Albanian Language Media: 

• EU plans high-level dialogue meeting “once conditions are created” (Koha)
• KFOR confirms Serbian gendarmes entered Kosovo also on October 15 (Klan)
• Bislimi on RTK’s budget: MPs must take responsibility (RTK)
• Haxhiu: Konjufca will form the government (media)
• Opposition criticizes government for trying to buy “students’ hope and votes” (media)
• Specialist Court says Trendafilova had replied to Kurti’s letter (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Kallas to convene a high-level dialogue meeting once conditions are met (Kosovo Online)
• Three days ahead of run-off local elections Kosovo Government allocates 100 euros to students, opposition claims misuse of voters and taxes (KoSSev)
• Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica questioned one person in relation to alleged kidnapping in Leposavic municipality (Radio KIM)
• Vucic receives Italian minister Ciriani (Tanjug)
• PM Macut holds talks with Chinese companies in Shanghai (Tanjug)
• Serbian gov't adopts 2026 budget bill, GDP growth projected at 3 pct (Tanjug)
• Hug provokes responses from Muslim community (N1)

International Media: 

• Serbian pupils rally for hunger-striking mother of Novi Sad disaster victim (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

EU plans high-level dialogue meeting “once conditions are created” (Koha)

The European Union has called for the full implementation of the Brussels Dialogue agreements by both Kosovo and Serbia. Following a meeting between the EU’s Special Envoy for the Dialogue, Peter Sorensen, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Brussels announced that a high-level meeting will be convened once “appropriate conditions” are in place. An EU spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that the bloc is awaiting the right circumstances to organize the next top-level meeting within the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue framework. Asked by KOHA about Sorensen’s meeting with Vucic, the spokesperson said that the envoy had emphasized the importance of implementing all existing agreements. “Sorensen called for the full implementation of all dialogue agreements and reiterated the European Union’s expectation for constructive engagement by both parties, Kosovo and Serbia, in the process of normalizing their relations. High Representative Kaja Kallas will convene a high-level meeting of the dialogue once the appropriate conditions are created,” the EU spokesperson stated.

Earlier this year, Kallas said that the meeting would be organized once Kosovo formed its new government, “to see how to proceed further.”

After meeting Sorensen, Vucic claimed that he had expressed interest in taking concrete steps toward implementing the agreements and was willing to make compromises. However, officials in Kosovo’s caretaker government disputed Vucic’s remarks, saying that Serbia has for years blocked the implementation of agreements, including those with urgent humanitarian importance, such as the one on missing persons from the war. In addition to refusing to sign the Basic Agreement and Ohrid Annex, Serbia also sent a letter to the EU expressing opposition to several provisions related to Kosovo’s recognition and its potential UN membership or participation in other international organizations.

Sorensen’s appointment was seen positively in Pristina, as he has long experience in the region, having served in UNMIK, as well as in diplomatic roles in Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Officials in Kosovo have also highlighted that Denmark’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence is an encouraging sign that Sorensen will ensure a more balanced and fair approach in the dialogue.

KFOR confirms Serbian gendarmes entered Kosovo also on October 15 (Klan)

On November 1, Kosovo Serb Milos Vukasinovic was wounded and abducted by Serbia’s gendarmerie in the area known as the “point zero,” near Leposavic, a zone that belongs to Kosovo. However, this was not the only recent incident involving Serbian uniformed personnel entering Kosovo’s territory. Klankosova.tv has obtained a video dated October 15 showing armed Serbian forces inside Kosovo’s territory, specifically in the village of Metergoc, Podujeva, a border area between Kosovo and Serbia.

This was confirmed to Klankosova.tv by NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR. “We are aware of the incident that took place on October 15. We were in contact with the Serbian Armed Forces. Based on their information, the Serbian gendarmerie personnel were pursuing individuals involved in illegal logging activities. Once they realized they had crossed the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL), they immediately returned to the Serbian side of the ABL,” KFOR said in its response.

Klankosova.tv has also published footage showing Serbian soldiers inside Kosovo’s territory.

Bislimi on RTK’s budget: MPs must take responsibility (RTK)

Kosovo’s caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi addressed the issue of the public broadcaster’s (RTK) budget, unpaid salaries, and the findings of the European Commission’s Progress Report, in an interview with RTK. Bislimi said that the ongoing budget blockage cannot continue indefinitely, stressing that members of parliament must take responsibility for their decisions. “The immediate solution was what we implemented, but this cannot go on. There should be more public pressure on MPs to remind them that they earned their seats to take responsibility, not to display resentment. An MP’s salary is among the highest in Kosovo’s public sector,” he stated.

He added that some MPs are exploiting a “comfortable situation”, warning that those who think withholding salaries harms a political party, must bear the political cost of that choice.

Regarding the Progress Report, Bislimi described it as the most objective in years. “This year’s report is exceptionally objective. For the first time, we haven’t had to spend energy convincing our partners that certain evaluations were wrong, most assessments are within fair and accurate bounds,” he said.

On political developments, Bislimi stated that the government acted in line with the Constitutional Court’s interpretation regarding the mandate to form a new government. “When the first nominee fails, the Presidency has the discretion to appoint a second one. In this case, only Vetevendosje proposed a candidate for the second round, while other parties merely blocked without offering alternatives,” he explained.

Haxhiu: Konjufca will form the government (media)

Albulena Haxhiu, Kosovo Assembly deputy speaker from the Vetevendosje Movement, in an interview with Tirana-based A2CNN on Thursday, said that Glauk Konjufca will manage to form the new government of Kosovo. “Konjufca is a unifying person, the second most voted politician in Kosovo, and our proposal is aimed at avoiding a new political crisis. We want the budget to be voted on and a provisional government before the country goes to elections again,” she said.

Commenting on the other parties, Haxhiu argued that the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) is separated from its electorate, and that negotiations between the Vetevendosje Movement and NISMA Fatmir Limaj failed because “he asked more than what the people gave him”.

According to Haxhiu, the votes for the new government can be secured “if the MPs would be free from the pressure of party leaders”.

Haxhiu praised Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani for her role and for “acting in line with the Constitution” to avoid immediate new elections.

On the topic of former KLA leaders who are being tried in the Hague, Haxhiu said that the government made continuous efforts to have them released from detention. “We gave guarantees for their return to Kosovo and for respect for the decisions of the courts. They are held there unfairly, and after the prosecution presented all their evidence there is no reason for them to stay in detention any longer,” she said.

Opposition criticizes government for trying to buy “students’ hope and votes” (media)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, has criticized the government for what he described as “an attempt to influence students just days before the elections.” In a Facebook post, Krasniqi said that the Prime Minister has ignored students for five years and now appears to remember them only through a propagandistic message and a 100-euro payment. He emphasized that students and their families will not be swayed by the government’s electoral maneuvers. “Students are not so easily deceived. They know this is not support but hypocrisy driven by electoral calculations. Therefore, on November 9, together with their families, who educate them through sacrifice, they will give their rightful answer, with dignity, with their vote, and with awareness!” the PDK leader wrote.

LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku accused the caretaker government of trying to buy students’ votes by distributing 100 euros and sending text messages just three days before the runoff elections. He called the move a desperate attempt by a collapsing regime to influence young voters using public funds. Abdixhiku said students would not be deceived, arguing they will respond through their vote, and criticized the government for underestimating their intelligence and dignity.

Specialist Court says Trendafilova replied to Kurti’s letter (media)

Spokesperson for the Specialist Chambers of Kosovo (KSC) in the Hague, Michael Doyle, told Betimi per Drejtesi on Thursday that KSC President Ekaterina Trendafilova had replied to a letter sent by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Doyle said that Trendafilova stressed that decisions in judicial cases, specifically those regarding detentions, are made by the judges handling each respective case, and not by her personally as the President of the KSC. “A letter from Prime Minister Kurti was sent to the President in September 2022, and she responded to it. In her reply, the President generally underlined that the KSC and its judges are independent in their work and that they conduct proceedings in accordance with the legal framework of the KSC and the highest human rights standards. She also emphasized that decisions regarding detentions are made by the competent judicial panels in each specific case, and not by the President,” Doyle said.

Serbian Language Media

Kallas to convene a high-level dialogue meeting once conditions are met (Kosovo Online)

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas will convene a high-level meeting within the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue as soon as the appropriate conditions are in place, the European Union said, Kosovo Online portal reported citing Pristina-based Koha.

“The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, met in Brussels with the EU Special Envoy for the Dialogue, Peter Sorensen, with whom he discussed the Ohrid Agreement and specific steps on a range of technical issues within the framework of the dialogue. Sorensen called for the full implementation of all dialogue agreements and reiterated the European Union’s expectation of constructive engagement by both parties – Kosovo and Serbia – in the process of normalizing their relations. High Representative Kaja Kallas will convene a high-level meeting on the dialogue as soon as the appropriate conditions are met”, the EU said in its response to Koha’s inquiry about when such a meeting could be expected.

Following the meeting, President Vucic expressed Serbia’s readiness for full and consistent implementation of the agreements, stating that he is prepared for compromises and concrete steps toward the realization of what has been agreed. It should be recalled that no high-level meetings within the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue have been held since September 2023.

Three days ahead of run-off local elections Kosovo Government allocates 100 euros to students, opposition claims misuse of voters and taxes (KoSSev)

Just five days prior to local elections in Kosovo held on October 12, the Kosovo Government in the technical mandate made a decision to allocate 26 million euros for students, allocating to each of them 100 euros and mobility scholarships. The acting Prime Minster Albin Kurti presented this measure as a part of sharing economic growth, while opposition harshly criticized it, terming it “vote buying in panic”, KoSSev portal reported.

On Thursday, three days prior to run-off local elections, many students in Kosovo received a message on their phones that they are qualified to receive this amount, while Kosovo opposition continues criticising it. The message written in Albanian reads – “Dear students, allow me to wish you a happy new school year with the good news that you qualify as a beneficiary of a one-term allowance in the amount of 100 euros. With our government, the students will always have the support of the state. With respect, Albin Kurti, acting Prime Minister of Republic of Kosovo”.

Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MP Vlora Citaku published on her Facebook page a screenshot of this message along with remarks that this represents “misuse of taxes”. As she said “(…) just three days before the elections, he (Albin Kurti) distributed 100 euros to students with the money of impoverished citizens, whose electricity prices he increased in order to serve the energy mafia". She also said this is an act made out of panic. “This is not social care nor support to young people. This is a deception. This is a manipulation. This is irresponsibility. And before anything, this is a panic”, she said. 

Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica questioned one person in relation to alleged kidnapping in Leposavic municipality (Radio KIM)

Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica told Klan Kosova that one person close to the victim was questioned in relation to the case of wounding and kidnapping of a Serb man from Leposavic, Radio KIM reported.

“We confirm that a person close to the victim was questioned. The case is investigated in cooperation with Kosovo police”, spokesperson of the Basic Court in Mitrovica Valon Preteni told the media.

As Kosovo police said the incident took place on Saturday, November 1, while KFOR had also been informed of it, as responsible for the ground zero zone, where the incident occurred according to reports. 

Vucic receives Italian minister Ciriani (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Italian Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani in Belgrade on Thursday to discuss advancement of bilateral relations and deepening the economic ties between Serbia and Italy, and thanked Italy for supporting Serbia on its EU path.

"A very good discussion with Minister Luca Ciriani about further advancement of bilateral relations between Serbia and Italy, which are based on traditional friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation between our peoples", Vucic posted on Instagram after the meeting with Ciriani.

Thanking Italy for supporting Serbia on the EU path, Vucic added that they had exchanged views on possibilities for boosting political dialogue and deepening the economic ties.

PM Macut holds talks with Chinese companies in Shanghai (Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut met Thursday with representatives of Chinese companies BGI Group, Sinopharm, and Huawei in Shanghai to discuss enhancing cooperation, the Serbian Government said in a press release. Macut told reporters that these companies are interested in enhancing cooperation with Serbia, especially in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, high technologies, communications and economy, the press release said.

He specified that BGI Group is engaged in research and diagnostics in the field of clinical genetics, Sinopharm is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in China, with which Serbia already has longstanding ties, while Huawei has been operating in Serbia’s IT sector for years.

The press release quoted the prime minister as saying that the discussions focused on the current cooperation, but also on its expansion, primarily in the areas they cover, such as medicine, pharmacy, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, but also on agricultural genetic research, and the development of new varieties and various seeds.

Serbian gov't adopts 2026 budget bill, GDP growth projected at 3 pct (Tanjug)

The Serbian Government adopted on Thursday a 2026 budget bill projecting a 3 pct GDP growth rate and a fiscal budget deficit of 3 pct of GDP, a government statement said, Tanjug news agency reported.

The bill envisions total revenues of 2,414.7 bln dinars, which is 2.9 pct - or 68.5 bln dinars - higher relative to revenues projected in the 2025 budget.

Tax revenues are projected at 2,080 bln dinars (up by 126.6 bln dinars), while non-tax revenues and donations are projected at 303.3 bln and 31.4 bln dinars, respectively.

Hug provokes responses from Muslim community (N1)

Images of a Muslim young woman and Serb young man have drawn fierce criticism and defense of their hug during the student march to Novi Sad, N1 reported. 

Video and photographs of Bosniak Muslim student Nadia Delimedjac from Novi Pazar and Serb student Sava Nikolic from Cuprija were posted hundreds of times on social media showing her in a hijab crying and him in a traditional Serb cap (Shaykacha) with a Serbian flag draped around his shoulders. They were initially photographed at an earlier protest in Kraljevo, she wearing a hijab and a red Arab scarf around her head and he with a flag draped over his shoulders and the Shaykacha on his head standing next to each other. The video on the march showed him hugging her while she cried after seeing him.

That hug and his kiss of her hijab-covered head drew criticism from the more radical Muslim community in both her native Novi Pazar and neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina with some even calling for her death for bringing shame on her family and community. Sava stood up in her defense saying she should not be attacked because he did not know Muslim custom which banned young women from hugs by men who aren’t part of their family.

The more liberal in the Muslim community also stood up in her defense with one Imam saying no one should attack a sister fighting for justice. A large number of people in both the Muslim and Serbian Orthodox Christian communities have said that one of the most important things achieved by the student protests is the dismissal of nationalist and discriminatory rhetoric and sentiments which prevailed during the 1990s.

International Media

Serbian pupils rally for hunger-striking mother of Novi Sad disaster victim (Balkan Insight)

Pupils at some Serbian high schools left classes to show support for the mother of one of the victims of the Novi Sad railway station tragedy, Diana Hrka, whose hunger strike is in its fifth day.

Pupils at 24 high schools in Serbia boycotted classes on Thursday as a sign of support for Dijana Hrka, mother of Stefan Hrka, one of the victims of the Novi Sad railway station disaster in November last year, whose hunger strike near the national parliament building has entered its fifth day.

“In some of the schools, this type of support will be for one day, while in others it will last both today and tomorrow”, the Union of High School Students of Serbia, UNSS, a youth organisation, said on Thursday.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/Qw1vw