AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Parliament Leadership: Albulena Haxhiu was re-elected Speaker of the Assembly with 62 votes in favor, 16 against, and 13 abstentions, ending part of the long institutional deadlock and setting up the next step: choosing five deputy speakers. Serbia–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Đurić met Uzbekistan’s Bakhtiyor Saidov in Belgrade, highlighting plans to open Serbia’s embassy in Uzbekistan and pushing deeper political and business ties. Kosovo–Serbia Trade Fight: Kosovo imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed, adding €0.04 per kilogram, after an investigation found prices undercut local producers. Kosovo–Gaza Security Role: Kosovo signed on to join the US-led Gaza International Stabilization Force, with plans for troop contributions discussed as part of the wider stabilization effort. EU Reaction to Mladic Funeral: Serbia’s state-backed funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić drew sharp EU criticism and renewed regional tensions, with Kosovo’s leadership calling it state-sponsored glorification of genocide. Media Freedom in Albania: SafeJournalists warned of suspicious Meta restrictions and coordinated manipulation risks affecting media and public-interest accounts, urging clearer safeguards.

Parliament Power-Shuffle: Kosovo MPs re-appointed Albulena Haxhiu as Assembly speaker after a month-plus deadlock, voting 62-16 with 13 abstentions, and now must still pick five deputy speakers. Kosovo Politics: MPs reconvene Wednesday to try again on the full leadership of the new legislature, with Vetëvendosje and the Democratic League attending and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo boycotting. Serbia-EU Flashpoint: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti condemned Serbia’s state-backed funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, calling it “state worship of genocide,” while EU leaders said the ceremony could undermine Serbia’s EU path. Regional Diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Đurić met Uzbekistan’s top diplomat in Belgrade, stressing support for Serbia’s Kosovo stance and steps toward opening a Serbian embassy in Tashkent. Trade & Agriculture: Kosovo imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed—€0.04 per kilogram—to protect local farmers from unfair low prices. Gaza Mission: Kosovo formally signed on to the US-led International Stabilization Force in Gaza, tying its participation to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Security & Justice: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla received a one-year suspended sentence for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018. International Spotlight: Serbia announced snap parliamentary elections for October 25 after President Vučić dissolved parliament.

Kosovo Parliament Politics: Kosovo’s parliament is set to reconvene, but the election of a president remains stuck in party infighting, with “chaos” fears as Vetevendosje and a divided LDK struggle to agree on a candidate. Serbia-EU Fallout: The EU has sharply criticized Serbia after Ratko Mladić received a hero’s funeral with state honors in Belgrade, while Kosovo’s PM Albin Kurti called it “state worship of genocide,” escalating regional tensions and diplomatic backlash. Kosovo Foreign Policy: Kosovo formally signed on to the US-led International Stabilization Force for Gaza, adding another troop-contributing country to the mission—though no deployment timetable has been announced. Kosovo Justice: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018. International/Regional Watch: Serbia’s EU integration talks also drew attention after a meeting between Serbia’s EU integration minister and the UK ambassador, with Kosovo-Metohija pressure on the agenda. Business & Culture: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Sports: A Kosovo-linked passport claim for Bayern youngster Erblin Osmani is stirring talk of a future Kosovo call-up.

Kosovo Politics & Governance: Kosovo’s parliament reconvenes Wednesday for the inaugural session, but the election of a president remains in limbo after Vetevendosje and parts of the LDK failed to align behind Judge Bekim Sejdiu, deepening party infighting and raising fears of fresh “chaos.” Kosovo Security & Foreign Policy: Kosovo formally signed on to the US-led International Stabilization Force for Gaza, with a Participating Country Agreement signed in Pristina by KSF leadership and ISF commander Jasper Jeffers, framed as support for President Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan; no deployment timetable was announced. Rule of Law: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla received a one-year suspended sentence for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018, after a border-agreement session was disrupted. Regional Politics: Ratko Mladić’s Belgrade funeral with military honours triggered sharp reactions across the Balkans; Bosnia said it would withdraw most diplomatic staff from Belgrade, while Serbia’s leadership faced renewed EU criticism over glorifying a convicted war criminal. International Economy: Serbia and Uzbekistan moved to expand trade and investment after talks in Belgrade ahead of Mirziyoyev’s visit, with agriculture highlighted as a fast-growing sector. Culture & Society: A Berlin incident saw an attempt to burn and tear down a Ukraine-support banner at a Eastern Europe artists’ club; police are investigating.

Kosovo Security & Justice: The Prosecutorial Council voted to end cooperation memorandums with civil society and media groups, arguing media filming during police operations undermines investigation integrity and legal certainty. Kosovo Court Case: Fatmir Sheholli pleaded not guilty in Pristina to spying and blackmail for Serbia’s BIA, with prosecutors saying he passed information on Kosovo’s politics, security and state institutions and tried to influence the 2025 local elections. Gaza Mission: Kosovo signed agreements to join the US-backed International Stabilization Force in Gaza, with KSF leadership and the ISF commander signing the participation deal during a Pristina ceremony tied to the Trump 20-point peace plan. Regional Politics & Memory: Serbia buried Ratko Mladić in Belgrade with military honours despite EU warnings, drawing thousands and renewed condemnation from neighbors including Kosovo. Economy & Work: New ILO data highlights weak labor productivity across the Western Balkans; Kosovo lacks comparable ILO figures in the series, but World Bank analysis points to declining productivity in recent years.

Kosovo Security & Gaza: Kosovo representatives signed a document confirming the country’s participation in the US-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza, with the ceremony in Pristina attended by ISF commander Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers and Kosovo Security Force Lt. Gen. Bashkim Jashari. War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors filed an indictment against 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, including the killing of Adem Jashari’s relatives during the Jashari compound siege. EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo risks losing about €166m from the EU Growth Plan due to political deadlock delaying required reforms; the country has already missed over €50m after completing only 7 of 13 reforms. Media Freedom in Albania: SafeJournalists says Meta restrictions are disrupting media and public-interest accounts in Albania, including sudden access problems for Euronews Albania and Citizens.al. Kosovo-Serbia Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office alleges Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, with claims that media access was blocked. Serbia & Mladić Funeral Fallout: Serbia held a public funeral for Ratko Mladić with military honours despite EU warnings, drawing sharp regional and international criticism.

EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo could lose about €166m from the EU Growth Plan as political deadlock keeps reforms stalled, with only 7 of 13 required steps completed by end-June. Kosovo-Serbia Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging war crimes tied to the killing of Adem Jashari’s relatives. Property Dispute Escalates: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office alleges Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, saying access was blocked by armored police. EU Accession Tension: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos canceled a planned Serbia visit over “glorification” linked to Ratko Mladić’s death, as Brussels weighs rule-of-law concerns. Presidency Deadlock Watch: Kosovo’s president-election deal remains fragile after MPs refused support, pushing the country toward fresh talks on electing a consensus candidate. Public Health & Security: Germany and Kosovo are coordinating against Hyalomma ticks that can spread Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. International Justice Debate: Coverage continues around international justice and the Kosovo-related Thaçi case as ICC pressure grows. Regional Diplomacy: Kosovo’s EU path and membership bid remain central as Kosovo presses the EU to process its application.

Kosovo Special Prosecution: Kosovo indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging war crimes tied to the killing of 26 civilians from Adem Jashari’s extended family during the siege of the Jashari compound. EU Accession Process: Kosovo asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, but still awaiting an opinion because member states have not sent it to the European Commission. Serb Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, alleging blocked access for media and calling for international action. Presidency Deadlock: Kosovo’s political parties moved toward a consensus presidential candidate, aiming to avoid new elections after months of internal party divisions and stalled deals. Public Health: Germany and Kosovo are coordinating against the spread of Hyalomma ticks that can carry Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, as the tick expands northward with climate change. Media Freedom: SafeJournalists says Meta must urgently explain unexplained restrictions and account-access problems affecting media and public-interest voices in Albania, including Euronews Albania and Citizens.al. Regional War-Crimes Fallout: Serbia’s state and political circles marked Ratko Mladić’s death with commemorations and funeral arrangements, deepening EU accession tensions.

Kosovo Justice: Kosovo Special Prosecution filed an indictment against 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz killings of 26 civilians from Adem Jashari’s family compound, with the trial expected to proceed in absentia. Property Rights Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, alleging blocked access for media and calling on international actors to act. EU Accession Pressure: Kosovo asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, noting it is the only Western Balkan state without candidate status. Presidency Politics: Multiple reports point to Kosovo’s president-election deadlock and a push for a consensus candidate, with party divisions still threatening new elections. Regional Fallout from War Crimes: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos canceled a planned Serbia visit over “glorification” tied to Ratko Mladić’s death and state funeral plans, as Serbia’s EU path faces renewed resistance. International Justice: A commentary warns that sanctions on the International Criminal Court are weakening international justice ahead of a first-instance ruling in the Thaçi case in The Hague.

Kosovo War Crimes: Kosovo prosecutors indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging them with war crimes against civilians after a siege that killed Adem Jashari’s relatives. EU Path Blocked: Pristina asked the EU to start processing its EU membership application, filed in December 2022, noting Kosovo is the only Western Balkan state without candidate status. Serb Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office accused Pristina of continuing unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, saying access was blocked and media filming prevented. Kosovo-Serbia Court Pressure: Serbian President Vučić warned a Pristina “March for Freedom” could pressure the Specialist Chambers ahead of the Sept. 16 ruling in the Thaçi and others case. International Justice Under Strain: A new commentary links Trump-era sanctions on the International Criminal Court to delays and uncertainty around Kosovo’s Thaçi case. Regional Politics: Serbia’s EU accession fight is also roiled by the controversy over Ratko Mladić’s state-honours funeral plans.

Kosovo Special Prosecution: Kosovo has filed an indictment charging 35 suspects over the 1998 Jashari compound massacre in Prekaz, alleging war crimes against civilians. Serb property row: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake and Zubin Potok, accusing authorities of blocking media access. EU track: Kosovo asked the EU to start processing its membership application, nearly four years after filing, after EU negotiator Jeton Zulfaj raised the issue with Western Balkan ministers. Presidency politics: Kosovo’s presidential deal is under strain as party MPs reject the agreement and new talks are announced to elect a president without fresh elections. Serbia-Kosovo tensions: Serbia’s president warned of pressure on the Specialist Chambers ahead of a ruling on four former KLA leaders, after a planned Pristina march. Rule-of-law dispute: Kosovo removed 18 Serb judges who resigned in 2022, despite EU calls for reintegration. Regional energy: Albania’s projects are being considered for Energy Community priority status, including a new 400 kV Albania–Kosova interconnection.

EU Accession Pressure: Kosovo has asked the EU to finally start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, after nearly four years of delay—Kosovo is still the only Western Balkan state without candidate status. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Serbia’s president Aleksandar Vučić warned that a planned “March for Freedom” in Pristina could threaten violence ahead of the Specialist Chambers’ September rulings on four former KLA leaders, while Kosovo’s government side also traded barbs with Belgrade over implementation of the Community of Serb Municipalities. EU Diplomacy in Kosovo: Dirk Schübel took office as the EU’s Kosovo envoy and EUSR, calling for swift institution-building and renewed momentum in the EU-facilitated Belgrade–Pristina dialogue. Mladić Funeral Fallout: Ratko Mladić’s body arrived in Serbia as state honours and mass attendance plans sparked renewed EU and regional criticism over “glorification” of a convicted war criminal. Regional Foreign Policy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met counterparts from Guinea-Bissau and Ghana during the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary in Belgrade.

Kosovo Presidential Deadlock: Albin Kurti and LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku failed to secure enough votes for Bekim Sejdiu, leaving Kosovo facing fresh uncertainty as six LDK MPs (including Avdullah Hoti) publicly oppose the candidacy and Richard Grenell backs them, while Kurti says the political agreement still stands and more talks are planned. Courtroom Accountability: Kosovo’s Basic Court found acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty of using tear gas in the 2018 Kosovo Assembly, with sentencing set after a Sept. 8 hearing. Serb Community Dispute: Serbia’s Petar Petkovic accused Kurti of dodging commitments on the Community of Serb Municipalities, arguing it’s a matter of respecting signed agreements. Regional Tensions: Serbia’s Vučić warned that a planned Pristina march supporting former KLA leaders could pressure the Specialist Chambers ahead of its Sept. 16 verdict. International Diplomacy: DR Congo announced it will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem after talks with Netanyahu—another sign of shifting global recognition politics.

Kosovo Presidency Deadlock: Talks between Vetëvendosje and LDK to elect Bekim Sejdiu are now in trouble after six LDK MPs said they won’t vote for him, raising the risk of snap elections and leaving Kosovo without a clear parliamentary majority for the presidential vote. EU Engagement: New EU Ambassador Dirk Schübel took office in Pristina, urging the rapid formation of institutions and pushing EU reforms alongside continued Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Serb Judicial Tensions: Kosovo removed 18 Serb judges after a 2022 resignation walkout; the Judicial Council rejected their bid to return, despite EU calls for reintegration. Rule-of-Law Case: Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla was found guilty for using tear gas in the Kosovo Assembly in 2018, with sentencing set after a Sept. 8 hearing. Serbia-Kosovo Politics: Serbia’s Petar Petkovic accused Albin Kurti of dodging commitments on the Community of Serb Municipalities, saying it’s about respecting signed agreements, not political will. Security & Influence Allegations: A Kosovo spy case document found on a phone has sparked claims about Serbian-linked funding for mosques, which Kosovo’s Islamic Community rejects. Human Rights: Kosovo’s acting president condemned recent femicide cases, warning they can’t be treated as isolated incidents. Regional Shock: Serbian President Vučić said Ratko Mladić’s body is expected to arrive in Serbia, with tens of thousands anticipated at the funeral.

Presidential Deadlock in Kosovo: Talks between Albin Kurti and LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku collapsed over votes for Bekim Sejdiu, with six LDK MPs refusing to support the candidate—raising the risk of snap elections. Courtroom Fallout: Kosovo’s Basic Court found acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty of using tear gas in the 2018 parliament protests, with sentencing set after a Sept. 8 hearing. EU Diplomacy: Germany’s Dirk Schübel took office as EU ambassador/EUSR, urging the rapid formation of institutions and renewed momentum for the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue. Energy Security: Kosovo’s two main power plants (Kosova A and B) face possible shutdown after Oct. 4 licence expiry, because the regulator can’t renew without a functioning board. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić warned NATO over the reopening of the Ibar Bridge to vehicles, saying it could spark attacks on Serbs and Christians. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met foreign ministers from Guinea-Bissau and Ghana during NAM anniversary events in Belgrade. Security & Influence Claims: A Kosovo spy case document found on a suspect’s phone sparked a religious dispute, with Kosovo’s Islamic Community rejecting any Serbian intelligence link.

Kosovo Presidential Crisis: A deal to elect former Constitutional Court judge Bekim Sejdiu as Kosovo’s next president is now in doubt after six LDK MPs said they will not vote for him, with party leader Lumir Abdixhiku warning it could trigger snap elections. Government vs. Opposition: Acting PM Albin Kurti says the political agreement still stands and that further talks with LDK will continue, despite internal rebellion. Courtroom Accountability: Kosovo’s Basic Court found acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty of using tear gas in the Assembly in 2018; the sentence is set to be announced after a Sept. 8 hearing. Security & Religion Row: A Kosovo spy case has sparked a wider religious dispute after a document found on a suspect’s phone alleged funds meant to support mosques in Kosovo—claims Kosovo’s Islamic Community rejects. Energy Watch: Kosovo’s two main power plants face a legal risk of shutdown if licences can’t be renewed after Oct. 4 due to a regulator board deadlock. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia used the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary in Belgrade to court partners, while Serbian officials highlighted support for non-recognition of Kosovo.