Albanian Language Media: 

• Osmani: If there is no solution by the weekend, I will turn to Constitutional Court (media)
• Osmani: At the end of May, I received information that Serbia was planning escalation (media)
• Rexhepi after meeting Barbano: Judiciary will defend its independence (RTK)
• U.S. Embassy reminds MPs: Deadline for Assembly constitution is approaching (Klan)
• Citaku criticizes Kurti’s trip to Greece: This man has neither sensitivity nor responsibility (media)
• “Millions in dinars, tens of thousands of euros, and unlicensed weapon found with suspect” (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Djuric: Ghana's respect for our territorial integrity and UN Charter exceptionally important (Tanjug)

• Djuric, Petkovic react to Osmani’s press conference (Tanjug, media, social media)
• RFE: From fiscalization to bridges - decisions of Kosovo outgoing government called into question (Kosovo Online)
• Serb, member of Kosovo police, arrested under espionage allegations sent to 48-hours detention (Radio KIM)
• Vucic hosts UAE President in Belgrade (Tanjug, media)
• Kos says Belgrade’s progress is slow (N1)
• Protesters arrested at Belgrade Fair (N1)

International Media: 

• Five arrested in Kosovo over illegal transfer of public land after KALLXO investigation (Prishtina Insight)

Albanian Language Media 

Osmani: If there is no solution by the weekend, I will turn to Constitutional Court (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has stated that there must be legal consequences if the Kosovo Assembly is not constituted even after July 26. She said that if no political solution is reached, she will refer the matter to the judicial system. “I am convinced that if this deadline is not respected, there must be legal consequences. Legal consequences mean: what happens to the institutions if the Assembly is not constituted by July 26? Does this mean that any Assembly constituted after July 26 is unconstitutional? Does it mean that an unconstitutional Assembly cannot elect a government? Because if this deadline continues to be ignored beyond July 26, then what was the point of setting it in the first place?” Osmani said.

“If by the weekend there is no agreement with constituted institutions, then at the beginning of the week we will turn to the Court. But we cannot prejudge how long that process might take,” the President added during a press conference.

“We are continuing with meetings; however, it is not the role of any president to negotiate coalitions—that is prohibited by the Constitution. The Constitution does not allow me to dissolve the Assembly at this stage or send the country to elections. That can only happen if the Assembly is dissolved, and that happens only after it is constituted. What I can do is call attention to the harm being done to Kosovo and the danger it is facing,” Osmani said.

Osmani: At the end of May, I received information that Serbia was planning escalation (media)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, has revealed at a press conference on Thursday afternoon that at the end of May she received information from security institutions about a possible escalation planned by Serbia. She offered new details about her earlier statements made during her visit to the United States, where she had said that former U.S. President Donald Trump recently prevented a security escalation in Kosovo by Serbia. “At the end of May, we received information about Serbia's activities near the border with Kosovo. These are reliable reports from our security institutions,” Osmani stated, noting that all necessary measures for mobilization and defense have been taken.

Osmani clarified that her statements in the U.S. were based solely on her interpretation of Trump’s words and that she did not intend to misrepresent them. Trump has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that he prevented a conflict between Kosovo and Serbia.

Furthermore, she stated that remarks from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, claiming that Serbia has no interest in escalation, are part of their ongoing propaganda. “Serbia’s declarations that they do not want escalation are part of their usual propaganda. They said the same before the Banjska attack in 2023 and before the incident in Iber-Lepenc,” Osmani said.

She reassured the people that there is no reason for concern or panic. “Our institutions are doing their job and have everything under control. Threats from Serbia are continuous, but we will not allow any destabilizing plan to be carried out,” she added.

Osmani noted that information about Serbia’s destabilizing tendencies has been shared with the public whenever possible, but due to the classified nature of some of the data, she asked for the public’s understanding.

U.S. envoy Richard Grenell had accused Osmani of misrepresenting Trump’s words regarding the prevention of an escalation between Kosovo and Serbia, saying it was not a reference to recent events.

Rexhepi after meeting Barbano: Judiciary will defend its independence (RTK)

The Supreme Court of Kosovo has announced that its President, Fejzullah Rexhepi, met Thursday with the head of the EULEX mission in Kosovo, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, to discuss the current situation, following the decision to annul the Administrative Instruction on the Use of Electronic Fiscal Devices. “President Rexhepi emphasized the determination of the Court he leads—and of the entire justice system—to continue its work despite the attacks and attempts by the caretaker Government to damage the judiciary’s image and obstruct its independent functioning. He added that state institutions are obligated to implement court decisions as a fundamental requirement for the rule of law,” the Supreme Court stated.

“Meanwhile, EULEX Chief Pietro Barbano, while condemning the recent attacks, expressed strong support for the Supreme Court and labeled the caretaker government's actions as unacceptable. According to him, labeling and targeting judges by name, thus placing them at potential risk of attack, is intolerable and unacceptable,” the statement continues.

The Supreme Court also noted that President Rexhepi appreciated the support of EULEX and the EU Office in Kosovo, and explained that the Court is working together with the Judicial Council to ensure the judiciary remains independent and carries out its constitutional and legal functions.

U.S. Embassy reminds MPs: Deadline for Assembly constitution is approaching (Klan)

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina has told Klankosova.tv that the functioning of Kosovo institutions is the responsibility of political leaders. “We note that the Constitutional Court of Kosovo recommended the constituting of the Assembly within 30 days from its decision, and that date is approaching. It is the responsibility of political leaders to constitute the Assembly and to form a stable government in accordance with the Constitution,” a spokesperson for the Embassy told Klankosova.tv.

The Embassy also stated that the United States looks forward to working with the next government on matters of regional stability, security, and prosperity. “The United States has long supported Kosovo’s democratic development and looks forward to working with the next government to advance regional stability, security, and prosperity,” the spokesperson added.

Citaku criticizes Kurti’s trip to Greece: This man has neither sensitivity nor responsibility (media)

The Secretary of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Vlora Citaku, has reacted to Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s visit to Greece. She criticized the fact that at a time when Kosovo is facing a deep political, economic, and social crisis, Albin Kurti chose to travel to Greece “to attend a conference where we saw no counterpart of his. In fact, the images that were shared were from a beach bar.”

“This man has neither sensitivity nor responsibility — not just toward Kosovo, but even toward those who voted for and trusted him. The man who has usurped the Prime Minister’s office, who makes daily efforts to overturn the constitutional order, was today on the Greek coast. Not even the so-called ‘revolution’ matters to him anymore. His only goal is power. At any cost,” she wrote.

“Millions in dinars, tens of thousands of euros, and unlicensed weapon found with suspect” (media)

The Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AKI), in cooperation with the Special Prosecutor’s Office and coordinated with the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK), has carried out an operation related to the criminal offense of “espionage,” resulting in the arrest of a police officer. Bojan Jevtic, Deputy Commander and Head of Operations of one of the police structures in northern Kosovo, is suspected of obtaining information related to Kosovo’s secrets and passing them on to the Serbian Intelligence Agency, BIA.

During the raid at Jevtic’s residence, law enforcement found 2 million Serbian dinars (approximately €17,000), €10,000 in cash, various documents, and an unlicensed firearm.

His arrest was carried out through a joint operation by the Kosovo Intelligence Agency and the Police Inspectorate, operating under the orders of the Special Prosecutor’s Office.

“The arrest was followed by raids in several locations, including his office, where electronic devices were also seized. The Special Prosecutor’s Office believes these devices will help confirm the suspicion that he was transmitting state secrets of the Republic of Kosovo to Serbia.”

He was arrested at the White Field (Dheu i Bardhë) border crossing point from Serbia into Kosovo.

Serbian Language Media

Djuric: Ghana's respect for our territorial integrity and UN Charter exceptionally important (Tanjug)

Ghana's respect for Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity is exceptionally important, as is the fact that Serbia has a friend that is a vocal advocate of the principles of respect for the UN Charter, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said in Accra on Thursday, Tanjug news agency reported.

Djuric, who is on a two-day official visit to Ghana, told reporters his meetings with Ghanaian officials had addressed Kosovo issue and other topics in the context of marking the 80th anniversary of the UN. "We are grateful to Ghana for respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia. In Ghana, we have a vocal advocate of the principles of respect for the UN Charter and international law, which is important for countries like ours. Ghana is an important country, today it has a population of over 30 million and it is definitely a key factor in this part of Africa", Djuric said.

He added his visit "opens the door", guaranteeing opportunities for concrete cooperation with Ghana economically and politically, as well as in many other fields. Djuric said that, after meetings with the Ghanaian ministers of foreign affairs and agriculture, he would also speak with the ministers of culture, sport and defence, as well as with the country's president.

Djuric, Petkovic react to Osmani’s press conference (Tanjug, media, social media)

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric said Thursday Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani “instead of dealing with reconciliation and resolving the problems, engages in propaganda”, adding her statements about “alleged invasion by Serbia” were “laughable”, Tanjug news agency reported. Djuric made these remarks in reaction to allegations voiced by Osmani in a press conference in Pristina, during which she, among other things, also spoke about “Serbia’s plans for escalation”.

"Ms. Osmani has, in all probability, given up politics and found a new job - as a screenwriter of science fiction films for Netflix. She again exposed our "dark plans for the invasion" of our own territory", Djuric said in a post on X social platform. As he added, it doesn't matter "that Richard Grenell sent her to where she belongs for such lies", nor “that the whole world laughs and feels sorry for her that, instead of reconciliation and problem solving, she deals with the most primitive forms of propaganda”. "But - is Ms. Osmani telling us that Mr. Kurti, who is building three new bridges from the north to the south of Kosovo and Metohija at the very moment when we are "preparing the invasion", is part of that invasion plan?", Djuric asked.

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic in his reaction said that “(Vjosa) Osmani spectacularly announced the press conference for days. Apart from empty phrases and lies, she said nothing meaningful. She attacked Belgrade again. About the American condemnation for lying and manipulating Trump's words, Vjosa didn't utter even a single word. The mountain labours, and brings forth a mouse!", Petkovic wrote in a post on X. 

RFE: From fiscalization to bridges - Decisions of Kosovo outgoing government called into question (Kosovo Online)

The caretaker Kosovo Government, after March 27, when the final results of the parliamentary elections were confirmed, adopted around 12 decisions. One of the most recent decisions, published on July 9 in Kosovo Official Gazette, concerns the construction of a music school and museum in the “Preševo Valley,” for which approximately half a million euros have been allocated.

There are also decisions on reviewing land expropriation in the Gnjilane region, appointing directors to the Board of Public Enterprises, increasing maternity benefits, and others.

Additionally, acting ministers have issued administrative instructions, including one on the use of electronic fiscal devices, fiscal systems, and electronic fiscal software – which the Supreme Court declared illegal and annulled on July 15, stating that the caretaker government may only implement necessary and planned activities in accordance with the annual work plan of the Government, and may not adopt new secondary legislation.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.run/MUnkOD

Serb, member of Kosovo police, arrested under espionage allegations sent to 48-hours detention (Radio KIM)

Kosovo Special Prosecution said their operation initiated on Thursday morning “has concluded successfully” and one person suspected of “espionage” was arrested. Serb, B.J., lieutenant in Kosovo police was that person, Radio KIM reported.

Prosecution also said an arrested person was sent to 48-hour detention. Kosovo Police Inspectorate recommended his suspension. B.J. worked as Kosovo police chief of operations at Bela Zemlja crossing point, media report said. 

Vucic hosts UAE President in Belgrade (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hosted UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on a working visit to Serbia on Thursday, the presidential press office said in a statement, Tanjug news agency reported.

"A friendship that is built over a long period of time and with patience and sincerity has steady foundations in loyalty, mutual respect and trust", Vucic wrote in a post on his official Instagram account before welcoming bin Zayed at the Belgrade airport. "Serbia has such a friend, who I am welcoming today with pride and great gratitude", Vucic added, noting that the President of the UAE was one of the world's greatest leaders and a "man who has demonstrated his attitude towards Serbia and our citizens in action in the toughest of times".

In a post made after a meeting with Al Nahyan, Vucic wrote that his discussions with the sheikh had addressed expansion of economic cooperation, new investment opportunities and boosting air transport links, as well as concrete projects in tourism, infrastructure and energy. It was also said that special attention was devoted to the upcoming EXPO 2027 exhibition in Belgrade.

Kos says Belgrade’s progress is slow (N1)

European Commissioner Marta Kos said on Thursday that the European Commission is working with Belgrade to meet commitments needed to open more clusters, but that progress is slow. “We are working strongly with Serbia in the fulfilling of the so-called non-paper from last November where Serbia committed to fulfill some obligations in order to be able to open cluster one”, she said, N1 reported.

According to her, it is especially about media law. “Three media laws were adopted a few weeks back. We are now working on the new electoral law and on the REM, so-called regulator of the electronic media, and now this is in progress. If they fulfill this and there are some other conditions, we could go towards opening cluster 3, but this will be done only in the autumn time. We're also working hard on the so-called fundamentals, chapters 23, 24. It is especially about the rule of law, and we are moving slowly there”, the commissioner said.

She said progress is slow because of the months of protests. “Work has practically been stopped, the protests are still going after the big wave and then of course after getting the new government. We started to really work on this more closely. Specifically, as I have mentioned, it is especially about anti-corruption and added to what I said before, media law, very, very much important and it is anti-corruption, also public procurement”, she said. “At the same time, one of the points in the non-paper is also normalization of the relations with Kosovo”, Kos noted.

Protesters arrested at Belgrade Fair (N1)

Three protesters were arrested while blocking the road at the entrance to the Belgrade Fair on Thursday. An N1 reporter said that an architect and an architecture student were among the people protesting plans by the authorities to tear down the halls of the fairgrounds to expand the Belgrade Waterfront, a project the authorities are heavily invested in. Belgrade Fair’s largest hall is a protected building constructed in the 1950s as the largest domed concrete roof building in the world at the time and is now the largest domed roof building built of pre-stressed concrete. The protesters were moved from the road by Gendarmerie troopers, opening the road to traffic.

The three people were released later.

International Media 

Five arrested in Kosovo over illegal transfer of public land after KALLXO investigation (Prishtina Insight)

Five individuals were arrested after the Prishtina Basic Prosecution conducted raids at several locations following a KALLXO.com investigation about an illegal land swap in Prishtina.

Following a KALLXO.com investigation the Prishtina Basic Prosecution announced on Wednesday evening that five individuals - only known as M.B., V.B., B.SH., M.B., and Z.Sh - were arrested on suspicion of fraud and institutional neglect which enabled a 12 million euro property heist in Prishtina.

The prosecution reported that some [of the individuals] were arrested following police interviews, under suspicion of involvement in unlawful activities.” On Wednesday, the Prishtina Basic Prosecution, in coordination with the Kosovo Police Directorate for Investigation of Economic Crimes and Corruption, carried out raids on multiple locations across Kosovo: at two key state institutions, the Kosovo Cadastral Agency, and the Kosovo Archives Agency, as well as several other sites in Prishtina, Ferizaj, and Shtime.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.run/pZM92Y