Albanian Language Media: 

• Osmani: Radoicic criminal activity causes problems, not bridges over Iber (media)
• Paper from 2012 in which Basha was coauthor causes major reactions (media)
• MPs meet again today in an effort to resolve the new stalemate (media)
• Prattipati: Kosovo’s decision to remove tariffs shows leadership (media)
• RTK issues statement on reactions by some of its editors (media)
• AJK: RTK management’s statement is public intimidation of six editors (media)
• Serb from Kosovo and Croatian KFOR pilot arrested for espionage (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Serbian List met Troccaz: “Kurti’s regime denies basic rights of Serbs and seeks to prohibit our work” (Kosovo Online, media)
• Petkovic met Slovak Ambassador: Kurti violates his own regulations to harm Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)
• OSCE Mission in Kosovo: Kamp in talks with Serbs underlined need for efficient political representation (Kosovo Online, social media)
• Serbian Permanent Mission to OSCE says status-neutrality of OSCE breached (KoSSev, Radio KIM, media)
• Kosovo Alliance: Our supporter arrested, violation of rights of political dissidents (Alternativna)
• KFOR Polish soldiers patrol along ABL in northern Kosovo (media, social media)
• PM Macut: We face crises, requiring unity and dialogue; enemies divide us (N1)

International Media:

• Serbian police confront students as University dean tries to end blockade (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani: Radoicic’s criminal activity causes problems, not bridges over Iber (media)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, received on Wednesday the Special Envoy of France for the Western Balkans, Ambassador Rene Troccaz. They discussed political developments in Kosovo and regional security. In a statement issued by the President's Office, it was said that Osmani reiterated Kosovo’s strategic orientation toward integration into the European Union and NATO, as well as its unwavering commitment to membership in the Council of Europe.

Osmani emphasized Kosovo’s dedication to political stability and the full democratic functioning of institutions, mentioning the election of the Speaker of the Assembly and most of the Deputy Speakers as key steps in this direction.

Osmani welcomed the opening of the new bridge over the Iber River and the continuation of construction on an additional bridge. “She recalled that the closure of the main bridge in Mitrovica in 1999 was not due to security reasons but as a result of extremely harmful political decisions. It is regrettable that 26 years after its closure, and now 10 years since the Brussels agreement on reopening the bridge, it still remains closed,” the statement reads. The President added that it is not bridges that create tensions, but violent individuals and illegal criminal structures financed by Serbia, which, according to her, have caused violence and unrest for decades. “It is the criminal and destabilizing activity of Radoicic and the criminal groups in the north that hinders normalcy and free movement, creating an atmosphere of fear and tension, not the bridges,” said Osmani.

Regarding the EU’s restrictive measures against Kosovo, Osmani said that not only are these measures unjust, as they unfairly affect the people of Kosovo and their well-being, but they also harm democratic processes, Kosovo’s development, and the credibility of the EU-led dialogue.

Paper from 2012 in which Basha was coauthor causes major reactions (media)

Most news websites report that a paper from 2012, where the newly elected Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly Dimal Basha was a coauthor, caused major reactions in Kosovo on Wednesday. The paper titled “Globalism in the Western Balkans: Transnational Crime, Fundamentalist Islam, and Unfair Alliances”, notes among other things that “according to the cases investigated, funds for the KLA came from ordinary Albanians in the diaspora, but also from drug traffickers operating throughout Western Europe and the United States”. 

Basha meanwhile said on Wednesday that he had never written against the former Kosovo Liberation Army and that he contributed only to chapter 3 of the paper “which deals with the penetration of fundamentalist Islam in Southeast Europe, with a focus on Kosovo”.

Basha said in a Facebook post: This is not the first time that I am being attacked with untruths by certain circles, but before all the citizens I have the responsibility and obligation to answer and explain in relation to the allegations made today. The paper that is circulating in the media is from 2012, at a time when I was a student. My contribution in this paper is only in chapter 3, which deals with penetration of fundamentalist Islam in Southeast Europe, with a focus on Kosovo. This is where my responsibility about the paper ends … I highly appreciate the war of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the sacrifice of our people for freedom. I never wrote and there will never be found any content that falls against this sacred value of our people. I apologize to the citizens about these fake reports, and I call on the media to report fairly and accurately, especially on such sensitive topics, that do not relate only to me personally but to the whole people of the Republic of Kosovo.

MPs meet again today in an effort to resolve the new stalemate (media)

All news websites report that members of the Kosovo Assembly will meet again today in an effort to resolve a new stalemate, this time regarding the election of the Assembly Deputy Speaker from the Serb community. In the previous session, the Speaker of the Assembly, Deputy Speakers from the Albanian community, and the Deputy Speaker from non-Serb non-majority communities, were elected.

Prattipati: Kosovo’s decision to remove tariffs shows leadership (media)

Annu Prattipati, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, stated that Kosovo’s decision to remove tariffs on American goods demonstrates leadership. Speaking at the forum “Removing Barriers: The Economic Impact of 0% Tariffs on American Goods” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, Prattipati said that the Chamber has been a vocal advocate for the removal of tariffs on U.S. goods. She also thanked the Kosovo Customs for their role in the process. Prattipati addressed the agreements, policies, vision, and the future of Kosovo–U.S. relations, emphasizing economic ties. “Kosovo and the United States have a shared agreement to strengthen economic relations, which helps deepen and expand trade ties between the two countries,” said Prattipati.

She noted that Kosovo has taken action to make this happen, which, in her view, reflects leadership. “By removing tariffs, Kosovo has increased access to American goods, offering more opportunities for both Kosovar and American businesses,” Prattipati emphasized.

She added that the decision brings mutual benefits and supports economic growth. She called on Kosovo’s businesses to take advantage of the removal of tariffs to further develop trade relations with the U.S., and beyond.

RTK issues statement on reactions by some of its editors (media)

The management of the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) issued a statement on Wednesday about the reactions of some of its editors after they were removed as moderators from some shows. “The RTK is going through a phase of program and organizational advancement with the aim of increasing the quality of content on all channels and platforms, with a special focus on strengthening the information channel RTK3. In this respect there has been a reorganization of staff, and these decisions have a managerial nature and do not have a punitive or disciplinary character. The job contracts of the editors remain untouched. Their duties relate to editing and editorial oversight, not with moderating, therefore, their release from this role is in compliance with the contracts and internal regulations”.

The statement further notes that “although the RTK is currently operating in unusual circumstances, this situation will not prevent the institution from advancing its program offer and improving working processes. This situation can in no way be used by RTK staff to make statements on social networks that have a political nature, insulting or that are incompatible with professional ethics and standards. Moreover, any statement that is substantiated with facts and which spreads disinformation by damaging the integrity of the institutions will no longer be tolerated and all such actions will be treated in line with the law and applicable regulations of the RTK”.

AJK: RTK management’s statement is public intimidation of six editors (media)

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) has stated that the public statement issued by the management of RTK constitutes public intimidation of six editors of the public broadcaster. AJK expressed alarm over what it described as public intimidation through the management’s press release. “In a statement issued earlier today, the RTK Management said, among other things, that ‘any unfounded statement, which spreads disinformation and damages the integrity of the institution, will no longer be tolerated, and all such actions will be addressed in accordance with RTK’s current laws and regulations.’”

“This is a direct threat of punitive measures against six editors who publicly opposed their arbitrary removal from RTK’s screen,” the AJK said in its reaction.

Furthermore, the AJK strongly condemned what it called arbitrary actions and censorship by the current RTK management. “AJK strongly condemns the arbitrary and censorial actions of the current Management and continues to support the editors in their demands for the withdrawal of the decision that removed them from leading news programs,” the statement read.

Serb from Kosovo and Croatian KFOR pilot arrested for espionage (media)

Most news websites covered on Wednesday an article that originally appeared in Croatian media saying that a Serb from Kosovo with Serbian nationality and her partner, a Croatian that served as a pilot in KFOR troops, were arrested on espionage charges. According to an investigation, from 2022 until 2025, the pilot is believed to have shared with his partner confidential information about the movements of Serbs in the north of Kosovo, KFOR troops and the tense situation in Zubin Potok, which she then shared with the Serbian List. It is said he secured this information during his mission in Kosovo. His partner, who often travelled to Croatia and stayed in Vis, is accused of keeping contacts with reporters and a foreign government. The investigation also includes the sharing of information about the transport of former Kosovo Police officer, Dejan Pantic, whose arrest in December 2022 resulted in protests and barricades in the north of Kosovo.

Gazeta Express in an article published on Wednesday citing unnamed sources reported that the Serb national was living in Mitrovica North. It also learned that the suspect had worked for EULEX and UNMIK and was suspected of close ties with many judges and prosecutors working for EULEX.

Serbian Language Media

Serbian List met Troccaz: “Kurti’s regime denies basic rights of Serbs and seeks to prohibit our work” (Kosovo Online, media)

Serbian List representatives met yesterday French Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz, to whom they conveyed that “Albin Kurti’s regime systematically deprives and denies the basic rights of the Serbian people, carries out continuous repression, and seeks to prohibit the work of their party”, Kosovo Online portal reported. As Serbian List said in a statement, the talks focused on the political and security situation, as well as numerous problems faced by the Serbian people in Kosovo. They also presented examples of institutional violence against the Serbian community, the statement added. 

They underlined that the Serbian List remains firmly committed to protecting the rights and interests of the Serbian people and will continue to fight against all forms of institutional violence and pressure.

At the same time, they expressed regret that, among other things, the failure to respect signed agreements and the non-establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities have led to most of the problems faced by the Serbian people, for which, they stressed, the international community also bears responsibility.

Petkovic met Slovak Ambassador: Kurti violates his own regulations to harm Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic briefed the Slovak Ambassador to Serbia, Michal Pavuk on the course of Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, emphasizing that Pristina has no genuine intention to normalize relations, but instead undermines achieved agreements and the rights of the Serbian people through unilateral actions.

According to a statement from the Office for KiM, Petkovic also informed Pavuk about a series of escalatory measures that Pristina authorities had taken against the Serbian population.

Petkovic told his interlocutor that Tuesday’s denial of guaranteed rights to the Serbian List in Kosovo Assembly demonstrates that Kosovo acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti is violating, as it was said, even his own regulations just to harm the Serbian people and their only legitimate representatives.

“Despite numerous obstructions by Pristina, Belgrade will continue to be an even stronger support for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, through economic empowerment as well as political and diplomatic efforts within the dialogue in Brussels”, Petkovic said.

OSCE Mission in Kosovo: Kamp in talks with Serbs underlined need for efficient political representation (Kosovo Online, social media)

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp in separate talks with Serbian List and Serbian Democracy officials underlined the need for efficient political representation and active engagement of communities in order to safeguard inclusion, Kosovo Online portal reported citing the post of OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“In Mitrovica/e North today, @hcnm Kamp & @OSCEKosovo_HoM McGurk met Srpska Lista & Srpska Demokratija reps. to discuss the situation of Kosovo Serbs. Kamp underlined the need 4 effective political representation & active community engagement to safeguard community inclusion. ½

During the day, Kamp also met with civil society representatives to exchange views on key challenges and opportunities facing communities, highlighting the CSOs vital role in fostering inclusion, dialogue, and trust. 2/2”, OSCE Mission in Kosovo said in a post on Wednesday.

Serbian Permanent Mission to OSCE says status-neutrality of OSCE breached (KoSSev, Radio KIM, media)

The Serbian Permanent Mission to the OSCE expressed serious concerns over the display of Kosovo symbols along with that of the OSCE. They called upon OSCE to fully uphold its status-neutral mandate, KoSSev portal reported.

“Serbia remains committed to cooperation within the OSCE framework and has always taken a constructive approach to the activities of the OSCE in Kosovo and Metohija. However, we express serious concern over breaches of the OSCE Mission’s status neutrality by displaying symbols of the so-called “Kosovo” along with those of the OSCE. We call on the OSCE to fully uphold its status-neutral mandate in the Province, in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 @OSCEKosovo, @oscehcnm, @OSCEKosovo_HoM”, Serbian Permanent Mission to the OSCE said in a post on X social platform.

Although the Serbian Permanent Mission did not say concretly what event they had in mind, KoSSev portal recalled that yesterday a post was published by OSCE Mission in Kosovo on their official X account related to the meeting between OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp with Kosovo caretaker PM Albin Kurti with a photo of two of them and small Kosovo flag placed on the table next to the OSCE one. 

Kosovo Alliance: Our supporter arrested, violation of rights of political dissidents (Alternativna)

Newly formed Serb political party in Kosovo, Kosovo Alliance said their supporter from Zubin Potok, Sasa Vulovic was arrested at border crossing point Spiljanje, between Serbia and Montenegro, Alternativna.com portal reported.

“He is accused of allegedly ‘inciting’ and setting the business premise of a politician on fire, however there is no public evidence supporting these claims”, the party said in a statement. They also recalled that over the previous period incidents were reported in the north of Kosovo, including throwing an explosive device at the house of Milos Perovic, Serbian List mayoral candidate in Zubin Potok.

Kosovo Alliance also claimed that the arrest of their supporter was carried out by Serbian Security Information Agency (BIA) who allegedly took Vulovic to Novi Pazar where he was rendered 48-hour detention.

Alternativna.com portal also said there is no official confirmation from the Serbian Interior Ministry about this arrest. Police administration from Novi Pazar said they do not have information about the arrest either.

KFOR Polish soldiers patrol along ABL in northern Kosovo (media, social media)

“Polish soldiers assigned to the Regional Command East of the NATO-led KFOR mission conducted an independent patrol along the Administrative Boundary Line in northern Kosovo”, Kosovo Online portal reported citing KFOR statement published on Facebook.

“Such patrols, conducted on a regular basis, are essential for maintaining a visible presence, enhancing situational awareness and supporting stability in the region.They play a vital role in ensuring a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.

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”, the statement added.

PM Macut: We face crises, requiring unity and dialogue; enemies divide us (N1)

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut said Wednesday Serbia is facing different challenges. “We are facing crises that are not only political, but also rooted in identity and values, that is why they are complex and require us to demonstrate togetherness, unity, dialogue and understanding”, he said, N1 reported.

“On behalf of the Government of Serbia, I pledge that we will continue along the path of our ancestors, that we will preserve independence and freedom, that we will build the future through dialogue and unity and that we will defend with dignity what has for centuries been most sacred – Serbia, its statehood and its people”, Macut said at a ceremonial Government session marking the 220th anniversary of the founding of the Governing Council, the first executive power body in the revolutionary Serbia and a predecessor of the contemporary Government of Serbia.

The Prime Minister underlined that “Serbia has always known that it is the strongest when united, adding that this is precisely what its enemies will not allow, as they deliberately incite innocent people, and today some are doing so with the aim of collapsing Serbia, enslaving it and breaking it apart”, the Serbian Government said in a press release.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/GNii0

International Media 

Serbian police confront students as University dean tries to end blockade (BIRN)

As tensions continue to run high amid ongoing anti-government protests in Serbia, scuffles broke out after the dean of Novi Sad University's Faculty of Philosophy called in police to help overcome a student blockade of the building.

Scuffles broke out at a student blockade at the University of Novi Sad in northern Serbia on Tuesday after a senior academic called in the police – the latest flashpoint in the ongoing anti-government protests in Serbia.

The dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Milivoj Alanovic, asked the police to enter the university to break up a blockade by student protesters which has so far lasted nine months. According to Serbian law, police can only enter a faculty if they are called by the dean.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/5GgvO