Albanian Language Media:

• Another failed attempt to constitute the new Assembly of Kosovo (media)

• Bajrami: Ready to meeting the President to break institutional deadlock (AP)

• Haradinaj: We will address the Constitutional Court (media)

• Krasniqi: We will review AAK’s proposal (media)

• Kadrijaj: We have secured signatures to send ‘blockade’ to Constitutional Court (Indeksonline)

• Kurti congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his election (media)

• Osmani meets new OSCE Ambassador to Kosovo, Gerard McGurk (media)

• Torres: Russia, China disinformation aims to destabilize Western Balkans (media)

• Osmani and UK ambassador talk about creation of institutions (media)

• Commerce Chamber: Suspend decision to enter free energy market (media)

• Rohde criticizes Vucic's participation in Russia's military parade (RTK)

   

Serbian Language Media: 

• Macut lays wreath at Monument to Unknown Hero to mark WWII Victory Day (Tanjug)

• Vucic congratulated the new pope (Danas, Beta)

• Vulic: I expect continuity in the Vatican's foreign policy, including non-recognition of Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

• Vucic meets Al-Sisi in Moscow (Kosovo Online)

• Part of facade on building in Mitrovica North city centre collapsed again, no one injured (KoSSev)

• Serbian students start 14th stage of marathon to Brussels (N1)

International:

• Kosovo’s Kurti sued for keeping Prime Ministerial post despite resigning (BIRN)

• Twelve years of the Brussels agreement: what remains of Its original promise? (Sbunker)

Albanian Language Media 

Another failed attempt to constitute the new Assembly of Kosovo (media)

For the thirteenth time in a row, members of the Kosovo Assembly today have failed to constitute the new legislature, after refusing for the fourth time to form a committee that would hold a secret vote on the new Assembly Speaker. The new assembly session will be held on 11 May.

Bajrami: Ready to meeting the President to break institutional deadlock (AP)

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Hykmete Bajrami said on Thursday that the LDK is ready to take part in meetings called by President Vjosa Osmani to break the deadlock in the Assembly. “We have put a proposal on the table [for a national transitional government], and we are certainly open to be part of meetings to bring the country out of the institutional deadlock. Everything also depends on the purpose and the reason of the meeting,” Bajrami told reporters. 

Haradinaj: We will address the Constitutional Court (media)

Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), has warned that this party will address the Constitutional Court regarding the latest decisions in the Assembly.  "We have already prepared a request for evaluation. We will address the Constitutional Court with a request to evaluate the constitutionality of the decisions made in the Assembly. So, as in the case of the non-voting of the committee for secret ballot and all other previous decisions based on the minutes of the sessions", he said.

He indicated that they are also in consultations with PDK and LDK. "Today we are also in consultations with the PDK and LDK, so that 10 MPs can go to court," said Haradinaj, adding that efforts are being made to send this issue to the Constitutional Court today.

Krasniqi: We will review AAK’s proposal (media)

PDK leaderMemli Krasniqi commented on AAK’s proposal to send the latest decisions of the constitutive session to the Constitutional Court. After the Assembly session was adjourned, Krasniqi said that PDK will review this case and then make a statement. “I have not seen the case yet, I was just informed. Regarding sending certain cases to the Constitutional Court, PDK, during the mandate of the former Kurti government, sent 11 and won 11 (cases). So, we have the required expertise to assess whether something should be sent. We will review it without prejudice and will get the opinion of PDK experts, and then we will communicate with colleagues from AAK,” Krasniqi said.

Kadrijaj: We have secured signatures to send ‘blockade’ to Constitutional Court (Indeksonline)

AAK MP, Time Kadrijaj, said that they have secured 10 signatures to send the “stalemate” in the Kosovo Assembly to the Constitutional Court. She said that in addition to the five signatures of AAK, LDK MPs also provided signatures since there must be a minimum of 10 to address the Constitutional Court. “We have secured the signatures for Monday for this constitutional violation of switching from open voting to secret voting in the middle of the process. We consider that it is a legal violation, and we will address the Constitutional Court. We also have the signatures of LDK. Since today is Friday, we will also gather other signatures on Sunday session, be it from communities or PDK and we will proceed,” she said.

Kurti congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his election (media)

Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election. “Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church on his election. May his papacy bring compassion and unity in times of great change,” Kurti wrote in a post on X.

Osmani meets new OSCE Ambassador to Kosovo, Gerard McGurk (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met on Thursday the new Ambassador of the OSCE Mission to Kosovo, Gerard McGurk. She wished him a warm welcome and success in his new mandate. She expressed gratitude for the long and stable partnership that the OSCE has built with the institutions and people of Kosovo. She emphasised the key role that this mission has played in strengthening democracy, promoting good governance and advancing the rule of law in Kosovo.

Osmani reiterated Kosovo’s commitment to close cooperation with the OSCE in the process of reforms, institutional transparency and human rights. President Osmani further emphasised that she expects the OSCE to continue to support Kosovo's key priorities, including gender equality and support for marginalised groups.

Torres: Russia, China disinformation aims to destabilize Western Balkans (media)

European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, said in a post on X that in his report on Kosovo, he paid “extra attention to security. Russia and China disinformation aim to destabilize the region and hinder the Western Balkans’ European Union path. The European Parliament urges to respond more forcefully to these external threats”.

Osmani and UK ambassador talk about creation of institutions (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani received today the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves. According to the announcement of the presidency, they discussed the latest political developments in Kosovo, with a special focus on the need for the rapid establishment of the institutions, after the February 9 elections. They also reaffirmed their mutual commitments to strengthening relations.

According to the announcement, part of the meeting was dedicated to the Berlin Process, which will be organized this time by the United Kingdom. Osmani reiterated the need to prioritize the issue of enforced disappearances on the agenda of this process, as a moral and legal obligation that cannot be ignored in the context of sustainable peace in the region. "Also, the importance of further cooperation within the framework of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda was emphasized, seeing the opportunities for an even more active role of the United Kingdom in supporting the role of women in peace and decision-making processes," the announcement states.

Commerce Chamber: Suspend decision to enter free energy market (media)

The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (OEK) has asked the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) to suspend the decision for businesses to enter the free energy market starting on July 1 this year. “The private sector has over 330,000 workers and entering this [free energy] market in the current circumstances could send many businesses on the verge of bankruptcy because of the financial inability to cover the current prices of the market,” OEK said in its public letter to the ERO. 

OEK further argued that local production could lose its competitiveness in relation to imported products, and risk their penetration in regional and European markets, as a result of a declining demand for products from Kosovo with the growing cost and the high energy tariffs. 

Rohde criticizes Vucic's participation in Russia's military parade (RTK)

The German Embassy in Kosovo, with the European Union Office, organized an event in Kosovo on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe and the liberation of Germany. The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, expressed strong criticism regarding the participation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Russia's military parade, noting that such actions, especially those coming from a country in the process of accession to the EU, misuse the common history for propaganda and send a dangerous signal in today's unstable geopolitical climate. 

Ambassador Rohde reflected in his speech on a day that brought liberation from Nazi tyranny and the beginning of a new era – both for Germany and for Europe. 

Serbian Language Media

Macut lays wreath at Monument to Unknown Hero to mark WWII Victory Day (Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister and presidential envoy Djuro Macut laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Hero on Mt Avala near Belgrade on Friday to mark May 9, the Day of Victory over Fascism in WWII, Tanjug news agency reported.

"Eternal glory and gratitude to the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of the fatherland", Macut wrote in the memorial book.

Victory Day commemorations mark the capitulation of Nazi Germany on May 9, 1945.

Vucic congratulated the new pope (Danas, Beta)

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, congratulated last night on the election of the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, saying Belgrade will remain committed to nurturing strong ties with the Vatican, reported Danas. 

"I am convinced that your pontificate will be marked by commitment to peace, the fight for brotherhood among peoples, prudence in decision-making, and especially the nobility that, as a special seal and legacy, was left behind by your esteemed predecessor," wrote Vucic on X.

He added Serbia "will remain committed to nurturing strong ties with the Holy See, in order to work together for the benefit of all people."

Vucic said in his post that Pope Leo XIV, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, "undertakes a lofty and difficult duty at a time when humanity is at one of the greatest turning points in history."

"We are witnessing the collapse of the principles of law, justice, humanity and morality, while people are looking for security and comfort in spirituality and wise leadership, and human and Christian values face numerous challenges and temptations," said Vucic.

Vulic: I expect continuity in the Vatican's foreign policy, including non-recognition of Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

Milos Vulic, a doctoral student at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade and a specialist at the Pontifical Gregorian University in the Vatican, said that with election of new head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, he expects continuity in the Vatican's foreign policy, including its stance of not recognizing Kosovo, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Vulic notes that the Vatican adheres to diplomatic principles that support Serbia’s position, particularly the fact that Kosovo is not recognized by the United Nations.

“That is a very important fact. In that sense, I expect continuity in the Vatican's foreign policy. Not only because the new Pope Leo XIV follows the foreign policy line of his predecessor, Pope Francis, but also because foreign policy will largely be shaped by the Secretary of State, who I believe will remain the same, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is very familiar with our stance, not only on our southern province, but also on the threats to our people in Kosovo and Metohija and our religious heritage. In that regard, this election is very good for our country”, Vulic told the portal.

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

Vucic meets Al-Sisi in Moscow (Kosovo Online)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met last evening at the Kremlin with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, where they discussed, among other topics, the overall cooperation between the two countries, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Vucic stated on his Instagram official account that the brief meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening cooperation between Serbia and Egypt.

"A brief meeting with President Al-Sisi – an opportunity to once again confirm our commitment to enhancing overall cooperation between our countries. Grateful for the friendship we share with Egypt", Vucic wrote in a post.

Part of facade on building in Mitrovica North city centre collapsed again, no one injured (KoSSev)

Part of the façade on the residential building in Mitrovica North city centre collapsed today, while firefighters managed to remove the other part that was under threat of further collapsing, KoSSev portal reported. This building is located near the Tzar Lazar Monument, and the firefighters intervened on it several times already over the same issue.

“The part of the façade from this building in Kralj Petar Street collapsed, and the other one was under the threat of collapsing. Firefighters managed to remove that part which was under risk”, commander of Mitrovica North firefighters unit Ranko Ristovic told the portal.

Although the firefighters handled the problem today, Rankovic warns that a solution to this building must be found. “Façade would have to be repaired at a specific moment. This is not our first intervention here, parts of it are falling apart”, he said.

No one was injured and no material damage was caused on business premises located in front of this building, the portal added. 

Serbian students start 14th stage of marathon to Brussels (N1)

Serbian student runners set out on the 14th stage of their relay marathon to Brussels on Friday after spending a day of rest in Strasbourg, N1 reported.

Friday will see them running 115 kilometres to Saarbrucken where they will be met by local Serbians who are preparing a welcome gathering as in other cities along the way. The gathering organizers are including the 16 Minutes of Silence memorial for the victims of the Novi Sad railway station tragedy.

The next day will see them covering 93 kilometres to Luxembourg and then on for the hardest leg of their marathon across the Ardennes to Liege in Belgium before the last leg to Brussels. The students told N1 that they would be in Brussels for 3 days, adding that they will have meetings with European Commission and European Parliament officials.

International

Kosovo’s Kurti sued for keeping Prime Ministerial post despite resigning (BIRN)

The opposition Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) filed a lawsuit on Thursday against outgoing Prime Minister Albin Kurti, alongside some of his ministers, for maintaining their government roles despite resigning last month.

The move comes amid continuing political deadlock in Kosovo, where there is still no new government even though parliamentary elections were held on February 9. Vetevendosje came first in the polls, but did not get the amount of seats needed to govern alone. Wrangling between Vetevendosje and the opposition has continued since then.

The 17 lawsuits filed by the LDK allege that Kurti and his fellow cabinet members from the Vetevendosje party are illegally using government resources, even though they resigned from their posts shortly before being sworn in as MPs in March.

“They have said they have resigned but continue to be present in the offices,” LDK MP Hykmete Bajrami told media on Thursday after filing the lawsuits.

“We have requested access to documents. Some have been provided, some have not. It is now up to prosecutors to investigate,” she added.

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

Twelve years of the Brussels agreement: what remains of Its original promise? (Sbunker)

In 2013, Serbia and Kosovo signed their first ground-breaking agreement within the EU-led dialogue: the First Agreement on Principles Governing Normalization of Relations (commonly known as the Brussels Agreement).

Over half of the Brussels Agreement’s 15 articles focus on the Association/Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities and the integration of police, judiciary, and local elections, highlighting its emphasis on integrating the Serb community into Kosovo’s institutional framework.

The Brussels Agreement marked a turning point in Serbia-Kosovo relations by initiating high-level talks between their prime ministers, with the dual aim of normalizing bilateral relations and integrating the Kosovo Serb community, especially in the north.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/Um06C