UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 22, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani: Serbia carrying out ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Presevo Valley (EO)
Osmani commemorates Dubrava Prison massacre (media)
Citaku: We will express our viewpoints to Kallas (Gazeta Blic)
Svecla meets Prattipati, talk ministry’s engagements, current situation (media)
AmCham Kosovo Executive Director meets Grenell (media)
Hamza meets Hargreaves, discusses the need to form new institutions (media)
Krasniqi meets PDK’s Political Council, discuss political stalemate (Klan)
Police arrest two suspects in anti-terror operation (Koha)
Police apprehend three Serbs with nationalistic insignia and drone (media)
IMF concludes review of Kosovo’s financial facilities (media)
AKB: Protests are inevitable, we cannot accept this energy injustice (Express)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic with Kallas: Protection of Serbs in Kosovo a priority, CSM a prerequisite for progress in dialogue (Kosovo Online, media)
Kallas continues visit to Belgrade, meets with Macut, Brnabic (media)
Stefanovic: Parliamentary opposition told Kallas Serbian Government doesn’t want EU membership (N1)
Serbian Army Chief of Staff says situation in Kosovo, region discussed in a National Security Council session (RTS)
Petkovic: Rohde's statement confirms who is behind Kurti in closing Serbian institutions (Tanjug, Blic)
Serbian Red Cross President: We requested ICRC protection for our employees, volunteers and facilities in Kosovo (Tanjug, media)
Vatican: Luigi Bianco the new delegate for Kosovo, we do not recognize the independence of Kosovo (Radio Mitrovica sever, RTS)
UN High Commissioner after his visit to Serbia: I am stunned by polarization of society (Insajder, FoNet, N1, KoSSev)

Opinion:

Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue: A litmus test for the EU’s geopolitical ambitions (BIRN)

International:

Kosovo's political stalemate could put EU funds at risk, trade body warns (Reuters)
IMF approves further 25.4 mln euro to back Kosovo reforms (SeeNews)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani: Serbia carrying out ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Presevo Valley (EO)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said on Wednesday that there is an ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Presevo Valley in Serbia through administrative means. “It is well known and has been confirmed by the reports of the U.S. State Department and the reports of the European Parliament that what is happening against Albanians in Serbia is ethnic cleansing with administrative means. They are doing this by removing them from voters’ lists, revoking their citizenship and through many other violations of basic rights which are in complete opposition with Serbia’s international obligations and international conventions. I have raised this issue at the European Council and the European Parliament, and we keep addressing this topic on the international arena. Kosovo is a model not only in terms of protecting the rights of minority communities but also guaranteeing rights that are difficult to find in EU member states. On the other hand, there is a repressive system in Serbia. I have been supporting the concept of reciprocity of rights for over a decade, because this would mean that the same rights guaranteed for minorities in Kosovo should be guaranteed for Albanians in Presevo Valley too. But Serbia has continuously rejected this and has shown no interest in protecting the rights of minorities there, but this doesn’t mean we should stop demanding the protection of rights of Albanians there,” Osmani argued.

Osmani commemorates Dubrava Prison massacre (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani commemorated today the massacre in Dubrava Prison in May 1999 when for five days in a row 120 Albanian prisoners of war and political prisoners were killed and 300 others were wounded. She said the massacre “remains an open wound in our collective memory but also an unerasable proof of the brutality of the Serbian genocidal state against the Kosovo Albanians”. “They were killed only because they were engaged for the right to live free in their lands. Instead of being protected, they became targets of a systematic crime, which 26 years later still awaits justice,” Osmani said in a Facebook post.

Citaku: We will express our viewpoints to Kallas (Gazeta Blic)

Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Vlora Citaku, said in an interview with the news website that PDK representatives will express their viewpoints to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas during her stay in Kosovo today. “Regrettably, thanks to the irresponsible approach and stubbornness of MP Kurti, Kosovo has been under sanctions for two years now, and without a parliament and government for three months. Kallas is coming to Kosovo at a time when the new Assembly is not being constituted because of the positions of one political party. In such circumstances, there can be no high expectations from visits of international officials. We will meet Kallas and we will express our viewpoints,” Citaku said.

Svecla meets Prattipati, talk ministry’s engagements, current situation (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister of Interior Affairs, Xhelal Svecla, met today with U.S. Embassy Charges d’Affaires Anu Prattupati. “We discussed the engagements of the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the current situation in our country. I remain committed to our continuous cooperation based on the best interests of our countries,” Svecla said in a Facebook post.

AmCham Kosovo Executive Director meets Grenell (media)

Several news websites report that American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo Executive Director, Arian Zeka, met with U.S. Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, Richard Grenell. “I appreciated the opportunity to discuss prospects for economic growth and stronger U.S. economic engagement in Kosovo and the wider region,” Zeka said, emphasizing that Ambassador Grenell played a key role in the Washington Agreement.

A press release issued by the AmCham notes that the 2020 Washington Agreement signed under the leadership of President Donald Trump, marked a significant milestone in promoting regional economic cooperation and improving bilateral relations.

Hamza meets Hargreaves, discusses the need to form new institutions (media)

Mitrovica Mayor Bedri Hamza said in a Facebook post today that he met with UK Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves and “discussed the need to form the new institutions at the central level and political developments in our country. The United Kingdom is a strategic partner of Kosovo, and we are very grateful for their continuous support”.

Krasniqi meets PDK’s Political Council, discuss political stalemate (Klan)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasnqi, met today with the Political Council of the PDK. They discussed the political stalemate in Kosovo, socio-economic challenges, organizing the party on the verge of the local elections as well as the developments at the Specialized Chambers in Hague. “In such a sensitive period for the country, we feel safer and more determined when we have this kind of political elite close, ready to give opinions, help with the experience, and contribute responsibly to the future of Kosovo. Grateful for the discussion and engagement of each of them,” Krasniqi wrote in a post on the Facebook platform.

Police arrest two suspects in anti-terror operation (Koha)

Kosovo Police carried out a successful anti-terror operation early this morning, arresting two persons suspected of being involved in activities related to inciting division, intolerance and spreading terroristic propaganda. Police said in a statement that the operation was carried out by members of the Anti-Terror Department in close cooperation with the Special Prosecution of Kosovo. “The police operation included two separate cases that resulted with three controls in the municipalities of Fushe Kosove and Malisheva, and the arrest of two suspects,” the police statement notes. The two arrested are suspected of spreading propaganda and ideologies of terrorist organizations through social networks and incited hatred and division between communities.

Police apprehend three Serbs with nationalistic insignia and drone (media)

Kosovo Police apprehended late on Wednesday night in Gracanica three Serbs and found in their vehicle nationalistic insignia and a drone. The three persons were sent to the police station in Gracanica and an investigation has been initiated for the criminal offence of “inciting hatred, division or national, racial, religious or ethnic intolerance”.

IMF concludes review of Kosovo’s financial facilities (media)

Most news websites cover a press release issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which notes that the IMF Executive Board completed the Fourth and final review of Kosovo's Stand-By and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements. The completion of the review makes available SDR 13.352 million (€16.08 million) under the SBA and SDR 7.744 million (€9.32 million) under the RSF.

The objectives of both programs have been successfully achieved. The economy has maintained healthy growth, inflation has notably decelerated, fiscal buffers have been rebuilt, and reforms have accelerated.

Building on the progress made under the programs, the authorities should continue with prudent fiscal policies, strengthen the fiscal framework, and advance structural reforms in the fiscal and financial sectors.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Fourth and final review of Kosovo's Stand-By and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements. The authorities have consented to the publication of the staff report and associated documents. The completion of the review makes available SDR 13.352 million (€16.08 million) under the SBA and SDR 7.744 million (€9.32 million) under the RSF. This will bring the total disbursements under the RSF to SDR 61.95 million (€74.61 million). The SBA, which so far has been treated as precautionary by the authorities, amounts to SDR 80.122 million (€96.50 million).

Kosovo's economic performance continues to be strong. In 2024, growth was 4.4 percent, driven by household consumption, supported by strong private credit and rising wages. Inflation decelerated sharply, reaching an average of 1.6 percent in 2024 down from 4.9 percent in 2022. The external current account deficit widened to 9 percent of GDP, as increases in consumption and investment led to higher imports; growth of remittances slowed. In 2025, despite heightened external uncertainty from rising trade tensions, growth is expected to remain strong at 4 percent, with inflation stabilizing at 2 1⁄4 percent.

Program implementation under both arrangements has been strong. All quantitative performance criteria for end-December 2024 were met. All indicative targets for end-December 2024 and for end-March 2025 were also met. Two structural benchmarks for this review—implementation of a cash forecasting function within the Treasury and the development of a roadmap for adopting the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process to assess bank risk profiles—were implemented. The remaining RSF reform measure to launch an auction for the construction and operation of the wind power plant has also been implemented.

Following the Executive Board's discussion, Bo Li, IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

"The Kosovo authorities have successfully implemented a Stand-By Arrangement and an Arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The SBA supported the authorities' economic program to reduce inflation and sustain strong growth, while safeguarding the economy against adverse shocks. The RSF supported the authorities' ambitious climate reform agenda.

"Prudent fiscal policies under the SBA, anchored in the authorities' rules-based fiscal framework, helped deliver low deficits and debt. In 2025, fiscal policy will aim to sustain growth amid heightened uncertainty, strengthen buffers against future shocks and continue addressing large developmental needs. An ongoing review of the fiscal framework seeks to align it with EU norms while supporting Kosovo's developmental objectives and maintaining fiscal discipline.

"The structural fiscal agenda has considerably advanced under the SBA. Revenue mobilization has improved through broadening the tax base, leading to higher tax collection. Public financial management reforms have enhanced capacity to assess fiscal risks, improved the quality of fiscal reporting, and increased fiscal transparency. Strengthening the public investment management system will help to further boost execution rates of public investment.

"The Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK) has been driving forward critical reforms to enhance governance and institutional quality, develop the financial sector and strengthen resilience. The banking sector continues to expand rapidly providing vital support to economic activity while maintaining strong capitalization, liquidity, and profitability. The CBK is strengthening its ability to monitor risks related to rapid private sector credit growth.

"Reform measures implemented under the RSF have been instrumental in advancing the authorities' ambitious strategic energy goals, including expanding renewable generation capacity, reducing pollution, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing regional cooperation. The authorities remain committed to making continued and meaningful progress across all these areas."

AKB: Protests are inevitable, we cannot accept this energy injustice (Express)

The Kosovo Business Alliance (AKB) in a meeting today expressed deep concern over the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) to force around 1,300 businesses to move from the universal energy provider to an open energy market starting from June 1 and for the 16 percent increase in energy tariffs. The AKB said the decision is unacceptable and that it represents a strong blow to the private sector, especially to producers and providers of local services, who are already faced with major financial difficulties and an uncertain market. They argued that businesses will have to pay around an additional €50 million every year and that the cost will ultimately fall on Kosovo’s residents as a result of increased prices and loss of jobs.

The Alliance said that the decision should be postponed at least one year, that businesses should be included in decision-making consultations and that the new tariffs must be immediately reviewed. “If our requests are ignored, the AKB may undertake democratic and firm measures of protest, including protests with employees on the main roads of Kosovo, the temporary closure of businesses and expressing dissatisfaction in main squares and in front of institutions. We cannot allow the energy policy to become a burden for the local economy and the ordinary customers,” they said.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic with Kallas: Protection of Serbs in Kosovo a priority, CSM a prerequisite for progress in dialogue (Kosovo Online, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hosted last night the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, who is visiting Serbia.

“A candid conversation with Kaja Kallas on key geopolitical issues, the security situation in the region, Serbia’s European path, and the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue”, Vucic wrote in a post on his official Instagram account.

He emphasized Serbia is committed to constructive dialogue under the auspices of the EU as a means of resolving outstanding issues, and that the protection of the Serbian people in Kosovo is an absolute priority.

“I recalled that establishment of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities is not only an agreed obligation, but also a prerequisite for further progress in the dialogue and any normalization of relations”, he added in a post.

Vucic and Kallas also discussed Serbia’s alignment process with the EU’s foreign and security policy. “I am confident that Serbia, as a country aspiring to EU membership, has the capacity to contribute to the preservation of peace, stability, and shared European values, while safeguarding its vital national interests. Serbia remains a reliable partner to all those who genuinely strive for cooperation, progress, and a common European future”, Vucic said.

Kallas continues visit to Belgrade, meets with Macut, Brnabic (media)

EU Foreign Policy and Security Chief Kaja Kallas on Thursday continued a visit to Belgrade, with meetings with PM Djuro Macut and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic.

Kallas also met with representatives of opposition parties and is due to hold a press conference at the end of the visit to Belgrade. The European External Action Service has announced Kallas would also travel to Pristina and Skopje.

Kallas, who arrived in Belgrade on Wednesday evening, was welcomed by FM Marko Djuric at the Nikola Tesla Airport and then met with President Aleksandar Vucic.

Stefanovic: Parliamentary opposition told Kallas Serbian Government doesn’t want EU membership (N1)

Borko Stefanovic, deputy leader of the opposition Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), said Thursday that the parliamentary opposition informed Kaja Kallas, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, that Serbia’s current leadership does not want Serbia to join the EU, N1 reported.

“Serbia wants it - this regime doesn’t”, Stefanovic told a press conference in the Serbian Parliament where opposition representatives met with Kallas. Noting it is not a standard diplomatic practice to disclose details from closed-door meetings, Stefanovic added that Kallas focused on what opposition representatives had to say on “how to move forward”. He said the opposition representatives also told Kallas that it is “a matter of when, not if President Aleksandar Vucic’s regime will fall”.

Kallas arrived in Serbia on Wednesday evening, where she is scheduled to hold separate meetings with top government officials, representatives of opposition parties, students, and civil society organizations. Following her stay in Belgrade, she will also visit Pristina and North Macedonia.

Serbian Army Chief of Staff says situation in Kosovo, region discussed in a National Security Council session (RTS)

Serbian Army Chief of Staff, General Milan Mojsilovic said after the National Security Council session held in Belgrade today that security and the situation in the region, Kosovo and some issues related to the guidelines and conclusions on these topics were discussed, RTS reported.

As far as the Kosovo issue was concerned, Mojsilovic said discussion focused on daily mistreatment of Serbs not only in the north, but also in the entire Kosovo.

"We are witnessing daily, unprecedented, unilateral moves that threaten minorities, in this case Serbs. In political terms, this has been expressed as harassment by Pristina institutions. This issue has deserved the attention not only of the Council, but also more broadly, in terms of defining conclusions and guidelines", Mojsilovic said.

He added the members of the Council defined tasks related to the Serbian Army, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Internal Affairs.

"To that end, it remains for the competent institutions and bodies in the Republic of Serbia to deal with the operational and other positions that are placed before us, through the form of conclusions, directives and tasks that have been defined today, he added.

Petkovic: Rohde's statement confirms who is behind Kurti in closing Serbian institutions (Tanjug, Blic)

The Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, said that the statement of the representative of Germany in Pristina, Jorn Rohde, that "the structures of the parastate must disappear" confirms who is behind the PM in the technical mandate, Albin Kurti in the closure of Serbian institutions in Kosovo.

"In the end, Rohde said what he had supported all along. Now it has been publicly confirmed who is behind Kurti in closing Serbian institutions, banning the dinar and denying Serbs' rights in Kosovo! Brutal trampling of international law and the resolution 1244! ", wrote Petkovic on the X network.

Serbian Red Cross President: We requested ICRC protection for our employees, volunteers and facilities in Kosovo (Tanjug, media)

President of the Red Cross of Serbia, Dragan Radovanovic said today that facility of the Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija in Zubin Potok, ceased to work and is no longer available to the members of the Red Cross, following the raid of Kosovo police, Tanjug news agency reported. “Currently, this facility is out of function, as far as Red Cross is concerned”, he said.

Asked if Kosovo police are still present in the facility, Radovanovic responded that he does not have information about that as the facility is unavailable to the Red Cross.

He also said the Red Cross of Serbia has sent letters to International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Federation of the Red Cross and Permanent Commission of the International Red Cross with three requests – to ensure protection and safe work of volunteers and professional staff members in the Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija, to ensure protection of their facilities and equipment, as well as to protect integrity of the Red Cross in Kosovo.

He recalled that operations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent everywhere in the world are regulated with the 7 fundamental principles, warning that the raid of Kosovo police on the Red Cross facility in Zubin Potok has violated all 7 of them.

He listed recent activities of the Red Cross in Kosovo and its significance to the communities there. Over the last two months, 140 volunteers were trained in the facility in Zubin Potok in areas such as voluntary blood donation, responses and acts in cases of emergency and natural disasters, as well as first aid courses, adding that lack of such training would have a negative impact on the community. In 2023, Red Cross members assisted those affected by floods in Bosniak Mahala settlement in Mitrovica North and assisted 540 individuals.

Warning that their members work under difficult and delicate conditions in Kosovo he mentioned confiscation of 425 humanitarian packages in 2023 dedicated to the Gorani community in Gora area, adding that up to date this humanitarian aid was not given back and that staff members in Zubin Potok facility were exerted to pressure to remove signs with the name of institution and not wear insignia of the Red Cross which is internationally recognized organization.

Vatican: Luigi Bianco, new delegate for Kosovo, we do not recognize Kosovo (Radio Mitrovica sever, RTS)

Pope Leo XIV appointed Luigi Bianco as the new apostolic nuncio in Slovenia, who, like his two predecessors in that position, will also be the delegate in Kosovo, the Vatican announced and reminded that the Holy See does not recognize the independence of Kosovo, reported Radio Mitrovica sever, citing RTS.

In the statement, while reminding that "the Holy See does not recognize the independence of Kosovo", it is also said the Vatican in the past advocated for dialogue and moderation.

It pointed out that, however, there were repeated cases of violence recently, especially in the north of Kosovo, which is predominantly inhabited by Serbs, and UNESCO considers that the Christian Orthodox cultural heritage of Kosovo is threatened.

It is added that out of the approximately one and a half million inhabitants of Kosovo, about 250,000 belong to the Catholic Church, and they are mostly ethnic Albanians.

Bianco will succeed the Frenchman Jean-Marie Speich as nuncio to Slovenia and delegate for Kosovo.

UN High Commissioner after his visit to Serbia: I am stunned by polarization of society (Insajder, FoNet, N1, KoSSev)

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said during his two-day visit to Serbia that he was "stunned" by the deep polarization within society and lack of trust in state institutions and political actors, reported yesterday agency FoNet.

Turk, at a press conference after a two-day visit to Serbia, emphasized that protests "mainly led by students" have been going on in the country for more than six months, calling for transparency and responsibility for the tragedy at the Novi Sad train station on November 1 last year. He repeated the students' demands, adding that he spoke to the students and their professors at the University of Belgrade.

"I was impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of these young people. They expressed to me a strong desire for a free and democratic society and respect for human rights. Their voices should be heard and respected", emphasized Turk.

According to him, societies thrive when there is an open, free, and inclusive space for dialogue, where challenges can be safely discussed and criticism can be voiced without fear of retribution.

"Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are fundamental for society, especially when there is a sharp disagreement on important issues. It is necessary to find a solution, so that the exercise of these freedoms would not be opposed to the right to education," he said.

Turk said that during the conversation with the representatives of the authorities, he called for a transparent, quick, and thorough investigation of the tragedy in Novi Sad, as well as all allegations of violence against peaceful demonstrators.

When asked about the case of six detainees, three of whom were released under house arrest, Turk said that it had been discussed and that he hoped it would be resolved. He expressed the readiness of his office to conduct a fact-finding mission on the incidents at the March 15 demonstration.

Turk also said his office has received reports of attacks, harassment, intimidation, threats, and smear campaigns directed against human rights defenders and media workers, as well as reports of illegal digital surveillance and lawsuits being used for intimidation. He expressed concern about the increase in hate speech, both on the Internet and in traditional media, pointing out that sometimes even high officials are the ones who spread hate speech.

Speaking about transitional justice, Turk said a number of cases were still under investigation, and most of the convictions involved lower-ranking officials. Denial of war crimes and glorification of war criminals are unacceptable, and without genuine transitional justice, including truth and reconciliation, the wounds of the past will remain open, he warned.

Turk emphasized that he also discussed the state of human rights of non-majority communities in Kosovo with his interlocutors in Belgrade, noting that he is aware of the situation and will continue working on that issue.

He welcomed the fact that Serbia ratified almost all international treaties on human rights and recently acceded to the protocol of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but he assessed that it is necessary to strengthen national mechanisms for human rights and the independence of the judiciary.

Opinion

Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue: A litmus test for the EU’s geopolitical ambitions (BIRN)

Opinion piece by Donika Emini.

Success in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue would demonstrate the EU’s relevance as a strategic actor, just as it is being questioned elsewhere.

At a critical geopolitical juncture, the European Union finds itself navigating crises on multiple fronts.

In Ukraine, its influence remains secondary to that of the US and Russia; tensions with China have escalated into a full-blown trade war; and renewed instability in the Middle East continues to sideline the EU as a serious political actor.

As global power dynamics shift, the pressure is mounting on Brussels to define its geopolitical role – particularly in its immediate neighbourhood, where its enlargement agenda is being tested.

Amid these overlapping crises, one process often treated as peripheral still offers the EU a rare chance to lead: the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. It remains one of the few diplomatic arenas where Brussels retains a primary role and influence. Its success or failure will demonstrate the EU’s relevance – or lack of – as a strategic actor in Europe.

To comprehend the stakes involved, one must view the dialogue as part of the broader enlargement policy, a central pillar of the EU’s foreign and security strategy, particularly in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

While Ukraine and Moldova’s EU paths have accelerated under Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership of the European Commission, the Western Balkans have struggled to retain strategic significance.

As High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas’s political engagement in the Western Balkans could mark a turning point.

Her trip to both Serbia and Kosovo this week is an opportunity to revive a process largely stalled since 2020, with only sporadic progress punctuated by rising tensions and repeated crises.

But unless there is a serious shift in how Brussels and EU member states approach the process, the visit risks becoming another symbolic gesture. The EU must stop hiding behind the role of passive facilitator. This is the moment to assert political leadership with purpose and resolve.

Anything less will only deepen the cycle of stagnation that has come to define the dialogue. Brussels should know better by now. It has had enough time to learn from its own process.