Albanian Language Media:

• CEC publishes party financial reports for 2024 (media)
• Plenkovic: We don't need to ask Serbia or NATO (media)
• Vengu: There were efforts to create destabilization on Kosovo’s border (media)
• Is a military alliance being formed in the Balkans? (RFE)
• McKinney in Kosovo for “bilateral meetings on defense cooperation” (media)
• Orav: Media has important role in influencing policies that affect environment (media)
• Kosovo ranks 29th in the World Happiness Report (media)
• Kurti meets Guerot, discuss latest developments, including elections (media)
• Selimi: Pressure soon to show that EU is serious about concluding talks (media)
• Specialist Chambers confirm receiving letter from Haxhiu about Thaci (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Vucevic writes to US Vice-President Vance, backs Vucic's initiative (Tanjug)
• Petkovic meets Bunford, says military agreement of Croatia, Albania and Kosovo undermines regional stability (Kosovo Online, social media)
• Traffic signs allowing movement in opposite directions of two-way street placed at roundabout in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)
• “Constructive meeting” with Vucic or ignoring reality? Sharp reactions to Marta Kos’s statement (N1)
• Rutte: Regional security, bolstering NATO-Serbia relations discussed with Vucic (Beta, N1, media)
• Dragisa Milenkovic: Prisoners were not mistreated in prison, but at State Security (DB) premise (Radio KIM)
• International academic community stands with students, professors in Serbia (Beta, N1)

Albanian Language Media 

CEC publishes party financial reports for 2024 (media)

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published the unaudited financial reports of political parties for 2024, which show that the Vetevendosje Movement had revenues of 2 million 337 thousand 168 euros. After the LVV, ranks the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), which had total revenues of 1 million 034 thousand 134 euros. The Democratic League of Kosovo had total expenditures of 643 thousand 047 euros, while the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo had revenues of 325 thousand 058 euros.

The revenues of political entities according to the CEC were spent on salaries and compensations, transportation expenses, advertising, representation and conferences, campaign expenses, purchase of goods, and general expenses.

Plenkovic: We don't need to ask Serbia or NATO (media)

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has said that they don't need to ask Serbia or NATO about the latest military agreement with Kosovo and Albania. He stressed that the agreement is not hostile in nature. Plenkovic responded to the statement of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who said that Croatia, Albania and Kosovo violated the 1996 agreement and opened an arms race. "I hope that someone will take five minutes to read the text of the agreement between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo," Plenkovic said, adding that these are joint agreements.

He stressed that Croatia has no hostile intentions with this agreement. “We created a document that helps their reform efforts. It is not of a hostile nature. I understand that one should look for an enemy further, but this agreement is not of a hostile nature. Croatia does not need to ask anyone about this, neither Serbia nor NATO,” Plenkovic said.

Vengu: There were efforts to create destabilization on Kosovo’s border (media)

Albania’s Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, in an interview with Euronews Albania, disclosed further details about the tripartite memorandum on defense cooperation between Albania, Kosovo and Croatia. He said that there were efforts to create destabilization situations on Kosovo’s border. “Our assessment and the assessment of all allied structures in fact is that along the border zone there were efforts to create destabilization situations and situations that threaten public order and security. We need to be very careful and vigilant and prevent these situations. This is why we have continuously called on NATO to show greater vigilance and on KFOR to have greater operational instruments and means on the ground. The threats can be of a hybrid nature, cybercrimes, acts of sabotage, and similar elements that can create destabilization. We have also asked the government of Kosovo to coordinate all its actions with KFOR,” Vengu said.

Is a military alliance being formed in the Balkans? (RFE)

Kosovo and two countries of the Western Balkans that are part of NATO – Albania and Croatia – signed an agreement this week to further cooperation in the areas of defense and security. Without disclosing concrete details, the defense ministers said that they will increase military compatibility through joint education, training and exercises, and will engage in fighting hybrid threats and coordinate policies for Euro-Atlantic integration. 

Serbia meanwhile saw this as a step that “undermines regional stability” and as a threat to its “territorial integrity”, while Kosovo said that the initiative should not be seen as a threat against anyone, but that it should be accepted as a message that Kosovo, Croatia and Albania will stand united in the face of any challenge or threat. 

Security commentators in Pristina and Belgrade do not see the agreement as a step toward forming a formal alliance of defense like that of NATO.

Ramadan Ilazi, head of research at the Kosovo Center for Security Studies, said the importance of the agreement is that it comes at a time of increased unpredictability of existing security alliances in the world. He said the initiative is a step toward strengthening strategic alliances so that Kosovo can advance in the area of defense as it still does not have a clear path toward membership in NATO. He also said he believes that NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, and the Alliance itself will be the umbrella of this cooperation, because he doesn’t think that Albania and Croatia would act against NATO’s interests in the region. 

A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that Albania and Croatia are contributors to regional security also through the framework of KFOR. Asked about the initiative, the official said the Alliance “is aware of it” and that it is up to the signatories of the agreement to say more.

McKinney in Kosovo for “bilateral meetings on defense cooperation” (media)

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Anu Prattipati met today with Brigadier General Chris McKinney, Deputy Director of U.S. European Command (EUCOM). “During his visit, BG McKinney will hold bilateral meetings on defense cooperation to reinforce our ongoing support for Kosovo’s security & defense development,” the U.S. Embassy said in a Facebook post.

Orav: Media has important role in influencing policies that affect environment (media)

BB Green Kosovo held a training on Green Journalism on the topic “How to report on the environment, forests and climate change”, which was attended by journalists, experts and representatives of international institutions. This activity aims to strengthen environmental journalism in Kosovo and promote reporting on issues related to forests, pollution and climate change. Aivo Orav, EU Ambassador to Kosovo, stressed the importance of the media in creating environmental power and supporting sustainable systems. He added that strong and investigative reporting is key to preventing misunderstandings and neglect of these issues.

“We also strongly encourage young journalists to explore this very important field. The future of critical journalism lies with those who are willing to learn, experiment and challenge the status quo. Your new perspectives and your efforts can help shape how Kosovo and the world will continue to respond to the environmental challenges we face today. Therefore, environmental issues must be at the top of our agenda. They are not optional, they are essential. Your work has the power to bring about real change, ensuring that the environment, community, and climate receive the full and fair attention and protection they need," Ambassador Orav said.

Kosovo ranks 29th in the World Happiness Report (media)

According to the World Happiness Report, Kosovo has ranked 29th, placing itself among the happiest countries in the world. This study was conducted in 147 countries and assesses the quality of life and well-being of citizens. In the region, Slovenia ranks higher – in 19th place, while Serbia is in 31st place. Bosnia and Herzegovina has ranked 56th, Montenegro is in 71st place, Croatia in 72nd, while Greece is in 81st place on the list. Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Albania are lower on the list, in 85th, 86th and 89th places.

The country that has been ranked as the happiest in the world for the eighth consecutive time is Finland, maintaining its title of dominance in this global report.

Kurti meets Guerot, discuss latest developments, including elections (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with French Ambassador Olivier Guerot and discussed the latest developments in Kosovo, including the February 9 elections, bilateral relations between Kosovo and France, opportunities to further relations in diplomacy, economy and culture, and the cooperation between Kosovo government institutions and the French Embassy. Kurti thanked Guerot for France’s continuous support for Kosovo.

Selimi: Pressure soon to show that EU is serious about concluding talks (media)

Kosovo’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petrit Selimi, said in a post on X that EU Special Representative for the dialogue, Peter Sorensen, according to sources, was mostly listening during his first visit to Kosovo. “But pressure will soon be to show the EU is serious when it comes to concluding EU-mediated talks between Kosovo and Serbia. Using a stick of sanctions only towards Kosovo was unwise. Unhelpful,” Selimi said.

Specialist Chambers confirm receiving letter from Haxhiu about Thaci (media)

The Specialist Chambers of Kosovo in the Hague confirmed today they received correspondence from the Ministry of Justice for not allowing former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci to attend his father’s funeral. “We confirm that the Specialist Chambers have received correspondence from the Kosovo Ministry of Justice on this matter. We don’t disclose details about our correspondence if it does not become part of a public file,” a spokesperson for the court told RTK.

Kosovo’s Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, recently said that the court’s decision not to allow Thaci to attend his father’s funeral was unfair.

Serbian Language Media

Vucevic writes to US Vice-President Vance, backs Vucic's initiative (Tanjug)

Serbian caretaker Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said on Thursday he had sent a letter to US Vice-President JD Vance in support of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's initiative for US investigative authorities to get involved in an examination of allegations of the use of a "sound cannon" or a similar device during a March 15 protest in Belgrade, Tanjug news agency reported.

In an Instagram post, Vucevic wrote that he had thanked Vance for everything the American people had done for the Serbs in crucial historical periods during two world wars as well as after them.

"I reminded the esteemed vice-president of all the cultural ties connecting our two states and highlighted a full readiness of the Serbian leadership to open new chapters in Serbian-American relations", Vucevic said.

He added that he had also expressed support for Vucic's initiative for US investigative authorities to get involved in an examination of what he noted were false claims by opposition media outlets about alleged use of a "sound cannon" or another similar device during the unregistered March 15 protest.

"I look forward to a new era of development of Serbian-American relations and renewed close ties that have graced our relations for over a century", Vucevic also wrote in the post.

Petkovic meets Bunford, says military agreement of Croatia, Albania and Kosovo undermines regional stability (Kosovo Online, social media)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Pekovic met with Hungarian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Zsolt Bunford, Kosovo Online portal reported.

During the meeting Petkovic informed his guest about recent events in Kosovo, in particular noting that soon it would be 12 years since agreement to establish Community of Serbian Municipalities, which Pristina refuses to do, although it is an obligation it undertook based on Brussels Agreement and the EU was guarantor to it.

Petkovic also spoke of the recent agreement on military cooperation between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia. Petkovic warned that this agreement directly violates the valid subregional agreement on arms control and, as he said, represents an open provocation of Belgrade and Serbian people in Kosovo and as a consequence may undermine regional stability, peace and security.

Petkovic informed Bunford about institutional pressure and challenges faced by Serbs in Kosovo, noting that Pristina unilaterally, with use of force, closed a number of Serbian institutions providing basic services to the people across Kosovo, including social allowances, salaries, pensions and the social aid. He said the closed institutions should have been the basis of the Community of Serbian Municipalities, but it has been clear that Pristina authorities have no intention of forming it. 

Traffic signs allowing movement in opposite directions of two-way street placed at roundabout in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)

North Mitrovica has seen recenlty new pedestrian crossings in green and white colors, and a vertical traffic signalization in addition to the horizontal ones.

This time, the new traffic signs include the one allowing movement in opposite directions as well, placed at the roundabout, although it is about a two-way street, KoSSev portal reported.

Mitrovica North municipality started work on traffic signalization in this city on March 6.  On the same day green and white pedestrian crossings were painted in the center of the city, and in days after in other parts as well. Parking places of vehicles and taxi drivers have been marked, the portal recalled.

KoSSev video on the sign is available at: https://shorturl.at/8Mitw

KoSSev portal reported later in the day, the problematic signs had been removed. 

“Constructive meeting” with Vucic or ignoring reality? Sharp reactions to Marta Kos’s statement (N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited Brussels, where he met with the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Following their meeting, Vucic said that Serbia remains committed to strengthening cooperation and stability in the region, while Kos described the meeting on social media platform X as “constructive”.

“I emphasised that enlargement is a whole of society process. This is not possible without strong civil society and independent media,” Kos wrote in an X post.

Protests in Serbia have been ongoing for over four months, and following a recent protest deemed one of the largest in the country’s modern history, demonstrators claim that the regime used state violence against them, reported N1 Slovenia.

Disappointed with the European Union’s position, many feel abandoned by Brussels, a sentiment reflected in the sharp reactions to Kos’s post after her meeting with Vucic.

During their meeting, Kos discussed with Vucic concrete steps Serbia needs to take towards EU accession and reiterated expectations for Belgrade to clearly confirm its European orientation.

“I had a constructive meeting with President Vucic. I emphasised that enlargement is a whole of society process. This is not possible without strong civil society and independent media. It is the best way forward,” wrote Kos.

However, many social media users reacted negatively to her post.

“Anything short of calling for the terrorists Vucic to resign can be seen as an act of hostility towards Serbia,” read one comment.

Others pointed out Brussels’ hypocrisy, arguing that anything involving Vucic cannot be constructive, with some directly pleading with Kos to refrain from such statements.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/3vf3xp5u

Rutte: Regional security, bolstering NATO-Serbia relations discussed with Vucic (Beta, N1, media)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he discussed in Brussels with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic further strengthening of relations between the two sides and the importance of maintaining security in the Balkans.

“Good follow up meeting with President Vucic in Brussels, after our call two weeks ago. We discussed the critical importance of upholding regional security as well as how to continue to bolster NATO-Serbia relations,” Rutte said in a post on X.

Dragisa Milenkovic: Prisoners were not mistreated in prison, but at State Security (DB) premise (Radio KIM)

Dragisa Milenkovic from Kisnica, near Gracanica, accused of allegedly committing war crimes against Albanian prisoners during the conflict in Kosovo, testified today at the Basic Court in Pristina of the acts he is accused of. Milenkovic, interviewed by his defense lawyer, said the prisoners were not physically mistreated at prison in Pristina, but in premises used by the Serbian State Security (DB) that were located next to the building where he worked, Radio KIM reported.

Milenkovic’s trial has been ongoing for the last 20 months, and his testimony came after the witnesses were interviewed. He described the functioning of the prisons in Pristina and Lipljan, from the moment of his employment in 1993 until the end of the conflict in 1999. He also said that during this period, the majority of those employed at these two prisons were of Albanian ethnicity, but the prisons were headed by a Serb, Lj.C.

He described the conditions in prison as relatively good, adding that political prisoners had separate cells – so called solitude cells, renovated in the mid 1990s. He also said the food provided to prisoners was good.

Asked by his lawyer, Dejan Vasic about allegations of physical mistreatment of the prisoners, Milenkovic said prison guards did not physically mistreat them nor were asked to do so by their superiors. However, as he said, they were obliged to escort prisoners, as per request of the State Security, to their premises which were “attached” to the very prison building in Pristina. There prisoners were subjected to interrogation but also to physical mistreatment, he added.

Asked by the lawyer if members of KLA were interrogated, Milenkovic responded “some five percent of them, only those who were of interest, but not others”.

“Key to the door leading to State Security was with us, the guards. Inspectors of the State Security will contact the shift leader and request the name of the person to be escorted to that and this room of the State Security, that was our job, to take that person and take him to the State Security, there we would receive a confirmation that “this or that” inspector took over the person, sign the confirmation which we take and then return back. This confirmation served as justification as if the court released that person”, Milenkovic explained procedure.

He also said the State Security had nothing to do with the prison, the only contact were that door they used to pass. He also said all the windows of the prison were facing the State Security building, most probably it was done that way so those in the prison could hear the persons interrogated by State Security.
Asked about claims of some witnesses that they “could hear the screams” and if “there were cases that prisoners were mistreated by State Security”, Milenkovic responded that “90 percent of prisoners were mistreated and interrogated in the State Security”, and that “some 10 percent of people, at least those that I escorted there, were not mistreated”. 

International academic community stands with students, professors in Serbia (Beta, N1)

Hundreds of professors worldwide, including some of the most renowned figures and Nobel Prize laureates, expressed solidarity with their colleagues and students in Serbia, voicing deepest concern over the violent incidents during the March 15 student-led protests in Belgrade, where peaceful demonstrators were “exposed to non-lethal weapons, resulting in injuries and severe distress.”

The targets were “peaceful demonstrators, including students and professors,” reads the appeal signed by 210 academics from across the globe, including Nobel Prize winners from the United States, the European Union, Great Britain, Brazil, and South Africa. Among them are Thomas Piketty, Slavoj Zizek, Nancy Fraser, Annie Ernaux, Etienne Balibar, and Judith Butler.

“The reports of an unexplained, powerful sonic disturbance causing mass panic and stampede-like movements among the crowd raise alarming questions about the tactics employed against peaceful citizens exercising their fundamental rights. This illegal deliberate use of means designed to incite fear, confusion, and disorder in a public gathering represents a grave violation of human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, the right to physical integrity, and ultimately, the right to life,” the appeal said.

The academics said that the student protests emerged “as a response to the tragic collapse of a canopy (at Novi Sad Train Station) that claimed 15 lives, a disaster that epitomizes the consequences of systemic corruption, institutional failure and lack of accountability.”

“Their (the students’) demand for the rule of law and functional institutions is not only justified but essential for preventing future tragedies and ensuring a just and responsible governance system,” they emphasized.

In addition to these concerning events, they also said they “strongly condemn the intimidation and smear campaign directed at the rector of the University of Belgrade.”

“The targeted attacks against the rector, who has stood in defense of academic integrity and students’ rights, have escalated into an open campaign led by pro-regime public figures calling for his arrest. This blatant attempt at intimidation represents a broader effort to silence critical voices within higher education and undermine the autonomy of academic institutions,” reads the appeal.

The signatories “call upon the Serbian authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the events of the protest, to hold accountable those responsible for the use of unlawful means against demonstrators, and to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and all citizens who engage in peaceful expression.”

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues and students in Serbia and urge universities, research institutions, and academic networks worldwide to join us in condemning this act and reaffirming our shared commitment to basic human rights,” the academics said.