Albanian Language Media: 

• Kurti and Sorensen Discuss the North and Brussels Agreement (media)
• Prattipati: Political blockage undermines democracy in Kosovo (media)
• Constitutional Court: Laban has undergone all constitutional and legal procedures (Reporteri)
• Citaku: Institutions are much greater and more important than individuals (media)
• Kurti claims RTK budget was illegally allocated in 2021, offers no alternative solution (Koha)
• Hasani: The protest will be massive with a national message (Klan)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Djuric: Meetings with top U.S. officials important for Serbia’s new positioning in Washington (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, RTS, media)
• State Department: Rubio and Djuric discussed strategic dialogue and the importance of de-escalation in the Western Balkans (Kosovo Online)
• Meloni: Boosting cooperation with Serbia discussed with Vucic (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Almost 700 anti-Serb incidents registered in Kosovo since Kurti's rise to power (Tanjug, Blic, Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Serbian List after the meeting with Sorensen: Urgently stop institutional violence against Serbs (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever, Kosovo Online, KoSSev)
• Successes one after another (Alternativna)
• Constitutional Court responds to Osmani: Assignment of cases to reporting judges will be based on procedural rules (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, Radio KiM)
• Serbian Foreign Ministry concerned over Picula X post (N1, RTS)

Albanian Language Media

Kurti and Sorensen Discuss the North and Brussels Agreement (media)

Caretaker Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, accompanied by acting Deputy Foreign Minister Kreshnik Ahmeti, met on Wednesday with the EU Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue, Peter Sorensen. The meeting focused on domestic developments, the situation of non-majority communities, particularly the Serb community, and progress toward the full implementation of the Brussels Agreement and the Ohrid Annex.

Kurti informed Sorensen about long-standing financial support provided to Serb-majority municipalities, especially in northern Kosovo, along with recent achievements in employment policies and the establishment of Kosovo institutions in the four northern municipalities.

According to government data, since April 2024, over 800 residents from these municipalities have been employed through the “Government for Families” program; and since January 2024, more than 430 new businesses have been registered in these areas.

Kurti also highlighted that, following the mass resignation of Serb police officers in November 2022, around 200 new Serb officers have joined the Kosovo Police and are now serving people regardless of ethnicity. He added that in the past two years, there have been no incidents reported between Albanian and Serb employees, whether in the private sector or public institutions, showing that the government's approach supports the sustainable integration of the Serb minority.

Kurti also expressed concern to Sorensen about Serbia's threatening rhetoric and the arbitrary arrests of Kosovar individuals during transit travel through Serbia, calling for a clear and strong response from the international community.

Prattipati: Political blockage undermines democracy in Kosovo (media)

The U.S. Embassy has announced that Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Anu Prattipati held meetings this week with the leaders of Kosovo's PDK, AAK, and LDK parties to emphasize a core democratic principle: “All citizens of Kosovo must have the right to vote for their representatives.” According to the U.S. Embassy, Prattipati warned during these meetings that “blocking qualified parties through political or procedural tactics threatens the country’s democracy.”

She also expressed concerns over the ongoing government formation deadlock, stressing that “Kosovo’s leaders were elected to address the challenges facing the country.” Furthermore, Prattipati highlighted the need for political leaders to cooperate and work together to fulfill the mandate entrusted to them by the people of Kosovo.

Constitutional Court: Laban has undergone all constitutional and legal procedures (Reporteri)

The Constitutional Court issued a response a day after Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani withdrew her request regarding the political deadlock, arguing that Judge Radomir Laban had been appointed as the reporting judge on the case. “Based on Article 113 [Jurisdiction and Authorized Parties] of the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, the Constitutional Court handles all cases submitted legally by authorized parties. The assignment of cases to reporting judges and reviewing panels is done according to clear procedural rules, which this Court strictly follows. The Constitutional Court, as a collegial body, makes its decisions in full composition. In this context, it is the right of parties before the Court to request the withdrawal of submitted cases, which the Court processes in accordance with the Constitution, the Law on the Constitutional Court, and its Rules of Procedure,” the statement reads.

Regarding Judge Laban, the Court said that he has served as a Constitutional Court judge since August 9, 2018, after undergoing all constitutional and legal procedures, being proposed by the Assembly of Kosovo and decreed by the President of Kosovo. “On the other hand, the procedures for the dismissal of judges are clearly defined in the Constitution. The Constitutional Court, as the final authority in the Republic of Kosovo for interpreting the Constitution, handles all requests submitted by authorized parties with impartiality, dedication, and professionalism, as defined in the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo,” the statement concludes.

Citaku: Institutions are much greater and more important than individuals (media)

Deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Vlora Citaku has reacted on social media regarding the upcoming decision by the Constitutional Court, stating that the expectation is for the Court to handle the PDK’s request with professionalism. "Institutions are much greater and more important than the individuals who temporarily exercise power through them. We may have disagreements with particular individuals, but under all circumstances, the integrity and authority of institutions must be preserved. If there is evidence of subversive and unconstitutional activities by any high-ranking official, they must be addressed seriously through the competent mechanisms. Attacks on independent institutions, especially when they come from the highest levels of the state, are unacceptable. Despite the undeniable truth that there have been Constitutional Court decisions that we did not agree with, we have respected them. Because the liberal democratic system is based on the separation of powers, respect for procedures, and constitutional order. We expect the Constitutional Court to handle the PDK’s request with professionalism and to pave the way for resolving the institutional deadlock in which the country has been placed by the state-party,” she wrote.

Kurti claims RTK budget was illegally allocated in 2021, offers no alternative solution (Koha)

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti has claimed that the 2021 budget allocation for Kosovo’s public broadcaster RTKwas done illegally by then-Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, and stated that he will not repeat what he called an unlawful practice. However, Kurti has not presented any concrete legal solution to address the current lack of funding for RTK.

Kurti acknowledged having had meetings on the issue but declined to share outcomes, suggesting journalists ask the participants instead. His remarks came after RTK employees protested outside the Assembly, demanding allocation of funds for the second half of the year.

He emphasized that only the Assembly’s Budget Committee can authorize fund transfers to RTK. Since the ninth legislature of the Assembly has not yet been constituted, such a decision cannot be made. “We support finding a solution, but it must be legal. I cannot follow an illegal path, even if it has been done before,” Kurti said.

In response, former PM Avdullah Hoti defended his 2021 decision in a Facebook post, calling it entirely legal, and accusing Kurti of misleading the public.

Meanwhile, RTK’s management has urged the caretaker government to urgently resolve the budget issue, warning that the broadcaster’s operations are at serious risk without immediate intervention.

Hasani: The protest will be massive with a national message (Klan)

The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) War Veterans Organization has organized a protest today at 17:00 in “Skënderbeu” Square in Pristina, to oppose what they describe as injustices being committed against former KLA leaders by the Special Court.

PDK Member of Parliament Nait Hasani also spoke about this protest. In a statement on Wednesday evening, he said he believes that the battle for justice will be won, despite the obstacles. He emphasized that there is now a greater mobilization of people and a shift in the approach to international relations.

"I see that Albania is very engaged in this direction, and also the Albanians in North Macedonia. The political leaders there are involved. Here too, many from the Alliance [AAK], but also from the LDK, are representing this issue in meetings with various diplomats to defend the war and oppose the injustices that are happening,” Hasani further stated.

Serbian Language Media

Djuric: Meetings with top U.S. officials important for Serbia’s new positioning in Washington (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, RTS, media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric emphasized that he informed his American counterpart, Mark Rubio, about the pressures and problems faced by Serbs in Kosovo, stressing that the situation requires engagement from the international community in order to preserve stability. He also highlighted that his visit and meetings with top U.S. officials were extremely important for Serbia’s new positioning in Washington.

"Regarding Kosovo and Metohija, we managed to convey at least part of what the Serbs are facing—pressures, problems, the takeover of institutions, and the pressure on the Serbian Patriarch and the Serbian Orthodox Church. This is a situation that requires the engagement of the international community to maintain stability," Djuric explained to reporters.

He pointed out that Serbs are being targeted by Albin Kurti and are suffering as a result of his unilateral moves.

Djuric recalled that Serbs in northern Kosovo renamed Lake Gazivode to Lake Trump in gratitude for what was done during his first term, and that Kurti's regime not only annulled the name but also reversed everything achieved under the Trump administration.

He said the meeting with Rubio took place in an exceptionally positive atmosphere.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/3z5956av

State Department: Rubio and Djuric discussed strategic dialogue and the importance of de-escalation in the Western Balkans (Kosovo Online)

Secretary of State Marko Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Marko Djuric discussed the importance of de-escalating tensions in the Western Balkans, especially with Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to improve regional stability and create conditions for economic growth and prosperity, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric. They agreed the United States and Serbia would hold a bilateral strategic dialogue later this year to deepen economic and security ties. They also discussed the importance of de-escalating tensions in the Western Balkans, particularly with Kosovo and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to advance regional stability and set the stage for economic growth and prosperity. The United States is committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with Serbia that delivers for our citizens and our interests,” read the State Department announcement. 

Meloni: Boosting cooperation with Serbia discussed with Vucic (Tanjug)

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday her meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Tuesday had addressed strengthening of Italy-Serbia cooperation in all fields of mutual interest.

"We discussed the excellent level of bilateral relations, with a view to further strengthening the cooperation between Italy and Serbia in all areas of mutual interest, and explored key international and regional issues, confirming our commitment to stability and security in the Western Balkans," Meloni posted on Instagram.

She added that the meeting with Vucic had been an opportunity to renew Italy's full support for Serbia's EU integration process and associated reforms.

On Tuesday evening, Vucic said Meloni's visit had been in the spirit of sincere partnership, and expressed confidence that the relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen in mutual interest and with full mutual respect.

Petkovic: Almost 700 anti-Serb incidents registered in Kosovo since Kurti's rise to power (Tanjug, Blic, Radio Mitrovica sever)

The director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic said on Wednesday that Pristina had been refusing to establish a Community of Serb Municipalities for 12 years now and noted that almost 700 incidents targeting Kosovo Serbs had been registered since Pristina PM Albin Kurti's rise to power.

Petkovic said this in a post on X, reacting to Kurti's claim that the Serb community "must never forget the rights it enjoys under Kosovo's constitution and that everything Pristina was doing was aimed at integrating the Serbs.”

"What rights for Serbs is Kurti talking about when Pristina has been refusing to establish a Community of Serb Municipalities for 12 years, and he is carrying out an expulsion of Serbs and closing Serbian institutions?" Petkovic asked.

"Since Kurti's rise to power, almost 700 incidents targeting the Serbs have been registered. Does Kurti 'implement' agreements by trampling them openly?" he added.

Serbian List after the meeting with Sorensen: Urgently stop institutional violence against Serbs (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever, Kosovo Online, KoSSev)

The delegation of the Serbian List met yesterday with the special envoy of the European Union, Peter Sorensen, with whom they discussed the increasingly difficult situation of the Serbian people in Kosovo, the Serbian List announced, reported KiM radio.

They state that the problems faced by the Serbs were highlighted at the meeting - institutional violence carried out every day, including the violent seizure of property and apartments, as well as unfounded and politically motivated processes that are conducted against Serbian representatives and citizens.

The Serbian List emphasized the need to urgently stop all unilateral moves by Pristina that further undermine the security and rights of the Serbian people. Such actions, they claim, in addition to violating basic human rights, also endanger any attempt to normalize relations and de-escalate the situation on the ground.

They also made a clear request to implement without further delay everything that was agreed within the framework of the Brussels dialogue, with a special emphasis on the urgent formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities (ZSO), which represents, in their opinion, a key step towards protecting the collective rights of the Serbian people and creating conditions for a normal life.

"The Serbian List will continue to advocate for peace, stability and full respect for the rights of the Serbian people and call on the international community to finally take concrete steps in order to stop the repression and discrimination against the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija," concluded the SL's announcement.

Successes one after another (Alternativna)

The Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met yesterday with the EU representative for dialogue, Peter Sorensen, from whom he asked for greater respect, as he said, for "the state of Kosovo".

"About 100 new Serbs have been employed in the four northern municipalities of Kosovo, after the Albanians took over the duties of municipal presidents. Albanian mayors have Serbian deputies and Serbian directors. Not a single incident between Albanian and Serbian workers in those municipalities was recorded. I asked for greater respect for the Kosovo state for this," said Kurti.

According to Alternativna, it seems that he forgot about the violent takeover of municipal buildings and the closing of Serbian institutions. However, there were no incidents among the workers.

Constitutional Court responds to Osmani: Assignment of cases to reporting judges will be based on procedural rules (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, Radio KiM)

In response to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani's decision to withdraw her request concerning the constitutive session of the Assembly, the Constitutional Court of Kosovo stated that the assignment of cases to reporting judges and review panels will be based on clear procedural rules, which the Court will strictly adhere to, reported Kosovo Online. 

“Pursuant to Article 113, ‘Jurisdiction and Authorized Parties’ of the Constitution of Kosovo, the Constitutional Court processes all cases lawfully submitted by authorized parties. The assignment of cases for consideration to reporting judges and review panels of the Constitutional Court is based on clear procedural rules, which the Court strictly observes. As a collegial body, the Constitutional Court makes its decisions in plenary session. In this context, parties before the Court have the right to withdraw submitted requests, which the Court will process in accordance with the Constitution, the Law on the Constitutional Court, and its Rules of Procedure,” read the Court’s statement, published on Facebook.

President Osmani decided to withdraw her request because Constitutional Court judge Radomir Laban was appointed as the reporting judge in the case.

The Court emphasized that Laban has worked at the institution since 2011 as a legal advisor and has served as a judge since August 9, 2018, after undergoing all constitutionally and legally required procedures, including nomination by the Kosovo Assembly and appointment by a presidential decree.

Serbian Foreign Ministry concerned over Picula X post (N1, RTS)

The Serbian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over an X post by European Parliament Rapporteur Tonino Picula which included a photograph of him in uniform with a firearm during the 1990s war in Croatia.

Picula said in the X post that advocating peace, strengthening democracy and economic betterment should be permanent guidelines in developing society, especially now that those values are under increasing pressure. He also thanked everyone who contributed to the defense of Croatia’s sovereignty and freedom.

“We are expressing deep concern and consider MEP and rapporteur for Serbia Tonino Picula’s post on his official X profile in the context of the anniversary of Operation Storm which included a photograph of him in a combat environment in uniform holding an automatic rifle absolutely unacceptable and upsetting,” the Serbian Foreign Ministry said.