UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 14, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani meets Sorensen; discuss path ahead for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
Rutte: There will probably be a coalition government in Kosovo (Albanian Post)
Hamza: I don’t want Prime Minister post from Vetevendosje (media)
Osmani: Switzerland, one of Kosovo’s most important partners (media)
Osmani meets Komsic, discuss moving forward on Euro-Atlantic path (Klan)
Svecla speaks about “financing of terrorist groups by Serbia” (Albanian Post)
Bislimi welcomes Franges, speak about elections and dialogue process (media)
Jahjaga meets Saudi Arabia Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (media)
Justice Minister submits draft regulation on protection from violence (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Djuric met Sorensen: Pristina persistently refuses to fulfill obligations assumed by the Brussels Agreement (Kosovo Online)
Macron congratulated Serbian Statehood Day: We continue to support dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, RTS)
Vucic: Crucial issues for future of Serbs discussed with Dodik (Tanjug)
Djuric at the 61st Munich Security Conference: Focus on global tensions (Blic, Tanjug)
Djuric meets Council of Europe Secretary General Berset, talks about difficult position of Serbs in Kosovo
CEC website without changes since February 12, seven more unprocessed polling stations (Danas, Kosovo Online)
Cakolli: At this pace, results will not be known before beginning of March (KoSSev)
Kupchan: Grenell’s messages accurate, three reasons led to Kurti’s decline (Kosovo Online, media)
Mijacic: If Kurti forms new government, he will continue undermining inter-ethnic relations (Kosovo Online)
Protests across Serbia (N1)
Zakharova: Lavrov with Djuric on February 17 (Kosovo Online, Blic)

International Media:

How strong are Kosovo’s cyber defenses? (Kosovo 2.0)
Peter Sorensen, what to expect from the new EU representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue? (balcanicaucaso.org)
Romania loses case about chaotic Kosovo game and must host World Cup qualifier in empty stadium (AP)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani meets Sorensen; discuss path ahead for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said today that at the Munich Security Conference, she had her first meeting with the EU’s new representative for dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Peter Sorensen. “We discussed the latest developments and the path ahead for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. Kosovo remains steadfast in working with our allies to ensure the dialog process leads to mutual recognition and safeguards our constitution, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Osmani said in a post on X.

Rutte: There will probably be a coalition government in Kosovo (Albanian Post)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told a press conference on Thursday there will probably be a coalition government in Kosovo. “We have just had the Kosovo elections. The Electoral Committee still has to decide, I think on the exact outcome, but we have seen the trend. It might probably mean that you will have a coalition now in Kosovo, and that political process, of course, has to take place, as is normal in a democracy,” he said.

Hamza: I don’t want Prime Minister post from Vetevendosje (media)

Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) candidate for Kosovo Prime Minister, Bedri Hamza, in a debate on T7 on Thursday evening, said this party would not enter a coalition government with Kurti’s Vetevendosje Movement even if the latter gives him the post of Prime Minister. “This is a closed matter,” he said, adding that there are major conceptual differences between the PDK and Vetevendosje. “This is a closed matter; the problem is not about the post of Prime Minister. This is not about someone from the PDK, in this case me, to become Prime Minister. I am ready to assume the responsibility, but not when I know that our programs cannot be harmonized. We have mentioned the reasons why there is no road forward together with Vetevendosje,” he argued.

Osmani: Switzerland, one of Kosovo’s most important partners (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a Facebook post today that she met with the new President of Switzerland, Karin Keller-Sutter. “Switzerland continues to be one of Kosovo’s most important partners, with our diaspora playing a crucial role in strengthening the cooperation between our countries. We will continue to work closely with President Keller-Sutter to further our partnership in areas of mutual interest and for the good of our peoples,” Osmani said.

Osmani meets Komsic, discuss moving forward on Euro-Atlantic path (Klan)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, on the margins of the Munich Conference, met with the member of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zeljko Komsic. In a post on Facebook platform, Osmani explained that they discussed the security situation in the region. “We discussed the security situation in the region, the deepening of our cooperation for the Euro-Atlantic future of our countries, and the importance of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina progressing further on this journey," Osmani wrote.

Svecla speaks about “financing of terrorist groups by Serbia” (Albanian Post)

Kosovo’s Minister of Interior Xhelal Svecla, during his speech on the topic of financing terrorism as a global security threat, within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, mentioned as a challenge ‘Serbia’s financing of certain groups and individuals, who aim to carry out terrorist activities within Kosovo to destabilize security not only in Kosovo, but also in the region.’ Through a post on social platform Facebook, Svecla also emphasized Kosovo’s commitment in the field of combating terrorism and its financing. "I expressed my readiness for full cooperation with allied states in this joint battle which constitutes a global danger," he wrote.

Bislimi welcomes Franges, speak about elections and dialogue process (media)

Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue, Besnik Bislimi, received in a meeting today the Special Representative of Slovenia for the Western Balkans, Anzej Franges, accompanied by the Ambassador of Slovenia to Kosovo, Minca Benedejcic. Franges congratulated Kosovo on the successful conduct of the February 9 elections, while Bislimi expressed that his entity is the winner of the elections and that they await the certification of the election results and the counting of votes. It is further reported that the situation in the region and the dialogue process were also discussed, Bislimi expressed the need for a balanced approach towards the parties in order to move forward towards the full normalization of relations.

Jahjaga meets Saudi Arabia Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (media)

Former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, said in a Facebook post today that she met with the Saudi Arabia Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, “and discussed relations between our two countries and the importance of continuous support for Kosovo in the international arena”. “I specifically asked for the support of Saudi Arabia to further strengthen Kosovo’s international position, including their support for new recognitions, membership in international organizations and greater investments by Saudi Arabia,” she wrote.

Justice Minister submits draft regulation on protection from violence (media)

Kosovo’s Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, said in a Facebook post on Thursday that “after the emergency fund for the victims, today we have sent to the government the draft regulation for a local coordination mechanism for protection against domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence”. “The Local Coordination Mechanism will offer swift and effective responses to cases of domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence, and will strengthen cooperation between local authorities, health authorities, law enforcement authorities, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders with the aim of securing protecting, offering support and aid for the reintegration of victims in society,” she said.

Serbian Language Media

Djuric met Sorensen: Pristina persistently refuses to fulfill obligations assumed by Brussels Agreement (Kosovo Online)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Marko Djuric, met with the newly appointed Special Representative of the European Union for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Peter Sorensen, and on that occasion, he pointed out the extremely difficult position of the Serbian people in Kosovo, reported Kosovo Online.

Djuric stated that Pristina persistently refuses to fulfill the obligations assumed by the Brussels Agreement, and that Albin Kurti's regime openly announced that it does not want to facilitate the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities.

Djuric spoke with Sorensen on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Expressing his satisfaction with today's meeting, Djuric congratulated Sorensen on taking up this position, emphasizing its importance both for Serbia and for the region as a whole, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia announced.

The head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that Belgrade expects good cooperation with the special representative, and that it will continue to be a constructive partner in the dialogue, adding that he hopes to meet soon in Belgrade.

Djuric emphasized that Belgrade expects that the engagement of the EU special representative will be aimed at creating conditions for the implementation of the agreed and productive dialogue in the process of normalizing relations.

"Serbia is interested in the progress and development of all communities in the region," Djuric said.

Macron congratulated Serbian Statehood Day: We continue to support dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received, on Serbia's Statehood Day, a congratulatory message from French President Emmanuel Macron, in which he stated his desire to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen relations between the two nations, as well as that Paris continues to support the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

"Mr. President, dear Aleksandar, on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, I want to send you all my congratulations and underline the importance I attach to the strengthening of relations between our two peoples and between our two countries," the message states.

As he further added, he is glad that mutual visits have enabled, in recent years, to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in new areas such as research and exploitation of metals and strategic minerals, energy, agriculture and innovation and artificial intelligence.

"I wish that this year will be marked by important progress in the implementation of our intergovernmental agreement on the implementation of priority projects and progress in our cooperation in the field of defense," it added.

France is convinced of the European future of Serbia and will continue to support the dynamics of rapprochement between Serbia and the European Union and all essential reforms that will contribute to this.

"France will also continue to support the dialogue facilitated by the European Union for the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, based on the commitments accepted by the two sides within the framework of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements. I ask you, Mr. President, to accept assurances of my highest consideration," the French president's congratulatory message states.

Vucic: Crucial issues for future of Serbs discussed with Dodik (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic discussed crucial issues for the future of Serbs with Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik in Banjaluka on Friday, Tanjug news agency reported.

"It is always a pleasure for me to visit Republika Srpska. Thank you to President Dodik for the warm welcome, brotherly hospitality and sincere friendship. An open discussion about crucial issues important for the future of Serbs and an opportunity for Serbia and Srpska to once again confirm a united stance and a common vision of the future. With togetherness and mutual support, we continue to build even stronger ties for the well-being of our people", Vucic wrote in a post on Instagram.

Vucic is on a two-day visit to Republika Srpska for Serbia-Republika Srpska Statehood Day celebrations, held under the slogan of Unity and Pride.

Djuric at the 61st Munich Security Conference: Focus on global tensions (Blic, Tanjug)

The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) starts today in the capital of Bavaria, and Serbia will be represented at the leading world forum on international security policy by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, who will have several important bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference, reported Blic.

Amid rising global tensions, this year's gathering, to be held February 14-16 in Munich, will bring together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing security issues, such as Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, the Gaza crisis, and the changing dynamics of international alliances.

A plan to end the conflict in Ukraine

According to earlier unofficial announcements, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, could present the Trump administration's plan for ending the war in Ukraine at the conference, and MSC head Christoph Heusgen expressed hope that the peace project could take shape during the conference in Munich.

Blic reported, citing Ukrainian media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will lead the Kyiv delegation at the conference, plans to ''study the proposal and give an answer on Friday, when he will meet with US Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the meeting''.

The chief of staff of the Ukrainian President, Andriy Yermak, said earlier that the Ukrainian delegation will present the country's position on ending the war and its "vision for achieving lasting peace." Yermak stated that Ukraine hopes to discuss potential security guarantees ''to prevent future Russian aggression''.

The US Secretary of State is also present

In addition to Vance, the conference will be attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as a number of high-ranking world officials, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

High representatives of the UN will also participate in the meeting, to confirm the commitment of the UN to encouraging international dialogue and cooperation, it was announced on the organization's website.

Among them are UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

In a statement published on the MCS website, it is emphasized that, "at a time of conflict in several regions and increasing geopolitical uncertainty", this year's conference is expected to serve as a key platform for high-level dialogue and cooperation.

In addition to the Middle East and Russia, Ukraine war other key topics include the future of NATO, global defense spending and cybersecurity challenges, as well as rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the international response to the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Djuric meets Council of Europe Secretary General Berset, talks about difficult position of Serbs in Kosovo

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met with Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, on the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference and pointed out that position of Serbs in Kosovo can be described as the most difficult so far, which, as he said, is a direct consequence of the unilateral actions of the outgoing Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti.

As Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Djuric discussed with Berset the current situation in Serbia, the political moment, the implementation of reform processes on Serbia’s European path, as well as the situation in Kosovo.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/Yet3q

CEC website without changes since February 12, seven more unprocessed polling stations (Danas, Kosovo Online)

There are still seven unprocessed polling stations left to complete the regular vote counting process for the February 9 election. The last update on the CEC website was made on February 12 at around 10 p.m.

Of the 2,533 polling stations, 2,526 or 99.72 percent were processed by Wednesday at 10:12 p.m., reported Danas, citing Kosovo Online.

From the processing of 2,526 polling stations, the Self-Determination Movement has 40.84 percent of the votes, or 341,672 votes. The Democratic Party of Kosovo received 184,499 votes or 22.05 percent. The Democratic Alliance of Kosovo remains third with 17.67 percent or 147,827 votes. The ABK-Nisma coalition received 62,309 votes or 7.45 percent, as the last entity to pass the 5 percent threshold. The Serbian List received 38,083 votes or 4.55 percent. While the Coalition for the Family received 2.26 percent or 18,905 votes.

The CEC announced on Thursday that the process of counting votes for candidates for deputies has started in the municipal counting centers in Suva Reka, Urosevac, Vucitrn, Kacanik, Novo Brdo, Prizren, Stimlje and Junik.

On the other hand, counting has not yet started in the municipalities of Dragas, Istok, Klina, Leposavic, Orahovac, Pec, Podujevo, Zubin Potok, Zvecan, Malisevo and Gracanica.

CEC added that the counting is done in 26 municipal centers. However, the CEC's website has had problems displaying the numbers since the counting began. On the evening of February 9, the CEC announced that the data was not considered due to problems with the website. CEC announced on Monday morning that this issue has been resolved.

Cakolli: At this pace, results will not be known before beginning of March (KoSSev)

At this pace, even if the remaining centers were to start operating tomorrow - which is not expected - it would take about three weeks to complete the process. Therefore, the full results for political subjects and their candidates will not be known before the beginning of March, according to the program manager of the Kosovo Democratic Institute, Eugen Cakolli.

After the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, i.e., the closing of polling stations, the counting of votes for political subjects began directly. According to the new law, the counting of votes for specific candidates and the verification of political entities in municipal counting centers throughout Kosovo should have started a day later.

However, this process only started on Tuesday, and only in four municipalities out of a total of 38. Only on Wednesday, the counting started in North Mitrovica and 13 other municipalities, and yesterday in eight more centers, the CEC confirmed last night.

The total number of municipalities in Kosovo where votes for MPs are counted has risen to a total of 26.

And while the process of counting votes for candidates is delayed, which is why the CEC is under fire from both individual political subjects and observer organizations, the manager of the program of the Kosovo Democratic Institute, Eugen Cakoli, also announced.

Until midnight two nights ago, says Cakoli, 18 municipal counting centers managed to count only - 114 polling stations.

"On average, one table takes eight hours to count one box," he says.

He then presented the reasons why he considers, as he stated, that the entire counting process is "chaotic".

"Constant problems with the Internet, tensions between observers and commission members, frequent discrepancies in data; poorly trained electoral staff, who often get into trouble due to a lack of guidance in cases of discrepancy; procedures for receiving materials and forms into the system, which last up to an hour".

As he further states, at this pace, even if the remaining centers were to start working tomorrow, which, he underlined, is not expected - "it would take about three weeks to complete the process", reported KoSSev last night.

Therefore, the full results for political entities and their candidates will not be known before the beginning of March.

"While the whole of Kosovo is waiting for the results, the process is being delayed due to absurd technicalities." He then accused the CEC of negligence.

"The clearest example of this negligence and lack of responsibility is the official explanation that in some centers the counting has not started yet because the cameras are not connected to the screens!" While the whole country is waiting for the results, the process is being delayed because of such absurd technicalities".

He believes that the CEC must "solve these shortcomings, increase capacities and guarantee greater transparency."

He also had a message for political candidates, whom he called to "learn a lesson" from this situation.

"Systematic changes cannot be implemented without prior detailed analysis. Kosovo must return to counting all votes at polling stations, in accordance with international standards and practices".

Students from Belgrade and Novi Sad continued their march to Kragujevac on Thursday for the mass protest scheduled for February 15, Serbian Statehood Day.

Kupchan: Grenell’s messages accurate, three reasons led to Kurti’s decline (Kosovo Online, media)

Professor and Senior Associate at US Council of Foreign Relations Charles Kupchan said there are three reasons which led to decline in support for Albin Kurti – economy in difficult situation, strained relations with US and nationalistic card Kosovo Albanians perceived more as detrimental rather than useful, Kosovo Online portal reported citing Greek media outlet Kathimerini.

In statements to the Greek media outlet Kupchan in detail articulated the entire Kosovo landscape and perspective towards the West, condemning the confrontational approach Kurti has towards the US as “completely meaningless”. According to him, messages of Richard Grenell to Kurti were “appropriate”. This remark related to the posts on X social platform in which Grenell said relations between US and Kosovo were at “lowest level” in the last 35 years.

Commenting on Kurti’s Self-determination results in the last elections, Kupchan said he faced the same destiny as all others in the government, which means he did not do a good job.

He added it was still good news for Kurti that his party won the first place with more than 40 percent of votes, as it means he can remain in power with a coalition. “The first issue is the economy, and Kosovo's economy is not in a good state. There is lots of poverty, gross income per capita is very low and I think this is the main obstacle to Kurti’s popularity”, he said.

As a second factor Kupchan said Kurti played nationalistic card, took a firm stance as far as ethnic Serbs were concerned, closed Serbia-run institutions and made numerous changes that somehow disrupted the status quo and froze dialogue with Serbia.

However, what is more important for an average supporter are strained relations with the US and the EU, arguing that a nationalistic card could perhaps bring more damage than benefits.

Third reason, as he explained, is relations with the US. Kupchan also said that Grenell recently criticized Kurti, making it clear that he sees Kurti’s confrontational approach as “useless”. “And now there are some such as Trump who are ‘transactional’ and that could be a message to Kurti to take a more constructive approach or he could pay a high price”, he opined.

Noting that the US enjoys the status of a hero in Kosovo, he said it is “completely stupid” that Kosovo leaders undertake steps which would make relations with Washington conflicting.

Mijacic: If Kurti forms new government, he will continue undermining inter-ethnic relations (Kosovo Online)

Coordinator of the National Convent Working Group for EU Chapter 35, Dragisa Mijacic told Kosovo Online portal if Self-determination Movement leader Albin Kurti succeeds to form the government independently he will continue with unilateral actions which undermine inter-ethnic relations in Kosovo.

He noted it was expected that Kurti “would exploit this narrative to the maximum during the campaign” since it was precisely this approach that brought him to power four years ago.

"Ethnonationalism is the foundation on which Kurti came to power. While he also gained support from the Albanian electorate through his stance against corruption, he consolidated and strengthened his rule by promoting ethnonationalism and carrying out unilateral actions in northern Kosovo," Mijacic explained.

He underlined continuation of such policy would prolong, as he said, the unbearable situation in the north of Kosovo.

Protests across Serbia (N1)

Students from Belgrade and Novi Sad continued their march to Kragujevac on Thursday for the mass protest scheduled for February 15, Serbian Statehood Day.

Novi Pazar and Kraljevo students also set off to Kragujevac, joining their peers from Uzice, Cacak, and Gornji Milanovac, who they met in the village of Mrcajevci. A group of students from Novi Sad and Belgrade set out by bicycle to Kragujevac for the protest. Nis students also continued their journey to Kragujevac. In all the places they passed through, students were greeted by a large number of locals. At rest stops, they were welcomed warmly with drinks and food. In the Belgrade suburb of Zemun, students, parents and staff from 14 of the suburb’s 16 elementary schools took part in a protest march to support teachers. Reporters said there were over 2,000 people at the protest. The informal community of Belgrade elementary schools, Puls, organized a protest in front of the Ministry of Education. They said that they would not engage in talks with the Ministry, announcing that 65 percent of schools were on strike.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/3hm5t7tu

Zakharova: Lavrov with Djuric on February 17 (Kosovo Online, Blic)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric on February 17, reported Kosovo Online, citing Sputnik.

The news about the meeting between Lavrov and Djuric was announced by the spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova. "Discussions between the head of Russian diplomacy and the minister of foreign affairs of Serbia will be held on February 17," she said.

International

How strong are Kosovo’s cyber defenses? (Kosovo 2.0)

Security institutions have taken positive steps, but much work remains.

In 2020, 2 million euros were stolen from Kosovo’s state treasury in a cyberattack in which a fake user account gained access to the system where Kosovo’s state budget was managed. A year later, shortly after Kosovo’s 2021 elections, another cyberattack targeted websites of institutions including Kosovo’s Ministry of Finance and disrupted the tax department, which was working with the Ministry of Finance to read property tax invoice data.

Cybercrime and cyberattacks like these have reshaped the security landscape in Kosovo. Such attacks include hacks of government systems, banking institutions, private companies and private individuals, causing mass disruptions to economic activity, delivery of basic services, state functioning and regular people’s daily lives.

Growing reliance on digital networks and online services — among governmental institutions, private companies, nongovernmental organizations and individuals — has increased Kosovo’s vulnerability to cyberattacks and dependence on fragile digital defenses. In Kosovo and beyond, everything from financial transactions to power grids relies on digital infrastructure like data centers, cloud services and communication networks. That reliance incentivizes malign actors to target this infrastructure.

Threats now range from ransomware attacks to state-sponsored hacking and disinformation campaigns, each posing substantial risks to national security and economic stability. Attacks can be perpetrated by foreign adversaries or politically-motivated groups seeking to influence elections or destabilize societal trust. They can also be carried out by financially-motivated state or non-state criminal actors.

In Kosovo, the lack of cybersecurity experts, lack of public awareness about risks and reporting mechanisms like those created by Kos-CERT, the National Cyber Security Unit, plus poor coordination among institutions, means that cyberattacks have historically encountered minimal obstacles.

Kosovo isn’t alone in grappling with how to respond; in 2024, global cybercrime cost the world $9.5 trillion, more than the economy of every country except for the U.S. and China. But these attacks underscore how important it is for Kosovo’s security sector to take stronger defensive measures. In such a threat environment, the sector must be agile and forward-looking, prepared to face modern threats that transcend national borders. Is it up for the challenge?