UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 30, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani to meet political party leaders on Friday (media)
Syria’s recognition of Kosovo keeps Osmani from Macron’s dinner (media)
German ambassador congratulates Osmani on Syria’s recognition (media)
Draft Progress Report on Kosovo: Limited progress and stagnation (Koha)
Kurti at the Peace Forum in Paris: Kosovo, a dual success story (media)
Rama: Kosovo is a state for us, but not for Serbia, that’s the big problem (media)
U.S. Law aims to oppose border changes in Balkans (Koha)
Kurti congratulates Turkiye on 102nd anniversary of Republic (media)
Vasfije Krasniqi in Netherlands to speak about sexual violence victims (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: Syria under the influence of Turkey, expected recognition of Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
Petkovic met Konrad: Kurti disrupting the peace with unilateral moves, Belgrade committed to dialogue (Kosovo Online, Radio Mitrovica sever)
Vucic to participate in UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand (RTS, Beta, Danas)
Daily progress and “behind-the-scenes” developments: What does Sorensen consider a success in the dialogue? (Kosovo Online)
Spahiu: All municipal decisions can be annulled if they are illegal (Kosovo Online)
Bells stolen from Roman Catholic church in Urosevac (RTS, Kosovo Online)
Marches from across Serbia press on toward Novi Sad (N1)

Opinion:

New elections are unlikely to resolve Kosovo’s dysfunctional politics (Balkan Insight)

International:

Democracy at a crossroads: Rule of law and the case for US engagement in the Balkans (Atlantic Council)
Serbia: A year-long war on journalism (International Federation of Journalists)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani to meet political party leaders on Friday (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani will meet with the leaders of political parties on Friday to either appoint a second nominee for prime minister or to decide that Kosovo will head to early elections. The news was confirmed to the media by the president’s media advisor, Bekim Kupina. “The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 12:00,” Kupina said.

The new nominee is expected to be the one with the greatest chances of forming a government, following the failure of Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti to form the executive. However, the former opposition has not yet expressed readiness to take the initiative to form a new government.

The leader of the party that came second in the February 9 elections, Memli Krasniqi of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), has stated that he will ask President Vjosa Osmani to call for immediate elections, since they do not have the necessary numbers to form the executive.

The leaders of the four opposition political parties PDK, LDK, AAK, and Nisma, have already confirmed participation at the meeting.

Syria’s recognition of Kosovo keeps Osmani from Macron’s dinner (media)

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani did not attend the Paris Peace Forum or the state dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, because she was in Riyadh finalizing the agreement on Syria’s recognition of Kosovo. Her media adviser, Bekim Kupina, confirmed that Osmani and the First Gentleman were grateful to President Macron and the First Lady for the invitation and continued support.

Kupina explained that Osmani’s absence was due to a trilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and the President of Syria, during which the historic agreement on Syria’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence was reached.

German ambassador congratulates Osmani on Syria’s recognition of Kosovo (media)

The German ambassador to Kosovo, Rainer Rudolph, has congratulated President Vjosa Osmani and the people of Kosovo on Syria’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence. In a post on Bluesky, the German embassy expressed happiness over what it called a new dynamic of recognitions for Kosovo. “We are very pleased with this new momentum, as this marks the third recognition this year,” the embassy stated. On Wednesday, Syria became the 120th state to recognize Kosovo’s sovereignty.

Draft Progress Report on Kosovo: Limited progress and stagnation (Koha)

The news website claims to have obtained a draft of the EU Progress Report on Kosovo, which largely describes “limited progress” or “some progress”, while in certain areas it notes “no progress.” Kosovo faces the most criticism regarding freedom of expression, which reportedly has not improved, and actions in the northern region, seen as contrary to Kosovo’s EU obligations and the normalization process with Serbia.

Compared to previous years, the report is less positive. The EU has continued punitive measures against Kosovo, aiming to lift financial restrictions if a sustainable transfer of governance in the north occurs after the second round of local elections.

A significant portion of the report focuses on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, emphasizing that fulfilling dialogue obligations is crucial for EU integration and benefits from the Western Balkans Growth Plan. Kosovo is urged to begin establishing the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities and review the European draft statute, while Serbia is called to recognize Kosovo’s documents and symbols.

Progress has been hindered by political situations in both Kosovo and Serbia as well as Serbia’s inaction against the Banjska attack perpetrators, which escalated security concerns. The report notes that the departure of Serbs from Kosovo institutions in 2022 and their boycott of the 2023 local elections was a major setback, though participation in the February 9 parliamentary elections and recent local elections marks a positive return.

The EU stresses that the return of Kosovo Serbs to institutions, including judiciary and security bodies, must comply with dialogue agreements and Kosovo’s legal framework. Serbia’s opposition to Kosovo in international forums is also criticized. Both sides are urged to implement the Brussels Agreement and its annexes, engage sincerely in normalization, and avoid language undermining reconciliation.

According to Koha, the report paints a picture of limited achievements, persistent political challenges, and the ongoing need for both Kosovo and Serbia to follow through on commitments for normalization and EU integration.

Kurti at the Peace Forum in Paris: Kosovo, a dual success story (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, participated as the main speaker in the panel “Peacekeeping at a Crossroads: The Future of UN Missions and Global Responsibility” at the Paris Peace Forum. Kurti described Kosovo as a dual success story: “as an example of a successful NATO military and humanitarian intervention that stopped Serbian-perpetrated genocide,” and “as a country where democracy and development progress together.”

He highlighted that “stronger state institutions have reduced the need for international military presence, while Kosovo has experienced sustained economic growth.” Kurti noted that Kosovo’s GDP per capita is now six times higher than in 2000 and three times higher than in 2008, the year of independence, emphasizing tangible macro-economic and social benefits for the people.

Kurti stressed that every peacekeeping mission requires shared values, not just common interests, highlighting the importance of multilateralism, dialogue, and agreements, citing the European Union as a historic example of peace and prosperity.

He also. spoke about strengthening Kosovo’s international recognition, including three new recognitions this year, and reiterated Kosovo’s aspirations for EU and NATO integration, stressing the importance of regional cooperation.

Rama: Kosovo is a state for us, but not for Serbia, that’s the big problem (media)

The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, spoke about Kosovo–Serbia relations during the Paris Peace Forum on Thursday, describing Serbia’s non-recognition of Kosovo as “the core problem” of the region. He said that the Balkans must choose between division and cooperation. “Kosovo is a problem because, for us, it is a state in its own right. But for Serbia or for some other countries, it is not. That’s a big problem. Either we continue to look backward, fuel tensions and negative energy, and harm ourselves and our economies, we are small markets, or we move forward together. The other alternative was to disagree and not cooperate,” Rama said.

He added that Europe today faces the same challenges that once characterized the Balkans. “Europe has become very Balkanized. I think even France has become very Balkanized, they can’t even approve a budget. Look at Britain, it’s even worse. Now we are the good ones, so I say: make peace, don’t threaten, communicate, because we come from hell, and we are the messengers,” he emphasized.

The Albanian Prime Minister stated that regardless of whether others listen or not, Albania will continue to work for regional stability. “If the world becomes a better place, we’ll be able to say that we did our part. We’ll earn ourselves a place in heaven as Albanians,” he said jokingly.

Rama also praised relations with Italy and the role of the European Union.

U.S. Law aims to oppose border changes in Balkans (Koha)

If the “Democracy and Progress in the Western Balkans Act” is approved by the U.S. Congress and Senate and signed by President Donald Trump, the United States would be legally committed to ensuring that its foreign policy does not support the division of territories, secession, or any other border changes based on ethnicity in the Western Balkans, including between Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the possible division of Republika Srpska.

This provision is part of Section 11 of the draft law, which deals with relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and emphasizes that the agreement on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, reached on February 27, 2023, with the support of the European Union, should be implemented swiftly. The law also promotes bilateral talks, concrete initiatives to increase trade and investment, and U.S. support for a final agreement.

For the first time, the draft law explicitly includes a paragraph on “no border changes.” “The United States will not pursue any policy that supports territorial exchanges, secession, or other forms of redrawing borders along ethnic lines in the Western Balkans as a means of arbitrating disputes between national states in the region,” the draft law states.

Currently, the bill, as of October 9, has been referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for review of the sections under their jurisdiction. No deadline has been set for the review, and the committees may request testimony, propose changes, or amendments before the bill returns to the full chamber for a vote. The bill must pass the committee, which can modify or reject it. If it passes, it proceeds to a vote in the House of Representatives or the Senate, depending on where it started. Only after approval by both chambers and the president’s signature does it become law.

Kurti congratulates Turkiye on 102nd anniversary of Republic (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has congratulated the Republic of Turkiye and its citizens on the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Kosovo, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Turkiye and its citizens on the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. Our two peoples enjoy a long history of friendship and partnership, increasingly reflected in our growing cooperation across a wide range of sectors, particularly in security and defense,” Kurti stated.

He further expressed his hope that the alliance between Kosovo and Turkey will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.

Vasfije Krasniqi in Netherlands to speak about sexual violence victims (media)

Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman, one of the strongest voices in the fight for justice for victims of sexual violence during the Kosovo war, will be in The Hague at the invitation of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) event. She will speak before 250 participants from 25 different countries. Krasniqi-Goodman announced this herself via a post on social media: “I will speak about pain that does not age, about the silence imposed on us for years, about a truth the world has often chosen to overlook. But I am not alone. Behind me stand thousands of women who never had the chance to testify. Kosovo stands, still waiting for justice for the crimes committed against us.”

She emphasized that she is not seeking pity, but justice. “I demand that sexual violence be treated as a war crime, as it is. I demand that no one else has to live with a shame that does not belong to them.”

Further Krasniqi-Goodman concluded that “this voice is a wound, but also a strength. And every time I speak, I know an injustice is shaken. Peace cannot be built on silence. Without justice, there is no peace. For all those who did not have the chance to speak, I will speak.”

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: Syria under the influence of Turkey, expected recognition of Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, said today that the news of the recognition of Kosovo by Syria was expected, indicating that the country is under the enormous influence of Turkey, reported Kosovo Online.

"Syria's recognition is the expected news. It was clear how much Assad's libertarian approach meant while he was in power, and it is clear that when someone comes who is under the enormous influence of one of the key countries in the region such as Turkey, it is not out of place to notice that it was expected," said Vucic, who participated in the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.

He noted that the same manuscript was in Riyadh as it was in Antalya last year.

"They call our minister of foreign affairs and then say they don't have time for a bilateral meeting, so Sudan recognized Kosovo. These are the ones who are a real war zone, where the chaotic situation is. I believe that the prosperous forces, which were against recognition, will win in that conflict. In Syria, everything is expected - they get an order, and they behave according to it. It is difficult to preserve independent decision-making as it used to be," said Vucic.

Vucic added that ''since he sees that they are overjoyed'', he would wait so that he ''is not accused of blurring some things or changing the topic before large gatherings, and in the next ten days, we have something to make them happy."

"We will continue our fight to preserve Serbia within its internationally recognized borders. This is a marathon, not a 50-meter race. Considering who we are fighting against, which are the most powerful in the world, who want to steal our land and territory, we are doing well,'' he underlined.

Vucic said that it was very difficult for Serbia to defend its position and that it succeeded in this with a huge number of diplomatic activities.

"We have preserved the position of international law in UNESCO," he emphasized, adding that it is good news that Kosovo, as ''a separate part of the territory of Serbia'', is not present at the conference.

Vucic reported that on the sidelines of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, which is being held outside Paris for the first time, he had meetings with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan and the President of Slovakia.

"I talked with Peter Pellegrini about Serbia's European path, as well as bilateral relations, which I believe we can further improve," he explained. He also met with the Director General of UNESCO.

Vucic announced the upcoming visit of the President of Slovakia to Serbia, by the end of this year, adding that it will be an opportunity to further improve relations, reported Kosovo Online.

Petkovic met Konrad: Kurti disrupting the peace with unilateral moves, Belgrade committed to dialogue (Kosovo Online, Radio Mitrovica sever)

The Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, spoke with the German Ambassador to Serbia, Anke Konrad, informing her about the course of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the political and security situation in Kosovo, which, as he stated, is being undermined by Albin Kurti with his unilateral moves, reported Kosovo Online.

Petkovic emphasized that it is of crucial importance for Belgrade that all open issues are resolved through dialogue and that the priority in the talks must be the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities, but that Pristina has been avoiding this obligation for 12 years.

"Belgrade is committed to the implementation of the Declaration on Missing Persons and treats this issue in Brussels with full attention because for us it is a humanitarian and not a political issue, but there is no readiness of Pristina to adequately participate in this process," said Petkovic.

The director of the Office for KiM conveyed to his interlocutor that the Serbs from Kosovo clearly expressed their will at the recently concluded local elections, especially that they want the municipalities in the north to "return to Serbian hands", but that the Albanian mayors continue with, as he stated, ''illegal decisions in the municipalities with a Serb majority'' which, according to him, are illegal and to the detriment of the Serbian people.

Petkovic also raised the question of the passage of Serbian goods through other administrative crossings in Kosovo, given that there are still large crowds at Merdare ABL, where for now the only transport of Serbian goods is allowed.

He concluded that due to the impossibility of forming a government in Pristina, Kurti continues to implement unilateral moves and obstruct dialogue, but that Belgrade will continue to preserve peace and stability despite everything.

Vucic to participate in UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand (RTS, Beta, Danas)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic continued his visit to Uzbekistan by participating in the session of the UNESCO General Assembly in Samarkand, reported RTS today.

At the airport in Samarkand, Vucic was welcomed by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Achilbay Ramatov, and Mayor Adiz Boboyev. The delegation with President Vucic also includes Minister of Culture Nikola Selakovic.

The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference will be held at the "Silk Road" Congress Center in Samarkand, and this is the first time in more than 40 years that the session has been held outside of Paris.

The role of hosting such a large international forum in Samarkand emphasizes Uzbekistan’s commitment to UNESCO values and its active role in promoting global dialogue for peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development.

The choice of Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world, gives it a special symbolic significance.

The event will include more than 150 events that address key issues in education, science, culture, ecology, technology and communications.

The focus of this year’s session is on the topics of digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence in the protection of cultural heritage, education for sustainable development, the role of youth in climate action, as well as the promotion of gender equality.

The session will be attended by delegations from more than 200 countries and international organizations, including, in addition to President Vucic, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini, Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay and other distinguished guests.

During the two-week session, key documents that determine UNESCO's budget and work program for the coming period will be adopted. It is expected that the new head of the organization will be appointed during the session in Samarkand.

Founded in 1945, UNESCO is a specialized agency of the UN whose goal is to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture and communications.

Daily progress and “behind-the-scenes” developments: What does Sorensen consider a success in the dialogue? (Kosovo Online)

Kosovo Online in English wrote that for the EU Special Envoy for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue, Peter Sorensen, tangible proof that the dialogue is working lies in the fact that “every day, people, vehicles, and goods move freely between Kosovo and Serbia,” as well as that “people pay for the energy they consume under agreed conditions,” while many things are being resolved “behind the scenes.” Analysts assessed for Kosovo Online the Sorensen’s statement as an attempt to present the dialogue process as a success under his leadership, while noting that the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities (CSM) will be the first issue on the agenda for Kosovo’s new government.

Since assuming the role of EU Special Envoy for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue, Sorensen has met three times in Brussels with the chief negotiators of both sides — Petar Petkovic for Serbia and Besnik Bislimi for Kosovo. The first meeting took place on 2–3 July, when Sorensen announced that a trilateral meeting would soon follow. Just a week later, the first trilateral meeting was held, where it was agreed that the talks would continue.

The discussions resumed on 11 September. The conclusion from both sides was that there had been no significant progress, while the EU reiterated that it expected a final outcome in the normalization process. Apart from meetings in Brussels, Sorensen visited both Belgrade and Pristina multiple times - most recently, in Kosovo, away from the public eye.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/49567yew

Spahiu: All municipal decisions can be annulled if they are illegal (Kosovo Online)

Political analyst Nexhmedin Spahiu said decisions falling under jurisdiction of a municipality can be annulled if they were made contrary to the law, emphasizing that the role of the court is crucial in determining the legality of certain decisions made by local authorities, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Spahiu said he could not comment on the specific decisions made by the mayors of the four northern municipalities but noted that any municipal decision can be overturned if permitted by law. “All decisions that fall under the jurisdiction of the municipality and that can be revoked, because every decision has a legal framework that defines whether it can be withdrawn or not, can be annulled. That is up to the Municipal Assembly, and anything that falls within its competence or that of the mayor, they can do. However, decisions that, for example, relate to the purchase or sale of a house or apartment cannot be annulled if they were made in accordance with the law. But there are also decisions that can be overturned”, Spahiu explained.

Some of the most recent municipal assembly decisions, such as the one on the conversion of agricultural land into construction land, were made after local elections were announced, which, according to legal experts, is contrary to Kosovo laws. Spahiu believes that such cases should be decided by the court. “If something is illegal, then it is up to the court to annul such a decision. Any illegal decision can be annulled by the court, that is clear. There’s nothing more to it”, he emphasized.

Residents of the four northern municipalities, where Serbian List won local elections, expressed hope that the decisions made by Albanian mayors, they perceive as detrimental to the majority community, would be overturned once power is transferred to Serbs. Spahiu, however, believes that not all expectations are realistic.

Bells stolen from Roman Catholic church in Urosevac (RTS, Kosovo Online)

Unknown individuals have stolen two bells from the Roman Catholic church in Urosevac, RTS reports. As Kosovo police said, the theft was reported by a resident of Urosevac.

“A man from Kosovo reported that two bells from the Catholic church were stolen by still unidentified persons. Security camera footage shows a civilian vehicle entering the churchyard, where three individuals stole the bells”, the police report said. As police also said, the investigation is ongoing.

Marches from across Serbia press on toward Novi Sad (N1)

On Wednesday, students from across the country kept marching toward Novi Sad for the memorial rally on November 1 - the grim first anniversary of the train-station canopy collapse that claimed 16 lives, reported N1.

Two groups that had set out on foot from Novi Pazar and were warmly welcomed in Belgrade on Tuesday will spend Wednesday night in Nova Pazova.

The Vrsac contingent arrived in Zrenjanin, where locals and fellow students rolled out the red carpet and capped the evening with fireworks that lit up the sky.

Belgrade gave a hero’s welcome to marchers from Petrovac na Mlavi in eastern Serbia. As they neared the city center, crowds swelled, with residents spontaneously joining the procession amid cheers and chants.

Out west, farmers from the Macva District decided to join the students and citizens. They set off on their tractors in Bogatic on Wednesday morning and arrived in the city of Sabac by nightfall, greeted by a sea of torch-waving supporters. Police had briefly blocked them on the outskirts, but the convoy pushed through and paraded into town.

Cyclists pedaling from the city of Nis were given a warm welcome in Smederevo: red carpet, flares, and a feast.

Nis also to host commemorative rally on November 1

Students from the city of Nis invited all citizens who, for any reason, are unable to attend the November 1 commemorative rally in Novi Sad, to join them instead in Nis to pay their respects to those who died in the Novi Sad tragedy.

The gathering is set for 5 pm in downtown Nis, from where they will proceed in silence, peacefully, and with dignity on a commemorative walk to the city train station.

Opinion

New elections are unlikely to resolve Kosovo’s dysfunctional politics (Balkan Insight)

By: Donika Emini

After a long crisis, new elections may provide a government at last, but are unlikely to resolve the underlying challenges facing Kosovo – or ease the political disillusionment that has grown within society.

The Kosovo Assembly convened in an extraordinary session at the weekend to meet the Constitutional Court’s deadline to form a new government – long awaited, after elections held back in February.

It remains unclear whether the Assembly has actually been fully constituted, following a case filed by the Srpska Lista party about the election of a Serb deputy speaker. However, Kosovo’s President nonetheless mandated Albin Kurti of Vetevendosje, the election-winning party, to present a cabinet and seek parliamentary approval to form the government.

What unfolded was no surprise to anyone who has been following the February 2025 results: the maths did not add up.