AGP Executive Report

War-Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors have charged 20 people over the 1998–99 killing of 107 civilians in Gjakovë/Djakovica, alleging women and children were separated from men, valuables were taken, men were executed at homes and “Taliq Bridge,” and houses were burned; prosecutors are seeking trials in absentia, including a case involving Milan Radoičić. Parliament & Presidency Deadlock: Kosovo’s new Assembly has begun its constitutive sitting, starting the clock toward choosing a president; coalition talks are still stuck, with Vetevendosje urging more time on speaker nominations while opposition demands president guarantees, raising the risk of another election if no president is elected. Obstruction Trial Timeline: The Specialist Chambers in The Hague set September 10, 11 and 14 for closing arguments in Hashim Thaçi’s obstruction of justice case, with a separate war-crimes verdict due September 16. Regional Diplomacy: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says talks with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in Belgrade will cover EU paths, economic and energy cooperation, while reiterating Ukraine has not recognized Kosovo. International Security Watch: Uganda authorized troop deployment to Gaza under a US-backed “International Stabilisation Force,” with Kosovo listed among countries indicating willingness to join.

Kosovo Parliament Power Struggle: Kosovo’s 11th convocation began in Pristina with MPs sworn in and the speaker process on the agenda, but the big fight is still the presidency—parties are stuck and Kurti asked for more time to avoid another snap election. Constitutional Deadline Pressure: With a 60-day countdown for the new president and a 15-day cabinet vote window only after the acting president hands over duties, legal experts warn a failure could trigger a constitutional gap. War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo’s Special Prosecution filed war-crimes charges against 20 people over alleged killings of 107 civilians in Gjakovë/Djakovica, including Kosovo Serb businessman Milan Radoičić, with prosecutors seeking trials in absentia. Thaçi Obstruction Trial: The Hague court set September 10, 11 and 14 for closing arguments in Hashim Thaçi’s obstruction of justice case, while a separate war-crimes verdict is due September 16. Serb Community Tensions: Serbian officials say Pristina’s summonses for Srpska lista figures signal renewed pressure on Kosovo Serbs.

Kosovo Parliament Power Struggle: Kosovo’s constitutive sitting began in Pristina, with MPs swearing in and moving toward electing a speaker, but the real bottleneck is the presidency: parties have not agreed, and legal experts warn a failure could create a constitutional gap once the acting president’s term runs out. Coalition Talks Stall Again: Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti asked for more time on the speaker nomination while negotiations with the Democratic League (LDK) continue; a second round of talks ended without a deal, raising the risk of another election. LDK Pushes for the Presidency: Two senior LDK MPs say the party wants the presidency included in any compromise, arguing it’s needed to secure enough votes to avoid another snap poll. Opposition Demands More Share: AAK’s Ramush Haradinaj urged Kurti to strike a political compromise, saying the election result requires joint decision-making. Serb List Under Pressure: In parallel, Pristina court summonses for Srpska lista officials were framed by Serbian officials as continued pressure on Kosovo Serbs, with proceedings tied to alleged document forgery. EU/Regional Context: EU pressure continues over Lake Ujman demolitions, while broader regional security debates keep spotlighting the Balkans.

Government Formation Deadlock: Kosovo’s coalition talks again ended without a power-sharing deal between Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje and the Democratic League, leaving the next parliament session facing the risk of another election over who gets the presidency and how institutions are formed. Serb Community Pressure: In parallel, Pristina’s court summonses for Srpska lista officials were framed by Serbian officials as renewed pressure on Kosovo Serbs, with prosecutors in Kosovska Mitrovica set to hear cases tied to alleged document forgery. EU vs Lake Ujman Demolitions: The EU urged Kosovo to pause further demolitions around Lake Ujman/Gazivode until courts decide disputed ownership claims, after objections from Germany and Britain and multiple civil cases in Mitrovica. Mass Grave Search Expands: Kosovo authorities say a third potential mass grave site has been identified in the north, following remains found at earlier digs near Zubin Potok, with DNA identification expected to take months. Regional Security Cooperation: Serbia and Namibia signed a cooperation MoU on preventing serious crime and organised terrorism, with Namibia noting it has not recognised Kosovo’s independence.

Government Deadlock: Kosovo’s opposition Democratic League and acting PM Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje ended another round of coalition talks without a deal, with the LDK pushing for a broader bargain that includes the presidency—something Kurti can’t secure without opposition votes. Presidential Math: Kurti can form a government alone, but needs at least 80 MPs to elect a president, keeping the political clock ticking toward another election risk. EU Pressure on Ujman: The EU urged Kosovo to pause demolitions around Lake Ujman while courts decide disputed ownership claims, after legal challenges and objections from Germany and Britain. Mass Grave Probe Expands: Kosovo authorities identified a third potential mass grave site in the north as excavations widen around Zubin Potok, with 11 sets of remains found so far and DNA identification expected to take months. Media Freedom Clash: Klan Kosova journalist Sala Gashi says she was obstructed and threatened by an adviser to the agriculture minister, prompting condemnation from the Association of Journalists of Kosovo. Regional Transport: Wizz Air reported strong July growth and announced a new Prishtina base opening in November, adding routes and more seats next year.

EU Pressure on Ujman Demolitions: The EU told Kosovo to pause further demolitions near Lake Ujman until courts rule on disputed ownership, after Kosovo said more than ten homes and tourist buildings were built illegally on public land managed by Ibar-Lepenac. Mass Grave Probe Expands in North: Kosovo authorities identified a third potential 1998-99 mass grave site in the north as excavations around Zubin Potok widen; so far, remains of 11 people have been found, with DNA identification expected to take months. Detentions Linked to War Crimes Case: Prosecutors say three suspects have been arrested in connection with the mass-grave investigations, while Kosovo’s acting foreign minister claims Serbia arrested a key informant, warning it could deter witnesses. Reçak War Crimes Trial Moves Forward: Kosovo is trying 21 former Serbian officers and police in absentia over the 1999 Reçak massacre that killed 42 Albanian civilians, a case that helped trigger NATO intervention. Media Freedom Clash: Klan Kosova journalist Sala Gashi reports obstruction and threatening remarks by an adviser to the agriculture minister, prompting condemnation from the Association of Journalists of Kosovo. Government Formation Talks: Acting PM Albin Kurti is expected to invite the opposition Democratic League to coalition talks soon as parliament prepares to open.

War Crimes & Justice: Kosovo has put 21 former Serbian officers on trial over the 1999 Reçak massacre, while courts in The Hague keep former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi detained after rejecting his conditional release request. Mass Graves in the North: Kosovo says a second suspected wartime mass grave has been identified near Zubin Potok, in Jabuka, after remains were found in Kaludra; officials warn arrests of Serbs linked to searches could deter witnesses. EU & Security Pressure: A European Parliament report warns Russia is stepping up hybrid tactics—disinformation, covert funding, cyberattacks and local proxy pressure—to slow EU enlargement, including in Kosovo. Kosovo Governance Talks: Acting PM Albin Kurti is expected to restart coalition talks with the Democratic League, aiming to form a government and elect a president before a deadline that could trigger new elections. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met leaders from São Tomé and Príncipe and Zimbabwe, stressing support for Serbia’s position on Kosovo; Serbia also says it is deepening ties with Zimbabwe and Uzbekistan. KFOR Update: Moldova’s KFOR-24 contingent has completed its Kosovo mission and returned home, with the next contingent already deployed. Aviation & Economy: Wizz Air reports a 31.6% jump in July passenger numbers and announces a new Prishtina base opening in November.

Mass Grave Hunt in North Kosovo: Acting foreign minister Glauk Konjufca says Serbia arrested a key informant tied to a suspected burial near Zubin Potok, warning the move could scare off other witnesses; Kosovo also identified a second suspected site in Jabukë, with officials saying remains may relate to the 1999 “group of intellectuals,” and noting 1,565 people still missing from the war. Pre-trial Detention in The Hague: A judge rejected Hashim Thaçi’s conditional release request, extending his detention for two more months over flight risk and possible interference. Government Formation Talks: Acting PM Albin Kurti is expected to invite the Democratic League into coalition talks soon, aiming to agree on parliament, a new government, and the presidency before a deadline that could trigger fresh elections. Serbia’s Internal Politics: Serbia survived a no-confidence vote, but the debate sharpened divisions ahead of expected snap elections. KFOR Update: Moldova’s KFOR-24 contingent completed its six-month Kosovo mission and returned home, with the next contingent already deployed.

Hague Court & Justice: Kosovo’s ex-president Hashim Thaçi will stay in detention after a judge rejected his release request, citing flight risk despite a €50,000 bond offer. Mass Graves in the North: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu and Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla say a suspected second mass grave has been found near Jabuka, 10 km from Zubin Potok, as Kurti warns excavations could last months and calls for Serbia to open archives. Government Deadlock: Kurti’s ruling party and the LDK will restart talks next week on forming a government and electing a president; if no president is chosen within 60 days, parliament could dissolve and trigger another election. Serbia’s Kosovo Narrative: Aleksandar Vučić renewed claims of “terror” against Serbs in Kosovo and pushed the line that “there are no Bosnian or Croatian Serbs, just Serbs,” warning regional media and governments. Regional Flashpoint: Croatia’s interior minister blamed Montenegro for weekend border chaos, saying most traffic at Karasovići came from Kosovo and Albania heading to Western Europe. Gaza Diplomacy Spillover: Trump’s “Board of Peace” says Hamas agreed to a disarmament roadmap, but Israel has not publicly confirmed withdrawal terms.

Kosovo Governance Deadlock: Kosovo’s ruling party and the opposition Democratic League will restart talks next week on forming a government and electing a president; Kurti has enough votes for a cabinet but not for a head of state, and if no president is chosen within 60 days parliament dissolves and elections follow. War Crimes & Missing Persons: Acting PM Albin Kurti visited excavations near Zubin Potok, saying the search for 23 abducted Albanians could last months as remains are scattered; Kosovo urges international pressure on Serbia to open wartime archives. Mass Grave Update: Forensic teams confirmed human remains at a suspected mass grave site in northern Kosovo, with urgent exhumations underway amid fears linked to the 1998–99 war. Srebrenica Memorial Pressure: In Bosnia, prosecutors summoned dozens of current and former staff tied to the Srebrenica Memorial Center, with the director calling it institutional pressure following a genocide denial report. Regional Legal-Political Dispute: Kosovo’s demolition campaign around Lake Gazivode/Ujman continues to spark disputes over due process, with the EU calling for a halt to further demolitions until rights and remedies concerns are addressed. Gaza Diplomacy (International, Kosovo-linked): Trump’s US-backed “Board of Peace” says Hamas agreed to a roadmap for complete disarmament and phased Israeli withdrawal, but Israel has not publicly confirmed details and verification remains the key sticking point.

Kosovo Government Deadlock: Kosovo’s ruling party and the opposition Democratic League will restart talks next week on forming a government and electing a president; acting PM Albin Kurti can form a cabinet but lacks votes for the head of state, and if no president is chosen within 60 days parliament dissolves and triggers new elections. War Crimes & Missing Persons: Excavations near Zubin Potok (Kalludër e Vogël) continue as Kurti says remains from the 1998–99 war could take months to uncover, calling on international pressure for Serbia to open archives; authorities also say human remains were found and DNA testing is needed to identify 23 missing Albanians. Northern Kosovo Property Disputes: Further demolitions around Gazivode/Ujman Lake sparked renewed legal and due-process concerns, with the EU urging a halt until residents’ court challenges and rights issues are addressed. Political Party Shake-up: LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku survived a vote of no confidence and says the party will resume talks with Vetëvendosje to restore institutions. Gaza Diplomacy (International): Trump’s US-backed “Board of Peace” says Hamas agreed to a phased roadmap for complete disarmament tied to Israeli withdrawal and an international stabilization force—while Israel and Hamas both signal conditions and skepticism. Culture & Soft Power: Sunny Hill Festival in Pristina keeps drawing global attention, with Dua Lipa and Katy Perry headlining and reinforcing Kosovo’s international profile.

Gaza Peace Process: The US-backed “Board of Peace” says Hamas has agreed to a phased plan for “complete disarmament,” tied to an Israeli withdrawal and a handover of governance to a new Palestinian civilian body, with an International Stabilization Force expected to oversee the transition—though Israel has stayed publicly silent and both sides are already trading conditions. Kosovo War Crimes & Missing Persons: Acting PM Albin Kurti visited excavations near Zubin Potok after human remains were found in a suspected mass grave linked to 1998–99 abductions; he says work could last months and urges international pressure on Serbia to open archives. Kosovo Courts: A Prishtina trial opened for 21 Serb officials accused in the 1999 Reçak/Racak massacre, with proceedings in absentia as Serbia denies the killings were civilian murders. Institutional Politics: Kosovo could face another election if parliament fails to elect a president, while LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku survived a no-confidence vote and says talks with Vetëvendosje will resume. Kosovo Governance Disputes: Further demolitions around Gazivode/Ujman Lake sparked EU concerns over due process and proportionality, with critics saying enforcement is harsher in the north.

Kosovo Politics & Institutions: Opposition leader Lumir Abdixhiku survived a Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) no-confidence attempt and says the party will resume talks with Vetëvendosje to form new state institutions. Presidential Deadlock: Haki Abazi warns Kosovo could be pushed back to early elections if parliament can’t agree on a new president, deepening the institutional crisis. War Crimes Justice: A Pristina court opened the trial of 21 people accused over the 1999 Reçak/Racak massacre, with defendants tried in absentia; prosecutors say Serbian forces killed 42 civilians. Missing Persons & Mass Graves: Forensic teams are searching a suspected mass grave in northern Kosovo tied to the 1998–99 war; DNA testing is needed and Kurti calls for Serbia to open wartime police and military archives. Rule of Law & Property Disputes: Further demolitions around Gazivode/Ujman lake sparked renewed legal and political disputes, with EU concerns raised over due process in northern cases. International Security: Moldova began a new KFOR-25 contingent in Kosovo for six months, focusing on security and protection tasks. Gaza Diplomacy (Kosovo-linked): Trump’s US-backed “Board of Peace” says Hamas agreed to phased “complete disarmament,” but Israel has not officially responded and sequencing remains disputed; the plan also points to an international stabilization force that includes Kosovo troop contributions.

Gaza Peace Talks: Trump and the US-backed “Board of Peace” say Hamas has agreed to a phased disarmament plan tied to an Israeli withdrawal, with a new Palestinian interim administration and an International Stabilisation Force overseeing the transition; details still need technical work and Israel has not fully signed on publicly. Kosovo Security & Justice: A Pristina court opened the trial of 21 people accused over the 1999 Reçak/Racak massacre, with defendants tried in absentia and charged with murder and other crimes that helped trigger NATO intervention. War-Crime Investigation: Forensic teams are exhuming suspected human remains in Zubin Potok, after clothing and bones were found in a site now being treated as potential Kosovo War mass-grave evidence. North Kosovo Disputes: Kosovo authorities continued demolitions around Lake Gazivode/Ujman, drawing EU criticism over due process and proportionality, as tensions flare over enforcement focused mainly in the Serb-majority north. Opposition Politics: Lumir Abdixhiku survived an LDK vote of no confidence and said the party will resume talks with Vetëvendosje to form new institutions. KFOR Update: Moldova began a new six-month KFOR-25 contingent in Kosovo, taking over security and protection duties in the mission area.

War Crimes Justice: A Pristina court opened the trial of 21 people accused over the 1999 Reçak massacre, with defendants tried in absentia and charged with murder, torture and deportation—an incident that helped trigger NATO’s 78-day bombing campaign. New Trial in Kosovo: Another war-crimes case began in Pristina over killings tied to NATO intervention, again involving 21 Serb officials and proceeding despite their absence. Mass Grave Developments: Kosovo authorities detained two Serbs for alleged war crimes connected to excavations near Zubin Potok, as prosecutors and Kurti’s office suspect the remains may relate to missing Albanian civilians. KFOR & Security: Moldova’s National Army started a six-month KFOR peacekeeping stint in Kosovo, taking over responsibilities from the previous contingent and focusing on security, protection and engineering tasks. Serb Community Tensions: From 1 August, Orthodox pilgrims must be accompanied by a Pristina-licensed tour guide, a move critics say targets Serb movement and religious access. Opposition Politics: Kosovo’s Democratic League kept Lumir Abdixhiku as leader after a party vote, ending uncertainty over the opposition’s top spot. EU Normalisation Pressure: The EU urged both Kosovo and Serbia to avoid statements and actions that obstruct normalisation after Vučić again said Kosovo is part of Serbia. International Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić claimed Pristina is increasingly isolated abroad due to pressure on Serbs and pointed to EU and European partners’ reactions. Gaza Diplomacy: Trump’s “Board of Peace” says Hamas agreed to phased disarmament tied to Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has voiced scepticism and US officials warn it must advance reconstruction plans. World Cup Politics: UEFA confirmed it will boycott FIFA competitions if Infantino’s plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors goes ahead, with 55 UEFA nations backing the move.

UEFA–FIFA Clash: UEFA says it will boycott FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup goes ahead, arguing the tournament “is not for sale,” and naming Kosovo among the countries that could be affected. Kosovo–Serbia Tensions: EU officials urged both sides to avoid obstructing normalisation after Aleksandar Vučić again claimed Kosovo is part of Serbia, while Serbian FM Marko Đurić accused Pristina of “deliberate pressure” over demolitions and monastery works in Kosovo-Metohija. War Crimes & Missing Persons: Kosovo began excavations near Zubin Potok after remains were found; two Serbs were detained in connection with the case, as Kosovo’s war victims institute published a preliminary list of 12,230 killed (including 1,047 children) and 13,227 total deaths/disappearances. Kosovo Politics: The European Parliament warned Kosovo’s institutional deadlock is delaying EU reforms; meanwhile the Democratic League is set to vote on whether Lumir Abdixhiku stays leader after talks stalled. Competition Watchdog Stalled: Kosovo’s Competition Authority has stopped functioning due to internal disputes, leaving mergers unreviewed. Economy Watch: Albania reported 4% growth expectations for 2026 and stronger tax collection, with Kosovo’s region watching the fiscal momentum.