Albanian Language Media: 

• German Minister issues demands to Kosovo and Serbia (Reporteri)
• Kurti blames former opposition for political crisis (media)
• Krasniqi: PDK supports protest, firm in belief of defendants’ innocence (media)
• Operation in Mitrovica North shuts down businesses, clinics, and unregistered polyclinics (RTK)
• Court of Appeals rejects Popovic’s release request (Albanian Post)
• Employment terminated to worker who protested against MP Fitore Pacolli (media)
• Dua Lipa granted citizenship of Kosovo by presidential decree (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Lawyer: Appeals Court rejects Popovic’s complaint, serious violation of procedural guarantees and urgency principle (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, media)
• Petkovic: Kurti lacks a parliamentary majority, attacks on Serbs mask crisis in Pristina (Kosovo Online, Prva TV)
• Speculation surrounds alleged “Fundamental Agreement” between SOC and Kosovo authorities -  Church denies claims (KoSSev, media)
• S.Dj. arrested by Serbian authorities under espionage charges sent to 30-day detention (media)
• Kovac: Serbia ready to open Cluster 3, EU expects guarantees for reforms (Tanjug, RTS)
• Vucic to receive credentials of new EU ambassador to Serbia Friday (Tanjug)
• All arrested in Novi Pazar detained for up to 30 days (N1)

International Media: 

• Kosovo court convicts Serb of war crime for killing three Albanians (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

German Minister issues demands to Kosovo and Serbia (Reporteri)

German State Minister Gunther Krichbaum, following a meeting with EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen in Berlin on July 29, 2025, stated that the German government is closely monitoring the recent arrests of Arbnor Spahiu in Serbia and Igor Popovic in Kosovo.

Regarding the case of former police officer Arbnor Spahiu, Krichbaum emphasized that German authorities expect Serbian institutions to ensure proper and swift legal procedures, to respect fundamental rights, and to guarantee a fair legal process in accordance with the EU-facilitated Dialogue on Justice, which stipulates that criminal procedures related to offenses in Kosovo should primarily be held in Kosovo. 

As for Igor Popovic, the Deputy Director of the Office for Kosovo in the Serbian Government, Krichbaum stated that his detention in Kosovo is also being closely monitored and that any deprivation of liberty must be justified and proportionate. 

Minister Krichbaum called on both Kosovo and Serbia to fully implement all agreements without further delays, and refrain from any escalatory statements or actions. “I urge both countries to fully re-engage in the dialogue process,” Krichbaum said after his meeting with Sorensen.

The German government reiterated its full support for the EU-mediated dialogue process aimed at normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo, and praised Sorensen’s efforts. The support includes enabling safe and free movement, even for negotiators and their teams and exercising restraint in public communication, considering their official mandates. “Germany is ready to support both countries in advancing a sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful normalization process,” the statement added.

Krichbaum also reaffirmed that Germany sees the future of the Western Balkans in the European Union. “Normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia is essential. Dialogue and good neighborly relations are pillars of a strong European Union,” he stated.

The minister reminded all actors that respect for European standards and core values, especially the rule of law, is crucial for their path toward EU membership.

Kurti blames former opposition for political crisis (media)

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti has blamed former opposition parties for boycotting and sabotaging the formation of new institutions following the February 9 parliamentary elections in Kosovo. During the official nomination of Hajrulla Ceku as Vetevendosje’s candidate for Mayor of Prishtina Kurti claimed that this "oppositional destructiveness" stems from jealousy and greed toward Vetevendosje and a refusal to accept the election results.

Presenting what he called the compromises made over the months of political deadlock, Kurti said the opposition parties “can neither be pushed forward nor back,” criticizing their inaction. “Our political party now holds more MPs than the second and third combined. As the clear election winner, we’ve taken responsibility to lead the formation of both the Assembly and the Government. But the opposition’s destructiveness, rooted in jealousy and greed toward our movement, is in fact a rejection of the February 9 election outcome.”

“They are not doing this for the country, but for a little power for themselves. They don’t have a problem with Albulena [Haxhiu], but with the people who didn’t trust them. And they have a problem with Vetevendosje because we have stopped illegal enrichment and private gain at public expense.”

He emphasized the importance of local elections, especially in the capital: “Our attention must now turn to local elections. Municipalities, especially Pristina, are crucial for us to govern. Not just to govern, but to deliver real results. In the central government, we saw how political sabotage blocked projects, from kindergartens to affordable housing, and denied citizens the benefits they deserved. That was painful,” Kurti said.

Krasniqi: PDK supports protest, firm in belief of defendants’ innocence (media)

PDK leader Memli Krasniqi has expressed his party’s support for the protest organized by the KLA War Veterans’ Organization, scheduled for August 7, opposing the ongoing judicial process at The Hague. “The Democratic Party of Kosovo has always stood, and will continue to stand, in support of the fight for freedom and the right to a fair, impartial, and swift trial for our liberators. In this spirit, we support the protest called by organizations emerging from the KLA war, as a democratic expression of civic stance and as a firm belief in the innocence of the accused,” Krasniqi wrote in a Facebook post.

He added that public trust in the justice that this court could provide has been eroded. “The dragging of this process and the court’s deviation from expected standards of justice have raised serious concerns, not only regarding the rights of the accused, but also about citizens' trust in the justice system itself. These concerns have deepened further following recent reports that the court is relying on fabricated evidence from Serbian state structures,” Krasniqi stated.

Operation in Mitrovica North shuts down businesses, clinics, and unregistered polyclinics (RTK)

A joint operation by the Inspection Directorate and sanitary inspectors from the Ministry of Health has led to the temporary closure of several businesses in North Mitrovica, including gastronomic establishments, dental clinics, gynecological offices, and unregistered polyclinics.

The announcement was made by the Municipality of North Mitrovica. “Dozens of inspections have been conducted during and after official working hours, including late at night. The entities were operating without licenses, in unsuitable premises, and in some cases, doctors were living in the same spaces as their clinics,” the statement said.

Irregular products were confiscated, while official reports were filed, penalties were imposed, and mandatory measures were ordered for urgent legalization and sanitary adaptation.

“We urge citizens to use only registered facilities under institutional supervision for their own safety and health. We thank the public for their trust and timely information, which enabled effective intervention,” the municipality’s statement concluded.

Court of Appeals rejects Popovic’s release request (Albanian Post)

The Court of Appeals in Kosovo has rejected the appeal filed by the lawyer of Igor Popovic, Deputy Director of Serbia's Office for Kosovo, thereby upholding the detention order previously issued by the Basic Court in Pristina.

According to the report by “Oath for Justice”, the Appeals Court concluded that the lower court acted correctly in assigning pretrial detention. The court reasoned that Popovic’s public speech, in which he spoke against the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), was sufficiently heard and raised grounded suspicion that he had committed a criminal offense.

Popovic is under investigation for “inciting division and intolerance”, following his remarks on July 18, when he referred to the KLA as a “terrorist organization” during a commemoration event in Rahovec. No official statement from the Appeals Court has been made public yet regarding this decision.

Employment terminated to worker who protested against MP Fitore Pacolli (media)

KLA war veteran, Agim Pllashniku, has been dismissed from his position at the public enterprise “Iber-Lepenc” after being involved in a verbal altercation with Vetevendosje MP Fitore Pacolli, during which he allegedly called her a “thief.”The public enterprise “Iber-Lepenc” has officially terminated the employment of Agim Pllashniku. According to the decision, which was shared publicly by Pllashniku’s lawyer, Gent Gjini, the employment was ended with immediate effect on July 31, 2025. “Mr. Agim Pllashniku’s employment is terminated with immediate effect as of the date of this decision. With the entry into force of this decision, the employment contract no. 02/1426 dated 30.04.2024 is annulled,” states the document, which was signed by CEO Faruk Mujka.

Lawyer Gjini claimed that the dismissal came shortly after Pllashniku filed a criminal complaint against MP Fitore Pacolli, suggesting a retaliatory motive. 

Dua Lipa granted citizenship of Kosovo by presidential decree (media)

On the night before the "Sunny Hill" festival kicked off in Pristina, global superstar Dua Lipa was officially received by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. On this occasion, Lipa was granted citizenship of Kosovo by presidential decree.

Osmani described the moment as a special honor, calling Dua Lipa one of the most important cultural and artistic figures in the history of Kosovo. “Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable. She has been, and continues to be, one of the strongest voices on the world’s biggest stages, making history with her achievements and becoming an inspiration for millions of people across the globe. Our gratitude is immense for everything Dua has done and continues to do for Kosovo, for our youth, our art, and the international image of our country,” Osmani said.

“Dua, Kosovo is always proud of you,” she concluded.

Serbian Language Media

Lawyer: Appeals Court rejects Popovic’s complaint, serious violation of procedural guarantees and urgency principle (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, media)

The Court of Appeals in Pristina has rejected an appeal filed on July 21 by the defense of Igor Popovic, Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, thereby upholding the Basic Court’s decision to impose 30 days of pre-trial detention. Attorney Milos Delevic, who represents Popovic, told Kosovo Online that although the ruling is final, it constitutes a serious breach of the defendant’s procedural guarantees - particularly the principle of urgency in detention decisions.

“The alleged ‘reasonable suspicion’ that Popovic committed a criminal offense is based solely on a speech delivered at a commemoration, which contains no incitement to violence nor any elements of criminal liability. It is a historical reflection and political opinion - which is a right guaranteed to every individual”, Delevic stated.

According to him, the Appeals Court’s reasoning failed to provide clear and concrete justification for its conclusion that Popovic posed a flight risk. It also disregarded the fact that the accused was present in Kosovo in an official capacity and had fully cooperated with judicial authorities.

Delevic announced that the defense would file a motion for the protection of legality with Kosovo Supreme Court, asserting that both substantive and procedural law were violated to the detriment of the accused.

Petkovic: Kurti lacks a parliamentary majority, attacks on Serbs mask crisis in Pristina (Kosovo Online, Prva TV)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director, Petar Petkovic said Kosovo caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti does not have a majority to form a government, adding he is using attacks on Serbs to mask the political crisis in Pristina.

Commenting on the arrest of his assistant, Igor Popovic, Petkovic reiterated to TV Prva there will be no dialogue until Popovic is released, stressing that anyone who thought Serbia would be humiliated by his arrest is gravely mistaken.

He recalled that “Popovic was essentially abducted for words spoken at a commemoration for Serbian victims in Orahovac, and that a judicial process is underway at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague concerning that specific crime committed by the KLA”.

"The truth cannot be banned, nor can it be stopped. We will never give up on the truth when it comes to the crimes against Serbs. War crimes do not expire, and we will not rest until those responsible for the suffering of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija are brought to justice. Everyone knows who did what and who killed Serbs  - the documents exist - but no one wants to deal with that", Petkovic emphasized. 

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/x3JOW

Speculation surrounds alleged “Fundamental Agreement” between SOC and Kosovo authorities -  Church denies claims (KoSSev, media)

As political discourse in Serbia continues to focus on potential “major compromises” in the ongoing dialogue with Pristina - an issue recently addressed by Serbian Minister for European Integration, Nemanja Starović, in an interview with Austria’s APA news agency - Belgrade-based daily Danas has published a report alleging that senior figures within the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) are in talks to sign a “fundamental agreement” with the Kosovo authorities. The SOC has firmly denied the claims, KoSSev portal reported.

The report, citing unnamed but “well-informed” church and political sources, suggests that SOC Patriarch Porfirije and Bishop Irinej of Bačka have discussed a document formalizing relations between the Church and Kosovo’s institutions. However, the SOC issued a sharp denial on the same day, accusing certain media of spreading slander and seeking to destabilize Serbs in Kosovo.

SOC denial: Malicious fabrications

In a statement titled “Regarding Fabrications in Certain Media,” the SOC dismissed the claims without naming Danas directly. The Church stated: “It’s not difficult to understand that the false report about alleged talks between His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije and Metropolitan Irinej concerning the status of the Church in Kosovo and Metohija has been deliberately released to destabilize the Serbian people in Kosovo, acting in the interest of Kurti’s clique”.

The SOC reiterated its long-standing position, as previously articulated by Patriarch Porfirije during a scholarly conference in March 2024: “After eight centuries of uninterrupted presence in Kosovo and Metohija, the Serbian Orthodox Church cannot be part of any political negotiations or agreements concerning the region’s status”.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/ZdZZW

S.Dj. arrested by Serbian authorities under espionage charges sent to 30-day detention (media)

A Serb from Strpce, S.Dj., arrested at Merdare crossing point under espionage allegations has been sent to 30-day detention, Higher Prosecution in Prokuplje confirmed to the media.

He was arrested on July 28 under suspicion of working for Albanian and Kosovo intelligence agencies, and acting against the interests of the Serbian community in Kosovo. It was also said that he was receiving money for the services provided.

Media reports further claimed he was in contact with a Kosovo intelligence agency member from Urosevac, who was his connection with the Albanian intelligence agency. The person from Urosevac was a former KLA member and he gathered information about influential representatives of the Serbian community in Kosovo, visits of Serbian leadership, activities of the Serbian politicians and reputable Serbs in that area, as well as about members of the Serbian security forces, MIA, BIA and Serbian Army, media reports added.

Kovac: Serbia ready to open Cluster 3, EU expects guarantees for reforms (Tanjug, RTS)

Serbian Deputy Parliament Speaker Elvira Kovac said on Thursday Serbia was technically ready to open Cluster 3 in its EU accession talks and that technical criteria were no obstacle to further progress towards EU membership, but that political will and delivering on agreed commitments in a consistent manner were key, Tanjug news agency reported.

"Serbia has been technically ready to open Cluster 3 for several years now. It has been said on several occasions. However, EU member states are seeking political guarantees that the reforms will not remain on paper only but that they will be carried out in practice", Kovac told the RTS.

She noted that the accession process was not only a political but a security issue as well and that the EU should clearly focus on the Western Balkans.

Vucic to receive credentials of new EU ambassador to Serbia Friday (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will receive the credentials of the new EU ambassador to Belgrade, Andreas von Beckerath, on Friday, August 1. Vucic and the Swedish diplomat will meet at the Palace of Serbia at noon, the presidential press office announced on Thursday, Tanjug news agency reported. Von Beckerath has held several posts at Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs, as well as in Swedish diplomatic missions abroad.

All arrested in Novi Pazar detained for up to 30 days (N1)

On Thursday, all individuals detained in connection with clashes with police outside the Public University of Novi Pazar (DUNP) were ordered to be held in custody for up to 30 days, a lawyer representing one of them confirmed to FoNet. Custody has been ordered for all 10 arrested citizens and students from Novi Pazar, N1 reported.

The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office (OJT) in Novi Pazar said earlier on Thursday that, following the questioning of the 10 suspects involved in the incidents outside DUNP, it had submitted a request to the city’s Basic Court to order their detention.

The ten young men were arrested after an attempt to unblock DUNP, which had previously been entered by private security personnel who expelled students from the university. As police said earlier, nine of the young men are suspected of assaulting an officer in the line of duty, while one is suspected of inciting national, racial and religious hatred and intolerance.

International Media 

Kosovo court convicts Serb of war crime for killing three Albanians (Balkan Insight)

Milos Pleskovic is found guilty of the murder of three Kosovo Albanians, shot dead near Prizren while out cutting firewood in September 1998. The Basic Court of Pristina on Thursday found Milos Pleskovic guilty of the murder of three Albanian civilians in September 1999 near the southern Kosovo town of Prizren and ordered 15 years of imprisonment.

Pleskovic’s defence condemned the verdict and announced it would appeal the first-instance verdict.

“It is enough to file an indictment against anyone, no matter what it is, and have a guilty verdict,” Jovana Filipovic, Pleskovic’s lawyer, complained. “A guilty verdict in relation to the evidence is not possible, either logically or legally,” she added. Pleskovic, who was arrested in September 2023, had pleaded not guilty.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/btRzM