UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 26, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani: U.S. support was the strong hand that helped us move forward (KSP)
Begaj in Dayton: Without the U.S., there would be no independent Kosovo (AP)
Kurti blames opposition for blockade: Secret voting the only solution (media)
PDK: No cooperation with LVV with regards to government (Sinjali)
Sejdiu: Inter-party dialogue is key to breaking the deadlock (media)
Kallas on her key messages during visit to the Balkans (media)
Kosovo Judicial Council chair describes meeting with Kallas (Klan Kosova)
“KSF with nearly 1,000 troops in US-led exercise Defender Europe 2025” (KSP)
GAP publishes report on “financial impact of EU measures on Kosovo” (media)
AmCham: Kosovo to consider removing customs tariffs on U.S. products (media)
Haradinaj remembers 27 Albanians killed by Serb forces in Prizren in ’99 (media)
Musliu: Serbia in Kosovo north educating youths in hatred, nationalism (media)
Shala says Kosovo Online medium “is a proxy structure used by Serbia” (media)
AJK, NWJK condemn Mayor Rama’s sexist remarks directed at journalist (media)

Serbian Language Media:

"Pupils in blockade" condemned incident in Mitrovica: Violence against students is an open violation of human rights (KoSSev, KiM radio)
Kovac: Pristina’s request to be a special guest not on agenda of PACE political committee (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, Blic, media)
Shala: “Kosovo Online portal serves Belgrade's hybrid operations through propaganda content” (Kosovo Online, FB)
Musliu after Mitrovica incident: “Serbian structures led by Radoicic fuel youth hatred and blind nationalism” (KoSSev)
Arsenijevic reacts to statements of Minister Svecla and Kosovo Police Director (social media)
Reaction of Petkovic to EULEX HoM statement on incident at Mitrovica North promenade (social media)
German Embassy on questions about incident in North Mitrovica: We can refer to statements of EULEX head (Alternativna)
New operational plan of Kosovo police to prevent sexual harassment: Five Serbian NGOs say they did not attend meetings (Alternativna)
Spasojevic enters plea agreement on ‘inciting discord’ charges (Radio KIM)
Students on Vucic: "How I betrayed the Serbian people - from Brussels to the Ohrid Agreement" (KoSSev)
Bajatovic: Annex on gas supplies signed with Russia, to remain in effect until Sept 30 (Tanjug)

Opinion:

BJEF – A Joint Expeditionary Force for the Balkans (RUSI/Albanian Post)

International:

Keir Starmer asks Kosovo to take Channel migrants as part of 'return hubs' plan (gbnews.com)
Monday Briefing from the Balkans (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani: U.S. support was the strong hand that helped us move forward (KSP)

Peace never comes by itself or isolated but through partnerships and alliances, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said at a dinner organized by the U.S. Congress and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. She expressed gratitude for the role of the United States and NATO for bringing peace to a region of Europe that “never knew peace before”. “But peace, as we have all learned, is fragile. Only several years after the Dayton Agreement and the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the same nightmare came to my country, the Republic of Kosovo. Not as an image on TV or audio on radio, but in real life, a nightmare came to our streets and homes. As we gather today on the topic of peace and prosperity, we need to start with a simple but powerful truth: peace is rarely inherited, but it is built, and it is constantly nourished and protected. But most importantly, peace never comes by walking alone or being isolated. Peace comes through partnerships and alliances. Today I represent the free and sovereign republic of Kosovo, a land whose voice was silenced in war, but which now speaks the language of hope, the language of peace and the language of gratitude,” Osmani said.

Osmani also said that “to the U.S. and all partners in NATO: your support has been the strong hand that helped us move forward. You gave as reason to stand as the most pro-American and pro-NATO country in the world. And to every U.S. soldier that walked our streets, protected our towns and guarded our hope, we see this with unwavering honesty: your service will not be in vain, and you will always have a home in Kosovo. Our peace and freedom are forever tied with your bravery, and we are eternally grateful”.

Osmani’s full address at: https://shorturl.at/pVxSL

Begaj in Dayton: Without the U.S., there would be no independent Kosovo (AP)

Albanian President Bajram Begaj said at the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton that without the U.S. leadership there would be no independent Kosovo, and the region would not reach its current stability.

“The Dayton Peace Agreement ended a brutal war in the Balkans, by remaining a cornerstone of peace, stability and hope … The United States of America played a historic role in securing peace three decades ago. Without U.S. leadership, the Dayton Agreement would not have been possible. Without U.S. leadership, we would not have an independent Kosovo. Moreover, our region would not have achieved its current stability without the sustainable engagement of the United States,” Begaj said.

Kurti blames opposition for blockade: Secret voting the only solution (media)

Kosovo’s Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has described the failure to constitute the Assembly as a deliberate impediment by the opposition. He said that the issue does not concern the name of the VV candidate. He said that delays are not related to the candidate for Speaker of the Assembly Albulena Haxhiu in this process, but the opposition's refusing of the secret ballot. “Albulena Haxhiu is neither concerned nor in question. The answer is the secret ballot, for which the opposition is unfairly and to the detriment of the state of Kosovo, preventing the quorum,” Kurti said in a statement to the media after the start of the scientific conference "Albanology Week”.

PDK: No cooperation with LVV with regards to government (Sinjali)

Naim Ismajli, member of the leadership of the Democratic Party of Kosovo said in a press conference today that there is no cooperation of any kind or contact with the Vetevendosje Movement. Ismajli’s statement was a response to the question of the journalist on whether the party is informed that LVV is contacting the MPs individually to ensure votes for the Assembly speaker.

“The leader of the party was very clear with regards to the position of the PDK. We have to understand that we are people, we might meet privately anywhere, because different family ties are not excluded. However, the leader has said and his statement stands, that we do not have any agreement or cooperation, and we do not have any contact in relation to the (forming) of government with Vetevendosje. It is very clear and readable,” Ismajli said.

Sejdiu: Inter-party cooperation is key to breaking the deadlock (media)

Former Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu writes in a Facebook post that inter-party dialogue and cooperation is key to breaking the deadlock and restoring a normal functioning of institutions. “The blockade over the election of the Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly is an unusual institutional and political situation. After 21 unsuccessful attempts, the Assembly remains nonfunctional and it paralyzes parliamentary life, and it prevents the formation of the new government. This situation shows lack of political consensus and readiness for compromise, and it directly damages institutional stability and the people’s trust in the democratic process. It is urgent for the government and opposition to show political maturity and flexibility, by engaging in serious dialogue to reach an agreement. Inter-party cooperation is key to unlocking the situation and restoring the normal functioning of institutions. If the crisis continues, this will threaten not only the work of the Assembly and the formation of the Government, but also political stability in the country. The consequences can include: new early elections, a crisis of trust in the institutions and damages to Kosovo’s international image,” Sejdiu argues.

Kallas on her key messages during visit to the Balkans (media)

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, posted on Instagram about her key messages during visits to Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia. “This week, I completed the second part of my visit to the Western Balkans. The Western Balkans is of strategic importance to the EU “Enlargement to this region is our most significant geopolitical project and it is also a personal priority for me. In particular, during my trip, I visited: Serbia - My message to the authorities in Belgrade was clear. I want to see Serbia advancing towards the EU. For that, political leaders must deliver the necessary reforms and clarify the strategic direction. This is best done by restoring trust and staying true to democratic principles. I also talked to engaged members of youth organizations and civil society. I heard their call and their aspirations — for fairness, for accountability. Their energy is needed to find a way forward. Kosovo - I encouraged all parties in Kosovo to break the political stalemate and swiftly form a government. Leaders need to set aside divisions and prioritize the future of Kosovo. North Macedonia - North Macedonia was the first country in the region to sign a Security and Defense Partnership with the EU, and the first to benefit from our Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. It belongs in our European family. Now it is essential to proceed on the EU path”.

Kosovo Judicial Council chair describes meeting with Kallas (Klan Kosova)

Chairman of the Kosovo Judicial Council Albert Zogaj, in an interview with Klan Kosova, talked about his meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas during her stay in Pristina last week.

“We think it was an exceptionally important visit during which she got direct information about the dynamics and the way we treated the resignation of judges and prosecutors from the Serb community. We had the most constructive and serious approach toward the situation, and we are closely following the issue, so it was a really good opportunity for us to inform her how the Judicial Council is treating the issue,” Zogaj said. “In fact, it seems that the KJC and Kallas share the same approach. We have left a door open for the return of judges and the judicial administration, and this is also a call by the European Union and our international partners”.

Zogaj also said that the main point of the meeting was “the understanding that the Republic of Kosovo has a completely independent judiciary”.

“KSF with nearly 1,000 troops in US-led exercise Defender Europe 2025” (KSP)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, said in an interview with the news website that Kosovo will take part with 1,000 troops in the US-led military exercise “Defender Europe 2025”. “Defender Europe 2025 is exceptionally important for our country not only because we will take part with KSF military troops in the exercise, and not only because we are among the 18 host countries, but also because of the fact that for the first time the U.S. Army for Europe and Africa has trusted the state, institutions and army of Kosovo to deploy the tactical command of the eight infantry division at Gjakova airport and this will command over all the brigades that will carry out exercises in the region of the Balkans,” he said.

Maqedonci said that the United States is Kosovo’s main partner especially in the area of defense. He also said that on June 13 at the Pentagon, he will sign the defense framework agreement, which he said, is the first of this level between Kosovo and the U.S.

GAP publishes report on “financial impact of EU measures on Kosovo” (media)

The Pristina-based research institute, GAP, published a report about the financial impact of the European Union’s measures on Kosovo. “Since June 2023 the European Union (EU) has imposed punitive measures against Kosovo, which have negatively affected bilateral relations and financial support from the European Union (EEU). Measures taken by the European Union against Kosovo have resulted in significant financial and development consequences, costing Kosovo about 613.4 million euros in projects that are suspended or deferred for an indefinite period. The work of the organs under the Stabilization-Association Agreement (MSA) was suspended until May 2025; funds for Kosovo under the Instrument of Pre-Membership (IPA) have been suspended; Kosovo’s proposals in the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) are not being reviewed by the WBIF Board,” the report notes.

According to the report, the most affected sectors by the EU measures include:

Possible losses for key sectors:

Environment - 350.7 million €

Energy - 114.4 million €

Digitalisation - 57 million €

Culture - 15 million €

AmCham: Kosovo to consider removing customs tariffs on U.S. products (media)

Following the recent decision of the U.S. administration to introduce a new tariff structure for imported goods, which also affects Kosovo, the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo believes that this is the right moment for Kosovo to consider implementing a unilateral preferential trade arrangement for the United States, completely removing customs tariffs on goods imported from this country. “The removal of this tariff would represent an important and proactive step towards expanding trade relations with the United States of America, which remains Kosovo’s closest strategic and economic partner. This measure would serve as a clear demonstration of Kosovo’s readiness to deepen bilateral economic ties and its commitment to the shared values of free and fair trade. It would also help to position Kosovo favorably in the future efforts to pursue a formal free trade agreement with the United States,” the statement reads among other things.

Haradinaj remembers 27 Albanians killed by Serb forces in Prizren in ’99 (media)

Most news websites report that leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj remembered today 27 Albanians that were killed by Serbian forces in May 1999 in one of the neighborhoods of Prizren and the burning of over 250 houses. “Kosovo paid a high price for freedom. Today, as every other day, it is our responsibility to see that justice is served for all Serbian crimes,” he writes in a Facebook post.

Musliu: Serbia in Kosovo north educating youths in hatred and nationalism (media)

Several news websites report that Agim Musliu, chairman of the board of Octopus, a Pristina-based institute for hybrid warfare studies, argued in a Facebook post that “Serbia through its illegal structures in the north, orchestrated by the terrorist Radoicic, is educating youths in hatred and blind nationalism”. Musliu, who shared a video of Serb youths waving the Serbian flag and changing Kosovo is the heart of Serbia, said that “when in the middle of the city there are calls like ‘Kosovo is the heart of Serbia’, ‘Booo Albanians’, ‘Kosovo, the heart of Milos’, this is not celebration but provocation. It is a message of intimidation against Albanians living there and against anyone that believes in coexistence and peace. Namely, instrumentalizing youths in the service of a dangerous political agenda by Belgrade. Our institutions must stop this normalization of hatred”.

Shala says Kosovo Online medium “is a proxy structure used by Serbia” (media)

Several news websites report that Drizan Shala, Pristina-based security expert, argued in a Facebook post that “Serbia is using proxy structures to destabilize Kosovo”. According to him, the Kosovo Online medium “is a proxy structure in the service of the state of Serbia, which acts with clear intentions for disinformation and seriously threatens the security and constitutional order of the Republic of Kosovo”. “Its actions do not represent the interests of Serb citizens living in Kosovo but are an instrument to carry out Belgrade’s political and criminal orders. These tendencies were clearly exposed with the efforts of Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic – who is known for his fascist and destabilizing narrative – to create interethnic tensions through this medium as a mediary structure. Nevertheless, in this case too, Kosovo Online will fail, as will all future efforts to undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty,” Shala writes.

AJK, NWJK condemn Mayor Rama’s sexist remarks directed at journalist (media)

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) and the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo (NWJK) said in a statement that they strongly condemn the use of inappropriate and sexist language by the Mayor of Pristina, Perparim Rama (LDK), directed at journalist Edona Gashi from the show Piranjat. “Using terms such as ‘sweetie’, ‘darling’, and similar expressions when addressing a journalist is not only unprofessional but also serves to downplay the seriousness of the issue being addressed and to undermine her professional credibility. This behavior clearly reflects the patriarchal and unsafe environment in which women journalists in Kosovo are forced to work on a daily basis. AJK and NWJK call on Mayor Rama to issue a public apology for this unacceptable conduct and to ensure full respect for the role of journalists and their right to seek answers in the public interest,” the statement notes.

Serbian Language Media

"Pupils in blockade" condemned incident in Mitrovica: Violence against students is an open violation of human rights (KoSSev, KiM radio)

After students in the blockade, solidarity with Serbian students and people in Kosovo, following the recent incident in North Mitrovica, was also expressed by the "Pupils in the blockade", i.e., the self-organized students of Belgrade grammar schools and secondary vocational schools. Pointing to a series of moves by Pristina in previous years, they asked official Belgrade to stand in defense of the Serbs, that is, to "finally direct the energy it often directs at students, pupils and citizens to real opposition to terror".

"We strongly condemn the brutal use of force by the so-called 'Kosovo Police' (KPS), which slightly injured one student during the celebration of the last school day of the high school graduates in Kosovska Mitrovica", the high school pupils stated.

They note that in the past four years, Pristina has been implementing continuous measures aimed at taking over management and security responsibilities in the four northern municipalities.

On the other hand, they emphasize that lack of a timely and effective reaction by official Belgrade and relevant international actors contributed to the creation of circumstances that can be characterized as the imposition of unilateral administration, "which causes justified concern".

"Institutions of the Republic of Serbia, including municipal administrations, bodies attached to ministries, health, educational and cultural institutions, as well as public companies, were systematically abolished, causing significant material damage, confiscation of buildings and property, as well as national humiliation of the Republic of Serbia," state the students of Belgrade grammar schools and secondary vocational schools.

They also referred to the abolition of the dinar, stating that the payment of salaries and pensions was directly threatened.

"The import of Serbian goods and medicines has been banned, Serbian driver's licenses, license plates and identity cards issued in the area of four northern municipalities have been cancelled. The work of the Post of Serbia, the services of Serbian telecommunications operators and banking institutions, as well as gas stations and cultural institutions, such as libraries, have been systematically disabled or abolished," high school students said, listing Pristina's recent actions.

They also recalled occupation of social welfare institutions, but also of municipal premises, while: "Representatives of Albanian parties were appointed as mayors and received only 3% of support, due to the boycott of the elections by the Serbian population".

In the end, the students turned to the official Belgrade, stating their demands.

"We demand that the institutions of the Republic of Serbia urgently use all available political, diplomatic and legal mechanisms in order to exert pressure on the international community to clearly condemn and prevent the further implementation of brutal violence against Serbian children and the population in the southern province. Violent treatment of minor students in Kosovska Mitrovica is an open violation of basic human rights and grossly insults the values of democracy, justice, and peace", they said.

At the same time, they expect from the official Belgrade energy "which often directs at internal social groups - students, pupils and citizens, to finally direct at real opposition to terror and illegal actions that undermine its sovereignty, constitutional order and dignity of the state".

Day earlier, students participating in blockades and protests across Serbia condemned the incident in North Mitrovica and expressed solidarity with Serbian students and people in Kosovo. "Violence against one of us is violence against all of us. We stand in solidarity with all compatriots who suffer injustice", they said.

An almost identical message was sent from yesterday's protest walk organized by students from Novi Sad, also with the aim of providing support to high school graduates from Kosovo. "You are not alone, we are here with you, and we want our voice to reach Kosovska Mitrovica, Zubin Potok, Leposavic, Gracanica, Klokot, Strpce, Gora and every Serbian enclave. This way we provide support to all minorities in Kosovo and Metohija and appeal to international institutions to protect them and ensure safety for everyone", said one of the students.

Kovac: Pristina’s request to be a special guest not on agenda of PACE political committee (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, Blic, media)

Elvira Kovac, a member of Serbian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), said that, for now, the request by Kosovo to obtain the status of a special guest was not on the agenda of PACE Political Committee session, to be held in Crete on May 26 and 27, reported Kosovo Online.

“There are no such indications in the official agenda, we’ve already received the third version - but we always need to remain cautious and follow developments closely. We will be meeting with PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos and several committee members, both from countries that do not recognize Kosovo and from those that do”, Kovac told Tanjug.

She added that the Serbian delegation continues to explain that formation of Association/Community of Serb-majority Municipalities was the precondition of all preconditions, and that now was certainly not the time for Kosovo to receive any kind of reward.

“We’ve held several discussions with the leadership of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and we must seize every opportunity to speak about the violations of human rights of Serbs and other non-Albanian minorities in Kosovo and Metohija, as this organization’s core value is the protection of human rights”, Kovac emphasized.

She recalled that during a previous session in Paris, there had been a proposal for Kosovo to receive special guest status, but that the Serbian National Assembly’s delegation, with the help of the president of the European People's Party political group, succeeded in having it removed from the agenda.

Also attending the session in Crete will be the rapporteur for Kosovo, Dora Bakoyannis, who- despite Belgrade’s opposition and its warnings that Kosovo continuously violates human rights - recommended in her report adopted by the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly that Pristina should become a member.

On this occasion, Serbia’s delegation will exchange views with the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and take the opportunity to speak with Dora Bakoyannis as well.

Shala: “Kosovo Online portal serves Belgrade's hybrid operations through propaganda content” (Kosovo Online, FB)

Kosovo Online portal reported that security expert Drizan Shala said this portal acts as an “extension of the Serbian state and participates in the destabilization of Kosovo through propaganda and manipulative content serving Belgrade’s hybrid operations”.

On Facebook, alongside a screenshot of an article published by the portal - which reported on Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic’s statement regarding the actions of a Kosovo police officer against a Serbian high school graduate in North Mitrovica - Shala accused the portal of being “a proxy structure serving the Serbian state” and part of “a broader campaign to destabilize Kosovo through information”.

He also criticized Dacic, calling him “a known promoter of a fascist-leaning narrative who instrumentalized media such as Kosovo Online to incite interethnic tensions”.

Shala claimed that “Kosovo Online does not represent the interests of Kosovo Serbs but rather carries out the directives of the political-criminal establishment in Belgrade, using disinformation and targeted efforts to undermine Kosovo’s constitutional order”.

“However, even in this case, Kosovo Online is failing, just as it will fail in future attempts to undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty”, Shala wrote.

According to the portal, in the comments below his post, some FB users called on the Kosovo police and prosecutor’s office to shut down the portal.

In a previous post, Shala also commented on an article reporting the reaction of a group of civil society organizations to the same incident. He claimed the article is “a classic example of hybrid propaganda aimed at creating a narrative of Serb victimization in Kosovo, criminalizing Kosovo’s security institutions, encouraging ethnic tensions in sensitive areas, and discrediting constitutional authority and the rule of law.” “This article is not just disinformation. It is an operational tool of the hybrid war Serbia is waging against Kosovo”, Shala alleged.

He further argued that Kosovo Online uses “emotionally charged terminology without concrete evidence”, and that civil society organizations sharing this version of the events are “covert tools of Serbian intelligence structures”.

“Kosovo’s institutions must identify, expose, and neutralize these forms of hybrid penetration. A sophisticated counter-strategy and the strengthening of strategic communication - especially on the diplomatic front - are needed”, Shala said.

However, Shala had previously been interviewed by the same portal, where he commented on the security situation in Kosovo.

In recent days, the portal has also faced criticism from Serbian Telegram channels for its editorial policy, which they claim is “in deep conflict with the official policy of Belgrade and UN Resolution 1244.”

The editorial board of Kosovo Online, in the last paragraph of this article, called on the relevant institutions and journalist associations in both Serbia and Kosovo to respond to such targeting of media and to ensure unhindered work for all journalists and editors. The protection of journalists and media freedom must be an absolute priority in any democratic society.

Musliu after Mitrovica incident: “Serbian structures led by Radoicic fuel youth hatred and blind nationalism” (KoSSev)

KoSSev portal reported that Agim Musliu, founder of the Octopus Institute, strongly condemned the recent celebration by Serbian high school graduates in North Mitrovica.

“Slogans like ‘Kosovo is the heart of Serbia,’ ‘Vidovdan,’ and ‘Boo Albanians’ are not a celebration - they are an incitement”, Musliu said. According to him, Serbia is “educating youth in hatred and blind nationalism” and using such events “to intimidate local Albanians and undermine peace and coexistence”. “Serbia, through its illegal structures in the north, led by the terrorist Radoicic, is educating the youth in hatred and blind nationalism“, he also said. As he said, this was “instrumentalization of youth in service of a dangerous political agenda from Belgrade. Our institutions must stop the normalization of hatred”.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/8b3nxm6k

Arsenijevic reacts to statements of Minister Svecla and Kosovo Police Director (social media)

President of Serbian Democracy, Aleksandar Arsenijevic, reacted on Sunday, posting on Facebook his response to the press conference of Kosovo police director Gazmend Hoxha and statements of Kosovo Interior Minister in technical mandate Xhelal Svecla made in relation to incident which happened on Friday in Mitrovica North.

“Svecla and Hoxha said today three fingers and chanting “Kosovo is Serbia” are a provocation. Therefore, Serbian high school graduates are spreading hatred and endangering the constitutional order.

At the same time, the Prime Minister of Kosovo is saying “Kosovo is Albania” and Minister Aliu that “Kosovo is a temporary project”, and the police are posting on TikTok hundreds of videos from the north, with content that promotes Albanian domination.

However, it seems that Serbs who are barely of legal age without any institutional role are a bigger threat to Kosovo’s constitutional order than the highest officials of institutions or armed official institutions of force.

Let’s not get into the incidents where the Albanians in the north provoke the local population with flags, songs, and eagles and how the police do not react to it.

Gentlemen, first arrest your police officers and government officials if the goal is really to preserve the “territorial integrity of Kosovo”.

And here is a video from the cafes in question, how the majority Serbian population is being provoked from that same promenade”, reads Arsenijevic's FB post.

Reaction of Petkovic to EULEX HoM statement on incident at Mitrovica North promenade (social media)

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic in a post on X social platform commented on the reaction of EULEX Head of Mission Giovanni Pietro Barbano to the incident that happened in Mitrovica North on Friday.

“Clear, timely and direct reaction by (the EULEX Head of Mission) Giovanni Pietro Barbano @EulexHoM deserves attention. But, what about the other representatives of the international community (Quint and EU) in Pristina are nothing but silent about the brutal KP attack against the Serb child who celebrated prom! They are the first in line to condemn the Serbs, but they are nowhere to be seen when they should condemn the violence of (Albin) Kurti and his police”, Petkovic said in a post.

Reacting to the incident at Mitrovica North promenade on Friday, the chief of EULEX Giovanni Barbano said that he was “deeply shocked and condemned the excessive use of force displayed today by a member of the KP against a young boy in North Mitrovica. ½”. He also said he expressed his concern to Kosovo police leadership and remains convinced that those responsible for this unacceptable act will be held accountable in line with the rule of law.

German Embassy on questions about incident in North Mitrovica: We can refer to statements of EULEX head (Alternativna)

The German Embassy in Pristina did not want to directly comment on the incident during the graduation celebration of Serbian students in the northern part of Mitrovica, when, according to videos appearing in the public, a Kosovo police officer grabbed a student by the neck, reported portal Alternativna.

"We can only refer to the statements made by General Barbano, head of the EULEX mission," it was written in a short answer for Alternativna from the German Embassy.

The portal said it sent a series of questions to the embassy regarding the incident during the graduation celebration of Serbian students in North Mitrovica, when a police officer, according to the available footage, grabbed one graduate by the neck.

The Alternativna's questions related to how the embassy evaluates the actions of the police officer, whether it believes that the reaction of the Kosovo police was proportionate and impartial, and whether the selective treatment of the participants in the incident indicates unequal treatment of ethnic communities?

The portal also asked if the embassy would seek additional clarifications from Kosovo institutions, as well as how such incidents affect efforts to promote security, tolerance, and equality for all communities in Kosovo?

New operational plan of Kosovo police to prevent sexual harassment: Five Serbian NGOs say they did not attend meetings (Alternativna)

As of last Friday there will be additional patrols of Kosovo police aiming to prevent cases of sexual harassment in Mitrovica North. Kosovo Minister of Justice in technical mandate Albulena Haxhiu called on women to report the cases during her visit to Mitrovica North on Friday, Alternativna.com portal writes.

Kosovo police for the region north prepared a special operational plan involving two police officers in patrols deployed each to five streets in the city, while during the night four or more plainclothes officers will patrol there. Details of the plan were presented by Kosovo police deputy commander for the region north Veton Elshani.

In an interview with KoSSev portal Kosovo Minister of Justice in technical mandate Albulena Haxhiu said on Friday they had a meeting with police, court, and prosecution representatives. She noted the Ministry of Justice undertook all initiatives regarding this issue in cooperation with civil society organizations. She also said civil society organizations from Mitrovica North were present at these meetings, adding she is very open to strengthening cooperation with all organizations coming from Mitrovica North, or other Serb-majority regions. She also announced additional meetings on this issue with civil society organizations. Haxhiu in an interview with KoSSev did not provide details about which civil society organizations she met from Mitrovica North.

Alternativna.com portal reached out to the five, Serbian civil society organizations, Aktiv, CASA, ACDC, New Social Initiative and InTer, who were the most vocal in warning of cases of the sexual harassment and seeking their resolution, to ask if they were part of these meetings.

Representatives of all five CSOs said that was not the case.

“We found out from the media about some phantom meeting with NGOs in the north”, Aktiv said in its replay.

“We demand such meetings be public”, CASA said.

The portal also asked Kosovo police deputy commander for the region North, Veton Elshani if civil society organizations were consulted regarding police operational plan to prevent sexual harassment and if yes, which one, to what Elshani briefly responding that they were, but did not provide details which one civil society organizations were present.

The five above mentioned civil society organizations were also asked by the portal if they attened the meetings with Ministry of Justice and Kosovo police regarding operational plan to prevent sexual harassment in the north, to which they replied that they had not taken part in such meetings.

“The NSI did not attend any meeting with institutions as far as the sexual harassment or operational plan was concerned”, New Social Initiative told the portal.

Other four also confirmed they did not have meetings related to the operational plan. Aktiv and CASA said the only meeting they attended and related to the sexual harassment was the one organized by the Civic Energy Centre in Mitrovica North, where there were talks about “neighborhood watches” and where representatives of Kosovo police and EULEX were present.

Alternativna.com portal then again reached out to Kosovo Minister of Justice, in technical mandate Albulena Haxhiu seeking additional clarification. The portal asked Haxhiu the following questions – which civil society organizations from the north she met with, was the invitation for the meeting extend to the organizations that pointed out the issue of sexual harassment (CASA, NSI, Aktiv, InTer, ACDC) and weather she encourages women, in case they experience sexual harassment to document it with their phones in order to have evidence for it?

By the time of publication of the article, all questions remained unanswered, the portal added.

Spasojevic enters plea agreement on ‘inciting discord’ charges (Radio KIM)

Stefan Spasojevic from Dren village, in Zubin Potok municipality, entered a plea agreement on inciting discord charges today at the Basic Court in Pristina, Radio KIM reported.

As the indictment from October 14, 2023 reads Spasojevic is accused of “inciting hatred, discord and intolerance among the ethnic groups in Kosovo, aiming at disrupting public peace and order, as well as undertook concrete actions in this regard as during the police check up, he was wearing a black t-shirt with inscriptions of nationalistic content”.

On the front side of this t-shirt, as police said, a map of Kosovo with inscription “We do not give you away, the land of Dusan” was imprinted (in reference to the Serbian medieval ruler, Emperor Dusan the Great, with seat of kingdom in Prizren), while on the back side of the t-shirt was inscription “Ravna Gora Movement – Ibarski Kolasin”, which, as it was said, represents “a name of political movement with nationalistic content and messages that incite ethnic intolerance in Kosovo”.

According to Spasojevic’s plea agreement the recommended sentence envisages 6 months in prison which would be commuted to a financial fine in the amount from 2.500 to 3.000 euros.

Spasojevic’s defence lawyer Shyqyri Syla asked the court to take into consideration mitigating circumstances in this case, such as regret and apology of the defendant and issue the fine in the amount of 2.500 euros. The verdict is expected to be passed at 13.30 today.

Students on Vucic: "How I betrayed the Serbian people - from Brussels to the Ohrid Agreement" (KoSSev)

Students in the blockade of the Law Faculties of the Universities of Novi Sad, Nis and Kragujevac published the statement entitled "How I betrayed the Serbian people - from Brussels to the Ohrid Agreement", referencing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, reported KoSSev.

Just as the name suggests, the students analyzed the policy of the current government and the signed or negotiated agreements in this period, concluded at the end that this is about - "high treason". Students criticized the signing of the Brussels Agreement, accusing the current government of abandoning the interests based on UNSC Resolution 1244.

However, they see Vucic's signing of the Washington Agreement as the "strongest and most painful blow" to national interests. "When this agreement is viewed completely objectively, it is clear that the Republic of Serbia, with the signature of its president, has tacitly and de facto recognized the so-called Republic of Kosovo as an independent state, which entails criminal-legal responsibility for the signatory", they say.

In their analysis, they also referred to the Ohrid Agreement, which they interpret in a similar tone, that is, they said it is "catastrophic". And it is "catastrophic" because, according to law faculty students, the commitment was made that de jure recognition of Kosovo is necessary for entry into the EU. "The current president of the Republic of Serbia is part of an agenda that can be called treason in multiple returns", the students said among other things, calling on Vucic once again to call for extraordinary parliamentary elections, reported KoSSev.

Bajatovic: Annex on gas supplies signed with Russia, to remain in effect until Sept 30 (Tanjug)

Srbijagas CEO Dusan Bajatovic said an annex to an existing natural gas arrangement with Russia had been signed on Friday to extend the deal until September 30. The annex secures 6.1 mln cubic meters of gas a day for Serbia at a price of 290 euros per thousand cubic meters, Bajatovic said, Tanjug news agency said.

As already announced, there will be no price increases for small consumers and the price for businesses will be even lower under the new arrangement, barring any major market disruptions, he said.

The current arrangement expires at the end May and the terms are unchanged in the annex, with the price agreed according to the oil formula, Bajatovic told the RTS. He said the price of natural gas was currently at 360 euros per 1,000 cubic meters. "That means we have fared well", he added.

He also said the next round of talks on Russian gas supplies would be held from June 18 to 21, at the St Petersburg Economic Forum.

Opinion

BJEF – A Joint Expeditionary Force for the Balkans (RUSI/Albanian Post)

By Baroness Helic and Luke Coffey for the Royal United Services Institute

Decades of peace building could unravel in the Balkan region under the influence of Russian 'grey zone' activities unless a multinational security platform can mobilise against the tide.

At the 2014 Wales Summit, the UK country spearheaded the formation of a multi-national military partnership – the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The announcement elicited only a moderate degree of attention and reaction at the time. But more than a decade later, it has proven to be a remarkable and surprising success in keeping the peace in Northern Europe.

An often overlooked but strategically vital part of Europe – the Western Balkans – now stands at a critical turning-point. Decades of peacebuilding risk being undermined by secessionism and increasingly militant local nationalisms, both emboldened by Russian interference.

Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania are in NATO – but as long as Bosnia and Kosovo remain outside of the Alliance, they will remain deeply vulnerable to external interference. In the absence of their membership in the trans-Atlantic community, these two countries have remained the prime target of Serbian and Russian meddling in recent years. This could cascade into greater instability, and even warfare, in the Balkans.

This situation can be changed by thinking outside the box.