Albanian Language Media:

• Constitutional Court: Vote for assembly speaker must be open; same candidate can be voted only three times (media)
• VV MPs react to Constitutional Court decision (media)
• Temporary measure on constituting the Assembly ends today (media)
• Kurti: We offered two compromises, no steps taken by the other side (media)
• KBA: Kosovo losing millions daily due to institutional crisis (ekonomia)
• Osmani and Prattipati discuss Kosovo's political deadlock and future steps (media)
• Civil society raises alarm over Special Court's use of evidence from Serbia (media)
• Decision on Popovic to be made in the afternoon (media)
• Tahiri: Trump–Putin meeting, Kosovo and Crimea are geopolitical topics (RTK)

Serbian Language Media:

• Serbian List: Organization of ‘concert’ with Albanian musicians in Mitrovica North deliberate provocation of Pristina (TV Most, Kosovo Online)
• Vucic says elections before the deadline: On December 28? (Danas)
• Vucic: Having very good relations with US important for Serbia (Tanjug, media)
• Igor Popovic pre-sentence hearing – proposed fine and ban on entry to Kosovo, decision expected at 2 pm (RTS, Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Antonijevic: Ban on Serbian List would have far-reaching consequences for Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• Citizen of Albania stepped upon Kosovo flag in Pristina, no proceedings initiated against him (Radio KIM, media)
• Latinovic: Picula should resign his post of EP Rapporteur for Serbia because of his photo from “Storm” military operation (N1)

Albanian Language Media

Constitutional Court: Vote for assembly speaker must be open; same candidate can be voted only three times (media)

The Constitutional Court of Kosovo has ruled that members of the Assembly must elect the new Speaker through an open vote and within 30 days. In a decision published on Friday, the Court stated that the same candidate may be voted for a maximum of three times and that all MPs must participate in the voting.

The Court found that the elected MPs of the Assembly failed to implement the June 26, 2025 ruling of the Constitutional Court. As a result, all sessions held from June 27 to July 26, 2025, are declared invalid.

Furthermore, the Court stated that the Chair of the Constituent Session, Avni Dehari, acted in violation of the June 26 ruling and, therefore, his actions were not in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo. The Court ordered Dehari to resume from point three of the session agenda, the procedure for electing the Speaker of the Assembly.

“IT IS ORDERED, with 6 votes in favor and 1 against, that the Chair of the Constituent Session of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo continue with point 3 of the agenda from the session approved on April 8, 2025. In accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 67 [Election of the President and Deputy Presidents] of the Constitution, he is to invite the representative of the largest parliamentary group to propose a candidate for Speaker of the Assembly, who will be elected through an open vote. A maximum of three voting rounds may be held for the same candidate,” the ruling states.

The Court also ordered all MPs to be present at the next constituent session and to participate in the vote:

“IT IS ORDERED, unanimously, that all elected MPs of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, in accordance with Article 4 [Form of Government and Separation of Power], Article 7 [Values], and Article 74 [Exercise of Function] of the Constitution, must be present and vote during the procedure for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the Assembly,” the decision states.

From April 15 to July 26, MPs held 54 sessions in an attempt to constitute the Assembly, but failed. On May 1, session chair Avni Dehari changed the agenda, avoiding an open vote and calling for the formation of a commission to oversee a secret ballot for the Speaker. This was opposed by the PDK, LDK, AAK, and the Serb List, who refused to propose members for the commission.

VV MPs react to Constitutional Court decision (media)

Members of the Vetevendosje Movement (VV) have reacted on Facebook to the recent decision of Kosovo’s Constitutional Court. VV MP Hekuran Murati has accused Kosovo’s Constitutional Court of issuing politically motivated rulings, following its latest decision mandating open voting for the Speaker of Parliament and limiting the same candidate to three attempts.

Murati claimed the Court’s ruling favors opposition parties simply because VV won the election, calling it “clientelist arbitrariness” that undermines the will of the people.

He compared it to past rulings, including the 2014 decision which, according to him, kept PDK in power, and the 2020 reversal that allowed government to be formed without involving election winners. “This Court doesn’t follow the Constitution—it follows party interests,” Murati wrote.

MP Saranda Bogujevci stated that representative democracy has been nullified in Kosovo and no longer holds value. "There’s no point in winning elections, no point in coming first. Six judges, five from the PAN era and one with ties to Serbia, are violating the will of the people, reinterpreting their own decision, and finding fault only with Avni Dehari,” she wrote.

MP Armend Muja was even harsher: “Even the Constitutional Court has joined the party, siding with prosecutor Blerim Isufaj, the godfather of Milan Radoicic’s release, in the fight against Kurti’s Government!”

MP Shqipe Selimi accused the Court of violating the Constitution itself. “Where did the Constitutional Court come up with this ‘three attempts’ rule? Why not four? Why not two? Why not just one? This is a rewriting of the Constitution. So, the Constitutional Court has breached the Constitution,” she wrote.

Temporary measure on constituting the Assembly ends today (media)

Today marks the end of the temporary measure imposed by the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, which prohibited the MPs of the ninth legislature from taking steps toward constituting the Assembly. This measure was enacted after the failure to meet the 30-day deadline set by the Constitutional Court on June 26. Following the expiration of this measure, a new ruling by the Constitutional Court is expected, which will determine the path forward for the formation of new institutions.

The U.S. and U.K. embassies have urged respect for the court's decision and the formation of institutions. Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Vetevendosje will respect the ruling, while President Vjosa Osmani expressed concern over Judge Radomir Laban’s involvement, citing national security risks.

The measure followed legal complaints from PDK and LDK, who challenged the Assembly's procedures and session continuation. Kosovo remains in a political deadlock, with 54 failed attempts to form the Assembly since the February 9, 2025 elections.

Kurti: We offered two compromises, no steps taken by the other side (media)

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that, in his view, he has offered his compromises for the formation of new institutions in the ninth legislature. “We offered two compromises. The first was that in the case of a secret vote, if our first candidate Albulena Haxhiu is not elected, then we would propose another name. The second compromise was to agree on a package that includes the Speaker of the Assembly, the deputy speakers, and then return to an open vote. We made moves; there were no steps from the other side. And let us not forget that the Constitutional Court, in its previous ruling, explicitly stated that political agreements must be reached between parliamentary groups, because disagreements are not for the court to resolve. Yet immediately afterward, the opposition parties filed another case,” Kurti said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the hemodialysis service in Podujeva, he said that it was the two opposition parties, PDK and LDK, that, despite the call for finding a political solution, once again referred the matter to the Constitutional Court. “Kosovo is stable, it is making progress, but it has no Assembly,” he said briefly, also mentioning, according to him, Kosovo's economic growth.

KBA: Kosovo losing millions daily due to institutional crisis (ekonomia)

The Kosovo Business Alliance (KBA) has warned that Kosovo is losing over €1.2 million daily due to the ongoing institutional crisis. The lack of a functioning government and failure to ratify international agreements have blocked access to key funding, including €600 million in missed opportunities from 2024 to mid-2025 and €90 million frozen by the World Bank.

Kosovo is also at risk of losing over €60 million in EU pre-financing from the €880 million Growth Plan, while investment projects stall, business confidence declines, and foreign investments slow.

KBA urged political parties to act responsibly and urgently to resolve the crisis, warning that every day without functional institutions pushes Kosovo further into economic decline and international isolation.

Osmani and Prattipati discuss Kosovo's political deadlock and future steps (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, to discuss the ongoing institutional deadlock and the expectations for resolving the issue of the Assembly’s constitution.

Osmani expressed gratitude for U.S. support, particularly referencing the letter from President Donald Trump and reaffirming Kosovo’s commitment to strengthening its alliance with the United States. She also welcomed the recent announcement by U.S. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau regarding the continuation of the MCC Compact, highlighting its strategic importance for Kosovo’s energy sector and digital integration. The meeting also focused on concrete steps to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Civil society raises alarm over Special Court's use of evidence from Serbia (media)

A coalition of researchers and civil society representatives in Kosovo has voiced strong concern over the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ recent decision to admit documents submitted by Serbian state authorities as evidence in the ongoing “Thaci et al.” trial. In a joint statement, the group warned that although the decision may be legally valid under Kosovo law, it raises “serious concerns” about the authenticity and reliability of the documents, which are not backed by witness testimony or additional supporting evidence. “The source of these documents, Serbian state institutions, is deeply problematic given Serbia’s documented role in crimes against Kosovo Albanians,” the statement reads.

The group argues that the acceptance of such evidence risks eroding public confidence in the court's impartiality and integrity. They point to rulings by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which confirmed the involvement of Serbian institutions in war crimes and ethnic cleansing during the 1990s. “Legitimacy must go beyond formal legal procedures. It must reflect the standards of fairness and impartiality expected by the people of Kosovo,” the group emphasized.

Civil society representatives called for a thorough review of legal procedures to ensure trials remain fair, transparent, and impartial. They also urged Kosovo’s institutions, including the Government, Assembly, and the Specialist Chambers, to engage in reform efforts that restore public trust. “Civil society has an irreplaceable role in transitional justice. Kosovo must guarantee that the voices of its citizens are not only heard but taken seriously,” the statement concluded.

Decision on Popovic to be made in the afternoon (media)

The Serbian Government official, Igor Popovic, who was arrested in Kosovo after insulting the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), appeared before the court on Friday. The hearing against him has concluded, and it was announced that the decision will be made at 14:00. Prosecutor Fikrije Krasniqi-Fejzullahu proposed to the court that he be sentenced to six months in prison, but that the sentence be replaced with a fine of 3,000 euros and the expulsion of Igor Popovic from Kosovo for two years. The Special Prosecution has welcomed the decision of the Basic Court in Pristina to approve the plea agreement with Popovic.

Popovic is accused of intentionally inciting and spreading hatred and intolerance between ethnic groups. A preliminary hearing will be held against him. On August 5, the Special Prosecution announced that it had reached a plea agreement with the Deputy Director of the Office for Kosovo in the Government of Serbia.

Popovic was arrested on July 19 at the Bernjak border crossing with Serbia, one day after delivering a speech in the village of Hoce e Madhe in Rahovec, during which he referred to the Kosovo Liberation Army as a terrorist organization.

Tahiri: Trump–Putin meeting, Kosovo and Crimea are geopolitical topics (RTK)

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, and former chief negotiator in Kosovo – Serbia dialogue, Edita Tahiri, has commented on the announced meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is expected to take place next week. In a post on the social media platform Facebook, Tahiri warned that one of the main topics of the meeting will be the issue of Kosovo and that of Crimea, comparing the event to the historic Yalta Conference after World War II, where the geopolitical borders of the world were redrawn. “Trump and Putin are expected to meet in the coming days, confirmed by both sides. This meeting could be a second Yalta. Kosovo and Crimea will be central geopolitical topics,” Tahiri wrote.

Serbian Language Media 

Serbian List: Organization of ‘concert’ with Albanian musicians in Mitrovica North deliberate provocation of Pristina (TV Most, Kosovo Online)

Serbian List said today decision of “Pristina’s regime to organize “concert” for the first time in the center of Mitrovica North with Albanian musicians and bring members of Self-determination to the municipality with Serbian majority, in a moment when traditional “Mitrovica Days” are being held is part of the Self-determination political agenda aiming to pressure Serbian people”, TV Most reported.

“This act represents a deliberate and planned provocation with the clear goal of escalating the situation and impairing the peace and security of people. It is a perfidious manner to deny our people the right to hold unobstructed cultural, artistic and humanitarian events, which are part of our identity and tradition. We particularly warn that entrepreneurs are threatened with financial fines if they take part in “Mitrovica Days” manifestation which is a direct pressure and attempt of intimidation aiming to subjugate the cultural life of the Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija”, the statement added.

The Serbian List called on the international community to “put an end to Kurti’s plans aiming to provoke, raise tensions and escalate the situation on the ground”. Serbian List also said that “together with Serbian people they will continue defending the right to preserving culture, tradition and freedom of assembly, and will not allow provocations and pressure to jeopardize survival and dignity of Serbian people”.

Kosovo Online portal reported that while last preparations were ongoing for “Mitrovica Days” manifestation, which includes gastronomy presentations, local products bazar and plays of the local bands, at the main city promenade in Mitrovica North, which should start today, at the same time at the beginning of the promenade a stage for “Mitrovica Jazz Days” is being installed, where concerts of, as it was announced foreign and Kosovo bands, will take place. Kosovo police and dozens of people working on installing the stage were present at the spot, on the upper part of the promenade, closer to Tzar Lazar Monument, while local people expressed surprise for it, as they have not heard of the organisation of this event in their town until today, the portal added.

Vucic says elections before the deadline: On December 28? (Danas)

Extraordinary parliamentary elections could be held on December 28, the top of the SNS is close to that decision, claim political sources of Danas, although dates in October and January are also in circulation, still the assessment goes towards the date mentioned in December.

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic said today that special elections will be called in accordance with the Constitution and the law before the deadline (this convocation of the Assembly was elected in December 2023 for a four-year term), but he did not specify when this would happen.

"We will certainly have elections before the constitutional and legal deadline," he told reporters in Belgrade, after receiving the young athletes.

That's how he answered the journalist's question about the demand of students in the blockade to call extraordinary parliamentary elections, who, because he has not done it yet, call him a coward.

"The election will take place when the competent state authority (President of Serbia) makes a decision on calling for elections, in accordance with the Constitution and the law," he said.

He noted that "they" will probably win the elections, because, as he stated, they themselves say in their research that they have a huge advantage.

"They are big favorites, I admit that to them, but they cannot take away my right to fight with like-minded political people, people who don't want to turn Serbia into a pigsty and den, against those who would like to do that out of the country," he said.

According to him, if they win, the current government will congratulate them.

"First, let's count the votes from the boxes and then we'll declare victory, so it won't be like in Zajecar and Kosjeric," he said.

Vucic: Having very good relations with US important for Serbia (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday having very good relations with the US was important for Serbia and that Belgrade would be trying to develop and enhance the relationship "even though that is not always quite simple", Tanjug news agency reported.

Asked by reporters whether Foreign Minister Marko Djuric's recent meeting with US State Secretary Marco Rubio in Washington marked a new era in Serbia-US relations, Vucic responded that Serbia would be looking to have the best possible relations with the US. "We have had several discussions with US officials. Mr Djuric's discussion with State Secretary Rubio was the most recent one. Having very good relations with the US is important for us. We will be trying to develop and enhance them even though that is not always quite simple, because we are a small country and they are a big power. They have their interests, which are not aligned with our interests on at least one issue", Vucic said.

He added that discussions about US import tariffs were also underway. Noting that Serbia had a small volume of trade with the US, Vucic said he believed the issue would be put on the agenda in Washington and resolved in the coming period.

Igor Popovic pre-sentence hearing - proposed fine and ban on entry to Kosovo, decision expected at 2 pm (RTS, Radio mitrovica sever)

A hearing was held at the Basic Court in Pristina for Igor Popovic, Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, at which the prosecutor proposed he be sentenced to a fine of three thousand euros and a ban on entry to Kosovo for two years. The judge will announce the verdict at 2 pm, based on the agreed proposal of the prosecutor and the defendant, who pleaded guilty, reported RTS. 

Prosecutor Fikrije Fejzullahu told Igor Popovic at today's hearing that the penalty for the crime of "inciting discord and intolerance" is six months in prison, and since it is an admission of guilt, she proposes the penalty be replaced with a fine of three thousand euros, as well as an additional penalty of a ban on entering Kosovo for two years. Popovic's detention will be terminated at the moment the agreement comes into force.

On Tuesday, the Special Prosecutor's Office in Pristina filed an indictment against Igor Popovic with the Basic Court for the alleged crime of "inciting discord and intolerance" when he called the former KLA a terrorist organization, recalled RTS.  Igor Popovic was detained after attending a commemorative gathering for the Serb victims in Orahovac and Velika Hoca.

Court proceedings in Kosovo are conducted exclusively by judges and prosecutors of Albanian nationality, as Serbs withdrew from the judicial system of the provisional institutions in Pristina in 2022.

Antonijevic: Ban on Serbian List would have far-reaching consequences for Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

Lawyer and human rights activist Milan Antonijevic, commenting on the possibility of Serbian List banning, said such a “political decision” would have far-reaching consequences for Kosovo because it would be contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights.

“This would be a political decision with far-reaching consequences, and I hope it will not go in that direction. Regardless of the many tensions we have seen in the recent period, I think this is neither the time nor the place to in any way affect electoral rights, and thereby violate Kosovo’s obligations”, Antonijevic told Kosovo Online.

He added banning the Serbian List would violate not only Kosovo’s obligations toward the Council of Europe but also the European Convention on Human Rights. “Protocol 1 of the European Convention explicitly addresses the right to vote and to be elected. I think there will be enough international pressure to prevent this from happening”, Antonijevic said.

For the formation of a new parliament and government, neither the ruling parties nor the opposition have the required 61 votes. However, neither side considered gaining the majority with the help of the Serbian List. He is also convinced that participation of the Serbian List in the future executive branch guarantees stability.

Citizen of Albania stepped upon Kosovo flag in Pristina, no proceedings initiated against him (Radio KIM, media)

A man introducing himself as from Tirana, Albanian capital, was seen stepping upon Kosovo flag yesterday in Pristina, after which he was apprehended by Kosovo police, Radio KIM reported. Kosovo police confirmed to Albanian media that this person was interviewed at the police station.

This act by Albanian citizens has caused sharp reactions of people in Pristina who protested yesterday against the Hague Specialist Chamber, Radio KIM reported. According to videos shared on social platforms, a person wearing red and black clothes, with red and black flag is seen stepping upon Kosovo flag saying he is doing so “in the name of national unification”, Radio KIM reported further.

One of the present residents is heard telling the man that stepping upon Kosovo flag is a criminal act punishable by the law, to which he replies, that “he does not care, as he is doing it for national unification”.

Kosovo police confirmed to Pristina-based Koha media outlet that measures were undertaken in relation to this incident. Kosovo prosecution, however, did not start any proceedings against this person, media in Albanian language further reported.

Agon Maliqi, an analyst and Sbunker organization director reacted on social media, criticizing prosecution for, as he said, not bringing the charges against this person.

“The prosecutor's office does not bring charges against the suspect from Albania who desecrated the flag of Kosovo. However, they brought charges against Serbs for Saint Vitus Day (June 28) for similar acts. Now, judge for yourself who will use this contrast to internationally argue that Serbs are discriminated against. Add Mickey Mouse "Bishop" (Nikolla) Xhufka from Elbasan (Albania) who usurps (SOC) churches, so I believe that the film and the director are clear to you. AKI (Kosovo Intelligence Agency) is probably on annual vacation or does not see beyond the party agendas of its leaders", Maliqi said.

Latinovic: Picula should resign his post of EP Rapporteur for Serbia because of his photo from “Storm” military operation (N1)

Former Serbia’s Ambassador to the OSCE, Branka Latinovic said today European Parliament (EP) Rapporteur for Serbia, Croatian politician Tonino Picula has lost his credibility upon publishing a photo from his military days, carrying a rifle in his hands and messages about “Storm” military operation. She added he should admit “the missteps he made” and resign from his function, N1 reported. In an interview with Blic daily Latinovic said “Picula disqualified himself as European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia”, in particular having in mind that his job, among others, was to resolve burdens from the past.

"He diminished even more the possibility of his active involvement in that position. Few people from the opposition in Serbia will want to see him after everything. Also, he gave a strong argument to the authorities as to why they didn't want to talk to him. Only (Assembly Speaker) Ana Brnabic did it, and that was purely as a matter of protocol", she said.

She added she was surprised with Picula’s text and photo, noting that he is an experienced politician aware of the situation in the region, but also about the wider context of “particularly delicate Serbian-Croatian relations following dissolution of former Yugoslavia”. “That is why he had to be aware of reactions his post will have at this very sensitive period for all those who survived the wars in the nineties. It is known that he fought in Croatian armed forces, but the message he sent was irritating and unfair”, she opined.  

She said the Social-Democratic club, which elected Picula to his function in the European Parliament will most probably suggest that he resign the function and everything will be assessed by European Parliament expert services.