Albanian Language Media:

• Bislimi in Warsaw: Kosovo faced security challenges (media)
• Boserup meets Radoniqi, “transparency is key in any election process” (media)
• EU Office head talks with party leaders on next steps after elections (Koha)
• Krasniqi meets EU ambassador to Kosovo  (Blic)
• Krasniqi meets Guerot, discuss election process (Klan)
• Abdixhiku: Counting and certification of election results ASAP (media)
• Haradinaj meets Prattipati, “further strengthening of partnership” (media)
• “Austria and Kosovo are united by strong and diverse bonds” (media)
• Slovenian President congratulates Osmani on Kosovo day (media)
• Albanian President visits KFOR HQ during stay in Kosovo (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Vucic: Russia has confirmed its attendance at EXPO 2027 (Tanjug)
• Orban: Serbia, Hungary achieved significant results despite NGO pressure (N1)
• Vote counting in 19 municipal centers to continue today (Kosovo Online)
• Gogic: Without foreign influence, Kosovo is closer to new elections than forming government (Kosovo Online)
• Brnabic meets with Latvian parliament speaker (Tanjug)
• German Foreign Office says situation in Serbia concerning, MFA responds (N1)
• Vulin meets Shoigu (N1, media) 

International Media:

• Trump envoy slams ‘wrongful imprisonment’ of Kosovo’s ‘founding father’ Thaci (PI)
• John Jovanovic lands top role at US Export-Import Bank (The Pavlovic Today)
• Faded Icon: How Kosovo’s Grand Hotel went from showpiece to relic (BIRN)
• ‘My prison became my workplace: A Kosovo policeman’s story (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media 

Bislimi in Warsaw: Kosovo faced security challenges (media)

Acting Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi stated prior to the meeting in Warsaw, Poland, that Kosovo has faced security threats in the electoral process. He said that there is an intensive distribution of false information, while adding that cooperation is a response to security threats. “We had elections in Kosovo last week and we directly experienced this form of security threats, in terms of attack on the website of the Central Election Commission, but also a very sophisticated and intensive frequency of distribution and production of false information, very sophisticated in terms of the issues and the selected time,” Bislimi said before the meeting at the level of ministers for European affairs, organized by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. 

Boserup meets Radoniqi, “transparency is key in any election process” (media)

The EU election observation mission’s (EOM) Deputy Chief Observer Thomas Boserup, Election Analyst Marcela Maskova and Legal Analyst Eirini Skouzou met on Monday with the head of Kosovo’s Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi. “Radoniqi updated the EOM regarding the vote-counting process, and specifically on the developments at the municipal counting centres, postal out-of-Kosovo votes and conditional votes. We listen to all stakeholders, and meetings like this contribute to the observation mission’s overall assessment and final report,” the EOM said in a post on X.

EU Office head talks with party leaders on next steps after elections (Koha)

The head of the European Union Office in Kosovo Avio Orav met today separately with party leaders in Kosovo. He announced that these meetings were held to discuss the next steps after the elections. “We held separate meetings with Albin Kurti, Memli Krasniqi, Lumir Abdixhiku and Ramush Haradinaj to discuss the next steps after the elections. I emphasized that the vast majority of people of Kosovo aspire to join the EU. The new government must actively pursue reform to achieve this,” Orav wrote on the X platform.

Krasniqi meets EU ambassador to Kosovo (Blic)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo Memli Krasniqi met today with the European Union ambassador to Kosovo Aivo Orav. He said that they discussed the latest political developments in Kosovo, with special focus on the electoral process and the importance of its conclusion in accordance with the highest democratic standards. Krasniqi said that these elections represent an important moment for Kosovo’s democracy and clear proof of the political maturity of Kosovo’s people. “In PDK, we respect and recognize the will of the citizens expressed through the vote. We hope that the country will have a new functional government as soon as possible, which will address the challenges and state priorities with responsibility and dignity. PDK remains committed to a better future for Kosovo, regardless of its political position. We are convinced that only through cooperation and a constructive approach, our country will continue on the path of democratic consolidation and Euro-Atlantic integration,” Krasniqi wrote on social platform Facebook.

Krasniqi meets Guerot, discuss election process (Klan)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo Memli Krasniqi informed that he has met with the Ambassador of France to Kosovo Olivier Guerot. Through a post on Facebook platform, Krasniqi informed that they discussed the election process and importance of its conclusion in accordance with the will of the people and democratic standards. “PDK considers the vote an expression of political maturity and supports creation of a functional and responsible government as soon as possible. Despite our political position, the interest of Kosovo and the citizens remains our main guide for moving forward,” Krasnqi further wrote.

Abdixhiku: Counting and certification of election results ASAP (media)

Leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Lumir Abdixhiku said today that the LDK fully respects the will of the people expressed in the February 9 election process and that the Central Election Commission must conclude the counting and certification of results as soon as possible. “It is very important for this process to end in democratic fashion and to avoid any other delay,” he said after meeting EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav. 

Haradinaj meets Prattipati, “further strengthening of partnership” (media)

Leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj said in a Facebook post today that he met with the U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires, Anu Prattipati, and discussed the course of the February 9 elections, current developments in Kosovo and the region, and further strengthening of the strategic partnership between Kosovo and the United States”. Haradinaj said he highlighted the importance of Kosovo’s direct membership in NATO through the Actional Plan, “as the safest way to achieve our strategic objectives for the security and prosperity of Kosovo”. “I expressed my deep appreciation for the continuous support that the U.S. has given Kosovo through the years. This strong partnership is the best guarantee for a safe future for Kosovo and long-term stability in the region”.

“Austria and Kosovo are united by strong and diverse bonds” (media)

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in a letter to his Kosovo counterpart Vjosa Osmani said “on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Kosovo, I take great pleasure Austria and Kosovo are united by strong and diverse bonds, we stand by the same European values and we share similar positions on many subjects. Since Kosovo’s foundation, Austria has always supported it and I can assure you that we will continue to assist and accompany your country on its European path and in its pursuit of good neighborly relations. I seize this opportunity to extend my best wishes for your personal well-being, as well as for a prosperous future for all the people of the Republic of Kosovo”. 

Slovenian President congratulates Osmani on Kosovo day (media)

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar in a letter to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani wrote that “Dear President it gives me great pleasure on behalf of the Slovenian people and in my own name, to extend to you and the people of Kosovo my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Kosovo, and to convey my best wishes for all-round progress. Slovenia will continue to stand by Kosovo as it progresses with the reforms and the implementation of international commitments required for its integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The stability of the Western Balkans is key to the development of the entire region and I look forward to further consultations and cooperation within the framework of the Brdo-Brijuni Process Initiative”.

Albanian President visits KFOR HQ during stay in Kosovo (media)

Albanian President Bajram Begaj, during his stay in Kosovo, visited the headquarters of NATO’s peacekeeping mission, KFOR, and met with COMKFOR Major General Enrico Barduani and Albanian troops serving in KFOR. Begaj highlighted the necessary role of KFOR in safeguarding peace and security in Kosovo, and also for stability in the Balkans. He also expressed Albania’s unconditional support to NATO and its mission in Kosovo, which he called “a success story”, and reiterated Albania’s readiness to increase the number of troops if necessary.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: Russia has confirmed its attendance at EXPO 2027 (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has received a letter whereby the Russian Federation confirmed its attendance at the specialized EXPO 2027, to be held in Belgrade, Tanjug news agency reported.

The letter confirming Russia's participation in the event was sent to Vucic by Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, the presidential press office said in a statement.

"We are convinced that this project will significantly contribute to further development of the strategic partnership between Moscow and Belgrade. We express readiness to continue dialogue on all relevant matters", the letter said.

Orban: Serbia, Hungary achieved significant results despite NGO pressure (N1)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that both Serbia and Hungary have achieved significant results despite pressure from civil society organizations, N1 reported. Orban was addressing a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday, who was awarded the Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit by Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok.

“Everybody knows what kind of attempts have been made in both Serbia and Hungary, how they are trying to put pressure on us through the activities of NGOs, but we have achieved great results even with such a headwind”, Orban said. He added that Hungarians and Serbians now face the same challenges.

“I am convinced that the stability of the Balkan region is linked to Serbia’s stability, and Serbia is stable when it has a strong leadership”, he said, adding that Serbia and Hungary will achieve new records in trade this year.

Vote counting in 19 municipal centers to continue today (Kosovo Online)

The Central Election Commission (CEC) said today that vote counting for Assembly candidates will continue at 19 municipal centers, Kosovo Online portal reported.

CEC said that conclusive with February 16, 73.23 percent of polling stations have been calculated, respectively 1.855 out of 2.533 polling stations.

KoSSev portal reported that vote counting in Pec municipal center has been interrupted as there was no heating in the hall. 

Gogic: Without foreign influence, Kosovo is closer to new elections than forming government (Kosovo Online)

Political analyst Ognjen Gogic told Kosovo Online portal if there is no foreign interference, neither the government nor the opposition will rush to form a new government in Kosovo, adding it is much more likely that new elections will take place in the fall or early next year.

"No one is satisfied with these results. Neither Self-Determination nor the opposition parties. They are all in a situation where they cannot form a government they would be happy with. The only thing that could change this is foreign influence. If Western Europe or the US instruct the current opposition to unite in order to send Kurti into the opposition, that could be the deciding factor. Otherwise, no one seems particularly interested in forming a new government", Gogic opined.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/aIP6Y

Brnabic meets with Latvian parliament speaker (Tanjug)

Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic met with Latvian counterpart Daiga Mierina in Riga on Tuesday. Mierina greeted Brnabic outside the Latvian parliament building, after which the Serbian parliament speaker signed the book of guests, Tanjug news agency reported.

Afterwards, Serbian and Latvian delegations met to discuss advancement of bilateral political and economic relations. Brnabic, who is on an official visit to Latvia, is due to meet with the country's President Edgars Rinkevics and representatives of the Latvian Institute for International Relations. Brnabic will also visit a tech hub at the University of Natural Sciences.

German Foreign Office says situation in Serbia concerning, MFA responds (N1)

The German Foreign Office described the situation in Serbia as “concerning,” noting that activists face attacks for raising their voices, N1 reported. “The situation in Serbia remains deeply concerning: Activists face attacks and smear campaigns for raising their voices. Media and politicians need to act responsibly. Serbia is an EU candidate, and as such, we expect it to uphold the rule of law and human rights”, the German Foreign Office said in a post on the X social media platform.

The weekly Radar has reported that the Administration for the Prevention of Money Laundering has begun investigating the bank accounts of individuals from NGOs, environmental organizations, and civic groups. The basis for these investigations remain unclear, the media outlet said. The Administration has said the process was initiated at the request of another government agency but has not specified which criminal offense is being investigated.

In response to the German ministry’s claims, the Serbian Foreign Ministry said that Serbia has a vibrant and diverse political and media landscape where differing opinions can be expressed freely.

In its response, also published on X, the Serbian Ministry emphasized that “Serbia remains fully committed to upholding democratic values, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, as fundamental principles of our society and our European path”. The Serbian ministry also rejected accusations of “smear campaigns.”

Vulin meets Shoigu (N1, media) 

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin and the Russian Federation Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu agreed to intensify dialogue in order to stand up to “color revolutions,” said the Serbian Government in a press release. Vulin and Shoigu met in Moscow and confirmed categorical opposition to external interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, the statement added.

The Russian side expressed willingness to continue providing support to the fraternal people of Serbia in maintaining stability. The two officials also agreed to continue contacts through the Russian Security Council, which would be in the interest of strengthening traditional friendly relations between Serbia and Russia, as well as between the peoples of the two states, the press release said.

International

Trump envoy slams ‘wrongful imprisonment’ of Kosovo’s ‘founding father’ Thaci (PI)

US envoy Richard Grenell denounced the imprisonment and Hague trial of Hashim Thaci for war crimes and blamed Europeans and Kosovo's own institutions for "failing to bring this injustice to an end".

US President Donald Trump’s Envoy for Special Missions, Richard Grenell, on Monday called for the release of Kosovo’s ex-President, Hashim Thaci, from a detention centre in The Hague, where he has been on trial for war crimes since April 2023.

“This wrongful imprisonment must end,” Grenell wrote in a post hashtagged with the name of ex-Special Prosecutor Jack Smith.

Smith resigned from the Specialist Prosecution in November 2022 to take over the investigation into Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021 riot at Capitol Hill, Washington. He resigned on January 12, days before Trump’s inauguration for a second presidential term.

Along with wishing the people of Kosovo “a joyous and safe celebration on the 17th anniversary of their independence”, Grenell criticised the Specialist Prosecution in The Hague, which is financially backed by the EU, for its handling of Thaci’s case.

“This milestone is overshadowed by a grave injustice. The founding father of Kosovo’s statehood, President Hashim Thaçi, should be celebrating today in Pristina – not behind bars in The Hague,” Grenell said.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/1Di6r

John Jovanovic lands top role at US Export-Import Bank (The Pavlovic Today)

President Donald Trump has nominated John Jovanovic to serve as Chairman and CEO of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, marking a historic appointment as the first Serbian-American to lead the agency. A former director at DFC Belgrade, Jovanovic brings a background in finance and investment, with experience spanning energy, commodities, and critical infrastructure.

Trump, in his announcement on Truth Social, underscored Jovanovic’s role in advancing his economic vision. “John will utilize his extensive experience in finance, investments, and business building across the Energy, Commodities, and Critical Infrastructure sectors to Make America Energy and Manufacturing DOMINANT Again,” Trump wrote. “He will work tirelessly to protect all of the gains from our strong Tariff Policies, guarantee that our Exports receive fair treatment, and always put American companies, and our Energy exports FIRST,” he added. “Congratulations John!”

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

Faded Icon: How Kosovo’s Grand Hotel went from showpiece to relic (BIRN)

Once a symbol of Kosovo’s progress but now dilapidated, Pristina’s Grand Hotel is a sad testament to the disastrous effects of corruption, ownership battles and failed privatisation.

Isa Rexha recalls a cold midday in February 1978 when he entered the newly built Grand Hotel, the largest in Kosovo.

At the time, he had just started his studies at the Faculty of Economics in Pristina and had taken a job as a security guard at the hotel.

Two months later, in April, the hotel was officially opened. “It was a parallel world for Kosovo at that time,” Rexha recalled.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/YOTB1

‘My Prison Became My Workplace’: A Kosovo Policeman’s Story (BIRN)

Isuf Kajdomqaj endured torture in prison in Prizren in 1998, when Kosovo was under Serbian control. Now he's a police officer working in the same building – and his memories fuel his determination to help build a better future for his country.

Every day, Isuf Kajdomqaj confronts the four walls of the building where he endured torture at the hands of Serbian forces during the war back in 1998.

He has successfully battled haunting memories of what once was a fearsome building – the police station in Prizren, southern Kosovo – but which since has been transformed into a place dedicated to serving people.

For nearly two decades, in the same place where a Serbian police officer’s rifle butt sent blood spilling from his head to the ground, he has worked as a Kosovo Police investigator.

Back in 1998, when Kosovo was still under Serbian control, this same facility was used as a place to detain and torture Kosovo Albanians.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/By3yE