repaired in Serbia, drawing opposition criticism. Citizenship & US-Kosovo Ties: Former US congressman Joe DioGuardi and his wife received Kosovo citizenship, with DioGuardi urging Kosovo to elect a president quickly amid fears of destabilization. International Humanitarian Diplomacy: Kosovo joined a joint statement marking nine years of the Rohingya crisis, calling for a strategic, coordinated, long-term approach to enable safe, sustainable returns. Gaza Security Force: Uganda and Burundi officials met in Israel to discuss troop contributions to a proposed international stabilization force for Gaza, with Kosovo among countries already mentioned as committed.

Kosovo Justice: Prosecutors have charged political analyst Fatmir Sheholli with spying for Serbia’s intelligence service and blackmail, alleging he passed information on Kosovo’s politics and security via phone messages and demanded over €13,000 while threatening to release damaging videos; the indictment has been sent to a Pristina court for review. War Crimes Countdown: Municipalities in Kosovo are installing countdown clocks ahead of the Hague verdict for former KLA leaders, with Ferizaj/Urosevac’s mayor framing the process as a “new date of freedom” despite prosecutors seeking 45-year sentences. Political Deadlock Pressure: Former US congressman Joe DioGuardi warned Kosovo leaders that failing to elect a president soon could destabilize the Balkans, urging parties to reach agreement quickly. Local Governance & Serbia Tensions: A €423,000 rail repair dispute is sparking controversy after documents showed Kosovo-funded passenger coaches were repaired in Serbia, clashing with the government’s hardline stance. International Security Watch: Uganda and Burundi officials met in Israel to discuss joining a US-led Gaza stabilization force, with Kosovo listed among countries that have already committed troops. Rohingya Diplomacy: Kosovo joined a broad international call for a strategic, coordinated, long-term approach to enable safe Rohingya returns, saying repatriation conditions remain unsafe.

Presidency Deadlock: Former U.S. congressman Joe DioGuardi warned in Pristina that Kosovo risks “big trouble” if parties don’t elect a president soon, saying enemies are ready to exploit the crisis. Diplomatic Signals: Kosovo’s foreign ministry state secretary Damjan Jović met the U.S. embassy’s political chief in Belgrade, stressing Kosovo Serbs’ rights and discussing the strategic dialogue. Mitrovica Flashpoint: NATO said KFOR changes at the Kosovska Mitrovica bridge are being handled gradually and transparently, with the process reversible if security conditions worsen. Serbia-Kosovo Tension: A €423,000 rail repair row erupted after documents showed Kosovo-funded coaches were repaired in Serbia, drawing opposition criticism. Security & Rights: Kosovo police are investigating a suspected killing of a pregnant woman in Malisheva; meanwhile, a vandal damaged a Serbian Orthodox church in Prizren and was detained. Regional Politics: Kosovo opposition staged a coal protest outside the government over the political deadlock and energy imports. Gaza Spillover: Uganda and Burundi officials met Israel on possible troop contributions to a U.S.-backed Gaza stabilization force, with Kosovo also listed among countries pledging small numbers.

KFOR Presence in Mitrovica: NATO says changes to KFOR’s setup at the main bridge are being carried out “with full transparency,” gradual, and reversible, after Serbia urged NATO to block the bridge reopening. Bridge Politics: Kosovo’s acting PM Albin Kurti says the Mitrovica bridge should reopen to cars, arguing other nearby bridges have opened without new tensions. Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: A €423,000 railway repair row erupted after documents showed five state passenger coaches were repaired in Serbia; the opposition calls it a clash with Kosovo’s hardline stance, while the minister says Kosovo also sent coaches for repairs in 2017. Domestic Protest: Kosovo’s opposition dumped coal outside the government building, accusing Kurti of “energy darkness” amid stalled institutions and continued electricity imports. Religious Vandalism: In Prizren, a man damaged doors and lighting at the medieval Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Savior; he was detained and later released pending further proceedings. International Courts: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting Kosovo and other countries, saying the policy was unlawful and exceeded authority. Gaza Security Force: Uganda and Burundi officials met Israel to discuss troop roles in a proposed international stabilization force for Gaza under Trump’s “Board of Peace,” with Kosovo listed among pledged contributors. Kosovo in US Deportation Spotlight: Blerim Skoro, who says he worked with the CIA against al-Qaeda, was detained by ICE in New Jersey pending removal. Agriculture Pressure: Kosovo farmers report worsening crop losses as drought and sudden floods become more common.

Kosovo Politics & Deadlock: Kosovo opposition staged a coal protest outside the government building, accusing acting PM Albin Kurti of “energy darkness” while institutions remain stalled after repeated elections. Mitrovica Tensions: Kurti says the Ibar bridge in Mitrovica should reopen to cars, arguing security concerns are less justified now that nearby bridges are operating and NATO presence is easing; NATO also says any decision must serve all communities. Hague Countdown: Pristina has installed a public countdown ahead of the September 16 verdict for former KLA leaders, with a September 12 “March for Freedom” planned. Justice & Missing Persons: Kosovo’s Missing Persons Commission says excavations in Zubin Potok are complete, with remains of 23 people found and DNA identification now set to begin. US Immigration Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump-era immigrant visa suspensions for 75 countries, including Kosovo, calling the policy unlawful; the case could still be appealed. International Detention Case: Blerim Skoro, who claims CIA counterterror work, has been detained by ICE in the US pending removal. Regional Climate Pressure: Farmers report worsening losses from drought and sudden floods, with calls for more state support to adapt.

Climate & Agriculture: Hotter weather, drought and sudden floods are already driving crop losses in Kosovo, with farmers saying some are giving up risky crops and calling for more state support to adapt. Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Pristina says the Mitrovica Ibar bridge should reopen to cars, arguing other bridges reopened without new flare-ups as NATO/KFOR presence shifts; Serbia’s leadership meanwhile urges NATO to block the reopening and frames it as a security and rights issue. Hague Verdict Countdown: A public countdown has started in Pristina ahead of the September 16 Specialist Chambers verdict for former KLA leaders, with a September 12 “March for Freedom” planned to rally support. Missing Persons: Kosovo’s Missing Persons Commission says excavations in Zubin Potok are complete and 23 victims’ remains were found, moving to forensic DNA identification. US Immigration Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump-era immigrant visa suspensions for 75 countries, including Kosovo, ruling the blanket nationality-based block unlawful. Detention Case: Blerim Skoro, who claims CIA counterterror work, has been detained by US ICE pending removal.

Mitrovica Bridge Talks: Kosovo’s acting prime minister Albin Kurti says the main Ibar bridge should reopen to cars, arguing security concerns are less justified now that nearby bridges are operating and KFOR presence is being reduced; NATO says any reopening must work for both Albanian and Serb communities, while Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić urges NATO to stop the move and warns of rising tensions. KFOR Withdrawal Pressure: Serbia says NATO’s planned transition around the bridge is premature, and NATO officials say they’re in regular contact with Vučić as the dispute continues. Hague Verdict Countdown: Pristina has installed a public countdown ahead of the September 16 Hague verdict for Hashim Thaçi and three former KLA leaders, with a rally planned for September 12. Missing Persons Update: Kosovo’s Missing Persons Commission says excavations in Zubin Potok (Mala Kaludra and Jabuka) are complete, with remains of 23 people found and DNA identification now set to follow. Police and Security: Kosovo police displayed seized weapons, uniforms and equipment found near suspected mass-grave areas in northern Kosovo. International Legal Noise (US): A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Kosovo, calling it unlawful—an issue that also feeds into broader migration politics.

War Crimes Verdict Countdown: Pristina has installed a public countdown to the September 16 Hague verdict in the Thaçi and three former KLA leaders case, with supporters rallying and more events planned, including a September 12 rally. Mitrovica Bridge Tensions: Serbia is pressing NATO to halt KFOR’s gradual withdrawal from the Ibar bridge area, warning of “terror” against Serbs as the bridge remains pedestrian-only; NATO says any vehicle reopening must consider the needs of both Albanian and Serb communities. Missing Persons Update: Kosovo’s Missing Persons Commission says excavations in Zubin Potok (Mala Kaludra and Jabuka) are complete, with remains of 23 people found and DNA identification to follow, linked to the “Mitrovica intellectuals group.” Northern Security & Property: Kosovo police reported seizing weapons and ammunition in northern areas, while officials continue to frame the situation as tied to Serbia’s pressure. Diplomacy via Sport: Albania sent 70 athletes to the Mediterranean Games in Italy, and Kosovo is set to be the flag bearer for the next edition in Albania and Kosovo—an unusual but visible soft-power moment amid political strain. Regional Narrative Fight: Russia’s Zakharova renewed claims of escalating terror against Kosovo Serbs, calling for international action to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Northern Kosovo Security: Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons says excavations in Zubin Potok (Mala Kaludra and Jabuka) are complete, with remains of 23 people found at three confirmed mass-grave sites; forensic ID via DNA is next, while police also displayed weapons, uniforms and ammunition seized near the sites. Weapons Raids: Kosovo Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs report 72 weapons and thousands of rounds confiscated across 12 locations around Kalludër e Vogël and nearby villages, linking the finds to the wider war-crimes narrative and accusing Serbia and the Serbian List of silence. Mitrovica Bridge Standoff: NATO says any decision to reopen the Ibar bridge for vehicles must consider the needs of all communities; Serbia’s Vučić has urged KFOR to halt the transition and called it “terror,” while EU messaging continues to frame reopening as conditional. International Pressure on Kosovo Serbs: Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova escalated the rhetoric, calling the situation “catastrophic” and blaming Pristina’s authorities with NATO/EU/UN “acquiescence.” War Crimes Verdict Watch: Former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi says he expects acquittal ahead of the September 16 Hague verdict in the KLA leadership case. Diplomacy & Sports: President Begaj visited Italy for the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games opening, backing Albanian athletes as Kosovo is set to host the next edition. Political Football Tensions: Serbian Partizan fans chanted “Kosovo is Serbia” during Getafe-Partizan in Spain, with UEFA disciplinary action noted as a precedent.

Mitrovica Bridge Tensions: NATO says any decision to reopen the Ibar bridge for vehicles must consider the needs of both Albanian and Serb communities, after KFOR began a gradual reduction of its permanent presence and Serbia urged NATO to block the move. Kosovo Serbs Humanitarian Warning: Russia’s foreign ministry, via Maria Zakharova, called the situation for Kosovo Serbs “catastrophic” and urged international bodies to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. War Crimes Verdict Countdown: Former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi says he expects acquittal in The Hague, with the verdict due September 16 in the KLA war crimes case. Mass Graves Update: Kosovo authorities report remains of 23 wartime victims found in northern sites near Zubin Potok, with identities pending forensic checks. Weapons Seized in North: Police also seized weapons, ammunition, and military uniforms near the mass-grave areas, investigating whether any were used in 1998-99 killings. Political Deadlock: The US urged Kosovo leaders to end the institutional stalemate, while opposition lawmakers blocked entrances to a government building as parliament remains stuck without key steps toward forming institutions.

Mass Graves Update: Kosovo police and forensic teams say they’ve unearthed remains believed to belong to 23 people from three suspected mass-grave sites in northern Kosovo near Zubin Potok, with identities pending DNA work. Northern Security: Kosovo authorities also displayed and seized large quantities of weapons, ammunition, grenades, uniforms and cash from northern villages around Kalludër e Vogël/Zubin Potok, linking the finds to the mass-grave discoveries. Political Deadlock: Opposition lawmakers blocked entrances to Kosovo’s government building as the country remains stuck without fully functioning institutions, with parties disputing how to restart parliament and elect a president. EU Funding Watch: Albania has received the most EU Growth Plan funding so far, while Kosovo has received €61 million by May 2026, with payments tied to rule-of-law reforms. Serbia-KFOR Tensions: Serbian President Vučić again urged NATO and KFOR to prevent reopening of the Ibar bridge and to enforce the 2013 Brussels Agreement, framing it as protection of Kosovo Serbs. Kosovo-Linked Spy Claims: Kosovo says Serbia’s intelligence tried to recruit people tied to radical Muslim groups, after arrests and alleged information-sharing.

Political Deadlock: The U.S. urged Kosovo leaders to end a prolonged institutional stalemate after parliament failed to elect a speaker and parties remain split on how to move forward. Parliament Protest: Opposition lawmakers blocked entrances to the government building, demanding the stalled opening session resume and warning the crisis is deepening. Rule of Law & Security: Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate recommended suspending two officers suspected of beating a Kosovo Serb during a raid in northern Dren. North Mitrovica Tensions: Serbia’s Vučić accused Pristina and Western allies of pressuring Serbs as KFOR security responsibilities at the Mitrovica bridge shift further to Kosovo police. War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo authorities found remains of at least 23 people in suspected 1999 mass graves in Zubin Potok, with DNA identification underway. Foreign Policy & Regional Pressure: Kosovo said Serbia tried to recruit spies via radical Muslim networks, after arrests and alleged phone and cash links. EU Funding Snapshot: Albania leads EU Growth Plan payments so far, while Kosovo has received €61m by May 2026, with disbursements tied to reforms.

Mass Graves Update: Kosovo forensic teams say they’ve found remains of at least 23 people in suspected 1990s mass graves in the Zubin Potok area, with DNA identification expected to follow. Kosovo-Serbia Security Tensions: Serbia’s President Vučić escalated criticism over Mitrovica’s bridge reopening, while Kosovo says Serbia’s spy service tried to recruit people linked to radical Muslim groups. Police Accountability: Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate recommended suspending two officers after allegations a Serb man was beaten during a raid in northern Kosovo. Political Deadlock: Kosovo remains stuck in a presidency impasse after parties failed to agree, with the acting president urging a consensus candidate to avoid yet another election. International & Regional Spillover: Canada says its Kosovo mission (Operation KOBOLD) will end by end-2026 as it reshuffles deployments; EULEX says it’s been informed of KFOR’s gradual transition. Environment & Rule of Law: Kosovo’s Environmental Inspectorate demolished five illegal structures near Radoniq Lake in Gjakova, continuing crackdowns on public land. Gaza Funding: Separate from Kosovo, the U.S. told Congress it will send $206M for a Gaza peacekeeping force, the first concrete funding for the stalled plan.