• Kosovo’s new Parliament approves new government ending political deadlock (AP)
• A year of institutional deadlock, unlocked in minutes (Kosovo 2.0)
• New government sends budget for 2026 to the Assembly (media)
• Kurti: From tomorrow, ready for discussions with parties on the President (media)
• Kos congratulates PM Kurti on election of new government (media)
• Terras: Political paralysis is finally over; Kosovo belongs to the EU family (media)
• Germany looks forward to furthering cooperation with Kosovo (media)
• Italian Embassy congratulates Haxhiu and Kurti (media)
• OSCE congratulates new Kosovo government on its election (media)
• AmCham in Kosovo welcomes establishment of new assembly and govt (media)
• Jehona Lushaku-Sadriu will head the LDK parliamentary group (Albanian Post)
• Rutte says NATO still waiting for Vucic to determine responsibility for Banjska (RFE)
• Osmani cancels participation at Munich Security Conference (media)
• SL starts an “urgent meeting” with representatives from 10 municipalities (Klan)
• UNMIK chief meets CPT delegation; Kosovo expected to implement recommendations (Front Online)
• Kosovo’s overlooked survivors of wartime rape face worsening odds in compensation battle (BIRN)

Kosovo’s new Parliament approves new government ending political deadlock (AP)

Kosovo’s new Parliament on Wednesday swiftly approved a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, ending a yearlong political deadlock in the Balkan country.

Lawmakers backed Kurti’s Cabinet with 66 votes for and 49 against in the 120-member assembly. The vote was held just hours after Parliament convened for the first time since a snap election in December.

Kurti secured a new mandate after his Self-Determination party won 57 seats in Parliament in December. The party formed an alliance with several ethnic minority groups.

In his speech before Parliament, Kurti pledged to fight corruption and invest in defense in the nation of some 2 million people.

“Today we are the most democratic country in the region, an achievement of both our society and our institutions and this standard must be preserved and advanced,” Kurti said.

Lawmakers earlier on Wednesday chose former justice minister Albulena Haxhiu as Parliament speaker.

The snap ballot on Dec. 28 was scheduled after the Self-Determination party failed to form a government despite winning the most votes in a February 2025 election. This led to a crippling political deadlock throughout last year.

The new Parliament’s formation was further delayed by a recount vote over widespread irregularities.

A former Serbian province, Kosovo declared independence in 2008 following a 1998-99 war that ended after a U.S.-led NATO intervention. Serbia does not recognize the split and tensions have simmered ever since.

The new Parliament needs to approve this year’s budget that has been delayed because of the political crisis. Lawmakers also are set to elect a new president in March as current President Vjosa Osmani’s mandate expires in early April.

Prime Minister Kurti, 50, came to power in 2021 after also briefly occupying the role in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A former political prisoner during Serbia’s rule in Kosovo, Kurti has taken a tough stand in talks mediated by the European Union on normalizing relations with Belgrade. Kosovo and Serbia have been told they must normalize ties if they wish to join the 27-nation bloc.

Washington and its allies have recognized Kosovo’s independence while Russia and China have sided with Serbia in the dispute.

A year of institutional deadlock, unlocked in minutes (Kosovo 2.0)

After nearly a year without an effective government, Kosovo’s assembly was constituted last night in its tenth legislature, clearing the way for a new cabinet led by Albin Kurti. The procedural steps that had produced months of institutional deadlock were completed within minutes after the December vote. Albulena Haxhiu, who had previously failed to be elected speaker of the assembly more than 50 times during repeated sessions between spring and autumn of last year, was finally voted into the position last night.

Kosovo has been in institutional limbo since the February 2025 election. Although Kurti’s Vetëvendosje (VV) emerged as the largest party with around 42% of the vote, it fell short of the parliamentary majority needed to secure key positions unilaterally, including that of assembly speaker.

At the centre of the impasse was the nomination of Haxhiu as speaker of the assembly, a senior Vetëvendosje figure and former justice minister. Opposition parties — the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) — accused VV of refusing to compromise, while VV argued the opposition was deliberately obstructing the institutional process. The dispute led to several referrals to the Constitutional Court, prolonging the vacuum of power and raising concerns among diplomats and civil society groups about governance, budget implementation and Kosovo’s European Union (EU) path.

The prolonged deadlock ultimately pushed the country to new elections in December, in which VV secured its strongest result to date, 51.10% consolidating its position as the dominant political force. Following that vote, political agreement allowed the procedural steps to move forward, and Haxhiu was elected speaker.

The election of deputy speakers — another sticking point during the deadlock — was also resolved. In particular, the appointment of a deputy speaker from Srpska Lista, the main Kosovo Serb political party, had previously been blocked by VV. In a notable reversal, the issue was settled with VV’s support.

Shortly afterwards, MPs voted to approve a new government. The cabinet proposed by Kurti was approved by 66 votes in favour and 49 against. VV secured 57 parliamentary seats and obtained the support of nine additional MPs from the non-Serbian national minority seats. Opposition parties — PDK, LDK and AAK — and Lista Srpska did not support the new executive.

This marks the third time Kurti has been elected prime minister, following his short-lived mandate in 2020 and his full term from 2021 to 2025.

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

New government sends budget for 2026 to the Assembly (media)

All news websites report that in its first meeting the new government has sent the budget for 2026 for approval to the Assembly. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the budget totals €4 billion. “Today we are resubmitting to the Assembly the law on the budget for 2026 which was adopted on October 31 last year. The budget amounts to €4 billion and €867 million have been foreseen for the municipalities,” he said.

Kurti also said that the budget includes the 13th salary for public sector workers which will be allocated as soon as the budget enters into force. 

Kurti: From tomorrow, ready for discussions with parties on the President (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said today that starting from tomorrow he is ready to start discussions with other parties on the topic of the Kosovo President. He said that discussions can begin immediately after the adoption of the budget for 2026 and the adoption of international agreements. “As soon as these two are over, I am ready starting from tomorrow to start contacts and discussions with the other political parties on the topic of the President,” he said.

Kos congratulates PM Kurti on election of new government (media)

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos congratulated Kosovo on the formation of the new government on Wednesday. “Good news from Pristina today. The Assembly is in place. A new government has taken office. Congratulations PM Albin Kurti. The focus can now shift to advancing EU reforms & bringing the full benefits of the Growth Plan to Kosovo. Looking forward to visiting Kosovo soon,” Kos wrote in a post on X. 

Terras: Political paralysis is finally over; Kosovo belongs to the EU family (media)

The European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, congratulated Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Kosovo on forming a new government. “The political paralysis is finally over. A functioning government is essential to advance on the EU path and unlock much-needed financial support. Kosovo belongs to the EU family,” Terras wrote in a post on X.

Germany looks forward to furthering cooperation with Kosovo (media)

The German Embassy in Pristina, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, congratulated Kosovo on the constitution of the new assembly and the formation of the new government. “Building on the close and unique relationship between Kosovo and Germany, we look forward to continuing and further deepening our bilateral cooperation — in the fields of economy, security, politics and sustainable development. Kosovo has not only a friend, but a strong and reliable partner in Germany. We look forward to working together in support of Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Best wishes for success in the new term, dear Prime Minister,” the German Embassy wrote on Facebook.

Italian Embassy congratulates Haxhiu and Kurti (media)

The Italian Embassy in Kosovo congratulated Albulena Haxhiu on her election as Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, and to Albin Kurti on his reappointment as Prime Minister. “Kosovo’s progress depends on strong and stable institutions that can advance reforms and further strengthen its European perspective. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation and deepening our partnership. Wishing them success in their new responsibilities,” the post notes.

OSCE congratulates new Kosovo government on its election (media)

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo congratulated today the new government of Kosovo on its election and extended its “sincere congratulations to Albin Kurti on his re-appointment as Prime Minister”. “We also congratulate Albulena Haxhiu on her election as President of the Assembly of Kosovo. The OSCE Mission values the strong and enduring collaboration it has built over the years with Kosovo’s institutions across all communities. We remain committed to this close partnership in the period ahead, working together in support of democratic governance, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and the well-being of all people in Kosovo. We wish the new Government every success and look forward to continuing our constructive co-operation for the benefit of all communities in Kosovo,” the mission said in a Facebook post.

AmCham in Kosovo welcomes establishment of new assembly and govt (media)

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo said in a statement on Wednesday that it welcomes the establishment of the new legislative and executive institutions resulting from the December 28, 2025 elections, as a clear reflection of Kosovo’s democratic resilience and institutional continuity. The timely constitution of the assembly and the new government, in full accordance with the constitutional and legal framework, constitute an important demonstration of political maturity and democratic consolidation.

“At this new phase of governance, AmCham underscores the importance of advancing a coherent and sustainable economic reform agenda capable of addressing structural challenges and accelerating long-term growth. Particular attention should be directed toward the energy sector, including the diversification of energy sources, the strengthening of energy security, and the creation of a predictable environment for strategic investments in modern infrastructure and clean energy solutions. Equally critical is the development of human capital and the alignent of the education and vocational training systems with labor market needs, as essential drivers of competitiveness and productivity. AmCham further emphasizes the need to strengthen Kosovo’s industrial base by fostering greater participation of foreign direct investment, particularly from the United States and other strategic partners. A renewed commitment to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing legal certainty, reducing administrative burdens, and increasing transparency in policymaking should be treated as an immediate priority by the newly established institutions. Given that several key economic reforms have remained stalled for over a year, AmCham welcomes the opportunity presented by the new governing mandate to move these reforms forward in a coordinated and forward-looking manner. In this regard, the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo calls for more active, structured, and sustained cooperation between the public and private sectors. Only through regular dialogue and genuine partnership can Kosovo accelerate socio-economic development, enhance the well-being of its citizens, and strengthen its position as a credible, competitive, and reliable destination for investment,” the statement notes.

Jehona Lushaku-Sadriu will head the LDK parliamentary group (Albanian Post)

Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku said in a Facebook post today that LDK MP Jehona Lushaku-Sadriu will be the head of the party’s parliamentary group. Abdixhiku also said he is confident that Lushaku-Sadriu will “represent the LDK with dignity and will make every supporter and the citizens of Kosovo proud of the LDK’s representation in the assembly”.

Rutte says NATO still waiting for Vucic to determine responsibility for Banjska (RFE)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said again that the Alliance is expecting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to determine accountability for the violent events in Kosovo in 2023, including the attack in Banjska. “Personally, and as a representative of NATO, I am in close contact with the Serbian President. We are still waiting for him to determine the responsibility for what happened in Banjska in 2023 and for other events during 2023,” he said.

Osmani cancels participation at Munich Security Conference (media)

Several news websites report that Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has cancelled her participation at the Munich Security Conference. A media advisor to Osmani told the media that Osmani is very grateful to the organizers for inviting her to this year’s conference but “because of institutional engagements and priorities related to developments in the country she had to cancel her participation”. 

SL starts an “urgent meeting” with representatives from 10 municipalities (Klan)

The news website reports that the Serbian List, the Belgrade-backed biggest party of Serbs in Kosovo, has started today what they call an urgent meeting with representatives from 10 Serb-majority municipalities and representatives from the Serbian-run healthcare and education institutions in Kosovo. According to the news website the meeting will discuss the political and security situation and the laws on foreigners and vehicles. 

UNMIK chief meets CPT delegation; Kosovo expected to implement recommendations (Front Online)

The news website reported on Wednesday that SRSG and Head of UNMIK, Peter Due met with a delegation of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) during their ongoing visit to Kosovo. “The SRSG welcomed the delegation and underlined the importance of this Council of Europe human rights mechanism, stressing the need for Kosovo authorities to continue implementing the CPT’s recommendations. Discussions focused on conditions of detention, psychiatric care, and safeguards against ill-treatment, including in police custody. The SRSG reaffirmed UNMIK’s support for the CPT’s work and its activities,” UNMIK said in a Facebook post.

Kosovo’s overlooked survivors of wartime rape face worsening odds in compensation battle (BIRN)

The Serb forces came to the village in 1999 and ordered the women and children to get out. They joined a long column made up of more women and children, forced out of nearby villages. The armed men told the women that their daughters would be spared if they gave up their gold, recalls Arta. Ten years old at the time, her real name has been withheld to protect her identity. After taking the gold, Arta said, the men moved through the line, “pointing their weapons, picking women, mothers – anyone they wanted.” The rapes took place near Pristina, in a commandeered school building. “They moved us from classroom to classroom,” Arta said. “You heard everything, saw everything.” She recalls the sight of bloodstains in the corridors. “I didn’t even understand what was happening, I was a child. If I think about it now when I’m by myself, it feels as if I could go insane.” Inside the schoolhouse, Arta was raped along with her sisters, mother and other women from the village. Outside, the men played loud music, drank alcohol and barbecued meat. 

Today, Arta is one of nearly 2,000 women to have been compensated by the Kosovo authorities as the survivors of wartime sexual violence. Official status entitles the women to a monthly payout of 230 euros, amounting to roughly a third of the average monthly income. The money is intended to help offset the lingering psychological, physical and economic impact of the assaults. The women are also entitled to preferential treatment when seeking healthcare or employment. 

These benefits, however, do not always outweigh the costs of coming forward. In keeping with the patriarchal, conservative mores of rural Kosovo, women who have survived rape face a further threat, of being ostracised by their communities if the crime comes to light. In applying for official recognition, they have to overcome fear and internalised feelings of shame. Arta said she knew of women who dared not seek help because of the “environment”. She too had kept her status hidden from much of the family. Long after the war, she overheard her father commenting on the TV news coverage of a high-profile sexual harassment case. “If that were my daughter,” he remarked, “I’d kill her.” 

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/8ijKd