Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti on Constitutional Court decision: We must wait for full judgment (RTK)
• Kurti: Customs has been pillar of sovereignty and first line against crime (media)
• Kamberi warns multiethnic Police in Serbia facing extinction (RTK)
• Suspect arrested for massacre of 34 Albanians in Burim, Malisheve (RTK)
• CEC certifies first group of 10 political entities and 64 candidates (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• RFE: Kosovo, Albania and Croatia plan to jointly purchase American weapons (KoSSev, KiM radio)
• Radojevic: The most difficult situation for Serbs in Kosovo since '99, we are trying to save people (Tanjug, TV Pink)
• The North Mitrovica municipality announced a sports event: Streetball tournament near the main bridge (Alternativna, KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio)
• Milivojevic: Serbia prevented a “chain reaction” of Kosovo recognitions in Africa (Kosovo Online)
• Picula to EWB: reactions to X post not surprising (N1)

International:

• In Ten Years, 2.5 Million People left the Western Balkans in Search of a Better Life (Sarajevo Times)

Albanian Language Media

Kurti on Constitutional Court decision: We must wait for full judgment (RTK)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, offered no clear position when asked by reporters whether he would respect the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Assembly blockade issue. Speaking after the graduation ceremony of 107 customs officers, Kurti said: “We must wait for the full judgment. We had one on June 26 and another on August 8, but the August 8 one is only a notification.”

Kurti: Customs has been pillar of sovereignty and first line against crime (media)

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti praised the role of Kosovo Customs during the graduation ceremony of new customs officers and the commemoration of the institution’s 26th anniversary. In his remarks, Kurti emphasized that Kosovo Customs has been more than just a fiscal institution. “It has been a pillar in defending state sovereignty, an essential mechanism for economic security, and the first line against smuggling, corruption, and organized crime,” he said.

Kurti recalled the difficult path Customs has faced over the past 26 years, including the post-war years, challenges in consolidating borders, and attacks in the north of Kosovo where customs points were burned and destroyed by criminal groups supported by Serbia. He honored the sacrifice of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. “We will always remember our heroes: Enver Zymberi and Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku,” he said.

Speaking about Customs’ achievements, Kurti noted that under his government clear steps have been taken to strengthen law and order across the entire territory, including in northern Mitrovica. “The results are evident, we have seen a significant increase in seizures, greater border control, and record revenues for the state,” he added.

Kamberi warns multiethnic Police in Serbia facing extinction (RTK)

Albanian MP at the Serbian Parliament, Shaip Kamberi, has raised alarm over potential disappearance of multiethnic policing in the Presheva Valley and Sandjak, citing lack of fair representation of Albanians and Bosniaks in law enforcement ranks. Ian a social media statement, Kamberi said he and Party of Democratic Action (SDA) MPs from Sndjak, Ahmedi Skriejl and Minela Kalender, have initiated the drafting of a special program to recruit young Albanians and Bosniaks into the police force.

Kamberi argued that recruitment in the past decade has failed to ensure equal representation, resulting in “a significant reduction” in the number of minority officers and a sharp mismatch between the police composition and the ethnic makeup of the local population. He confirmed that an initiative sent to Serbia’s Prime Minister calls for the special hiring program to remain in place until police staffing reflects the true demographics of the Presheva Valley and Sandjak. Recalling the OSCE-brokered multiethnic policing model of 2001, which he said brought stability and public trust, Kamberi urged for its restoration and strengthening, stating such measures would improve security and better represent the communities they serve.

Suspect arrested for massacre of 34 Albanians in Burim, Malisheve (RTK)

A person has been arrested today in Pristina on suspicion of involvement in war crimes against the civilian population during the Kosovo war. The arrest was carried out on Tuesday morning by the Kosovo Police, specifically by investigators from the Directorate for the Investigation of War Crimes, at the request of the Special Prosecution of Kosovo. “The suspect, with the initials R.M., according to preliminary investigations, is suspected of having, between March 29–31, 1999, in co-perpetration with members of Serbian police and military forces, taken part in the massacre of 34 Albanian civilians in the village of Burim, Municipality of Malisheva,” states the joint announcement from the SPRK and Kosovo Police.

According to the Prosecution, during the investigative phase, material evidence has been secured, including testimonies from eyewitnesses and survivors of the massacre. It is further noted that within legal deadlines, the Special Prosecution will submit a request to the Basic Court of Pristina,  Special Department, for the imposition of pre-trial detention against the suspect.

CEC certifies first group of 10 political entities and 64 candidates (media)

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has begun the process of certifying political entities and candidates who will participate in the Local Elections for Mayors and Municipal Assemblies, scheduled for October 12, 2025. The application period for political entities to be certified for participation in the elections and to submit their candidate lists began on June 26 and will end on August 13, 2025, at 23:59. In the first group, the CEC issued separate decisions certifying 10 political entities, including 2 citizens’ initiatives and 8 independent candidates, for participation in the Local Elections to be held on October 12, 2025. According to the CEC’s decision, the total number of candidates representing these political entities is 64, of whom 5 are running for Mayor and 59 for seats in Municipal Assemblies.

Serbian Language Media 

Radojevic: The most difficult situation for Serbs in Kosovo since '99, we are trying to save people (Tanjug, TV Pink) 

Milan Radojevic, a member of the Presidency of the Serbian List, said today that for the Serbs in Kosovo the situation is ''the most difficult since 1999 and that the silent ethnic cleansing of the Serbs is ongoing'', as they are constantly exposed to the terror of the Pristina authorities.

"At the moment, we are working mostly to save the people of Kosovo and Metohija. It is not easy at all, it is terribly difficult, because there is not a Serb in Kosovo and Metohija who is not under pressure from their administration, or some local administration on some local issues, usurpation of property or under pressure from judicial authorities and the police. It is a very difficult situation," Radojevic told TV Pink.

According to him, North Mitrovica is the most under attack, since Pristina wants the closure of that municipality and its annexation to South Mitrovica, reported Tanjug.

RFE: Kosovo, Albania and Croatia plan to jointly purchase American weapons (KoSSev, KiM radio)

Kosovo, Albania and Croatia are working on implementing cooperation in the field of defense, agreed on about five months ago, when the defense ministers signed a joint declaration on March 18 in Tirana.

The Ministry of Defense of Kosovo and Albania confirmed to Radio Free Europe that expert groups are working on a plan to implement the declaration., cited portal KoSSev.

Acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, stated that on July 18, a meeting of the implementation group was held in Tirana "to elaborate the plan at the operational level."

The Ministry of Defense of Albania, which hosted the ceremony of signing the agreement, announced that in September of this year, the guide, which is in the final stages of development, will be presented to the ministries of Albania, Kosovo and Croatia for approval.

In the declaration signed by Acting Minister of Defense of Kosovo Ejup Maqedonci, Minister of Defense of Albania Piro Vengu and Minister of Defense of Croatia Ivan Anusic, four points of cooperation were established:

"Promotion of defense capabilities and cooperation in relevant industry; increasing interoperability through education, training and military exercises; responding to hybrid threats and strengthening resilience; full support for Euro-Atlantic integration."

The text of the declaration states that this cooperation is aimed at securing a good position for facing threats and achieving goals in the field of defense and security.

Joint procurement of weapons

The purchase of defense capacities is the first obligation from the declaration to which the ministers of defense committed themselves, RFE writes further.

In this context, according to Maqedonci, the goal is to execute a single order, instead of three separate orders by each state.

"For example, the system (weapons) that three countries want to buy from the USA, we order as one purchase, using the legislation of each country, but that the quantity and delivery time are common. Because when a larger quantity is purchased from the USA, the price is lower and the delivery is faster," Maqedonci told RFE. 

These purchases are planned to be financed from ''the national budgets of each country''.

Maqedonci expects that the partners in this agreement will help Kosovo on its way to Euro-Atlantic integration, especially in connection with Kosovo's membership in the NATO Partnership for Peace program.

A few months ago, the Croatian government told RFE that all countries that want to support Kosovo and Albania on their European and Euro-Atlantic journey can join this initiative.

So far, it has not been officially announced whether another country will join this cooperation.

According to the Croatian Government, the goal of cooperation is not to create a military alliance.

"Such an alliance - apart from membership in NATO - is not even necessary," the Croatian Government declared in March of this year.

Acting Minister of Defense of Kosovo, Ejup Maqedonci, says that he will use the next meeting within the American-Adriatic Charter (A5), expected in October this year, to invite regional partners to join the initiative.

The members of the American-Adriatic Charter are Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Kosovo has observer status.

Expectations from the agreement

In addition to cooperation in the field of military industry, the plan is to implement bilateral and trilateral military exercises, as well as to cooperate in the recruitment of personnel, while increasing opportunities for education through military academies and colleges.

Joint engagement is also expected to combat hybrid threats, including cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, as well as "malicious foreign influence that may threaten or affect national and regional security."

It is envisaged that information and intelligence will be shared between the partners within the framework of this agreement to prevent common challenges.

Maqedonci states that this agreement was welcomed in the Pentagon, during his visit to the United States of America in June of this year.

"They considered it a good opportunity for regional cooperation in facing challenges," he said, adding that they also received support from several NATO members, without specifying which countries. 

However, this cooperation was opposed by Serbia, whose president Aleksandar Vucic stated that this violates the subregional agreement from 1996.

This agreement, which refers to the allowed quotas of weapons, was then signed by the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina - the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska - as well as Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which consisted of Serbia and Montenegro.

A few days after the signing of the declaration on defense cooperation between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia, Serbia and Hungary signed a document specifying the strategic agreement on defense cooperation reached in 2023.

Vucic then stated that he believes that this agreement will lead to further rapprochement towards the creation of a military alliance between Serbia and Hungary.

The North Mitrovica municipality announced a sports event: Streetball tournament near the main bridge (Alternativna, KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio)

The municipality of North Mitrovica announced the holding of a sports event in the heart of the city, they stated. In addition, they stated that it is a tournament that will be held on the field next to the main bridge, which was also recently renovated, reported portal Alternativna. 

The event is organized in cooperation with the Kosovo Basketball Association and Kosovo professional basketball player Drilon Hajrizi.

"The Directorate for Culture, Youth and Sports, together with co-organizers Drilon Hajrizi and the Basketball Federation of Kosovo, brings a great sports event for all basketball fans - Streetball in the heart of the city!" stated the municipality of North Mitrovica.

"The municipality of North Mitrovica asked for my support in organizing this unique event, and I have one invitation for all sports lovers, from all communities - come and be part of this event that unites the hearts and positive energy of our beautiful city!" stated, on the other hand, Hajrizi himself.

As announced by the municipality, streetball will be held on August 17, the number of teams is limited, and those interested in participating can apply to the Directorate for Culture, Youth and Sports. 

The event is supported by the Basketball Association of Kosovo and, as they stated, "many local businesses that believe in the power of sports and youth."

Alternativna recalled that the announcement of the event followed only a few days after an "alternative" stage was set up in the north for the jazz festival held in South Mitrovica, which was opposed by the local Serbs, organizing the Mitrovica Days. The stage was removed earlier than planned, which was followed by an incident during the apprehension of one of the two young men of Serbian nationality, which is why special forces of the Kosovo Police with rifles were deployed.

Milivojevic: Serbia prevented a “chain reaction” of Kosovo recognitions in Africa (Kosovo Online)

Former diplomat Zoran Milivojevic stated that Serbia, thanks to its active “engagement,” prevented a “chain reaction” of Kosovo recognitions in Africa, adding that this part of the world is a component of Belgrade’s foreign policy strategy.

“Visits to these African countries are not only in the interest of Kosovo and Metohija, but also strategic in nature. It should be borne in mind that these visits also serve to strengthen what is Serbia’s foreign policy strategy: returning to areas where, as a state, we have ‘credit’ from the past. That was the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement,” Milivojevic told Kosovo Online.

Commenting on the recent “African tour” of Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, as well as Kosovo’s recognitions earlier this year by Kenya and South Sudan, Milivojevic said that this part of the world is a “global subject of interest.”

“Africa is a continent now on the rise and of interest globally. For Serbia, it is a continent of special importance. The majority of countries that have not recognized Kosovo and Metohija are precisely from Africa,” Milivojevic said.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/53mz2v86

Picula to EWB: reactions to X post not surprising (N1)

European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia Tonino Picula MEP told the European Western Balkans portal that reactions to his recent X post were not surprising.

Picula posted a picture of himself in military uniform during the war in Croatia in the early 1990s, drawing condemnation and accusations of anti-Serb bias from the authorities and part of the political opposition in Belgrade. The picture was posted on the anniversary of an operation that restored Zagreb’s control over areas under ethnic Serb control.

Picula said his military service 30 years earlier was a matter of public record which is being disputed “by people who relativize or mask the policies that caused huge suffering and destruction in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo”.

“My life experience and political career only help me, as EP Rapporteur for Serbia, to understand the processes that are blocking Serbia on its European path,” he said in a written reply to European Western Balkans.

He said would continue his work as rapporteur, adding that the problems in Serbia were present long before he was named rapporteur.

International

In Ten Years, 2.5 Million People left the Western Balkans in Search of a Better Life (Sarajevo Times)

According to Eurostat data, by 2050, the population of the Balkans will decrease by more than 15%

This trend seriously threatens the long-term economic growth and productivity of countries in the region, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania.

The brain drain, or the mass departure of skilled labor from the Balkan countries, is one of the most serious economic and demographic challenges this region faces. According to data from the World Bank, in the last ten years alone, more than 2.5 million people have left the Western Balkans in search of better living conditions in Western Europe.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/7283kdz6