Albanian Language Media: 

• President Trump’s letter to Osmani: Calls her a true friend of the U.S. (RTK)
• Osmani opposes Laban’s appointment on constitutional order, withdraws request (RTK)
• Hasani: The President’s devious withdrawal is a constitutional violation (media)
• Miftaraj: National security is not protected through press conferences (Koha)
• LDK awaits fair decision from the Constitutional Court to unblock institutions (media)
• British Envoy speaks with Kurti, expresses concern over Kosovo-Serbia tensions (Koha)
• Ternava holds meeting with UNMIK Chief Caroline Ziadeh (RTK)
• Prattipati: Trump administration seeks strong allies, we cannot rely on a country without institutions (Express)
• Osmani on Specialized Chambers: Concerning that it accepts evidence produced by Serbia (Koha)
• Kosovo government reacts to Preniqi’s arrest by Serbia (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Vucic welcomed Giorgia Meloni: This visit is a message of trust and a shared vision (RTS, N1)
• The Constitutional Court halted the Kosovo government's decision on the allocation of land in Gracanica to the "Balkan Orphans" association (KoSSev)
• Osmani withdrew the request to the Constitutional Court after Judge Laban was appointed as rapporteur (Beta, NMagazin, KoSSev, KiM radio)
• Miftaraj and Cakolli on the withdrawal of the request from the Constitutional Court: A wrong move, legally unfounded and institutionally harmful (KoSSev)
• Jan Braathu: Escalation of threats and violence against journalists, media outlets in Serbia (N1)

Albanian Language Media

President Trump’s letter to Osmani: Calls her a true friend of the U.S. (RTK)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, has received a letter from the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, in which he thanked her for her commitment and friendship toward the United States, her courageous leadership, and expressed a desire to deepen cooperation in the coming years.

According to the announcement from the Office of the President, in the letter, the U.S. president wrote that the decision to accept citizens from other countries demonstrates Kosovo’s strong willingness to cooperate with the United States, “adding that leadership on this issue shows the strength and compassion of the people of Kosovo.”

“The United States of America and Kosovo share a deep bond, based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. Your commitment to strengthening this bond has not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that together we will continue to advance our common goals,” President Trump emphasized in his letter, as relayed by the Presidency.

While thanking President Osmani for her efforts to strengthen the partnership with the U.S., President Trump also thanked her “for your courageous leadership and for standing as a true friend of the United States. I look forward to working together with you in the years ahead.”

“At the end of the letter, President Trump also sent President Osmani best wishes from the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump,” the announcement from the Kosovo Presidency concludes.

Osmani opposes Laban’s appointment on constitutional order, withdraws request (RTK)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has opposed the appointment of Judge Radomir Laban by the Constitutional Court to decide on Kosovo’s constitutional order, in his capacity as the reporting judge. “I have withdrawn the request submitted to the Court on July 22, 2025. I did this as an immediate reaction after receiving confirmed information that Judge Radomir Laban was appointed as the reporting judge in this request, for whose dangerous activities during the years 2018, 2021, and 2024 our security institutions have submitted clear and official information,” Osmani said in a press conference.

She stated that based precisely on this security information, the Ministry of Justice had previously refused to appoint Laban as a notary. She said his appointment is troubling and dangerous, as his decisions could have consequences for the future. “The reporting judge paves the way for a case, a path that is then followed by the court in nearly all instances. According to the regulations, despite the practice of balanced case distribution among judges, the President of the Constitutional Court has full discretion to decide which judge is assigned which case. Our request pertains to essential issues concerning the constitutional order, and it is deeply concerning that a judge for whom our security institutions have officially submitted information stating he endangers our state, is allowed to determine the fate of our constitutional order,” she said.

“The withdrawal of this request is a necessary action in defense of the constitutional order. It is absurd to expect that our constitutional order can be defended by individuals who, according to our security institutions, pose a threat to it,” Osmani added. A year ago, the Presidency of Kosovo reported that Laban was compromising Kosovo’s national security and constitutional order.

Hasani: The President’s devious withdrawal is a constitutional violation (media)

Professor Enver Hasani, former President of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, sharply criticized President Vjosa Osmani’s decision to withdraw her request from the Court, calling it a constitutional violation and a devious attempt to paralyze its decision-making. He argues that the move was strategically timed to disrupt the Court's ruling expected by August 8, when a temporary measure expires.

President Osmani justified the withdrawal by citing security concerns over Judge Radomir Laban, assigned to the case, claiming he poses a national threat. Hasani dismissed this as a pretext, noting that Osmani had long been aware of Laban’s presence on the Court and accusing her of using this to intentionally block judicial processes.

Hasani warned that the President's actions undermine the integrity of both the presidency and the Constitutional Court but expressed confidence that the Court has the legal tools to resist such political interference and fulfill its constitutional duties.

Miftaraj: National security is not protected through press conferences (Koha)

Ehat Miftaraj, Executive Director of the Kosovo Law Institute (KLI), criticized President Vjosa Osmani for using a press conference to justify withdrawing her request from the Constitutional Court, calling it an inappropriate way to address national security concerns.

He emphasized that national security should be handled by competent institutions, not politicized or used to attack the Constitutional Court. While acknowledging that KLI had opposed Judge Radomir Laban’s appointment early on, Miftaraj stressed that any objections must remain within constitutional boundaries.

He warned that the President’s recent actions represent a serious misstep and risk creating a political culture that undermines the Court’s independence and integrity.

LDK awaits fair decision from the Constitutional Court to unblock institutions (media)

The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) reacted on Tuesday evening, expressing confidence that the Constitutional Court of Kosovo will issue a fair decision in accordance with its constitutional mandate to resolve the situation in the Assembly and avoid institutional deadlock.

In a media statement, LDK emphasized that the case presented to the Constitutional Court contains, as they state, an indisputable fact: “The party that won the elections has failed to fulfill its constitutional obligation to propose a candidate for Speaker of the Assembly during the constitutive session.”

According to LDK, instead of doing so, the winning party insisted 48 times on votes outside the agenda and constitutional procedure, creating a deliberate blockade and demonstrating a lack of will and capacity to carry out its responsibilities as the leading political entity.

LDK argues that, in accordance with previous Constitutional Court rulings and the principles of a parliamentary system, if the first party fails, the right to propose the Speaker of the Assembly should pass to the parliamentary majority. “A democratic system functions on the basis of majority and responsibility, not on obstruction and lack of political will,” the statement says.

According to LDK, the Constitutional Court has a key role in ensuring the functioning of institutions and protecting Kosovo’s democratic order. LDK calls for a fair decision that, as they state, would open the way for the parliamentary majority to propose the Speaker and restore institutional normalcy.

In conclusion, LDK reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the constitutional order and to a governance that, in its view, reflects the will of the people of Kosovo.

This reaction from LDK follows President Vjosa Osmani’s withdrawal of her request to the Constitutional Court regarding the temporary measure imposed on the Assembly. Osmani’s withdrawal comes just three days before the expiration of the temporary measure, which prohibits any action by Assembly members related to forming new institutions.

British Envoy speaks with Kurti, expresses concern over Kosovo-Serbia tensions (Koha)

The UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Karen Pierce, spoke with Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, on Tuesday to discuss tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. "Karen Pierce, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, spoke today with acting Prime Minister Kurti to express her concerns regarding the recent tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the need to resolve outstanding issues through the EU-facilitated dialogue,” the statement of the British Embassy in Kosovo reads.

Karen stated that she looks forward to welcoming Kosovo’s representatives to the Berlin Process meetings, which will be held in the UK in October. Karen is also scheduled to speak with the President of Serbia in the coming days.

Ternava holds meeting with UNMIK Chief Caroline Ziadeh (RTK)

The head of the Islamic Community of Kosovo (BIK), Mufti Naim Ternava, held a meeting with the head of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Caroline Ziadeh. During the meeting, Mufti Ternava thanked Ziadeh for her cooperation and contributions during her mandate, highlighting the importance of international support for Kosovo’s peace, stability, and democratic development.

Ziadeh, in turn, praised BIK’s role in promoting interfaith tolerance and coexistence, calling it an important partner in peacebuilding and fostering an inclusive society. Mufti Tdrnava wished her success in her future endeavors.

Prattipati: Trump administration seeks strong allies, we cannot rely on a country without institutions (Express)

The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, said Kosovo is missing out on opportunities due to the current political deadlock. In an interview with Gazeta Express, she said that the Trump Administration “seeks strong allies” with whom shared priorities can be advanced, and that the opportunity to strengthen economic ties between the two countries “may pass by unused if this deadlock continues.”

Prattipati stated that a country without key institutions and with “an uncertain path toward forming them” is not a partner the U.S. can always fully rely on.

She emphasized that “Kosovo’s leaders were elected to solve the challenges facing their country,” and that the political deadlock must be resolved by them. “The United States can offer support, but it cannot make choices on behalf of Kosovo’s leaders or its people.”

In order for the partnership with the U.S. “to flourish,” she said, “Kosovo must provide the conditions,” and outlined what can be expected from the Trump Administration.

Osmani on Specialized Chambers: Concerning that it accepts evidence produced by Serbia (Koha)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, has stated that it is concerning that the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague accepts materials provided by Serbia. Osmani emphasized that Kosovo institutions have officially expressed their concerns regarding the use of such evidence from Serbia. “Regarding the Special Court, I believe it is extremely concerning that any court established by the Republic of Kosovo, which is legally and constitutionally obliged to operate according to Kosovo’s legal and judicial system, would accept evidence produced by the state of Serbia. It has been historically proven that any evidence produced by the Serbian state, especially against the Albanian people and the KLA, is falsified and intended solely to rewrite history,” she stated during a press conference.

She added that all Albanians must stand united in defense of Kosovo’s liberation war. “It’s an unfortunate reality for the entire region that remnants of Milosevic still lead Serbia. And precisely because the same mindset from the 1990s still dominates in Serbia, they continue to use the same methods they used back then. We, as institutions, citizens, people, and a nation, must unite to defend the just and liberation struggle of the Republic of Kosovo,” she said.

Kosovo government reacts to Preniqi’s arrest by Serbia (media)

Serbia has detained another individual of Kosovo at the Batrovci border crossing, on the border between Croatia and Serbia. Serbian authorities claim that Behar Preniqi was a member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).

Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MFAD) has announced that it has notified all diplomatic missions regarding the case, calling the arrest yet another act of repression by Serbia against Kosovo citizens. “The recent arrest of citizen Behar Preniqi is further clear evidence of the unacceptable and destructive practices of the Serbian authorities, which are in violation of international law and basic human rights standards,” reads the MFAD statement.

The ministry emphasized that if Preņiqi is placed in pretrial detention and criminal proceedings are initiated, the Liaison Office will take necessary steps to request an official visit to the place of detention. MFAD also called on the international community to react strongly against these actions by Serbia, which are infringing on the freedom of movement and the fundamental rights of Kosovo’s people.

Meanwhile, the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, during a meeting with diaspora members, urged them to avoid traveling or transiting through Serbian territory due to the risk of arbitrary arrests and detentions. “We have a bad neighbor,” Kurti said, warning compatriots about the growing risk from Serbian authorities.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic welcomed Giorgia Meloni: This visit is a message of trust and a shared vision (RTS, N1)

President Aleksandar Vucic welcomed last night Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade. 

''I am grateful to Meloni for the important visit and the respect she shows to our country and people, Serbia remembers friends and never forgets those who sided with it at crucial moments,'' Vucic wrote on Instagram.

“This visit is a message of trust and a common visit of the future of the European Union,” he wrote in one of two Instagram posts adding that Serbia remembers friends and never forgets who sided with it at crucial moments.

In a second post, Vucic thanked Meloni for Italy’s principled support in terms of European integration and the EXPO 2027 specialized exhibit. “Serbia values its relations with Italy, not just as a political partner but also as a true friend that understands our values, tradition and aspirations,” he added.

The Constitutional Court halted the Kosovo government's decision on the allocation of land in Gracanica to the "Balkan Orphans" association (KoSSev)

The Constitutional Court of Kosovo made a unanimous decision yesterday temporarily suspending the implementation of the decision of the Kosovo government from August 28, 2024, which appropriated land owned by the Municipality of Gracanica for the construction of a Center for children and elderly people with autism, Down syndrome and disabilities, portal KoSSev reported last night. 

As stated in the announcement of the Constitutional Court, the request of the Municipality of Gracanica was accepted, and a temporary measure was approved until October 31, 2025.

"The decision enters into force immediately, and the implementation of the contested decision of the Government is suspended until further proceedings are completed," they stated.

With this measure, the Constitutional Court, as they pointed out, protects the interests of the Municipality of Gracanica, which contested the legality of the government's decision to grant land to the association "Balkan Orphans" for the construction of a Center for children and elderly people with autism, Down syndrome and disabilities.

Osmani withdrew the request to the Constitutional Court after Judge Laban was appointed as rapporteur (Beta, NMagazin, KoSSev, KiM radio)

President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani announced yesterday afternoon that she withdrew the request submitted on July 22 to the Constitutional Court in connection with the constitutive session of the assembly and cited as the reason the appointment of judge Radomir Laban as rapporteur in this case, reported agency Beta.

Osmani stated that this judge, according to the reports of the security institutions from 2018, 2021 and 2024, was identified as a person who represents a threat to the national security of Kosovo and that he was involved in activities that threaten the constitutional order.

The President of Kosovo stated at the press conference that "withdrawal of this request is necessary".

''It is absurd to expect our constitutional order to be protected by persons who, according to the security institutions, threaten that order," Osmani said.

She stressed that Judge Laban was not appointed by her, but that he was appointed in 2018.

She added that the procedure for dismissing a judge of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo requires a decision made by a two-thirds majority of the members of that court, which, as she explained, prevents any action by the presidency without an official proposal from the court itself.

She also requested greater attention "toward the integrity of constitutional institutions and the security of the state", pointing out that sensitive issues cannot be allowed to be treated by individuals "for whom there are serious doubts that they pose a threat to the constitutional order of Kosovo".

At the conference, Osmani stated that the court's clarifications should be waited for and that if something still remains unclear, she encourages the deputies to ask for additional interpretations again.

Miftaraj and Cakolli on the withdrawal of the request from the Constitutional Court: A wrong move, legally unfounded and institutionally harmful (KoSSev)

The director of the Kosovo Law institute, Ehat Miftaraj, and the executive director of the Kosovo Democratic Institute, Eugen Cakolli, criticized the decision of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani to withdraw the request from the Constitutional Court, assessing that the integrity of this institution and the constitutional order were violated, reported KoSSev.

The director of the Kosovo Law Institute, Ehat Miftaraj, assessed that Osmani should not have withdrawn the request submitted to the Constitutional Court, stating that such a move harms the institution and the constitutional order. He pointed out that "national security is not defended through media conferences", and that "the Constitutional Court must not be attacked in this way by the President of the Republic".

"When it comes to Judge Radomir Laban, the KLI publicly opposed his appointment. However, national security is protected and maintained by the competent authorities - never through the politicization of the Constitutional Court and such attacks from the Presidency," Miftaraj said. He added that it was the “wrong move and the creation of a new practice that seriously undermines the independence and integrity of the Constitutional Court."

The executive director of the Kosovo Democratic Institute, Eugen Cakolli, commented on such reasoning as legally unfounded.

Cakolli assessed that it is legitimate for institutions to have reservations towards individuals, but that in this case it is not justified that a procedural issue, such as the appointment of a reporting judge, should be the reason for withdrawing a request of great constitutional importance.

"If after eight years of those reports, no investigation or criminal proceedings have been initiated - and judges do not have immunity outside of their jurisdiction - then it is difficult to justify why this is the reason to abandon a constitutionally important case," said Cakolli.

He clarified that the reporting judge does not decide either on the admissibility of the request or on the content of the decision.

"If a panel of three judges proposes rejection and no one files an objection, the case is closed. But it is enough for one judge to disagree, and the case is considered by the full panel," said Cakolli.

In that full composition, as he added, each point is decided by a majority of votes, and even if the reporting judge is not in that majority, the final text can be prepared by another judge appointed by the president of the court.

Cakolli emphasized that the withdrawal of the request does not necessarily mean that it will not be considered, because the Constitutional Court has the right to continue the procedure if it determines that there is great public interest.

"In a situation where the Parliament is not constituted within the constitutional deadline, the country is in an institutional vacuum. There is no doubt that this is one of the most serious issues that requires a clear answer from the only body authorized to give it - the Constitutional Court," said Cakolli.

In the end, he assessed that the Court would have to deal with this case to the end - both for the sake of the constitutional functioning of the institutions, as well as for "the protection of their own integrity and the preservation of public trust in its independence".

Jan Braathu: Escalation of threats and violence against journalists, media outlets in Serbia (N1)

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu said he noted with concern the escalation of threats and acts of violence in recent weeks against individual journalists and media outlets in Serbia.

In a post on the X social media platform, Braathu said that differences in political opinion can never justify threats or violence.

“I trust Serbian authorities will take necessary steps to investigate and ensure accountability for all reported cases, so that media professionally can carry out their work freely and safely, in line with the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists. This also includes a clear commitment for authorities to refrain from any form of intimidation, threats, or actions that would compromise journalists’ safety, as well as the unequivocal condemnation of all acts of violence against them,” Braathu said in the post, the Serbian Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) reported.