Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: Russian attack, the biggest military aggression since World War II (media)
• Osmani: We stand with people of Ukraine – Russian hegemony will fail again (media)
• Kosovo Assembly condemns Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine (media)
• Mehaj: We are monitoring the critical security situation in Europe (media)
• Osmani meets U.S. Ambassador Jeff Hovenier (media)
• Abdixhiku: NATO membership a necessity of the time (media)
• Krasniqi: Today, in our minds and prayers, we are with people of Ukraine (media)
• Haradinaj: We support democratic world against Russian aggression in Ukraine (media)
• Voting on State Bureau Draft Law suspended, Konjufca to address Venice Commission (media)
• Kurti: Public administration reform, key standard for EU membership (media)
• Kosovo Police closes illegal smuggling routes at border with Serbia and North Macedonia (Express)
• COVID-19: 189 new cases, three deaths (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic urgently scheduled a session of the National Security Council (media)
• Vucic meets with ambassadors of Quint states, EU delegation chief (N1)
• Dacic, Tadic on attack against Ukraine (N1)
• Serbian political parties on attack against Ukraine (media)
• Covic: If West remembers international law now, let them de-recognize Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• CoE: Strong condemnation of Russian attack on Ukraine, ”dark hour for Europe” (N1)
• Varhelyi: There can never be a reason to attack another country (Kosovo Online)
• Vucic: Spain will not recognize Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Vucic: Serbian response on EU sanctions on Russia in next 48 hours (media)
• Peci: There are no minimal conditions to vote on April 3 elections at Liaison Office (Kosovo-online)
• Covid-19 in Serbian areas: Nine new cases (Kontakt plus radio)

International:

• EUFOR sending 500 additional troops to Bosnia as a “precautionary measure” (N1 Sarajevo)
• Ukraine Border States Prepare for Wave of Refugees (Balkan Insight)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Marija Novakovic reclaims her apartment in Pristina (VoA, media)
• Serbia Welcomes WHO Permit to Produce COVID Vaccines (Balkan Insight)
• Supermarket Giants Crush the Life out of Kosovo’s Small Stores (Prishtina Insight)
• Healthy Media Ecosystem Best Disinformation Antidote (Beta)

Albanian Language Media  

Kurti: Russian attack, the biggest military aggression since World War II (media)

The Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti said on Thursday that the Russian attack on Ukraine is the second largest military aggression since the end of World War II.

“Today is a sad morning in Europe, because at these moments while we are here at the conference in Pristina, the Russian invasion is taking place in Ukraine, which is the biggest military aggression – not only in Europe – since the end of the Second World War,” said Kurti in a conference held regarding the public administration reform in Kosovo.

“In these sad moments for Europe, and not only, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and are committed together with the European Union, NATO, the United States and the United Kingdom to state sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence of the country and the right of self-determination for the people of Ukraine,” Kurti said.

Osmani: We stand with people of Ukraine – Russian hegemony will fail again (media)

The President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has reacted after Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. She said that the war in Ukraine, as a result of acts of aggression and unprovoked attacks by Russia, reminds us how valuable freedom is.

“On days like this, when we see the horror of war that this country is facing, we stand with the Ukrainian people and express our deep solidarity. The horrific images from Ukraine remind us again of the importance of alliances between democratic peoples, as the only way to stand up to the hegemony of Russia and its satellites. Therefore, we are in constant coordination with our allies, to prevent the destabilization of our region. Russian hegemony will fail again. Freedom and democracy will triumph!” Osmani said.

Kosovo Assembly condemns Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine (media)

The Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo Glauk Konjufca said that the MPs strongly condemn Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

At the opening of the session, Konjufca said that the Assembly and the people of Kosovo stand by the Ukrainian people in these difficult times.

“On behalf of the MPs, the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo officially condemns the intervention, Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The Assembly of Kosovo and the people of our Republic stand by the Ukrainian people, and we stand in solidarity with them in these difficult times,” Konjufca said.

Mehaj: We are monitoring the critical security situation in Europe (media)

After the Russian attacks in Ukraine, the Minister of Defense Armend Mehaj said that this ministry is monitoring the situation.

He announced through Facebook that we are monitoring all regional and global phenomena and processes

“As we have warned before, Russia, synchronized with its ally, Serbia, continues intensively with the already known hybrid war activities in our region, such as the misinformation statements made a few days ago by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia. This dangerous misinformation, the purpose of which is clearly read, is intended to cause confusion within the current unity of Euro-Atlantic-oriented countries and nations, and to undermine the overall cohesion of democratic world citizenship in solidarity with Ukraine and its people,” Mehaj wrote.

He urged citizens not to fall prey to fake news, but to consider only official information.

“Dear citizens. False news, fabrications and possible stagings are elements that the Russian structures and those sponsored by them, continuously apply in the current situation. Therefore, we ask you not to fall victim of them, but to consider only the official information from the relevant state institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. The Republic of Kosovo, and its citizens in general, through its representatives have expressed openly and in a determined manner support for the people of Ukraine, as well as for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Therefore, they have no reason to organize in non-state structures to offer such solidarity and support, a tradition known precisely by the Russian and Serbian circles themselves for actions with notorious paramilitary and mercenary mechanisms and structures now known for monstrous crimes in the Balkans, the victims of which are our freedom-loving and peace-loving people. The Republic of Kosovo is united with the United States of America, the United Kingdom, their allies from NATO and the European Union. On the other hand, if our engagement is requested by the United States as our vital partner and ally, we are ready to offer all the operational capabilities and capacities of the KSF, that they estimate can be contributors in possible operations,” Mehaj said.

He also asked NATO political and military decision-makers to proceed with the invitation for Kosovo’s membership in NATO as soon as possible.

“The Republic of Kosovo and its citizens, without distinction, have proven and continue to prove strongly, the full and natural Euro-Atlantic orientation, therefore we ask the political and military decision-makers of NATO, to proceed as soon as possible with the invitation to our membership in NATO.

“Given the threats and dangers that seriously affect the environment of security, peace, stability and democracy in the Western Balkans region, from the destructive and aggressive policies of Russia and its allies, it is time for the United States to approve our long-standing demand for the establishment of a permanent U.S. military base in Kosovo. For the same reason, we also consider that it is time for our permanent application for NATO membership to be treated with the utmost seriousness and concrete positive decision-making. This action will be an added value, in addition to the values ​​carried by NATO, and coincides with our main national goal, in a perpetual alliance with the United States,” Mehaj wrote.

Osmani meets U.S. Ambassador Jeff Hovenier (media)

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani met with U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Jeff Hovenier to discuss recent developments following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Osmani wrote on Twitter that Kosovo strongly condemns Russia’s aggression and that they are coordinating with allies to prevent destabilization in the region.

“Met with the US Ambassador to Kosovo to discuss developments following Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, and the regional impact.

We strongly condemn Russia’s aggression and are fully aligned with allies to prevent any destabilization in our region,” Osmani tweeted. 

Abdixhiku: NATO membership a necessity of the time (media)

The chairman of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Lumir Abdixhiku reacted today after the Russian attacks in Ukraine.

Abdixhiku emphasized that Kosovo is well aware of the importance of occupation and terror.

“Kosovo is well aware of the importance of terror and occupation. It knows well the denial of freedom and the war of the aggressor.

Therefore, our state alignment, already traditional with the Western allies, in condemnation of the Russian aggression and in support of the Ukrainian people, is natural, just and without alternative.

Above all, it is a clear sign of democratic and Euro-Atlantic values, which the Republic of Kosovo cultivates with conviction.

We do not influence such events, but they do affect us. This new moment, of reminiscing about the difficult hours of war in Europe, should be a window of reflection for the international community – for strengthening alliances between peoples who share common values ​​and clear goals.

Therefore, Kosovo’s membership in NATO – as soon as possible – is a necessity of our time,” Abdigjiku said.

Krasniqi: Today, in our minds and prayers, we are with people of Ukraine (media)

The Chairman of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi said that today they are with the minds and prayers of the citizens of Ukraine, who have woken up in the midst of a military aggression by Russia, an aggression that violates not only international law but also common civilized values.

“We share the deep concern with the democratic world for this grave and unacceptable act and support the citizens of Ukraine who have been forced to defend their lives and their freedom. In full solidarity with them in this dark hour of European history,” he wrote on his Facebook account.

Haradinaj: We support the democratic world against Russian aggression in Ukraine (media)

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj has reacted after today’s attacks by Russia towards Ukraine.

The former prime minister wrote on Facebook that unprovoked and unjust aggression must be stopped immediately.

“We support the democratic world against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Unprovoked and unjust aggression must be stopped immediately. Victory belongs to Freedom and Democracy. Our prayers are for the brave and proud people of Ukraine,” Haradinaj wrote.

Voting on State Bureau Draft Lawsuspended, Konjufca to address Venice Commission (media)

The voting of the Draft Law on the State Bureau for the verification and confiscation of unjustifiable property has been postponed for an indefinite period, until the response from the Venice Commission.

Following the demands of the opposition, the Speaker of the Assembly, Glauk Konjufca has announced that he will address this Commission for an opinion.

With 79 votes in favor, none against and no abstentions, the MPs have voted for the suspension of the deadlines provided by the regulation of the assembly regarding this draft law, until another announcement.

“In line with the commitment of the President, the vote in principle for this draft law will take place after the return of the response or opinion from the Venice Commission,” said the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Saranda Bogujevci.

At the new session of the Assembly of Kosovo at 14:15 today, MPs are expected to debate among other issues, on developments in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and the first reading of the Draft Civil Code of Kosovo.

Kurti: Public administration reform, key standard for EU membership (media)

Prime Minister Kurti participates in the conference “Progress in Public Administration Reform in Kosovo 2022”

The Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti started his participation in the conference organized by the Group for Legal and Political Studies on the topic of Public Administration Reform by showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine after the Russian invasion, which he assessed as largest military aggression since the end of World War II.

Kurti then spoke about the Public Administration Reform, which, as he said, has a central role in his Governing Program.

“This is due to the important role it has for the organic link in democracy between the state, citizens, civil society and the private sector, as well as because the ability of the state to achieve Public Administration Reform is the key standard for Kosovo’s membership in the Union. European,” he said.

One of the main components for a sustainable development, according to Prime Minister Kurti, is an effective, accountable and citizen-oriented public administration, while emphasizing that Kosovo’s public administration faces various challenges.

“I want to emphasize that despite the legal advancement we have made as a country in the public administration sector, we have inherited many problems. Addressing them, solving them, in addition to will and time, also requires a transformative approach. But, the high trust of citizens, which is also a high responsibility, at the same time presents a good opportunity. With our government, the long-standing need for Public Administration Reform, in addition to the expectations and requests of the citizens, is our goal and action,” Kurti said.

After listing some of the key processes in the framework of public administration reform in which the government is working, such as that of the National Development Strategy 2030, the revision of the Law on Public Officials and the process of reducing the administrative burden, Prime Minister Kurti stressed that this conference today is a good opportunity to discuss the ideas for the reforms required to be made.

Kosovo Police closes illegal smuggling routes at border with Serbia and North Macedonia (media)

The Kosovo Police have launched an operation on Thursday morning closing illegal routes used for smuggling at the border with Serbia and North Macedonia.

The police said in a statement that as part of implementation of the strategic objectives to prevent and fight organized crime and acting at the request of the Kosovo Customs, on Thursday morning has carried out a police operation along the border with Serbia in the Pristina (Podujeva) region, Mitrovica North (Leposavic, Zubin Potok) and along the border with North Macedonia (Viti, Gjilan). The operation according to the statement is aimed at implementing the law, preventing and fighting smuggling, and maintaining public order and security.

KALLXO.com reported today on the blocking of illegal roads in the village of Sharpell in Jarinje. In this location, in addition to the gravel placed on the road, a large pit  which prevents traffic and cuts the road has been created. This action of the customs police has launched in the morning.

In addition to the blockade, the Kosovo police forces are stationed on the road and are staying there.

COVID-19: 189 new cases, three deaths (media)

189 new cases with COVID-19 and three deaths from the virus were recorded in the last 24 hours in Kosovo, the Ministry of Health said in a statement. 247 persons recovered from the virus during this time. There are 2,996 active cases with COVID-19 in Kosovo.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic urgently scheduled a session of the National Security Council (media)

The President of Serbia has scheduled an emergency session of the National Security Council due to the events in Ukraine, Serbian media reported today. 

The session of the National Security Council should start at 1 pm, immediately after the meeting that President Aleksandar Vucic has with the ambassadors of Quint, Tanjug learned.

After the session of the Council, a session of the Government is scheduled for 3 pm, and Vucic will address the members of the Government.

Vucic meets with ambassadors of Quint states, EU delegation chief (N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday that all information after he met with ambassadors of the Quint states (US, France, Germany, Italy and the UK) and the head of the European Union Delegation to Belgrade, Emanuele Giaufret, would be made public in a day and a half, N1 reports.

“All information about stands taken during the meeting will be published in the next 36 hours,” Vucic’s office statement said.

Vucic called a meeting of Serbia’s National Security Council for later on Thursday and would address the Government at a session following the meeting.

Dacic, Tadic on attack against Ukraine (N1)

The President of the ruling Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) and Assembly Speaker, Ivica Dacic told public broadcaster RTS that Belgrade should not join various condemnations and sanctions against Russia, because countries asking Serbia to do so did not help the country in the 1999 NATO bombing, while the former head of state and the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDS) Boris Tadic said Russia had carried out an aggression against Ukraine and that it would be a big problem when the EU demand Belgrade to impose sanctions on Moscow, N1 reports.

“Are we (Serbia) an energy power, so that everything depends on how we will declare ourselves? We must look after our interests. We have died a lot for others“, Dacic said. He added Serbia should “preserve relations with the EU and with Russia and China because no one will defend us if they (Russia and China) stop defending us“.

He said the crisis in Ukraine happened because the West did not respect the agreement that NATO would not go to the East. “We have to balance, and the Ukrainian and Russian people will pay a high price. We appeal for peace,” Dacic said.

Tadic told RTS Serbia could not support the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk because it was contrary to its interests in Kosovo and Metohija. “If we condemned the invasion of Serbia, we cannot support that recognition now. We must have a balanced policy”, he said.

Tadic added that “the big problem would be when the EU pressures Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia”.

The official Belgrade stand toward the Russian attack on Ukraine is expected later on Thursday, after President Aleksandar Vucic’s meeting with the Quint countries and the EU delegation to Serbia, and following the sessions of the National Security Council and the Government, N1 recalled. 

Serbian political parties on attack against Ukraine (media)

Serbian political parties’ representatives reacted today to the attack against Ukraine, media report.

Leader of opposition Democratic Party (DS) Zoran Lutovac and vice president of the party Dragana Rakic condemned violation of the international law and bombing of Ukraine, Danas daily reports.

“We condemn blatant violation of the International law and stand in solidarity with Ukrainian people”, Lutovac wrote on Twitter.

“We condemn blatant violation of international law. We condemn bombing of Ukraine. If anyone knows how it feels like when your state is bombed, it is us. We stand in solidarity with Ukrainian people”, Rakic wrote.

Opposition Let Not Drown Belgrade Movement also condemned military intervention in Ukraine and pledged for an immediate cease of all military operations. They urged for restoration of the dialogue and provision of humanitarian aid to endangered population.

Leader of the opposition Liberation Movement, Mladjan Djordjevic in his reaction this morning said that the West is to be blamed for the events in Ukraine given “that for years it is pushing Ukraine and Ukrainians into unnecessary war they can’t win”. He added that such conflict suits the US only and, as he said, its European satellites and not Russia and Ukraine.

“Conflicts in former Yugoslavia and in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as illegal aggression of NATO against our state in 1999, was followed by withdrawal of our army from Kosmet and subsequent illegal secession of so-called state of Kosovo that served as precedent which comes back as boomerang to the West now. That is why the position of the leading Western countries is hypocritical and unprincipled”, Djordjevic said, Danas daily reports.

Aleksandar Seselj, from Serbian Radical Party (SRS) said that Serbia should not even consider joining sanctions against Russia, since that would be, as he said “equal to treason”, Tanjug news agency reports.   

Covic: If West remembers international law now, let them de-recognize Kosovo (Kosovo-online)

“It is very interesting the West has rediscovered that there is international law”, former head of the Serbian Government Coordination Centre for Kosovo and Metohija, Nebojsa Covic said yesterday, Kosovo-online portal reports.

He added the first step in demonstrating that they want to implement what they discovered is to de-recognize Kosovo.

Covic made those remarks commenting on the US statement that “they believe Serbia will stand side by side with the European Union in respecting international law in order to protect the peace, prosperity and stability of a wider region”.

“After everything we endured as nation, and as a country both during the times of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and after as Serbia, no one has moral right to expect from us to support sanctions, condemn I do not know whom, out of a simple reason because we were the ones on whom the brutal violation of the international law was exercised upon. Some realised back then, foremost Americans, that international law is the right of a brutal force, the rights of those who are stronger”, he said. 

CoE: Strong condemnation of Russian attack on Ukraine, ”dark hour for Europe” (N1)

The Council of Europe (CoE) Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric condemned the Russian Thursday’s attack on Ukraine and said that “together with the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, we will swiftly take necessary measures to respond to the current situation”, reported N1.

“I strongly condemn the Russian military attack against Ukraine in flagrant violation of the Statute of Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights. This is a dark hour for Europe and everything it stands for,” she said.

Pejcinovic Buric called upon “the authorities of Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease hostilities and return to diplomacy to restore peace and avoid further devastating consequences for the entire continent. Protecting civilian lives must remain a matter of priority. All my thoughts are with Ukraine, its people and its authorities”.

Varhelyi: There can never be a reason to attack another country (Kosovo Online)

Regarding the current situation between Russia and Ukraine, the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Union, Oliver Varhelyi, stated in a post on Twitter that “there can never be a reason to attack another country and its people”, reported Kosovo Online.

“There can never be a reason to attack another country and its people. There can never be a reason to rage war against another country and its people. Never.” Varhelyi said on Twitter.

Vucic: Spain will not recognize Kosovo (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday said his meetings with Spain’s King Philip VI and PM Pedro Sanchez in Madrid had made it clear Spain would not recognize Kosovo and that it would continue to respect international law and Serbia’s territorial integrity.

Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Vucic also said Serbia had signed an agreement to purchase two Airbus military transport aircraft.

“The 81 mln euro agreement we signed will strengthen our military significantly. The aircraft will account for around 66 mln euros of the total, with goods and training for our pilots accounting for 15 mln euros,” Vucic said.

He said the discussions had also addressed an expansion of bilateral cooperation.

He said he had thanked Spain for supporting Serbia’s European path and the opening of clusters in the EU accession talks.

“Spain is Europe’s fourth- largest economy and the fourth most populous country, and it is very important for Serbia in addition to its non-recognition of Kosovo,” he said.

He announced that, for the first time ever, Serbia would be able to welcome Spain’s king or PM by the end of the year.

Vucic said his meeting with the current Spanish king had been the first official meeting with the monarch for any Serbian official.

“This was a good visit for Serbia. We will have a large business forum with Spanish businesspeople in October. Hopefully a top Spanish official will come as well, but someone from the Spanish government will,” he said.

Vucic said Spanish businesses were increasingly interested in investing in Serbia.

“Spanish investments are growing and the trade volume, which currently amounts to 812 mln euros a year, is growing as well. Serbia’s exports to Spain are rising, mostly due to Zijin, which accounts for 36-38 pct, because Spain must import copper for its automotive industry,” Vucic said.

See at: https://bit.ly/3vlnV34

Vucic: Serbian response on EU sanctions on Russia in next 48 hours (media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters during his visit to Spain on Wednesday that official Belgrade will respond to calls to align with the European Union decision to impose sanctions on Russia in the next 48 hours.

“I had a long conversation with the outgoing Prime Minister … We did not look for excuses because the government is outgoing. We will answer fully in the next 48 hours,” he told reporters in Spain, adding that meetings were scheduled with officials of the US, Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy as well as the EU on Thursday. “We will express concrete views on the issue 24 hours after that at the latest,” he said. According to Vucic, those views “will be based on respect for international law and will be absolutely principled and will not differ from what we said in 2000, 2015 and today.”

Serbia will continue trying to preserve its interests even though many people don’t like that, he said. “The important thing for Serbia is to keep the peace and economic stability … and we have no intention of becoming part of any wider wars,” Vucic said.

Peci: There are no minimal conditions to vote on April 3 elections at Liaison Office (Kosovo-online)

Director of Kosovo Institute for Policy Research and Development, Lulzim Peci commenting on the statements of Kosovo government that Serbs from Kosovo will be able to cast their vote on April 3 elections either by mail or at Belgrade Liaison Office, said that such proposals should be harmonised with international organisations, adding there are three reason why election should not be organised this way, Kosovo-online portal reports, citing Pristina-based Koha.

He argued that agreement on liaison officers from May 2013 doesn’t oblige either Pristina or Belgrade liaison officers to organise elections.

“In order to get this mandate, the agreement must be changed with consent of both sides”, he said.

Peci further said that offices of both liaison officers, in Belgrade and Pristina are located at premises of EU missions and have no minimal conditions for organisation of elections on which dozens of thousands of people should participate.

Even if there would be conditions for such organisation, he added, previous consent of the EU must also be obtained.

“This issue is rather complicated, as there would be a role in organising elections of the third countries within their diplomatic missions’ premises, which is unknown practice in international organisations”, he concluded. 

Covid-19 in Serbian areas: Nine new cases (Kontakt plus radio)

According to the latest official data, nine more people have been infected with the Covid-19 Serbian areas in Kosovo, announced the Crisis Staff of the Municipality of Kosovska Mitrovica. 

The report of the Crisis Staff states that 65 samples were tested, and that nine new cases of infection were registered in the following municipalities: Strpce (3), Leposavic (2), Gracanica (2), North Mitrovica (1) and Zubin Potok (1).

There are currently 215 active cases, the report said.

International

EUFOR sending 500 additional troops to Bosnia as a “precautionary measure” (N1 Sarajevo)

Another 500 EUFOR soldiers are arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina and will be stationed at the Butmir base near Sarajevo.

“Four companies, comprising approximately 500 personnel from EUFOR’s reserves stationed outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be deployed, as a precautionary measure, in the country over the next two weeks to reinforce existing forces, in order to, more effectively support our BiH partners in maintaining a safe and secure environment,” a EUFOR statement said.

It said that “the deterioration of the security situation internationally has the potential to spread instability to Bosnia and Herzegovina” and that the deployment of these forces is a “precautionary measure to strengthen stability in BiH by positioning sufficient, capable forces in-country to support the BiH Government efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment.”

“Their mission will be to demonstrate the EU’s determination to maintain stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a prudent and proportionate measure which reflects the EU’s and EUFOR’s unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” it said.

There are 600 troops currently in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of EUFOR’s ALTHEA mission.

See at:https://bit.ly/3BNI6Ib

Ukraine Border States Prepare for Wave of Refugees (Balkan Insight)

Russia launches a three-pronged attack on Ukraine and border states prepare for refugees fleeing westwards.

The border states of Ukraine – EU members Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania as well as EU aspirant Moldova – have all announced preparations for the expected wave of refugees from Ukraine as Russia launches a full-scale invasion of the country.

At midday on Thursday there were already reports from Poland about trains arriving in Warsaw this morning full of Ukrainians, with some saying these tickets were purchased days ago in expectation of a Russian invasion.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3HhFWSc

Humanitarian/Development

Marija Novakovic reclaims her apartment in Pristina (VoA, media)

After more than two decades, an apartment in Pristina usurped since 1999 has been given back to Marija Novakovic, a Serb returnee woman, Voice of America in Serbian reports. She took over the keys from the Property Verification and Comparison Agency, in an event attended by several Serbian media crews.

“My life is here, I was born here, lived in this apartment, got married, gave birth to my older son here. I did get my apartment back, but an additional 16 square metres, I possess documentation about, has not been evicted yet”, Marija said.

Gordana Djoric, president of the women business association Avenija, who was helping Marija to reclaim her property said they will not give up on the request to return to Marija her entire usurped property.

Marija’s mother Slavica Filipovic was also present. She said she didn’t believe this day would come true.

“I am speechless and very grateful. I didn’t expect this to get such (media) coverage. I thank all who came here today and I am very glad that my Marija made one step ahead, and I hope she will continue, to get the job now and to be able to live here”, Slavica said.

Kosovo Minister for Communities and Returns Goran Rakic said three days ago the ministry will help Marija to refurbish the apartment and after that she will move in. Her neighbours in Pristina also said she is welcome to live there. 

Serbia Welcomes WHO Permit to Produce COVID Vaccines (Balkan Insight)

The Serban Health Minister says WHO permit to produce a whole range of RNA vaccines is a responsibility his country takes seriously.

Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar said his country accepted the “serious responsibility” it was being given after the WHO on Wednesday approved Serbia to produce RNA vaccines, which include Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines, but also vaccines made for other illnesses besides COVID-19.

He spoke after a meeting with the director of the Serbian office of the World Health Organization on Wednesday, saying that the WHO permit for Serbia to produce RNA vaccines was “a serious responsibility for our entire health system, because we are now expected to start doing it”.

Loncar added that also means that there will be enough quality vaccines not only for the region, but for the whole world. “This is a global problem and everyone in the whole world must be vaccinated in sufficient numbers to get out of the corona”, Loncar said, Serbia’s Tanjug news agency reported.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3BOrS1N

Supermarket Giants Crush the Life out of Kosovo’s Small Stores (Prishtina Insight)

Traditional corner shops are being squeezed out of business as cut-price supermarkets expand from malls to local neighbourhoods.

Faik Kamberi’s small shop in a corner of Vushtrri did not survive long enough to mark the first anniversary of its opening.

Faced with losses and the growing trend towards shopping in supermarkets, Kamberi was forced to shut up shop the day after this interview.

Kamberi said insufficient sales and rising prices of products compelled  him to close.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/36E9EV5

Healthy Media Ecosystem Best Disinformation Antidote (Beta)

A healthy media ecosystem is the best antidote for disinformation, along with transparency of governance and media literacy, the general secretary of the European Federation of Journalists, Ricardo Gutierrez, stated on Feb. 23.

During the debate “European Code of Practice on Disinformation – a step in the right direction,” Gutierrez spoke about the need for a pluralist, independent, economically sustainable media system, and stated that journalists had to be able to work without threats and fear of losing their job.

“The best antidote for disinformation is a healthy media ecosystem. The EU should support independent and professional journalism, to secure decent work conditions for journalists, fight against media concentration and secure the political independence of public media services,” Gutierrez said. He stressed that the EU had to promote the transparency of those in power, because the greater the transparency, the less disinformation there is, the EurActiv portal has quoted him as saying.

Jasna Jelisic, the chief of the strategic communication group for the Western Balkans of the European External Action Service, concurred with the stance that a healthy media ecosystem was key for the fight against disinformation and that transparency was very important. She said that the Code of Practice on Disinformation was important, but still only one element in the broad action that the EU had launched in the fight against disinformation.