Albanian Language Media: 

• Von der Leyen: Kosovo must strengthen institutions (media)

• Osmani urges Von der Leyen to lift EU measures, grant Kosovo candidate status (media)
• Kurti calls on EC to advance Kosovo’s EU bid (media)
• Von der Leyen skips press conference due to ongoing electoral process (media)
• Grenell criticizes Von der Leyen (media)
• Kurti welcomes Germany’s new ambassador, stresses strong partnership (media)
• Svecla: Kosovo committed to being reliable security partner (media)
• Kosovo participates in Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (media)
• Krasniqi: Neither Kurti nor others have the numbers, elections are coming (media)
• COMKFOR and Albanian Ambassador discuss security situation in Kosovo (media)
• Peci threatens legal action against journalists (media)
• Illegal weapons and equipment seized by Police in Leposaviq (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Djuric: Serbia continues to strengthen partnerships with NAM member states (Tanjug, RTS, media)
• CEC: The Serbian List won the elections for councilors in Zubin Potok, North Mitrovica, Novo Brdo (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• After South Mitrovica vote: Peci targets journalists, media groups warn of intimidation (KoSSev)
• Radakovic: Citizens in the north passed the test of democracy, significant political pluralism (Kosovo Online)
• Civil society official says Von der Leyen meeting sent clear message (N1)

Albanian Language Media

Von der Leyen: Kosovo must strengthen institutions (media)

During her visit to Kosovo, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with President Vjosa Osmani and caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, emphasizing the importance of Kosovo continuing to build strong institutions, reduce internal tensions, and complete the necessary steps to benefit from the EU Growth Plan. In a post on social platform X, Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s commitment to a future where all six Western Balkan partners are part of the European Union. “We remain committed to a future where all six Western Balkan partners are part of our Union. For that, it is important that Kosovo continues to build strong institutions, ease internal tensions, and complete the necessary steps to benefit from the Growth Plan,” she wrote.

Osmani urges Von der Leyen to lift EU measures, grant Kosovo candidate status (media)

Shortly after the meeting between Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Presidency issued a statement on the closed-door discussions. According to the statement, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani called for the immediate removal of EU punitive measures against Kosovo, describing them as unjust and counterproductive. She reminded that the European Commission itself had previously acknowledged that these measures should be lifted.

Osmani also emphasized the urgency of granting Kosovo EU candidate status, citing Kosovo's ongoing democratic reforms and improved international rankings in rule of law and governance. She highlighted Kosovo’s commitment to the EU Growth Plan and expressed hope that its approval would be one of the first decisions by the newly constituted Assembly.

They also discussed the process of forming a new government and the recent local elections in Kosovo, which Osmani described as democratic and professionally managed. She voiced serious concerns over continued illegal interference by Serbia in Kosovo’s electoral processes, calling such actions destabilizing and a violation of international law.

Kurti calls on EC to advance Kosovo’s EU bid (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, during his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Pristina has urged the EC to promptly deliver the EU membership questionnaire and grant Kosovo candidate status.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti thanked von der Leyen for her continued support for Kosovo’s European integration and discussed deepening Kosovo-EU relations, reforms in rule of law and security, democratic progress, and economic development.

He highlighted the recent local elections as free and democratic, stressing the importance of a smooth transition of power in accordance with Kosovo’s constitution and laws, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting democratic processes from external interference.

Kurti also handed von der Leyen three official letters expressing Kosovo’s interest in launching strategic dialogue with the EU in agriculture, information and communication technology, and the defense industry, sectors seen as having strong development potential.

Von der Leyen skips press conference due to ongoing electoral process (media)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not hold a press conference during her visit to Kosovo due to the ongoing electoral process, the European Commission's press office confirmed, calling it a standard institutional practice. For the same reason, the Commission chief will also not hold a press conference in North Macedonia, which she will visit following Kosovo, marking the end of her annual Balkan tour.

Grenell criticizes Von der Leyen (media)

Richard Grenell, U.S. President's Special Envoy for Special Missions, has criticized the European Union, accusing the Hague Court of politically motivated prosecution against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. On Wednesday, Grenell responded to Ursula von der Leyen’s meetings in Kosovo with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani, questioning the EU's credibility in offering judicial advice to other countries while remaining silent on the actions of the Hague Court. “How can you offer judicial advice to any other country? You stayed silent while Jack Smith arrested a sitting president simply because he was on his way to meet with Donald Trump to reach a peace deal that included dismantling Jack Smith’s position/court,” Grenell wrote on social platform X.

Kurti welcomes Germany’s new ambassador, stresses strong partnership (media)

The caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti welcomed Germany’s newly appointed ambassador to Kosovo, Rainer Rudolph, praising his experience and emphasizing the strong political, economic, and security partnership. Germany remains a key strategic partner, contributing over €450 million in financial aid and supporting projects like the Innovation and Training Park in Prizren, a regional hub for green technology.

Kurti highlighted the importance of the Kosovar diaspora in Germany, with over 600,000 people fostering social and economic ties. He expressed gratitude for German support in vocational education, labor market integration, rule of law, green transition, and infrastructure reforms, aligning with Kosovo’s government priorities.

Economically, Kurti invited increased German investment in sectors such as manufacturing, dual education, renewable energy, and digital technology, assuring government support for German business interests. He also acknowledged Germany’s vital role in maintaining peace through its KFOR and NALT contingents in Kosovo.

Svecla: Kosovo committed to being reliable security partner (media)

Caretaker Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Svecla, during his official visit to London, met with the Director General of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Graeme Biggar, to discuss mutual cooperation in combating organized crime, human trafficking, terrorism financing, and other threats to shared security. “We agreed to intensify inter-institutional cooperation, share information, and build professional capacity in the field of security. The Republic of Kosovo remains committed to being a reliable partner in the international security arena and to building strong, sustainable, and professional institutions in cooperation with our allies,” Svecla wrote on Facebook.

Kosovo participates in Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (media)

At the 31st meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held in Brussels, Kosovo reaffirmed its commitment to standing with its allies and supporting international efforts to uphold peace, security, and democratic values. Kosovo was represented by Deputy Minister of Defense Shemsi Syla, accompanied by senior officials and officers from the Ministry of Defense and the Kosovo Security Force. The Ministry also noted that the meeting focused on continued support for Ukraine and strengthening defense cooperation among partner countries.

Krasniqi: Neither Kurti nor others have the numbers, elections are coming (media)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, has said he believes Kosovo will head to new elections, arguing that neither the caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti nor anyone else has the necessary numbers to form a government. "Kurti has received the mandate from the President and has 11 more days to form a government. I am convinced he doesn’t have the numbers. After the first round is exhausted, a second attempt can be made, but it doesn’t seem like anyone else has a majority either... The timelines are such that we could end up in elections between November 30 and December 14, possibly on December 7," Krasniqi stated at a press conference held Wednesday after a PDK leadership meeting.

He added that even if Kurti manages to secure a majority, it would result in a short-lived government, with new elections likely in April when President Vjosa Osmani’s mandate ends. "If Kurti surprises us, though I don’t believe he can, and forms a government, it would only last a few months, and we’d still head to elections in April," Krasniqi said.

COMKFOR and Albanian Ambassador discuss security situation in Kosovo (media)

The Commander of NATO-led KFOR, Major General Ozkan Ulutas, hosted on Wednesday Albania’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, at KFOR Headquarters in Pristina. According to KFOR, the meeting focused on the current security situation in Kosovo and reaffirmed the mission’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all people.The statement notes that General Ulutas expressed his appreciation for Albania’s continued support to KFOR, commending the professionalism of Albanian troops and highlighting their positive contribution to the mission.

Peci threatens legal action against journalists (media)

Vetevendosje mayoral candidate in Mitrovica South, Faton Peci, has announced plans to file criminal charges against several journalists and media owners who reported exit poll results showing his opponent as the winner of Sunday’s elections. Peci accuses them of manipulating public perception and violating voting integrity, citing articles from Kosovo’s Criminal Code related to voter coercion and result falsification.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) strongly condemned Peci’s move, labeling it a direct threat to press freedom and an attempt to intimidate the media. AJK urged Peci to refrain from such actions, warning that they undermine democracy and freedom of expression.

Illegal weapons and equipment seized by Police in Leposaviq (media)

Kosovo Police have confiscated a large cache of illegal weapons, ammunition, and uniforms during an operation in the village of Mekinica, Leposaviq. The intervention followed a report from a woman in North Mitrovica who said she had been threatened by her husband, who allegedly possessed firearms. Police responded promptly, located the suspect, and confirmed his possession of weapons.

A search of the suspect’s home uncovered three AK-47 rifles, an air rifle, a revolver, ammunition, a bayonet, knives, and Serbian police uniforms. The suspect, S.T., 49, who already had a restraining order against him for a previous domestic violence case, was arrested and is facing charges for threats, violating a court order, and unauthorized possession of weapons.

His father, N.T., 70, claimed ownership of part of the seized items and is also under investigation, though he was released pending further legal proceedings. Police emphasized their ongoing commitment to public safety and called on people to report suspicious activity.

Serbian Language Media

Djuric: Serbia continues to strengthen partnerships with NAM member states (Tanjug, RTS,  media)

Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Wednesday that, in its foreign policy, Serbia would continue to maintain good relations with Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) member states and strengthen its position amongst them, as well as to create new opportunities for the Serbian economy.

Djuric is attending a ministerial meeting of the NAM Coordinating Bureau in Kampala, Uganda.

“It is a great honour and privilege for me to represent a country that, 65 years ago, was among the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, and today, when the Non-Aligned states have become drivers of global economic and political growth and development, that heritage represents enormous political capital for Serbia," he said.

"The Serbian Foreign Minister emphasised that Serbia’s presence in Africa, at the Non-Aligned meeting, has a clear purpose — to create new opportunities for the Serbian economy, to strengthen political ties and positions, and to reaffirm that, among the Non-Aligned countries, Serbia has the largest number of friends who support its positions regarding Kosovo-Metohija, as well as on other important international issues," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

Djuric pointed out, among other things, that delegations from all over the world had arrived in Kampala, and added that he was currently the only European foreign minister attending the summit, with the expectation that his Austrian counterpart might also join.

CEC: The Serbian List won the elections for councilors in Zubin Potok, North Mitrovica, Novo Brdo  (Radio Mitrovica sever)

The Central Electoral Commission announced last night the results of the voting for councilor positions in the North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly.

According to CEC data, the Serbian List led by Ivan Zaporozac won the most votes in North Mitrovica with 4,693 votes or 62.57%. The civic initiative "North for All" led by Marko Jaksic received 828 votes or 11.04%. In third place is the Self-Determination Movement with 7.77% of votes. Serbian democracy led by Aleksandar Arsenijevic received 494 votes or 6.59%. The party "For Freedom, Justice and Survival" headed by Nenad Vukmirovic received 108 votes. The Serbian People's Movement and the holder of the list, Dusan Milunovic, received 63 votes. 

In Zubin Potok, the Serbian list by Srdjan Vulovic won with 2,913 votes or 75.56%. The Serbian People's Movement and Milija Bisevac received 196 votes or 5.08%. Serbian Democracy and the holder of the list, Vesna Radic, received 54 votes or 1.40%.

Data from the Central Election Commission show that the Serbian List won a convincing victory in the race for councilors in Zvecan, Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica.

KoSSev reported that the Novo Brdo municipality votes were also published. 

The Serbian List won a total of 3,421 votes or 62.08 percent. In second place in terms of the total number of votes is the LDK with 1,055 votes or 19.14 percent. Next is Self-determination, with a total of 484 votes won or 8.78 percent. The Movement for the Unification of Albanians, Sedat Ahemti, won a total of 242 votes, then the AAK of the leader Ajet Avdili won 206. In the last place is the PDK, Selatin Nuhiu, with a total of 103 votes.

After South Mitrovica vote: Peci targets journalists, media groups warn of intimidation (KoSSev)

Faton Peci, the GUXO movement’s candidate for mayor of South Mitrovica, backed by Vetëvendosje, announced yesterday that he will file criminal complaints against several journalists and media figures, following accusations of vote-buying and election manipulation during Sunday’s local elections, reported KoSSev portal in English. 

According to preliminary results, Peci won 45.62% of the votes, trailing the PDK candidate, Arian Tahiri, who received 50%.

Local media reported that alleged electoral fraud may have occurred in South Mitrovica, with journalist Shkumbin Kajtazi claiming that investigations were already underway and that a Vetëvendosje official was suspected of involvement.

“Pickup trucks 01 and 05 were caught on camera, and the scheme will soon be revealed. The thieves should not sleep peacefully. We will expose you by name,” Kajtazi wrote on Facebook.

The Basic Prosecutor’s Office in South Mitrovica confirmed that it has started collecting information regarding these allegations.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/4eu38cdf

Radakovic: Citizens in the north passed the test of democracy, significant political pluralism (Kosovo Online)

The Executive Director of the Center for Advocacy of Democratic Culture, Dusan Radakovic, stated that the high voter turnout in the four northern municipalities of Kosovo showed that voters understood the importance of the Serbian community’s participation in local elections, as well as the significance of political pluralism for the electoral process.

Speaking to Kosovo Online, Radakovic emphasized that citizens demonstrated seriousness and responsibility, bearing in mind the consequences of the 2023 elections, when mayors were elected with only a few percent of voter support.

“We know what the consequences were when mayors were elected with three percent, with 100 votes, and what decisions were made, how much our lives have changed over the past two–two and a half years. It was expected that people would take these elections very seriously, and I am glad that, unlike the usual local election trend, voter turnout this time exceeded that of the parliamentary elections. More people went out to vote compared to the previous elections. Naturally, there was also political pluralism — more parties, more local initiatives. Some did better, others worse, but overall, I think it’s positive to have different options, and the citizens of the four northern municipalities passed the test of understanding the importance of these local elections,” Radakovic said.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/5cbth22z

Civil society official says Von der Leyen meeting sent clear message (N1)

Civic Initiatives Executive Director Maja Stojanovic told N1 that the fact that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had her first meeting with Serbian civil society organizations is a very clear message that the European Union wants society and not just the authorities in the union.

The Civic Initiatives is one of just 5 civil society organizations invited to meet Von der Leyen during her visit to Belgrade.

“The meeting sent that message to our authorities,” she said, adding that the meeting was planned to last about 30 minutes but lasted almost an hour. According to Stojanovic, it showed an openness to hear what is happening in Serbia, that there is an interest in what is really happening on the ground, at protests and in institutions despite the propaganda and false messages sent by the authorities.

She believes Von der Leyen met with civil society organizations because the protest and social crisis have been going on for a year.

Stojanovic said the EC President was interested in everything from corruption to rule of law, pressure, the arrests of students and freedom of the media.