Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani: “We move forward, there is nothing that stops our free Republic” (media)
• Kurti: Today Kosovo is stronger than ever before (media)
• Rubio congratulates Kosovo: “US has supported path to a sovereign state” (Koha)
• Grenell: Thaci should celebrate today in Pristina, not behind bars in The Hague (RTK)
• Rohde: For 17 years, Kosovo has made extraordinary strides in democracy (media)
• Turkey congratulates Kosovo: We will continue to develop our relations (Reporteri)
• British MP Kearns congratulates Kosovo (RTK)

• Bislimi travels to Warsaw, to participate in meeting on EU affairs (RTK)

   

Serbian Language Media: 

• Djuric: On this day international law was trampled upon (Kosovo Online, media)

• Office for KiM: “Ideologists and performers of a failed and unfulfilled project leaving stage” (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, media)
• Kosovo marks 17 years of unilaterally declared independence amid calls for dialogue with Serbia (KoSSev)
• Delayed payments from EU Growth Plan for Western Balkans (DW)
• INTERPOL in Skopje detained a Serbian citizen accused of war crimes, said Dacic (RFE)

International Media:

• European leaders to begin Paris meeting as Trump forges ahead with Ukraine peace talks (CNN)
• Russia confirms Ukraine talks with US in Saudi Arabia (Al Jazeera)

Albanian Language Media 

Osmani: “We move forward, there is nothing that stops our free Republic” (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has congratulated “the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence”. After the solemn raising of the flag, Osmani thanked all those ‘who gave their lives and sacrificed for a free, independent and sovereign Kosovo’.

"It is a day that we say thank you from the heart, a permanent gratitude to all those who sacrificed and gave everything so that we can celebrate this holy and historic day together today. Starting from the architect of our Independence, the historic president, and the legendary commander Adem Jashari who led the KLA, to each citizen of our Republic who sacrificed with effort and blood so that today we can celebrate this day. Once again, on behalf of all the citizens of Kosovo, thank you for the contribution you have made, we will move forward because there is nothing that can stop our free, independent, sovereign, and eternal Republic. Congratulations!”, Osmani told the media.

Kurti: Today Kosovo is stronger than ever before (media)

The acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, at the festive meeting of the Government of Kosovo, said that Kosovo’s success is the legacy of the martyrs.

"From the heroes, martyrs and the fallen who gave their lives, to the disabled and veterans of the KLA, to the activists and all citizens who stood firm in the face of challenges, we are grateful to all of them for their dedication and contribution. The freedom for which we have sacrificed so much requires democracy, which enables the voice of the people to be heard and the rights of citizens to be protected. And democracy, on the other hand, requires strong institutions. Institutions that protect the rule of law, guarantee free and fair elections, and ensure that the government serves citizens," he said.

"Democracy requires strong institutions, without institutions that guarantee human rights, democracy remains an idea. Our Republic remains stronger, the economy is growing year after year. With the passport of the Republic we move freely and we are among the safest countries. Our results are proof of our common progress", he said.

After the Government meeting, Kurti, accompanied by the President Vjosa Osmani, participated in the solemn raising of the Flag of Kosovo. Also, as part of the festive ceremonies, they paid tribute to the Monument to the Missing and the Monument to Children Killed during the war in Kosovo.

Rubio congratulates Kosovo: "US has supported the path to a sovereign state" (Koha)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated “Kosovo on the occasion of its 17th anniversary of Independence”. “On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations as you mark the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence—an occasion to reflect on the resilience, determination, and aspirations of the people of Kosovo,” his statement said.

Rubio said the U.S. has supported Kosovo’s path to a sovereign, democratic, multiethnic state. “The United States has proudly supported Kosovo’s path to a sovereign, democratic, multiethnic, and prosperous state. Regional peace, security, and economic development remain essential to Kosovo’s continued well-being. As you celebrate your independence, we honor the friendship and shared values ​​between our peoples,” the statement continued.

Grenell: Thaci should celebrate today in Pristina, not behind bars in The Hague (RTK)

The U.S. envoy for special missions Richard Grenell has congratulated “all friends in Kosovo on the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's independence”. “I wish all my friends in Kosovo a joyful and safe celebration on the 17th anniversary of their independence. However, this milestone is overshadowed by a grave injustice. The founding father of Kosovo's statehood, President Hashim Thaci, should be celebrating today in Pristina - not behind bars in The Hague. The Europeans have failed to act against this injustice for the past 5 years. And Kosovo's state institutions have failed to take the necessary legal actions to bring this injustice to an end - because of politics. This wrongful imprisonment must end. #JackSmith,” Grenell wrote on X platform.

Rohde: For 17 years, Kosovo has made extraordinary strides in democracy (media)

The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, has congratulated “Kosovo on its Independence”, saying that Kosovo has made extraordinary strides in democracy, economy and international relations over the past 17 years. “Today you celebrate your historic moment – ​​your Independence Day. On behalf of Germany and the entire German embassy, ​​I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Since declaring independence 17 years ago, Kosovo has made extraordinary strides in democracy, economy and international relations. Your journey towards sovereignty has been marked by resilience and determination. Germany has been proud to stand by you and support your journey. Our bilateral relationship is a testament to the strong bond between our nations. Together we have achieved great progress and we will continue to work side by side. Kosovo's independence is not just a symbol, but a living reality demonstrated by the establishment of strong state institutions and the progress made since then," Rohde said.

Turkey congratulates Kosovo: We will continue to develop our relations (Reporteri)

Turkey has congratulated Kosovo on “the occasion of Independence Day”. "We congratulate the friendly people of Kosovo on the 17th anniversary of independence. We will continue to develop our relations in every field," says a post of the Turkish Foreign Ministry on "X" platform.

British MP Kearns congratulates Kosovo (RTK)

British MP Alicia Kearns congratulated Kosovo on the occasion of “the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's independence”. "My warmest and best wishes to the people and country of Kosovo on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of independence to President Vjosa Osmani. A proud and generous country, your willingness to stand by your allies has been heartfelt and sincere. A beacon of democracy in a difficult neighborhood," she wrote in "X".

Bislimi travels to Warsaw, to participate in meeting on EU affairs (RTK)

Acting Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi has traveled to Warsaw, Poland. He has been invited there by the Minister for European Union Affairs of Poland, Adam Szlapka, to participate together with counterparts in the meetings and discussions organized within the framework of the "Informal Meetings of Ministers for European Union Affairs". "On the sidelines of this two-day event organized by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi will also have a series of bilateral meetings with allied, friendly and partner states," the press release states.

Serbian Language Media

Djuric: On this day international law was trampled upon (Kosovo Online, media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric told a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow that “on this day, 17 years ago, an international law was trampled upon in the case of Serbia, when unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo took place”, Kosovo Online portal reported. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country will continue extending support to Serbia on the Kosovo issue.

During the conference, Djuric once again extended gratitude to Russia over its support on Kosovo issue and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia.

"On this day 17 years ago, in the case of Serbia, international law was trampled upon in Kosovo and Metohija. There was an illegal, unilateral declaration of so-called Kosovo, contrary to international law, UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and contrary to the will of the majority of Serbian citizens, who were never consulted in the referendum. Up to date, not even in Kosovo and Metohija was there any declaring”, Djuric said.

As he said during previous years it has become evident “that there was an erosion of human rights and democratic standards in Kosovo”, and it was because of these standards that “some were justifying this illegal act”.

"We are grateful to Russia for its firm and principled stance on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, and we hope that with tectonic changes in the international community, a greater space will open to resolve this issue in accordance with international law and in a civilized manner”, Djuric underlined.

Djuric also said Serbia advocates for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts, recalling that President Aleksandar Vucic publicly offered and expressed Serbia's readiness to host all talks related to overcoming the crisis in Ukraine, which, he added, we would like to see. “We hope soon to be in a situation to see peace on European soil”, Djuric said.

Lavrov: Russia to continue extending support on Kosovo issue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country will continue supporting Serbia on the Kosovo issue. He noted it has been agreed that Russia and Serbia on the international arena are guided by basic principles of the UN Charter, advocating for a more just order founded on sovereignty of states while respecting international law.

“We have considered aspects of joint work at the UN and other multilateral organizations. I have reiterated the readiness of Russia to extend support to lawful international-legal interests of Serbia in terms of Kosovo and this to be a priority topic at the UN Security Council”, Lavrov said.

He also pointed out the joint stance is that UN Security Council 1244 is still current and must be respected.

Lavrov also said they discussed energy cooperation, recalling that Russia is the biggest gas supplier to Serbia, covering 85 percent of its needs. Lavrov pointed out that the two countries are facing a situation of unfair struggle also in an attempt to impose sanctions on the joint NIS company (Serbian Oil Industry).

"They are asking Serbia to renounce cooperation with the Russian investor. We agreed to continue working together and not to harm common interests", he underlined.

He said the topics of conversation also included commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory in WWII, to take place on May 9 in Moscow, adding that President Vucic confirmed his attendance.

Office for KiM: “Ideologists and performers of a failed and unfulfilled project leaving stage” (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, media)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija in a statement today said that “provisional institutions of self-governance in Pristina celebrate non-existent holiday of a non-existent state, and if one could talk at all about some sort of anniversary than it is about an anniversary of ‘a failed and unfulfilled project’ whose ideologists and performers slowly, but surely leave the historic stage”, Tanjug news agency reported.  

As the Office for KiM said even in the world, at which one superpower and one ideology ruled, but is now going on decline “self-declared ‘Kosovo’ for the full 17 years did not manage to obtain support from majority of UN states, while in the future we will witness continuation of the erosion of idea it is possible to create some pseudo-states by force, unilateral acts and gross violation of the sovereignty and integrity of other states”.  

The Office also said that “secessionist movement in Kosovo and Metohija brought to the region only sufferings, hatred, exodus, regression and chronic instability (….)”, adding that “instead of jointly working on democratic development and harmonious coexistence, for quarter of century we bear witnesses of a collapse of democracy in Kosovo and Metohija, violence and systematic violation of the human rights of all those who oppose secessionist and great-Albanian ideology”.

At the end of the statement, it was said that Serbia “will not accept secession of part of its own territory, and will also continue using all political, diplomatic and international legal means to protect its state and national interests”.

Kosovo marks 17 years of unilaterally declared independence amid calls for dialogue with Serbia (KoSSev)

Kosovo commemorates the 17th anniversary of its unilaterally declared independence today with a series of events, while Western leaders extend their congratulations alongside reminders of key conditions for European integration - normalization of relations with Serbia and fulfillment of dialogue commitments, KoSSev portal reported.

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

Delayed payments from EU Growth Plan for Western Balkans (DW)

The first payments from the European Growth Plan apparently will not be made in the first part of this year. According to the European Commission (EC) press service the payments will not be made  before the middle of this year, reported Deutsche Welle. 

"The European Commission is now finalizing the procedural steps, which should enable the release of pre-financing to be carried out as soon as possible in 2025. The first regular payments are expected between the second and third quarter of 2025 after the fulfillment of the appropriate conditions", reads written response from this institution.

The highest officials of the European Union announced the first payments by the end of 2024.

Namely, as explained by officials familiar with the process, the reason for the delays was not a lack of will on the part of the EC, but the delay of the beneficiary countries from the region in fulfilling internal procedures.

“Money delayed due to delays in procedures”

As informed officials explain, the problem lies in the countries of the region that need to reach a loan agreement with the European Union, because some financial resources are in the form of loans, and others are in the form of grants. And such agreements have the character of international treaties and therefore must be ratified in parliaments.

"It seems that this time the EU is more ready to make payments from this package than the countries in the region are ready to receive them," a Brussels source told RFE. 

There is no precise explanation from the EC in which phase each country of the region is, in relation to the obligations that are necessary for the start of payments.

"In order to initiate reforms, countries can request up to 7 percent of pre-financing from the total amount provided for by this instrument (from the initial indicative amount of financing available for each beneficiary). This was requested by all five beneficiaries with approved Reform Agendas (except Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has not yet submitted it)," the response from the European Commission states.

To be qualified to receive financial assistance from the Growth Plan, each country in the region was obliged to develop a reform agenda, which was then approved by the EC.

BiH is the only country that does not have an approved agenda because Sarajevo submitted an incomplete document to Brussels that does not meet EC criteria.

“Financial aid is not unconditional”

The European Union wants the first payments from this plan to be made as soon as possible and the implementation of the projects that will be financed through it to begin. But at the same time, it also reminds of the conditions that must be met during the entire project implementation process. These conditions refer to the rule of law, financial control, and adequate auditing according to European standards.

“Unlike other countries, Serbia and Kosovo have an additional condition related to constructive engagement in the dialogue”, implying the implementation of obligations from the Brussels dialogue with the support of the EU.

“Visa policy among conditions - Montenegro risks money”

Among the demands of the EU towards the countries of the region is their adjustment of the visa policy with Brussels.

This condition proved to be problematic in the case of Montenegro, which has already received a warning from the EC that it risks certain funds from the Growth Plan precisely because of the country's visa policy.

Namely, after Montenegro added two more countries (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia) to the visa-free regime list, the EC issued a request that this decision be withdrawn by the end of this month.

"As part of its Reform Agenda as part of the Growth Plan, Montenegro committed itself to further align itself with the EU list of countries that require a visa. Montenegro has agreed to remove countries that require an EU visa from its visa-free list every year. Montenegro will have to fulfill the condition related to the first reporting period by removing two countries from the list by the end of February, to be entitled to the release of funds related to this reform step this year," the EC's press service said in a written response.

“What is a Growth Plan”

The growth plan is the EU's most ambitious financial package for the Western Balkans.

It is a package of 6 billion euros that will be distributed in the period 2024-2027 in the form of grants and loans with very favorable interest rates. It aims to double the economy of the region in the next ten years. The plan also aims to promote regional cooperation, the development of a common market in the region that would be gradually integrated into the common market of the EU.

“How much each will get from the Growth Plan”

The first tranches will amount to 7 percent of a total amount allocated for each candidate. That payment will be in the form of so-called pre-financing.

According to the preliminary calculation, Albania will be able to receive a total of 922 million euros, of which 64.5 million will be in the form of "pre-financing".

Montenegro will receive a total of 383 million euros, of which 26.8 million in the form of "pre-financing".

Bosnia and Herzegovina, when it develops a complete reform agenda, will have 1.85 billion euros, and 76 million as "pre-financing".

Kosovo will have 880 million euros at its disposal, of which 61 million are in the form of "pre-financing".

North Macedonia will have 750 million euros at its disposal, and the pre-financing would be in the amount of 52.5 million.

Serbia will have 1.58 billion euros at its disposal, and the first payment in the form of pre-financing would be in the amount of 111 million euros.

The calculation of how much financial resources each will have at its disposal is based on gross domestic product (GDP), population and several other criteria.

Since the first presentation of this plan, “the countries of the region have been clearly told that if someone does not implement reforms after a year or two, then the sum will be distributed to other countries”.

In case of misuse of funds, the EC has the right to demand the money back.

INTERPOL in Skopje detained a Serbian citizen accused of war crimes, said Dacic (RFE)

Serbian Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dacic announced that INTERPOL in Skopje on February 15 detained E.B. (1970), for which the judicial authorities of Serbia issued an international warrant for war crimes, reported RFE. 

This Serbian citizen was being sought based on the order of the Special Department for War Crimes of the High Court in Belgrade, for the purpose of conducting criminal proceedings for crimes against civilians committed in June 1999 in the village of Gatnje, in the Municipality of Urosevac in Kosovo.

The domestic police and the Public Prosecutor's Office for War Crimes have submitted all the necessary documentation to the authorities of North Macedonia, based on which the said person was ordered to be detained in extradition custody for up to 30 days, said Dacic.

International

European leaders to begin Paris meeting as Trump forges ahead with Ukraine peace talks (CNN)

European leaders are gathering in France for an emergency summit on Ukraine after the Trump administration announced it was opening talks with Russia on ending the war without a European presence.

UK leader Keir Starmer said the meeting in Paris was a “once in a generation” moment for national security following Washington’s bombshell announcement that has sparked concern in Kyiv and across Europe that Ukrainian and European leaders will be frozen out of peace negotiations.

In recent days, US President Donald Trump and his top officials have upended what had largely been a united front between Washington and its European NATO allies on supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, which is nearing its third anniversary.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/2cc5fta6

Russia confirms Ukraine talks with US in Saudi Arabia (Al Jazeera)

Kremlin confirms high-level meeting on restoring relations and potential peace talks on Ukraine for Tuesday.

Two senior Russian officials will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet their counterparts from the United States to discuss ending the Ukraine war, the Kremlin has confirmed.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to President Vladimir Putin, will fly to Riyadh on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/47dkrfjr