AGP Executive Report

KFOR Transition in Mitrovica: The EU says conditions are met to reopen the main Ibar bridge in Mitrovica after KFOR began reducing its permanent presence, with Kosovo police set to take a bigger role and more security responsibility around the Visoki Dečani monastery. Political Deadlock Costs: Kosovo’s stalled institutions are now costing the economy hundreds of millions of euros and could scare off foreign investors, as parties reject talks and struggle to agree on a consensus president. Presidency Talks Under Pressure: Kosovo’s acting president warns another early election is likely unless parties accept a consensus candidate, after two opposition parties rejected her invitation for talks. Parliament Still Blocked: Parliament remains unconstituted as parties dispute whether the suspended session should resume without a political agreement, raising the risk of clashes inside the chamber. War Crimes and Accountability: Kosovo police found remains of three suspected war victims near Zubin Potok, with identification pending and arrests made in the wider investigation. EU Serbia Narrative Clash: A new analysis highlights why the European Commission and European Parliament can deliver different assessments in Serbia’s EU accession process, reflecting distinct mandates and political weight.

Presidency Deadlock: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu warns the country could face another early election after two opposition parties rejected talks, as parliament remains unconstituted and the governing party says it will reconvene only with a political agreement. EU Pressure & Serbia: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov claims the EU is “blackmailing” President Aleksandar Vučić to align with EU Russia policy and recognize Kosovo, while Serbia’s EU envoy Danijel Apostolović pushes an end-August accession push amid scrutiny over reforms. Kosovo Security: Prishtina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a Kosovo-Serbia dual citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA and passing information on Kosovo officials and Islamist radicals. War Crimes & Missing Persons: Kosovo police found remains of three suspected war victims near Zubin Potok; identification is pending, with arrests tied to the wider investigation. Regional Diplomacy: Bangladesh and Kosovo reaffirm opposition to terrorism and transnational crimes, while Bangladesh invites Kosovan investors and discusses an FTA and worker recruitment cooperation. EU Dialogue Process: EU’s Peter Sørensen says there’s no deadline for concluding the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue—progress depends on implementing already agreed steps. Public Life Abroad: Kosovo PM criticized the handling of a Vlora hotel fire after at least five Kosovo citizens were injured, calling for better government coordination.

Parliament Deadlock: Kosovo’s parliament is still unconstituted as opposition parties demand the suspended session resume, while the session chair warns reconvening without a political agreement could spark clashes; the standoff is also tied to disputes over choosing a consensus president. Presidency Talks: Acting president and acting prime minister Albulena Haxhiu has called party leaders to meet on Aug. 18 to agree on a consensus president, with Kurti saying a deal is needed to avoid a fourth election since Feb. 2025. Court & Security: Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a dual Kosovo-Serbia citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA and passing information on Kosovo officials and Islamist recruitment targets. War Crimes Recovery: Kosovo police say the remains of three suspected war victims were found near Zubin Potok, with identification still pending and arrests made in the wider investigation. Foreign Policy Friction: Albania’s PM Edi Rama urged no criticism of Ukraine over Zelensky’s Kosovo remarks, arguing Ukraine’s right to freedom remains “indisputable.” Diplomacy & Trade: Kosovo and Bangladesh reaffirmed opposition to terrorism and transnational crimes and discussed an FTA, plus closer cooperation in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and IT. Culture Spotlight: DokuFest returns to Prizren for its 25th edition with “Persistent Defiance” as a theme.

Presidency Deadlock: Kosovo’s acting president and acting prime minister have called party leaders to talks on a consensus presidential candidate on August 18, with Albin Kurti arguing a deal is needed to avoid a fourth parliamentary election since February 2025. Parliament Blockade: The crisis deepens as Kosovo still lacks a fully formed parliament and Kurti’s party has refused to nominate a speaker until parties agree on the presidency. Spying Case: Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a Kosovo-Serbia dual citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA, allegedly passing information about Kosovo officials and Islamist radicals and receiving money. War Crimes Recovery: Kosovo police say human remains of three suspected war victims were found near Zubin Potok, with identification still pending. Opposition Moves: LDK has withdrawn demands to name the new president, saying it wants talks to end the deadlock and push parliament and government formation forward. Regional Security: Greece dismantled a Turkish-Albanian drug network moving raw cannabis from Albania to Turkey via Greece, with Kosovo authorities reportedly cooperating. Diplomacy & Trade: Bangladesh and Kosovo reaffirmed opposition to transnational crimes and discussed an FTA, plus a government-to-government mechanism for worker recruitment.

Kosovo Political Deadlock: Acting president Albulena Haxhiu and acting PM Albin Kurti have called party leaders to agree on a consensus presidential candidate on August 18, aiming to avoid a fourth election since February 2025 as parliament remains unformed. Opposition Moves: The LDK says it has dropped demands for top posts in talks with Kurti’s Vetëvendosje, signaling willingness to support a consensus president to unblock institutions. Security & Justice: Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a Kosovo-Serbia dual citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA and passing information on Kosovo officials and recruitment targets. War Crimes Search: Kosovo police found remains believed to belong to three people killed in the 1998–99 war near Zubin Potok; identification is pending and missing persons records remain at 1,577. Diplomacy & Economy: Kosovo and Bangladesh discussed starting a bilateral free trade agreement and a government-to-government mechanism for transparent worker recruitment, with focus on pharmaceuticals, biotech, IT, and ready-made garments. Regional Politics: Serbia’s Vučić reiterated it will not recognize Kosovo, impose sanctions on Russia, or join NATO, while again raising the Ibar River diversion dispute. Culture & Society: DokuFest opens in Prizren for its 25th edition under “Persistent Defiance,” running August 7–15.

Presidential Deal Talks: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu and acting PM Albin Kurti are pulling party leaders into talks on Aug. 18 to agree a consensus president candidate, aiming to stop a fourth election since Feb. 2025. Political Deadlock Pressure: Kurti says negotiations must move to specific names, while the LDK has dropped demands for top posts to help unblock institutions and keep parliament from stalling further. Court & Security: Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a Kosovo-Serbia dual citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA, allegedly passing information on officials and Islamist-related targets. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: President Vučić reiterated Serbia will not recognize Kosovo, impose sanctions on Russia, or join NATO, while again raising the Ibar River diversion idea. EU Dialogue Guidance: EU envoy Peter Sørensen said the EU has no deadline for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, stressing implementation over dates. Ukraine Diplomacy Fallout: Albania’s PM Edi Rama urged no criticism of Ukraine over Zelensky’s Kosovo remarks, arguing freedom “does not work on cashback,” as Kosovo reacts to the renewed controversy. Religious Rights: The Serbian Orthodox Church demanded protection after what it called a wave of attacks and threatening messaging in Kosovo.

Presidential Deadlock: Kosovo’s acting PM Albin Kurti says parties must agree on a consensus president to avoid another election, as parliament still isn’t fully constituted and deadlines are piling up. Opposition Shift: LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku says his party has dropped demands for top posts and is ready to back a consensus president, aiming to unblock institutions. Crisis Pressure on Kurti: Opposition MPs renewed calls for Kurti to step down as acting PM, arguing he can’t stay in the role while the constitutional process stalls. Ukraine-Kosovo Rift: Albania’s PM Edi Rama urged no criticism of Ukraine over Zelensky’s Kosovo remarks, insisting Ukraine’s right to freedom stands even if it’s wrong on Kosovo. Security & Detentions: Kosovo police detained a prominent Bosnian Islamic preacher ahead of a book event, while another case adds to espionage concerns with the arrest of a former presidential council member. Serb Church Alarm: The Serbian Orthodox Church demanded protection for its communities after attacks and warned that hate speech is fueling violence. Trade Talks: Bangladesh and Kosovo discussed an FTA and a government-to-government mechanism for recruiting Bangladeshi workers. Regional Context: NATO begins reducing its permanent KFOR presence at the Mitrovica bridge, while Serbia’s Ibar river dispute continues to draw EU and Pristina criticism.

Kosovo Political Deadlock: Kosovo opposition parties say Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje is blocking parliament’s constitutive session by tying it to a president deal, after PDK MPs blocked entrances and demanded the session resume. Parliament Rules Under Scrutiny: Kurti and acting president Albulena Haxhiu face legal questions over whether they can stay in office after taking their MP oaths, with experts warning of breaches separating parliament, government and the presidency. Power-Sharing Talks Shift: Kosovo’s Democratic League drops demands for posts in Kurti’s coalition talks, signaling a possible path to a consensus president while leaving LVV to form institutions. Security & Espionage: Kosovo police arrested Fehim Sali, a former member of the presidential consultative council, on suspicion of espionage, adding to a growing list of such cases amid Serbia tensions. Ibar River Dispute: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić says the Ibar reroute idea dates back to the 1980s and claims a task force will be formed next week, while EU and Pristina criticize the move as harmful to normalization. NATO Presence in Kosovo: NATO has begun reducing its contingent in Kosovo, saying it’s adjusting posture due to improved security conditions. Migration Crime Crackdown: A Kosovo-linked people-smuggling gang is arrested after UK sanctions collapse the network tied to forged documents used by migrants across Europe.

Parliament Deadlock: Kosovo’s constitutive session is still stuck as opposition parties demand the stalled parliament leadership vote resume, accusing Vetëvendosje of “hostage” tactics tied to president talks; PDK MPs blocked the government building entrance and the EU warns delays could jeopardize reform funding. Oath Rules Clash: Acting PM Albin Kurti and acting president Albulena Haxhiu face legal questions after taking their parliamentary oaths while keeping their executive roles, raising separation-of-powers concerns amid a parliament that still isn’t fully formed. Kosovo-Serbia Security: Police Inspectorate is investigating allegations of excessive force against Serb Nenad Rasković after a raid near Zubin Potok, while a former presidential council member was arrested at Merdare on suspicion of espionage. Ibar River Row: Serbia’s Vucic says a task force will be formed next week to revive a decades-old Ibar hydro plan, but Kosovo and EU-linked concerns persist as the dispute shifts from water management to sovereignty narratives. EU/NATO Posture: NATO has begun reducing its Kosovo contingent, and KFOR’s Mitrovica bridge role is in transition, heightening local political nerves. War Crimes & Missing: Kosovo is digging at newly found mass graves tied to 1998-99 war missing, renewing hope for families still searching for remains.

Mass Graves Excavations: Kosovo has begun digging at newly found war-era mass graves near Zubin Potok, tied to the 1998-99 conflict and missing persons, renewing hope for families still waiting for answers. Police Abuse Probe: Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate opened a preliminary investigation into allegations that officers used excessive force against Serb Nenad Rašković during a raid in Dren, after claims of beatings and coercion to confess to war crimes. Parliament Deadlock: Fourteen civil society groups asked Kosovo’s Constitutional Court to review parliament’s failure to complete its formation by the Aug. 7 deadline, as the country remains without a fully constituted legislature and EU funding risks grow. Ibar River Tension: The Ibar River dispute escalated after Vučić floated possible changes to the river’s course, drawing sharp criticism from Kosovo and international actors and raising fears of downstream harm. EU Funding Pressure: Coverage also highlights that Kosovo’s political crisis could cost it millions in EU funding, adding financial pressure to an already stalled governance process.

Mass Graves Excavations: Kosovo has begun digging at newly found war-era mass graves near Kalluder e Vogel in Zubin Potok, reviving hope for families still searching for missing people from the 1998-99 conflict. Parliament Deadlock Turns Physical: Kosovo’s parliament formation fight has escalated into clashes inside the chamber after leadership wasn’t elected by the August 7 deadline, deepening the political crisis. Constitutional Court Challenge: Fourteen civil society groups have asked Kosovo’s Constitutional Court to review whether the parliament formation ruling was properly followed. EU Funding at Risk: Kosovo could lose part of nearly €170m in EU growth funding if reforms stall amid the institutional deadlock. Ibar River Dispute: Serbia’s hints about diverting the Ibar River have triggered sharp responses from Kosovo and the EU, with Kosovo warning of major water and human security consequences. KFOR Transition & Bridge Tensions: KFOR’s gradual drawdown at the Mitrovica bridge and shifting security roles are fueling renewed political pressure from Belgrade. Police Abuse Probe: Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate is investigating allegations of excessive force against Nenad Rašković in Zubin Potok, after claims of coercion to confess to war crimes. Migrant Worker Exploitation: A report highlights migrant labour exploitation risks in Kosovo, including withheld wages and inhumane living conditions. Ukraine Solidarity Row: Controversy continues after Kosovo removed a “Free Ukraine” banner following Zelensky’s Belgrade remarks on Kosovo non-recognition.

Ibar River Flashpoint: Serbia’s Vučić renewed talk of diverting the Ibar, prompting sharp pushback from Kosovo’s acting president and Albania, while the EU said such comments harm normalization and urged dialogue. KFOR Transition in Mitrovica: NATO began a gradual drawdown of its permanent presence at the Ibar bridge and moves to integrate Kosovo Police around the Visoki Dečani monastery, with Vučić calling the shift “probably the worst so far” and warning it must not be allowed. EU Funding at Risk: Kosovo faces potential loss of part of its Western Balkans Growth Plan money as political deadlock delays reforms and parliament remains unconstituted. Zelensky in Belgrade Fallout: Ukraine’s first head-of-state visit since 2018 sparked controversy in Pristina after Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s non-recognition of Kosovo, leading to the removal of a major Ukrainian flag and renewed debate over Kosovo’s solidarity. KFOR and U.S. on Religious Security: KFOR’s commander met U.S. senator Joni Ernst on protecting Serbian Orthodox shrines as security arrangements shift. Hague Detention: Hashim Thaçi’s detention was extended until a September verdict after judges rejected another release request.

EU–Kosovo Deadlock: The European Commission warned Kosovo could lose EU growth funding as political deadlock delays reforms needed for disbursements. Ibar River Flashpoint: Serbia’s talk of diverting the Ibar drew pushback from the EU and Albania, with Kosovo officials stressing the Ibar–Lepenac and Gazivoda/Ujman system underpins water, energy and agriculture for hundreds of thousands. KFOR Transition at Mitrovica: NATO began a gradual handover of permanent security at the Mitrovica Ibar bridge and moves to integrate Kosovo police around the Visoki Dečani monastery, prompting warnings from Kosovo Serb leaders about the “site of serious tensions.” Zelenskyy Backlash in Prishtina: Ukraine’s non-recognition message after Zelenskyy’s Belgrade visit sparked controversy in Kosovo, including the removal of a prominent Ukrainian flag and renewed political debate over solidarity and sovereignty. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Prishtina Mayor Përparim Rama faced condemnation after renewed attacks on media outlets, while NUNS reported a wave of serious threats and campaigns against journalists, especially on local TV. Regional Security Narrative: Kosovo PM Kurti accused Serbia of military build-up aimed beyond Kosovo, while Serbia’s leaders framed the Ibar issue as internal and denied prior coordination with Russia over Zelenskyy’s visit.

KFOR Transition at Mitrovica Bridge: NATO has started a gradual drawdown of its permanent presence at the Ibar bridge, citing improved security, while Kosovo Serb leaders warn the move could destabilize a long-flashpoint area. Ibar River Water Fight: Serbia’s hints about diverting the Ibar have triggered sharp reactions from Kosovo’s acting president and officials, plus Albania’s foreign minister, who says any transboundary change can’t be unilateral and must follow international water-law rules. Zelenskyy-Kosovo Backlash: Ukraine’s continued non-recognition of Kosovo, reiterated during Zelenskyy’s Belgrade visit, sparked controversy in Pristina, including the removal of a Ukrainian flag and renewed political pressure over solidarity messaging. Kosovo Parliament Deadlock: The chamber was suspended after an opposition MP threw eggs at acting PM Albin Kurti, deepening a crisis already marked by repeated elections and constitutional deadlines. Media Freedom Clash: Prishtina Mayor Përparim Rama faces condemnation after public targeting of media outlets, with journalists’ association groups calling it intimidation. Ukraine’s Possible Future Shift: A senior Ukrainian MP says Kosovo recognition could return to Kyiv’s agenda after the war, though the final call remains with Zelenskyy. Reform UK Prison Plan Echoes Kosovo: UK far-right Reform UK proposes deporting foreign prisoners to places including Kosovo and El Salvador, alongside “Nightingale” prison camps—fueling debate over rights and feasibility.

Kosovo–Serbia Water & Security: Kosovo’s acting PM Albin Kurti accused Serbia of a military build-up aimed at Kosovo, after Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić floated diverting the Ibar River—an idea Kosovo officials say would threaten water and energy for hundreds of thousands and should be raised with international partners. Diplomacy Fallout: After Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine will not recognize Kosovo during his Belgrade visit, Pristina removed a long-standing “Free Ukraine” banner and the Ukrainian flag from a central building, with the mayor saying Kosovo’s sovereignty must be respected. Local Governance & KFOR Role: Kosovo Police began taking over security at the Mitrovica Ibar bridge, while KFOR said its presence around key sites like Visoki Dečani will be gradually adjusted. Political Crisis at Home: Kosovo’s parliament was suspended after opposition MP Time Kadrijaj threw eggs at acting PM Kurti during a fight over forming institutions after the June election. Regional Politics: Vučić defended his Zelenskyy meeting as Serbia’s independent foreign policy, while Kosovo politicians called the stance a “witch hunt” and a serious concern. UK Politics With Kosovo Mention: Reform UK’s Farage renewed a plan to deport foreign prisoners to places including El Salvador and Kosovo, sparking rights groups’ warnings about torture risks.

Parliament in Chaos: Kosovo’s acting PM Albin Kurti was pelted with eggs by opposition MP Time Kadrijaj during a tense session over electing a new president, forcing the chamber to suspend and the live broadcast to be cut; Kurti said he was “happy to pay this price” for dialogue as the political deadlock drags on after June’s snap election. Sovereignty vs. Ukraine Solidarity: In Pristina, authorities removed a large Ukrainian flag and “Free Ukraine” banner after Zelenskyy reiterated in Belgrade that Ukraine will not recognize Kosovo; Kosovo officials said support for Ukraine cannot come at the expense of Kosovo’s statehood, while Albania also pushed back against Kyiv’s stance. Serbia Escalates Pressure: Serbian President Vučić threatened to divert the Ibar River feeding Kosovo’s Gazivode hydropower plant, warning that Serbia may act if Pristina continues what he calls persecution of Kosovo Serbs. Diplomatic Friction: Serbian FM Marko Đurić dismissed criticism of Zelenskyy’s Belgrade visit as hypocrisy, arguing “serious countries talk to everyone,” while EU enlargement talk and broader European politics hovered in the background of the week’s Balkan tensions.