Albanian Language Media: 

• 104 political entities apply for local elections in Kosovo (media)
• Implementation plan for Kosovo-Albania-Croatia military alliance to finalize in September (Koha)
• Prosecution seeks visitation ban for 14 individuals, including Thaci’s brothers (Klan)
• AJK calls on government: Allocate budget for RTK (media)
• Kryeziu: Absurd to demand an unlawful solution for RTK (media)
• Albanian Alliance expected to reach runoff election in Gracanica (Koha)
• LVV confirms Erden Atiq’s candidacy for second term in North Mitrovica (ekonomia)
• KLA War Veterans Organization calls on EU to address concerns about the Specialist Chambers (RTK)
• Rahovec war veterans: Arrested individuals were not part of KLA (media)
• Vukotic’s war crime sentences merged (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• NATO started temporary deployment of reserve forces in Kosovo (Tanjug, RTS)
• Due to the repeated refusal of the request to enter Kosovo, Arlov to present scholarships to nine Serbian children at Jarinje (Radio Mitrovica sever, Kosovo Online)
• Indictment against two people for inciting and spreading hatred and intolerance (KiM radio, KoSSev)
• Final verdict due to financial malpractices in the Diocese of Raska-Prizren after 15 years (KoSSev)
• Marta Kos condemns attacks on citizens and journalists at protests in Serbia (N1, media)
• Spokesperson says EU monitoring Serbia situation closely

Albanian Language Media

104 political entities apply for local elections in Kosovo (media)

104 political entities have applied to participate in the upcoming local elections on October 12 in Kosovo. These include 35 independent candidates, 34 citizens’ initiatives, 33 political parties, and 2 coalitions. So far, only 16 entities have completed the verification process. The Central Election Commission (CEC) has warned that the candidate verification process will take longer than usual, mainly because most applications were submitted at the very last minute and the judiciary is currently on annual leave, which slows down the necessary background checks.

According to the election law, candidates cannot be certified if they hold specific public positions (e.g. diplomats, CEC members); Have been convicted of a criminal offense in the last three years; Have unpaid fines from the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) or CEC; Or have failed to comply with ECAP rulings.

Implementation plan for Kosovo-Albania-Croatia military alliance to finalize in September (Koha)

Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia are moving forward with a military alliance that is set to be finalized in September. This agreement, rooted in a declaration signed earlier this year, aims to deepen defense cooperation between the three countries through joint training, shared procurement of military equipment, and closer coordination in response to security threats. The implementation plan for this alliance is currently being developed and is expected to be officially approved by the respective defense ministries in the coming month.

A key element of the alliance is the plan for joint arms procurement, particularly from the United States. Rather than placing separate national orders, they intend to submit a single, coordinated request for weapons and equipment. This approach is expected to reduce costs, shorten delivery times, and standardize military capabilities across the participating forces, in line with NATO standards. Each country will fund its share of the purchases individually, but the coordination is designed to improve efficiency and interoperability.

The agreement, which was signed on March 18 in Tirana, also includes commitments to increased military education, joint exercises, and efforts to combat hybrid threats. Kosovo’s caretaker Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, noted that the first major procurement under this alliance could involve a weapons system jointly ordered from the U.S., structured so that all three countries benefit from better pricing and synchronized delivery timelines.

This trilateral military cooperation is seen as a significant step for Kosovo, which is not yet a member of NATO. According to former Deputy Minister of Defense Bejtush Gashi, the alliance provides Kosovo with a form of informal collective defense, especially important given that Albania and Croatia are both NATO members. While it does not carry the same binding protection as NATO’s Article 5, the alliance echoes the consultative framework of Article 4 and strengthens Kosovo’s integration into NATO-aligned defense structures.

The initiative is viewed as a strategic response to Serbia’s growing military capacity and the broader changes in European security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It has drawn criticism from Serbia, but officials from the three participating countries insist the alliance is defensive in nature and poses no threat to regional stability. They emphasize that unlike Serbia, which has previously violated peace agreements and expanded its own military alliances, such as a recent pact with Hungary, the Kosovo-Albania-Croatia alliance is focused solely on collective defense and peacekeeping.

Security expert Nuredin Ibishi also defended the agreement, stating that the alliance has no offensive ambitions and that the participating states have no territorial claims against any neighboring countries. He argued that Kosovo's military strategy remains strictly defensive, and that aligning with NATO partners through this alliance is a logical and necessary step.

Finally, the agreement leaves the door open for other countries to join. Bulgaria has reportedly been invited to consider participation, suggesting that the alliance could expand in the future. Overall, the Kosovo-Albania-Croatia military pact is seen as a proactive move to reinforce security in the Western Balkans, enhance regional cooperation, and move Kosovo closer to full integration into NATO’s defense ecosystem.

Prosecution seeks visitation ban for 14 individuals, including Thaci’s brothers (Klan)

The Office of the Specialist Prosecutor (OSP) has requested that former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci be banned from receiving visits from 14 individuals, including his three brothers, Gani, Nazmi, and Blerim Thaci. The move comes despite Thaci being under strict visitation restrictions in detention for over 18 months, with only five non-privileged visits allowed per month and all communication monitored around the clock.

According to documents obtained by Klan Kosova, the prosecution argues that current measures are not sufficient to prevent Thaci from allegedly passing unauthorized messages. They cite a February 2025 video call involving Thaci and another accused, Haxhi Shala, as a cause for concern, despite not raising the issue until recently.

Thaci’s defense team has strongly opposed the request, stating there is no new evidence or violation justifying additional restrictions. Lawyer Sophie Menegon emphasized that only five of the individuals listed have visited Thaci since the November 2023 restrictions took effect, including one legal team member whose visits are protected.

The pre-trial judge is currently reviewing the prosecution’s request and has asked for more information regarding one individual before issuing a decision. Notably, two names on the list, Artan Behrami and Vllaznim Kryeziu, are tied to Thaci’s second indictment for alleged obstruction of justice.

AJK calls on government: Allocate budget for RTK (media)

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) has expressed concern over the financial situation at RTK and has urged the government to immediately allocate the necessary budget for the public broadcaster. According to AJK, around 700 employees have yet to receive their salaries for the month of July. "AJK is deeply concerned for the financial well-being of all colleagues who have not been paid for their work, which they continue to perform even throughout August. AJK calls on RTK’s management to intensify efforts to secure the budget and to be transparent with RTK employees about its actions," the statement reads.

The Association sees the lack of budget allocation for the second half of the year as a form of increased political pressure on the Public Broadcaster by the caretaker Government of Prime Minister Kurti. “It is the last moment for the Government to explore all legal avenues to allocate the funds owed to RTK. AJK stands in solidarity with RTK colleagues and recognizes their important work in serving the public interest through information,” AJK’s statement concludes.

Kryeziu: Absurd to demand an unlawful solution for RTK (media)

Government spokesperson Perparim Kryeziu has responded to the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK), stating that AJK is distorting the law and misinforming the public in its latest statement accusing the government.In his response, Kryeziu emphasized that RTK is an institution established by the Assembly of Kosovo, which holds the direct responsibility for securing adequate funding for the public broadcaster. According to him, the inability to constitute the Assembly, due to a lack of votes from opposition parties, has prevented necessary decisions from being made, including allocating financial resources to RTK. “To transfer funds allocated to RTK into a bank account, as AJK is demanding, a decision from the Assembly’s Budget Committee is required, as stipulated in Article 11, paragraph 11 of the Law on Budget Allocations. Without this decision, transferring the funds is impossible,” Kryeziu stated.

He added that it is absurd to seek solutions for RTK’s financial situation through unlawful means, and even more absurd to expect the government to act in such a manner. His response comes after AJK raised concerns about RTK’s financial instability and delays in salary payments, urging the Government to immediately allocate the necessary budget. AJK reported that around 700 RTK employees have not yet received their July salaries.

Albanian Alliance expected to reach runoff election in Gracanica (Koha)

Gracanica’s municipality Deputy Mayor, Leutrim Ajeti told KTV on Thursday that he anticipates a close race against the Serbian List, which has governed the municipality for the past four years. Ajeti, who is also the Alliance’s candidate for mayor, said that the initiative is based on a comprehensive agreement, previously discussed with central-level representatives, who supported the Alliance's decisions. Alongside the Serbian List, Nenad Rasic's party is also running a candidate, but Ajeti believes the Albanian Alliance has a real chance of making it to the second round.

Ajeti noted that all communities were invited to nominate candidates, but no other groups submitted any. He emphasized their commitment to representing both the Albanian community and other ethnic groups in the municipality, while stressing the importance of cooperation with the central government to advance major projects.

The major Albanian political parties, Vetevendosje Movement, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), have united under the Albanian Alliance for the upcoming local elections in Gracanica.

LVV confirms Erden Atiq’s candidacy for second term in North Mitrovica (ekonomia)

The ruling party, Levizja Vetevendosje (LVV), has officially announced that Erden Atiq will run for a second term as mayor of North Mitrovica in the upcoming local elections scheduled for October 12. In a Facebook post, LVV praised Atiq’s current leadership as an example of transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. The party reaffirmed its support, stating that his leadership represents a continuation of the effort to restore and strengthen Kosovo’s sovereignty across all territories, including North Mitrovica.

LVV highlighted that during Atiq’s term, the municipality has seen citizen-focused governance and the implementation of projects aimed at local development. The party emphasized that its vision for the municipality extends beyond a single mandate and that continuity is essential. “We choose to continue on the path of courage, integrity, and hard work. Together, we choose Erden Atiq for mayor,” the statement concluded.

KLA War Veterans Organization calls on EU to address concerns about the Specialist Chambers (RTK)

A delegation from the Organization of Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army was officially received by Mr. Jarmo Helppikangas, Head of the Rule of Law, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Unit at the European Union Office in Kosovo. During the meeting,  they presented their concerns regarding the functioning and approach of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, urging that these concerns be taken seriously and relayed to all EU member states.

At the end of the meeting, the delegation thanked Mr. Helppikangas for his willingness to listen and his commitment to engage on this important issue. The organization expressed high appreciation for the role and contribution of the European Union in Kosovo, especially in strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights.

Rahovec war veterans: Arrested individuals were not part of KLA (media)

The War Veterans' Organization in Rahovec has stated that the two individuals recently arrested at the Horgosh border crossing between Serbia and Hungary were not members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). According to Qemajl Krasniqi, head of the veterans' branch in Rahovec, the arrested individuals had lived in Germany during the war and had no connection to the conflict in Kosovo. He characterized the arrests as part of Serbia's ongoing strategy to provoke tensions and apply pressure on Albanians by targeting innocent people. Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims the individuals, identified only by initials X.E and B.E, are suspected of war crimes in 1999, including involvement in a kidnapping in Rahovec, though their nationality was not disclosed. Meanwhile, Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official response but has warned citizens against transiting through Serbia due to the risk of arbitrary arrests.

Vukotic’s war crime sentences merged (media)

Zoran Vukotic marks the first case in Kosovo where multiple war crime convictions have been merged into a single sentence. Facing several indictments for war crimes, Vukotiq has been convicted of three offenses — all related to war crimes against the civilian population in Kosovo. For two final judgments, the Basic Court has issued a unified sentence of 19 years in prison. Another case, involving the killing of a 13-year-old, is expected to be merged into this ongoing unification process. This is the first time the Basic Court in Pristina has merged war crime sentences.

Vukotic had five indictments filed against him for war crimes. He received a 6.5-year sentence for wartime sexual assault, mistreatment, and beating of prisoners at Smrekonica prison. He was also sentenced to 15 years for the murder of 13-year-old Burim Muli during the war, a sentence that is pending final confirmation.

These crimes were committed in the Vushtrri area during the Kosovo war.

Serbian Language Media

NATO started temporary deployment of reserve forces in Kosovo (Tanjug, RTS)

A contingent of NATO reserve forces has begun temporary deployment in Kosovo, KFOR announced yesterday. 

As KFOR stated in a post on Facebook, the temporary deployment was carried out in accordance with existing procedures, in order to carry out a series of training activities with KFOR units.

According to reports, the first contingent of the Scots Guards, a light mechanized infantry regiment from the United Kingdom, has arrived in Kosovo, where it will be temporarily stationed for training purposes.

Due to the repeated refusal of the request to enter Kosovo, Arlov to present scholarships to nine Serbian children at Jarinje (Radio Mitrovica sever, Kosovo Online)

The President of the Committee for Aid to Kosovo and Metohija from Banja Luka, Milorad Arlov, again provided four-month scholarships worth 4,000 euros for nine Serbian children from Kosovo.

The scholarships, for September, October, November and December, will be handed over to them on Sunday, at the administrative crossing of Jarinje, since Milorad Arlov's application request was again rejected, and he was forbidden to enter Kosovo.

Arlov points out that for the past 10 years, the Committee has been giving scholarships of 400 and 500 euros to Serbian children in Kosovo, with the aim of making it financially easier for them and their parents to start the new school year.

The board recalled that it started the humanitarian mission for Serbs in Kosovo in May 2008, and that it will continue with humanitarian projects.

Indictment against two people for inciting and spreading hatred and intolerance (KiM radio, KoSSev)

The Special Prosecutor's Office of Kosovo filed an indictment against M.M. and A.B. for the criminal offense of "inciting discord and intolerance", reported KiM radio.

They are accused of publicly inciting and spreading hatred and intolerance between religious groups, as well as propagating extremist religious ideologies, according to the propaganda methods of ISIS.

"According to the indictment, M.M. called for massacres of Jews and Christians, by publishing photos and videos of radicalized persons on his profile on the social network "Facebook" and publicly calling for religious extremism. A. B. is accused of calling for respect for Sharia law and opposing the democratic system, state symbols and laws of the Republic of Kosovo".

According to the indictment, A. B. from 2019 to 22.05.2025, through the social network "Facebook", on his profile, distributed materials with inciting content, through which he called to join the fight for jihad.

"The Special Prosecutor's Office confirms its commitment to the prosecution and investigation of these criminal acts, which seriously violate democratic values and coexistence between ethnic and religious groups living in Kosovo."

Final verdict due to financial malpractices in the Diocese of Raska-Prizren after 15 years (KoSSev)

After a fifteen-year court process, the Court of Appeal in Belgrade issued a final and legally binding verdict in the case of financial fraud in the Eparchy of Raska-Prizren in the period up to 2010, the Eparchy announced yesterday. 

By the court's decision, which was passed on April 15 of this year, former archimandrite Simeon (Dejan) Vilovski, owner of the construction company "Rade Neimar" Predrag Suboticki, and architect Jelena Subarevic were convicted of serious crimes:

"This puts an end to one of the most deplorable cases of abuse of position within the Serbian Orthodox Church in recent history," the Eparchy stated.

The procedure was initiated back in 2010 based on investigations conducted in the Diocese after the irregularity of financial operations was suspected.

Marta Kos condemns attacks on citizens and journalists at protests in Serbia (N1, media)

A European Commission spokesperson told N1 that the European Union is monitoring the situation in the country closely.

“We strongly condemn any acts of violence, including threats against journalists. We are calling to end any escalation of tensions,” the spokesperson said in a reply to questions from N1.

According to the spokesperson, the EU position is clear: “the rights of peaceful demonstration and freedom of assembly must be respected and authorities must protect assembly participants from harm or violence”.

The spokesperson added that the EU also recalls the importance of media freedom and freedom of expression. “Independent media need to be able to exercise their role as watchdog to increase transparency and accountability of public figures and institutions”.

“We continue to follow all these issues closely, including in the context of EU-accession negotiations with Serbia. Fundamental rights and values are at the core of our common European project and need to be respected,” the spokesperson added.