Albanian Language Media: 

• Today’s meeting to confirm whether there will be new mandate-holder or early elections (media)
• Kurti: Finland, Belgium, France stood by Kosovo during state-building (media)
• Kurti calls on allies: You must persuade five EU states to recognize Kosovo (KP)
• Hargreaves: Syria’s recognition strengthens Kosovo’s international position (media)
• Ulutas discusses KFOR–EUFOR coordination to strengthen peace in Balkans (media)
• Haxhiu: Budget  belongs neither to Kurti nor to VV, opposition should drop grudge (media)
• Haradinaj: If opposition agrees, we can form government by tomorrow at noon (media)
• Gervalla: EU sanctions against Kosovo, “gift” from Lajcak and Borrell (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• EC report on Kosovo: Limited progress, a review of European draft of CSM Statute required (Kosovo Online)
• Constitutional Court extends suspension of Kosovo Government’s decision to seize Gracanica land (KoSSev)
• Kosovo Supreme Court upheld decision on elections in Klokot, complaint of Arber Emini dismissed (Radio KIM)
• COMKFOR meets EUFOR Commander: Close cooperation to strengthen peace and stability (media, social media)
• OSCE Mission expresses concern over theft of two bells from Roman Catholic Church in Urosevac (social media)
• Macut receives Chinese Ambassador to Belgrade (media)
• Brnabic: France supports Serbia on EU path in direct, open manner (Tanjug)
• Gunvor acquires Lukoil operations in Serbia (Tanjug)

Albanian Language Media

Today’s meeting to confirm whether there will be new mandate-holder or early elections (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has invited political party leaders to a meeting on Friday at 12:00, where she will ask them to declare whether they have the numbers to form a new government. However, based on statements so far, no political party has secured a majority in the Assembly. As a result, the only remaining option appears to be early elections.

Kurti: Finland, Belgium, and France stood by Kosovo during state-building (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that during the Paris Peace Forum, he held bilateral meetings with the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Finnish Parliament, Johannes Koskinen, the President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Peter De Roover, and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in France’s National Assembly, Bruno Fuchs.

Kurti said that during these meetings, they discussed bilateral relations, areas of cooperation, and opportunities for new partnerships, as well as Kosovo’s progress and its path toward European integration. He emphasized that Finland, Belgium, and France are friendly and allied nations that stood by Kosovo during its most critical moments: liberation, independence, and state-building. “On our path forward, in Finland we find the model of a welfare state and care for our citizens; in Belgium, our Euro-Atlantic orientation; and in France, the strong Republic, love of freedom, and commitment to equality,” Kurti wrote on Facebook.

Kurti calls on allies: You must persuade five EU states to recognize Kosovo (KosovaPress)

A day after Syria’s recognition of Kosovo, the caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti called on Kosovo’s allied countries to help convince the five European Union member states that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so. The five EU countries that still do not recognize Kosovo are Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Romania, and Cyprus. Speaking at the Paris Peace Forum, Kurti said that Kosovo is working bilaterally with these states, though progress so far has been only partial. He mentioned the upgrading of Kosovo’s Office in Greece and Spain’s recognition of Kosovo passports as positive developments. Kurti emphasized that these non-recognizing EU members do not oppose Kosovo’s path toward EU integration, despite not formally recognizing its independence.

Hargreaves: Syria’s recognition strengthens Kosovo’s international position (media)

The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, has welcomed Syria’s recognition of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. According to Hargreaves, this recognition represents an important step forward for Kosovo’s international standing and its Euro-Atlantic path. “The United Kingdom has proudly stood by Kosovo since day one, and we continue to encourage all countries to join the growing consensus in support of Kosovo’s independence, democracy, and multiethnic future. Recognition matters: it strengthens peace, stability, and cooperation throughout the Western Balkans,” Hargreaves wrote on platform X.

Ulutas discusses KFOR–EUFOR coordination to strengthen peace in Balkans (media)

The Commander of NATO’s mission in Kosovo (KFOR), Major General Ozkan Ulutas, paid an official visit on Thursday to the headquarters of the EU mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR-Althea), located in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. According to KFOR’s announcement, during the meeting with EUFOR Commander Major General Florin-Marian Barbu and Deputy Commander Brigadier General Uberto Incisa di Camerana, discussions focused on KFOR’s support for security in Kosovo, its role in strengthening regional stability, and ongoing cooperation with EUFOR and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo. “Major General Ulutas reaffirmed KFOR’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all citizens in Kosovo,” the statement reads.

He also emphasized the importance of close coordination with EUFOR as part of broader international efforts to promote peace and stability across the Western Balkans.

Haxhiu: Budget  belongs neither to Kurti nor to VV, opposition should drop grudge (media)

The Deputy Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly from Vetevendosje, Albulena Haxhiu, after the Presidency meeting, stated that she witnessed a destructive approach and political caprice during the session. Haxhiu emphasized that all sides should be united, noting that Kosovo has never faced such a situation before. “The budget can be used until February next year. If we end up having new elections next year, we won’t even have a budget for extraordinary elections in case we fail to agree on a new president. Instead of political confrontation, today I saw political caprice and a destructive attitude. Instead of unity, given that we’ve never had a situation like this before, there should have been a proven political will to overcome these issues together. This is not Albin Kurti’s budget, nor Vetevendosje’s. If anyone holds grudges against them, I call on them to reflect and drop those grudges, because this is a budget for the citizens,” Haxhiu said.

Haradinaj: If opposition agrees, we can form government by tomorrow at noon (media)

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, commented on Thursday the political situation following the failure of the first nominee, Albin Kurti, to form a new government. Haradinaj said that the role of President Vjosa Osmani is now clear, if there is no new parliamentary majority, she must send Kosovo to elections.

Haradinaj stated that there is currently a theoretical possibility for the opposition to form a majority, but that this would require a clear political agreement among the opposition parties. “We have 52 Albanian opposition MPs, which is four more than Vetevendosje. This means that if an agreement is reached among the opposition, there is a possibility to give the country a government,” Haradinaj said.

However, he emphasized that no such agreement currently exists, and in the absence of a new majority, the only constitutional path remains the calling of new elections.

Gervalla: EU sanctions against Kosovo, “gift” from Lajcak and Borrell (media)

The caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gervalla, has blamed the former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and the former EU envoy for the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue Miroslav Lajcak for the European Union’s punitive measures against Kosovo. Speaking on Klan Kosova, Gervalla said that the sanctions were introduced after KFOR soldiers were injured in northern Kosovo, allegedly by individuals directed by Serbia. “The measures were imposed when hooligans from Serbia, together with some of our own citizens in the north, attacked NATO soldiers, Hungarian and Italian troops were injured, some seriously, even losing limbs that had to be amputated. And instead of holding accountable the party responsible for the violence, the European Union decided to impose sanctions on Kosovo,” Gervalla stated.

She added that the decision reflected an “unacceptable pressure-based approach” by Borrell and Lajcak. “It was an inexplicable situation, where Josep Borrell and Miroslav Lajcak believed that all discussions with Kosovo should take place under unacceptable pressure.”

Asked if the sanctions were a “gift from Lajcak and Borrell,” Gervalla replied: “Yes, absolutely. They were done through an email, which no one opposed at the time.” She also noted that the new EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, is now working to lift the EU’s measures against Kosovo.

Serbian Language Media

EC report on Kosovo: Limited progress, a review of European draft of CSM Statute required (Kosovo Online)

In the Draft Report on Kosovo Progress, which is expected to be presented before the European Commission on November 4, most chapters refer to “limited progress,” “some progress,” while in certain cases it is stated that “no progress” was made, Kosovo Online portal reported citing Pristina-based Koha.  

Kosovo was most criticized for the situation regarding freedom of expression, where no progress was recorded, and for the actions in the north, which, as the report said, were contrary to Kosovo’s obligations toward the EU and the process of normalizing relations.

The report highlights the divided domestic politics and confrontational campaigns ahead of the general elections on February 9, 2025, followed by a political deadlock due to the inability or unwillingness of political parties to find a way forward to forming institutions. It is also assessed that Kosovo made limited or no progress over the past year, mainly due to political polarization during the February 9 elections and the ensuing political stalemate.

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

Constitutional Court extends suspension of Kosovo Government’s decision to seize Gracanica land (KoSSev)

Kosovo Constitutional Court has decided to extend until January 30, 2026, the temporary suspension of the government’s decision to seize land owned by the Municipality of Gracanica for the construction of a residential center for children and elderly people with autism, Down syndrome, and disabilities, KoSSev portal reported.

The disputed government decision, adopted on August 28, 2024, declared more than 13 hectares of land in Gracanica as property of “public interest” and assigned it for use to the charity “Balkan Orphans” for the construction of the center.

In October 2024, the Municipality of Gracanica filed a lawsuit with the Basic Court in Pristina seeking annulment of the decision, claiming that the government had unilaterally appropriated municipal land without any consultation with the local authorities. The municipality argued that such an act harms both the interests of the municipality and its citizens.

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

Kosovo Supreme Court upheld decision on elections in Klokot, complaint of Arber Emini dismissed (Radio KIM)

Kosovo Supreme Court dismissed as unfounded a complaint of the independent candidate for Klokot mayor, Arber Emini, thus upholding the previous decision of the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP), Radio KIM reported.

Emini requested re-run of elections in Klokot, claiming that “numerous legal and procedural violations, non-implementation of the previous decision of the Supreme Court and meddling of illegal Serbian structures in the election process took place”.

The Supreme Court in its decision said his claims were not substantiated with clear and convincing evidence as stipulated by the Law on general elections and therefore the decision of ECAP to dismiss his initial complaint has been considered as just and legal.  

COMKFOR meets EUFOR Commander: Close cooperation to strengthen peace and stability (media, social media)

“Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, visited the Commander of EUFOR-Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, at EUFOR headquarters in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. At the meeting the EUFOR Deputy Commander, Brigadier General Uberto Incisa di Camerana also participated”, KFOR said in a statement on its Facebook page on Thursday.

“The meeting focused on KFOR’s support for security in Kosovo, its role in promoting regional stability, and ongoing cooperation with EUFOR and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, including joint training activities. Major General Ulutaş reaffirmed KFOR’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all people. He also emphasized the importance of close coordination with EUFOR as part of the broader international effort to strengthen peace and stability across the Western Balkans”, the statement added.

“KFOR continues to implement its mandate - based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. KFOR works in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), in their respective roles as security responders”, it was also said.

OSCE Mission expresses concern over theft of two bells from Roman Catholic Church in Urosevac (social media)

“The OSCE Mission in Kosovo expresses concern over the theft of two bells from the Roman Catholic Church in Ferizaj/Uroševac. Religious sites are symbols of spiritual identity, shared heritage, and inter-communal respect.  The theft of church bells strikes not only at the dignity of the Catholic community but also undermines the principle of freedom of religion and belief. We call on law enforcement authorities to act without delay”, the Mission said in a post on its Facebook page.

“We look to community leaders, civil society, and law enforcement to reaffirm mutual respect for religious and cultural sites, and to collaborate in maintaining security and protecting all faith communities in Kosovo. The OSCE Mission will continue to support authorities and communities in promoting peaceful coexistence and safeguarding religious heritage”, the statement added.

Macut receives Chinese Ambassador to Belgrade (media)

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut met with Chinese Ambassador to Belgrade Li Ming on Thursday to discuss an upcoming visit to Shanghai by a Serbian delegation and meetings with Chinese officials.

Macut and Li said they were pleased with the visit and discussed "the continuous support that China provides to Serbia, especially in the field of economic development and improvement of regional connectivity", the Serbian Government said in a statement.

In a constructive discussion, the parties confirmed "the exceptionally good and friendly relations between Serbia and China, based on mutual respect, trust and strategic partnership, under the leadership of the two presidents", the statement added. 

Brnabic: France supports Serbia on EU path in direct, open manner (Tanjug)

Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said on Thursday in Paris France was a true friend of Serbia that was supporting it on the EU path in a direct and open manner, Tanjug news agency reported.

Speaking to reporters about her visit to France for the Paris Peace Forum, Brnabic said she had a large number of very good meetings. "I can tell all our citizens that France is a true friend and a true ally", she said, adding that she also had an excellent meeting with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot.

Gunvor acquires Lukoil operations in Serbia (Tanjug)

Russian oil producer Lukoil PJSC, which is under US sanctions, has accepted an offer by the Swedish-Norwegian energy company Gunvor Group, owned by Swedish billionaire Torbjorn Tornqvist, to buy its Austrian-based firm Lukoil International GmbH, the owner of Lukoil Serbia, Serbian media reported.

Lukoil International GmbH is the holder of Lukoil Group's international assets. Lukoil announced plans to sell its international operations after the US imposed sanctions on it last week.