Albanian Language Media: 

• Kurti participates in memorial service for Fatos Nano (media)
• Maqedonci participates in ‘TRT Forum 2025’ in Istanbul (media)
• Murati calls on MPs to approve 2025 budget for three municipalities (media)
• Hoti: Draft budget law for 2026, illegal (media)
• Daka: Kurti cannot try to form government again with his name (media)
• Radev: “Serbian World” is new name for “Greater Serbia” project (media)
• Croatian President says he supports Kosovo’s recognition wherever possible (media)
• Weller: Lack of clarity from Trump, reason for Kosovo’s “nervousness,” (RFE)
• Serbian police officer arrested in Jarinje, ammunition and cash confiscated (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic: My apology was sincere, early elections to meet protesters’ demands (Beta, N1)
• Serb claims Kosovo Police abuse in Podujevo after minor incident at Merdare crossing (KoSSev, KiM radio)
• A man from Gorazdevac arrested in Jarinje, his house searched; KP: Serbian police member arrested (KoSSev, Radio Gorazdevac)
• Mujka: The damage not caused by the human factor, we reduced it, the contractor to bore part of the responsibility (Alternativna)
• American Chamber of Commerce: The law clearly limits the scope of the current government’s authority (Kosovo Online)
• KLI: Adopted decisions by the caretaker government are illegal and have pre-election nature (Kosovo Online)

International Media: 

• Serbia: Rallies mark Novi Sad station collapse anniversary (DW)

Albanian Language Media

Kurti participates in memorial service  for Fatos Nano (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti was seen in Tirana on Saturday, where he took part in the memorial service for the late former Prime Minister of Albania, Fatos Nano. The ceremony was held at the Palace of Congresses.

On the day Nano passed away, Kurti wrote on Facebook, describing Nano as “a central figure in Albania’s political transition and a name that will remain indelible in the shared history of Albania and Kosovo.”

Maqedonci participates in ‘TRT Forum 2025’ in Istanbul (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci participated in the “TRT Forum 2025” held in Istanbul, as a speaker on the panel titled “Beyond Techno-Feudalism: Democratising AI Innovation, Governance, and Access.” In a post on social media, Maqedonci emphasized that the forum brings together leaders and experts from around the world to discuss global issues of importance for both the present and the future. “Invited as a speaker on the panel ‘Beyond Techno-Feudalism: Democratising AI Innovation, Governance, and Access,’ I took part in the ‘TRT Forum 2025’ in Istanbul, Republic of Turkiye. This forum gathers leaders and experts from various countries to discuss global issues significant for today and the future,” Maqedonci wrote. He further noted that TRT Forum 2025 represents an important platform for the exchange of ideas and the strengthening of international cooperation.

Murati calls on MPs to approve 2025 budget for three municipalities (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister Hekuran Murati has called on the members of the Assembly of Kosovo to vote on the 2025 budget for the municipalities of Prishtina, Gjilan, and Zubin Potok, saying that doing so would allow the municipalities to pay their accumulated bills caused by the lack of an approved budget. In a social media post, Murati explained that through a fast-track 72-hour procedure, the Assembly could approve the budgets of these municipalities for 2025, enabling the payment of pending invoices as early as next week.

He expressed hope that opposition MPs would, as he put it, set aside political resentment and do the right thing, first by establishing the parliamentary committees and then by voting on the budgets of these municipalities.

Hoti: Draft budget law for 2026, illegal (media)

Former Prime Minister of Kosovo and LDK MP Avdullah Hoti has stated that the Draft Law on the 2026 Budget, approved by the caretaker government and submitted to the Assembly on Friday, is unlawful. He argued that this action exceeds the legal authority granted to a caretaker government.

In a social media post, Hoti noted that while in the past caretaker governments have prepared draft budgets, their submission to the Assembly has always been done by a government elected by the Assembly. “Another legal violation is that the draft law presented at the Government meeting was prepared by one MP and submitted to the Assembly by another MP, both of whom, according to the ruling of the Supreme Court, are unlawfully holding the positions of minister and prime minister,” Hoti wrote.

He went on to criticize the President of Kosovo for what he called her negligence toward, as he put it, “violators of the Constitution and the laws.” “Of course, I do not expect any reaction from the head of state to stop the clearly unconstitutional functioning of the caretaker government. She has consistently aligned herself with those who breach the Constitution and the law. Neither she nor Kurti care about the citizens, their only concern is how to hold on to power, which they unfortunately maintain by creating crises and breaking the law and the Constitution. These are politicians who survive only through crises; they cannot politically survive in normal circumstances because normal political situations do not tolerate deceivers,” Hoti wrote.

Daka: Kurti cannot try to form government again with his name (media)

Former Central Election Commission chair Valdete Daka said that any party with 61 Assembly votes can propose a prime minister and form the government. She noted that after November 5, if a candidate claims to have 61 votes, the Assembly must convene to vote. Regarding Albin Kurti, Daka stated he cannot be nominated again with the same name but could propose another candidate, provided he proves he has 61 votes. She also reminded that President Vjosa Osmani has until November 5 to decide whether to call new elections or nominate someone to form the new government.

Radev: “Serbian World” is new name for “Greater Serbia” project (media)

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has warned the European Union about the “Serbian World” project, describing it as merely a new label for the long-standing idea of “Greater Serbia.” He emphasized that it is time for all European institutions to take this issue more seriously. “As you know, the Western Balkans is a critical point for security, and the full attention of the European Union is focused there,” President Radev said in response to a question from the Bulgarian news agency BGNES regarding the EU’s warnings about the dangers of the “Serbian World” project and its impact on the security of the Western Balkans. “I believe the time has come for all European institutions to engage more seriously with this issue. It is extremely sensitive for us as well,” Radev added.

“The ‘Serbian World’ is the new name for the ‘Greater Serbia’ project. Its goal is to exert control over neighboring states, including through unification with Serbia of territories from Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. The main instrument for achieving this is the Serbian Orthodox Church,” the Bulgarian president underlined.

Croatian President says he supports Kosovo’s recognition wherever possible (media)

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic paid an official visit to the Vatican, where he was received in a private audience by Pope Leo XIV. During the meeting, Milanovic invited the Holy Father to visit Croatia, expressing hopes that such a visit will take place in the near future. Milanovic reiterated that the Vatican has not recognized Kosovo, explaining that the Holy See “is very conservative on such issues,” similar to the five EU member states that have also not recognized it, “each for its own reasons.” “This shows that states act according to their interests, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as those interests are not malicious or interfering,” Milanovic said, adding that he supports Kosovo’s recognition wherever he can.

“I don’t do this to oppose Serbia or the Serbs, it’s simply a matter of reality,” he added, according to HINA.

Weller: Lack of clarity from Trump, reason for Kosovo’s “nervousness,” (RFE)

Marc Weller, professor of International Law and Constitutional Studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, has suggested that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies could cause unease in Kosovo, making it “somewhat nervous” during the process of normalizing relations with Serbia. “We don’t know exactly how the Trump administration will handle the Kosovo issue. I think Kosovo has reason to be a bit nervous about his return, as well as about his special envoy [Richard Grenell], who might attempt to impose some kind of action,” Weller told Radio Free Europe’s Pristina bureau.

Weller, who served as a legal adviser to Kosovo during the Rambouillet Conference, the Vienna Process, and the Brussels Dialogue, emphasized that “a resolution between the two neighboring states is essential.” However, he added that, as in previous processes, the pressure to make concessions in the normalization dialogue once again falls primarily on Kosovo. “And that’s exactly where we’re stuck. Kosovo is told that it must first establish the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, but no one knows whether Serbia will then fulfill its part of the agreement,” Weller argued.

He further stressed that the EU-mediated dialogue needs a fresh start and a more balanced approach from Western partners toward both Kosovo and Serbia, to ensure that both sides meet their obligations.

Serbian police officer arrested in Jarinje, ammunition and cash confiscated (media)

The Kosovo Police on Saturday arrested a member of the Serbian Police at the Jarinje border crossing, on suspicion of unauthorized import of ammunition and unauthorized possession of weapons and explosive materials. According to the Kosovo Police’s 24-hour report on Sunday, he was arrested on Sunday morning after customs and police officers, during an inspection of a vehicle with Belgrade license plates driven by the suspect, a male from Kosovo, discovered in the car’s trunk 51 bullets, €9,900 in cash, and 26,000 Serbian dinars (about €220).

During the search, the report says, the authorities also seized personal documents and police materials, including a Serbian Police ID card and badge, a Serbian police union card, Serbian and Kosovar ID cards, a Serbian passport, a pair of uniforms, a pair of gloves, and a USB stick. The suspect has been placed in detention.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: My apology was sincere, early elections to meet protesters’ demands (Beta, N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday that his apology to protesters, whom he referred to as “blockaders”, was genuine, adding that he would respond to their demands by ensuring that parliamentary elections are held ahead of schedule.

“The ‘blockaders’ reacted negatively to my apology for the harsh words I said about them, but that’s youth, driven by revolutionary zeal; they often act before they think,” Vucic told reporters during a visit to the construction site of the National Stadium, part of the EXPO 2027 project.

He emphasised that his apology was not an act of fear or political calculation. “My apology was sincere, not to please anyone, nor because I was afraid, as some claim, but because I want to change the atmosphere in our society,” Vucic said.

Admitting that he sometimes reacted emotionally to “irrational insults,” Vucic said he was not afraid to acknowledge his mistakes, unlike some of his political opponents. “My hand remains extended to those who think differently,” he noted, adding that while he has his own views, he remains the president of all citizens.

Vucic also announced that, “to meet the demands of the ‘blockers’,” parliamentary elections would be held earlier than planned, with the final decision resting on “the relevant institutions.”

Commenting on Friday’s commemoration of the Novi Sad tragedy, where 16 people died after a canopy collapsed at the city’s railway station last year, Vucic said around 40,000 people gathered in Novi Sad at the peak of the event. He added that the anniversary was also marked at the Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade, emphasising that he was pleased it passed “peacefully and with dignity.”

However, the Archive of Public Meetings announced on Facebook that 110 000 people gathered in Novi Sad.

Serb claims Kosovo Police abuse in Podujevo after minor incident at Merdare crossing (KoSSev, KiM radio)

Nemanja Milic from Obrenovac, originally from Babin Most in Kosovo, has claimed he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse on Saturday by members of the Kosovo Police after an incident at the Merdare border crossing, reported KoSSev last night.

Milic, who works at the Tirsova Children’s Hospital in Belgrade, told KoSSev that he was detained for nearly eight hours at the police station in Podujevo, where he says he was beaten, insulted, and coerced to sign a confession for an offense he denies committing.

The incident took place as he was returning from Kosovo after visiting for the traditional Mitrovdan memorial services. While waiting in line at the Merdare crossing with his relative and his relative’s mother, Milic briefly exited the vehicle to assess the length of the queue. Upon his return, he noticed an Albanian man kicking the door of their car and accusing his relative of hitting him.

“I asked what was happening and why he was acting so aggressively,” Milic recounted.

“He claimed we had hit him, but there was no visible damage. And besides, I wasn’t even there at the time of the alleged incident.”

A Kosovo Police officer who witnessed the altercation reportedly told them: “Everything looks fine. I don’t know what your problem is.”

However, a police patrol soon arrived and, according to Milic, only questioned him before taking him into custody. He claims the Albanian man involved in the incident drove after them but “disappeared” en route.

“Shkija, sign the confession and apologize”

Milić alleges that the mistreatment began upon arriving at the Podujevo station. He was taken to a room he believes was not monitored by cameras. One of the officers, speaking in English, told him: “I don’t have much time for you,” while gripping his gun and making threatening remarks.

“He asked me if I was a patriot, then demanded I sign a confession and apologize to the Albanian man,” Milić said. He refused, insisting on the right to write his own statement.

According to him, this refusal triggered a series of assaults and insults.

“He called me ‘Shkija’ (a derogatory term for Serbs) and hit me several times.”

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/4nr6n8kk

A man from Gorazdevac arrested at Jarinje ABL, his house searched; KP: Serbian police member arrested (KoSSev, Radio Gorazdevac)

The Kosovo police conducted a search of the family home in Gorazdevac, after arresting N.U. from this village on Saturday morning at the Jarinje crossing, Radio Gorazdevac and KoSSev portal reported.

Radio Gorazdevac learned that the arrested N.U. lives and works in Belgrade and is allegedly a member of the Serbian traffic police. He has been visiting Gorazdevac for years, where his mother lives.

Kosovo Police announced on Sunday that this man was arrested around 10:00 in the morning, after the control of the trunk of the vehicle with Belgrade license plates that he was driving - 51 bullets, 9,900 euros in cash and 26,000 dinars were found, which were confiscated. Also, personal documents were taken from him, including - official identification card and badge of the Serbian police, membership card of the Serbian police union, identity cards of Serbia and Kosovo, Serbian passport, a pair of epaulettes from the uniform, a pair of gloves and a USB device.

He was then detained for up to 48 hours.

Mujka: The damage not caused by the human factor, we reduced it, the contractor to bore part of the responsibility (Alternativna)

"The damage was not caused by human hands, but human intervention actually reduced potentially much greater and long-term damage," stated, among other things, the director of Public Enterprise Ibar Lepenac, Faruk Mujka, reported Alternativna. 

The reaction followed a flood at the construction site of the new pedestrian bridge over the Ibar, which should connect North and South Mitrovica.

Bridge contractor Jahir Nimani previously requested an investigation into the flooding.

The level of the Ibar rises in case of precipitation and the release of excess water from Lake Gazivode, through the Ibar Lepenac channel.

Mujka announced that there was a sudden increase in the water level in the Ibar River, which caused material damage at the construction site of the new bridge that is being built near the "Three Solitaires" in Mitrovica. He added, among other things, that the damage was not caused by human hands and human intervention actually reduced potentially much greater and longer-term damage. 

The level was stabilized within an hour, according to Mujka. He also said that the case should not be used for political or electoral purposes, because it has nothing to do with it, as it is a purely operational issue.

According to the contractor, Jahir Nimani, who himself informed the public Saturday night about what happened, it is believed that the flood occurred due to the release of water from Lake Gazivode, which is regulated by the Kosovo authorities.

Alternativna recalled that the construction of the bridge began this summer, at an accelerated pace, after the foundation stone was laid by the acting PM of Kosovo, Albin Kurti.

American Chamber of Commerce: The law clearly limits the scope of the current government’s authority (Kosovo Online)

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo has expressed concern over the decision of the current Government to proceed in the Assembly with the review of the Draft Law on the 2026 Budget, at a time when Kosovo still does not have a new government following the February 9 elections, noting that the applicable legislation limits the powers of the caretaker government, reported Kosovo online on Saturday, citing Koha. 

According to the Chamber’s statement, as an institution that has for more than two decades advocated for a more favorable business environment, the American Chamber emphasizes that decisions with a direct impact on fiscal and economic policy should be made by a government with a full mandate and democratic legitimacy.

“The applicable legislation limits the scope of action of the acting government, allowing only necessary activities and the fulfillment of the technical obligation of presenting the draft budget, but not the approval or introduction of new fiscal measures that create long-term commitments,” the statement reads.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/39f8r4b4

KLI: Adopted decisions by the caretaker government are illegal and have pre-election nature (Kosovo Online)

The Kosovo Law Institute (KLI) issued a statement contesting the decisions adopted on Friday by Kosovo’s caretaker government, noting that they were made by a cabinet whose composition, according to a ruling of the Supreme Court, is contrary to the Constitution and the law. The Institute added that the adoption of such decisions on the eve of the second round of local elections, and amid the possibility of holding early parliamentary elections, constitutes part of an election campaign.

The caretaker government of Kosovo adopted the Draft Budget for 2026, valued at four billion euros, which provides for payment of a 13th salary to the public sector, as well as an increase in allowances and pensions.

In its statement, the Institute emphasized that it is by no means opposed to raising salaries, pensions, or benefits for certain categories of citizens, but stressed that such decisions must be fully in accordance with the Constitution and the law — not adopted in a pre-election context.

“In a difficult economic situation and an atmosphere of general disappointment, it is easy to justify any decision that seems to bring immediate benefit, regardless of non-compliance with laws and procedures. However, laws and procedures exist precisely to protect citizens from the abuse of power. When they are violated for political reasons, we may gain something today, but tomorrow we lose security, justice, and equality before the law. Therefore, protecting procedure is at the same time protecting the law, the institutions, and the interests of citizens,” the statement reads.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/8jnvcx5b

International Media

Serbia: Rallies mark Novi Sad station collapse anniversary (DW)

Protesters arrived in Serbia's second city to mark the first anniversary of the roof collapse that killed 16. The government hastily declared a day of mourning while President Vucic issued a rare apology.

People from across Serbia gathered in Novi Sad on Saturday to observe the first year anniversary of the tragic collapse of a railway station roof that killed 16 people.

Tens of thousands of Serbians gathered in silence in downtown Novi Sad at 11:52 a.m. (1052 GMT), at the exact moment the roof collapsed last year. They held 16 minutes of silence for the collapse's 16 victims.

The incident has sparked the largest protest movement in Serbia's modern history, as the student-led protests blame the collapse on state corruption.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/2he6yw2s