• Hargreaves calls for swift formation of institutions after Dec 28 elections (media)
• German Embassy: A stable government is of crucial importance (media)
• Women’s Network condemns Lushtaku’s denigrating words against Matoshi (media)
• Gervalla calls for lifting of EU measures and accountability for Banjska (media)
• EU, OSCE in Kosovo condemn CEC member’s outburst toward media (PI)
• KLA War Veterans to protest in Skopje in support of former KLA leaders (media)
• Serb mayors assume leadership in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo (media)
• SL takes control of nine municipalities, including four in the north (Kossev)
• Kurti: 11 decisions adopted during Kosovo’s presidency of CEFTA (media)
• Kurti visits construction work at €1 mil Multifunctional Center in Sharr (media)
• Kosovo to buy Black Hawk helicopters (Janes.com)
• Patients are in the hands of a system that does not recognize them (Kosovo 2.0)
• Serbian police arrest Albanian national, claim to find KLA flag in his vehicle (media)
• Djoric: Call to demolish church is scandalous and unacceptable (Radio KiM)

Hargreaves calls for swift formation of institutions after Dec 28 elections (media)

Most news websites report that UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, met with Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku on Thursday. “We discussed the importance of forming institutions swiftly following the elections on 28 December. I hoped that the election campaign would go smoothly with a view to cooperating after elections for the good of the country and the people of Kosovo,” Hargreaves wrote in a Facebook post.

On Thursday, the UK Ambassador also met with Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) leader Ramush Haradinaj and said that they “had a good discussion, hoping that institutions would be formed as quickly as possible in the new year so that Kosovo is able to engage fully in the EU-facilitated dialogue and make progress on its path towards membership of international organisations”.

German Embassy: A stable government is of crucial importance (media)

The German Embassy in Kosovo told RTV21 that Kosovo urgently needs a stable and fully functional government after the December 28 parliamentary elections. “Kosovo urgently needs a government that is fully functional both inside the country and abroad. Kosovo cannot afford to lose more time. As Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said during his visit to Pristina last month, the formation of a stable government is of crucial importance. Europe is closely watching this,” the embassy said.

Women’s Network condemns Lushtaku’s denigrating language against Matoshi (media)

The Kosovo Women’s Network, in a statement on Thursday, strongly condemned “the denigrating, sexist and completely unacceptable language used against MP Adriana Matoshi by Sami Lushtaku”. The network said that “such personal attacks not only offend a woman elected by the citizens, but attack all women who take part in public and political life. This rhetoric feeds the culture of gender-based violence and seeks to lower the voices of women through shaming discrimination”. It also called on “institutions, political parties and society to condemn this language and to engage in a public discourse that respects the dignity of every person, regardless of gender”.

Gervalla calls for lifting of EU measures and accountability for Banjska (media)

Kosovo caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gervalla, attended the ministerial meeting “Friends of the Western Balkans” in Vienna, where she called for the lifting of EU’s penalty measures against Kosovo and for the perpetrators of the Banjska attack to be held accountable. “The aggressor and paramilitary attack in Banjska must bring real consequences for Serbia and its organizers, including Milan Radoicic, who must face justice in Kosovo,” she said.

Gervalla expressed concern about “the continuous mistreatment of citizens of the Republic of Kosovo at border crossings with Serbia, including unjustified stoppings and arbitrary arrests by Serbian authorities”. She argued that these practices fall in contravention with European principles, with the minimal standards of respecting human rights and freedom of movement norms.

With regards to the dialogue with Serbia, Gervalla said that the process has meaning only if it results in mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia. 

EU, OSCE in Kosovo condemn CEC member’s outburst toward media (PI)

The EU and the OSCE missions reacted angrily to recent comments made by Vetëvendosje’s Sami Kurteshi, a member of the CEC about journalists and the journalists’ association in Kosovo.

On Thursday, international missions in Kosovo criticised the conduct of Sami Kurteshi, a member of the Central Election Commission, CEC, who recently made comments directed toward journalists and the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, AJK.

Kurteshi, a ruling Vetëvendosje, LVV, member at the CEC, made a comment on Facebook in which he called the Association of Journalists of Kosovo an “alliance of criminal groups in protection of contract killers.” This came one day after Kurteshi argued with a journalist after a CEC meeting over the space that media should occupy during their meetings.

“The EU in Kosovo deplores the attack and language used by LVV’s Central Election Commission member Sami Kurteshi, who labelled the Association of Journalist of Kosovo an ‘alliance of criminal groups’ and urges for such practices to end,” the European Union Office in Kosovo said in a statement.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/A6jYV

KLA War Veterans to protest in Skopje in support of former KLA leaders (media)

Deputy leader of the Organization of KLA War Veterans, Gazmend Syla, said today that the next protest in support of former KLA leaders who are standing trial in the Hague will be held in Skopje on December 13. He told a press conference in Pristina that the protest will be held on Skenderbeg Square starting from 13:00.

The Albanian Post notes that although the KLA War Veterans have filed the necessary request for the protest in Skopje, authorities in North Macedonia have not responded yet. “We have followed all procedures as in other countries. In Skopje too we have addressed our requests for the organization of the protest. Unfortunately, until yesterday, we have not received a positive response from Skopje to use the public space,” he said.

Vox Kosova quotes unnamed sources as saying that the main reason why the permit for the protest is not being given is related to the fear of the North Macedonian government led by VMRO-DPMNE. “This party, with a high nationalistic discourse, fears that endorsing a pro-KLA support could ‘damage its image’ and ‘support’ among Macedonian voters,” the news website notes.

Nacionale reports that at the same press conference Syla has called on “Kosovo citizens, especially former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army, not to travel through Serbia, and choose alternative routes”. “Even after the war we had, Serbia has never stopped its special war against soldiers of the Kosovo Liberation Army, and other citizens, therefore, it is the same Serbia. Back then Serbia was led by Milosevic, and now his former minister, Vucic, is in power. We don’t expect any changes,” Syla is quoted as saying.

Klan Kosova reports that Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) in North Macedonia, said that the protest in Skopje will be a powerful voice of people calling for justice. “The fight of the Kosovo Liberation Army was and will remain righteous, liberating and supported by the democratic world. Justice for the freedom fighters cannot be built on political accusations and fabricated evidence by Serbia and Russia,” he said in a Facebook post.

Serb mayors assume leadership in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo (media)

Most news websites report on the transfer of power from Albanian to Serb mayors in the four Serb-majority municipalities in the north of Kosovo.

Kosovo caretaker Minister of Local Government Elbert Krasniqi said today that inauguration sessions have been held today in several municipalities in Kosovo, including the four northern municipalities. “Everything is going smoothly and in line with provisions deriving from the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. I wish the new mayors a successful mandate and good work,” he said in a Facebook post.

The new mayor of the municipality of Zvecan, Dragisa Milovic, said after the swearing-in ceremony that many challenges lie ahead and that peace and security in the municipality must be maintained. “After three years, this is a solemn day. The assembly is getting its legitimate representatives. I want to use this opportunity to thank the people that have voted for us. The period ahead will not be easy and there will be many challenges. Let us maintain peace and security in the municipality. Every family living in Zvecan must feel safe,” he said. Milovic also said that he would cooperate with international organizations and the institutions in Pristina. “I will cooperate with representatives of KFOR, EULEX, OSCE and all the institutions in Pristina, the Ministry of Local Government, and with you the media. We need to understand that local governance must be focused on the people. Whoever comes here is welcome … for the good of our citizens,” he said. The new mayor of the municipality of Mitrovica North, Milan Radojevic, said he will work for the interests of people in the municipality. The new mayor of the municipality of Zubin Potok, Milos Perovic, said he will carry out his duties with honor and loyalty and that he will work to provide conditions for a safe and peaceful life in the municipality. The new mayor of the municipality of Gracanica, Novak Zivic, said at the swearing in ceremony that “it is an honor standing before you today and assuming the post of mayor of Gracanica, and together we are starting a new chapter in improving and supporting all communities that live in the territory of the municipality of Gracanica”. Zoran Todic has been sworn in as new mayor of the municipality of Leposavic.

Koha notes in its coverage that the outgoing Albanian mayors have called on the new mayors to respect the laws and symbols of Kosovo, and decisions taken during the Albanian administration of the four municipalities. The news website also notes that before the inauguration sessions, “everything appears prepared — including the Kosovo flags and the portrait of the President placed inside the assembly halls”.

Gazeta Express highlights in its coverage that Aida Doli, an Albanian member of the new municipality of Mitrovica North, was breastfeeding her baby at the inauguration session.

SL takes control of nine municipalities, including four in the north (Kossev)

The Serbian List is formally assuming power today in nine Kosovo municipalities, including all four in the north, following its sweeping victory in October’s local elections. Constituent sessions of the new municipal assemblies are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. across the northern region, where newly elected mayors and assembly members will take their oaths and assume office. In North Mitrovica, the constituent session of the Municipal Assembly will begin at 11:00 with the arrival and registration of assembly members. The session will be opened and initially chaired by the oldest member. Between 11:20 and 11:30, the oath-taking ceremony for both assembly members and the mayor will take place. Milan Radojevic of the Serbian List is set to become mayor of North Mitrovica. His remarks are planned for 11:30, with the session expected to conclude around 11:40. Representatives of the civic initiative Sever za sve (“North for All”) and the Serbian Democracy party are also expected to attend. For the first time since it began administering municipalities in the north, the Serbian List has issued an official invitation for the constituent session in North Mitrovica that includes the coat of arms of the “Republic of Kosovo.”

Parallel constituent sessions are being held at the same time in Zvecan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavic, where Dragisa Milovic, Milos Perovic, and Zoran Todic — all Serb List candidates — will assume their mayoral posts. Sessions are also being held from 11:00 in other Serb-majority municipalities: Gracanica, Strpce, Novo Brdo, Partes, and Ranilug.

The session in Klokot will be scheduled separately, as a runoff election was held there — also won by the Serbian List.

Kurti: 11 decisions adopted during Kosovo’s presidency of CEFTA (media)

Kosovo caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in a post on X that this month Kosovo concludes “a successful chairmanship of the CEFTA presidency in its first year of direct representation”. “With 11 decisions adopted, including the election of the director after two years of stalemate, we proved our ability to break deadlocks and build regional consensus. We handed the CEFTA chairmanship to Albania for 2026, and we wish them success in further enhancing regional integration,” he said.

Kurti visits construction work at €1 mil Multifunctional Center in Sharr (media)

Several news websites report that Kosovo caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the construction work at the Multifunctional Center in Sharr today. He said that construction of the €1 million investment is expected to end in two years. “The project was drafted by the municipality and is funded by the government. Successful and swift work so that the residents of Sharr can as soon as possible enjoy this center that they have been missing so much,” Kurti said in a Facebook post.

Kosovo to buy Black Hawk helicopters (Janes.com)

Kosovo is in the process of acquiring Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the United States, the acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, informed national media on 27 November. Announced while attending the celebration to mark the Day of the Kosovo Security Force (Forca e Sigurisë së Kosovës: KSF), the disclosure by the minister contained no further details on numbers, timelines, or contract value. “We are in the process of receiving Black Hawk helicopters from the US. It is time to thank our NATO partners, especially the US, who stand by us, even with equipment, weapons, and extensive training,” he said.

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

Patients are in the hands of a system that does not recognize them (Kosovo 2.0)

A decade of failure to make HIS functional leaves patients carrying their own physical files.

Refik Sylejmani knows exactly how many stairs lead up to the Main Family Medicine Center (MFMC) in Prishtina and how many steps he must take from the entrance to the counter where insulin is prescribed. With a hat on his head and glasses now necessary due to his worsening eyesight caused by diabetes, Refik goes to the MFMC every month. There he waits to receive the doctor’s certificate confirming that he suffers from diabetes, so that he can collect his monthly dose of insulin. The booklet he carries in his pocket proves that Refik has been diagnosed with diabetes for over 10 years.

“I have a coffee with my friends, which I meet here in the center everyday, and then I go to the MFMC,” says the 67-year-old, as he talks about the time he spends with other pensioners at the Social Cultural Center for the Elderly in the “Tophane” neighborhood, one of the oldest areas of the capital, where he lives. Before Kosovo’s last war, Refik worked as a salesman at the Palace of Youth and Sports. After the year 2000, he worked as a security guard at the Gërmia Swimming Pool. More than 10 years ago, his health began to deteriorate due to diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic and incurable disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not properly use the insulin it produces. As a result, patients with diabetes require ongoing care and lifelong treatment. Despite his decade-long diagnosis, however, Refik’s medical records are not considered sufficient evidence for him to receive insulin without going through the same procedure every month.

Rina Tafarshiku, an endocrinologist at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) and an assistant at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prishtina (UP), states that diabetes is not curable, but can be managed through ongoing treatment. She explains that regular check-ups with an endocrinologist are essential, as managing the disease is complex and involves not only prescribing the appropriate therapy, but also counseling on nutrition and the importance of physical activity. According to her, even when the disease is under control, patients with diabetes should be checked every 3–6 months, and sometimes once a year.

According to Tafarshiku, the bureaucratic monthly check-ups required for the supply of insulin become a major challenge for most patients.

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

Serbian police arrest Albanian national, claim to find KLA flag in his vehicle (media)

Most news websites report that Serbian police arrested an Albanian national at the Merdare crossing with Kosovo on Thursday. The Serbian Ministry of Interior Affairs said that a flag with the symbol of the Kosovo Liberation Army was found in his vehicle. He was sent to 48-hour detention and charged with “inciting hatred and national, racial and religious intolerance”.

Djoric: Call to demolish church is scandalous and unacceptable (Radio KiM)

Gordana Djoric, president of the Women’s Business Association “Avenija”, said that “attorney Tome Gashi’s call to demolish the Church of Christ the Savior in Pristina is scandalous and unacceptable”. “Such a call for the destruction of a religious object is not only deeply irresponsible, but also represents an open attack on religious freedom, cultural heritage and the principles of a society that strives for democracy and mutual respect,” she said in a letter of protest. Djoric also argued that it is especially disappointing to hear statements that encourage discrimination against a religious building and community.