Albanian Language Media: 

• Last chance for Assembly constitution before court’s deadline (media)
• Court imposes temporary measure until August 8, prohibits all MP actions (media)
• Former President Hashim Thaci’s interview from The Hague (Klan)
• US sees opportunity for economic cooperation with Kosovo, wants removal of barriers (RFE)
• Maqedonci announces future purchases from company that supplied Kosovo with “Bayraktar” drones (Reporteri)
• Osmani in farewell meeting with UN Coordinator (RTK)
• Hargreaves at CEC, discuss local elections (RTK)

Serbian Language Media: 

• French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: We hope for swift release of Igor Popovic (media)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Russia demands immediate and unconditional release of Igor Popovic (Tanjug, RTS)
• Kidnapped and Missing Persons’ Families Association demand apology from Orahovac mayor, say Popovic spoke on behalf of victims (TV Most, Radio KIM)
• Djuric, Russian Ambassador discuss Igor Popovic's arrest (Tanjug, media)
• Djuric after meeting Li Ming: Arrest of Popovic an attempt to suppress culture of remembrance and rewrite history (media)
• Djuric met OSCE Mission Head, discussed situation of Serbs and their rights in Kosovo (media)

International Media: 

• Deadlock deadline: Time running out for Kosovo MPs to end parliamentary stasis (Balkan Insight)
• Public apathy in times of crisis: Citizens trapped between disillusionment and inaction (Prishtina Insight)

Albanian Language Media 

Last chance for Assembly constitution before Constitutional Court deadline  (media)

The diplomatic corps is expected to attend today’s parliamentary session, which represents the last opportunity to constitute the Assembly before the deadline set by the Constitutional Court, which expires on Saturday. The news was also announced by the German Embassy in a media statement: “Since tomorrow is the final opportunity to constitute the Assembly before the Constitutional Court’s deadline, Ambassador Rohde, together with other international colleagues, plans to attend the session in parliament,” the announcement reads.

Constitutional Court imposes temporary measure until August 8, prohibits all actions by MPs (media)

The Constitutional Court has ruled on the request submitted by MPs from the PDK and LDK regarding the secret vote and the process of constituting the Assembly of Kosovo. According to the decision published today, MPs are prohibited from taking any action after the expiration of the 30-day deadline for the Assembly’s constitution. The ruling emphasizes the imposition of a temporary measure.

“TO IMPOSE ex officio a temporary measure by which any decision and action by the elected MPs of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo related to the Constitutive Session is prohibited after the expiration of the 30 (thirty) day deadline, as set out in paragraph 2 of point II of the operative part of Judgment KO124/25;

II. TO ORDER that the temporary measure enters into force on July 27, 2025, and remains effective until August 8, 2025;

III. TO NOTIFY the parties of this Decision;

IV. TO PUBLISH this Decision in the Official Gazette, in accordance with Article 20.4 of the Law;

V. This Decision enters into force on July 27, 2025,” the Constitutional Court states.

Former President Hashim Thaci’s interview from The Hague (Klan)

Thaci said during the interview that he is in The Hague’s cells not because he made any wrong plans, but because of who he was, whom he represented, and how he represented them—and, as he put it, “perhaps also who I am.” He expressed strong faith in justice, saying that historical narratives and political agendas in democratic systems are not answered through prisons.

Asked if he regretted his persistence to establish the Specialist Chambers, Thaci said that the establishment was not a mood of an individual, but a responsibility. "Kosovo was faced with two challenges: either to establish this court itself in coordination with the United States and the European Union, or to have the same court imposed on it by the UN Security Council, with an active role by Russia and China, but which would also be supported by the U.S. and the EU," he said.

"The handicap of this court is the lack of a legislative oversight mechanism that would diligently shift the barometer in favor of real, not alleged or imaginary, facts. Facts must be assessed based on legal conviction, not interpreted according to desire or predetermined bias," said Thaci.

Thaci stated that no international intervention has been more successful than NATO’s in Kosovo, emphasizing that without the leadership role of the U.S., Kosovo might still be a province of Serbia. “No international intervention has proven more successful than in Kosovo. It’s an undeniable fact—it was a joint effort by the U.S., NATO, the EU, and the UN. But without the leadership role of the U.S., Kosovo might still be a province of Serbia,” Thaci said.

Thaci emphasized that the leadership role of Washington in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue is irreplaceable: “The European Union is still not unified in recognizing the state of Kosovo, appears lethargic and delayed when it comes to Western Balkans integration, except for Albania and Montenegro.”

“The unwillingness of five EU member states to recognize Kosovo seems to be encouraging Serbia to behave badly toward Kosovo,” Thaci said.

Thaci stated that it is concerning that in the last five years, Kosovo has received only two new recognitions and has not gained membership in any international organizations. “The return of President Trump represents a new golden opportunity for Kosovo and the entire Western Balkans. Trump is clearly committed to peace and cooperation among peoples.”

“Let us recall, Kosovo’s second-to-last recognition came from Israel, due to the direct work and engagement of President Trump and Ambassador Grenell,” Thaci said.

He stated that a final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is essential, but according to him, the international community should correct the mistakes made in recent years during this process. “Whether knowingly or unknowingly, they allowed the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia to become an electoral tool in both countries. This not only failed to improve relations between the two states and peoples but also caused division within the politics and societies of both countries. This process can only succeed when it has a clear and meaningful Western agenda,” he said adding that until a few years ago, relations between Kosovo and the international community had a monumental clarity — but not anymore.

According to him, only the integration of Serbs represents success for Kosovo, while anything else would be an internal failure with consequences. “The return of Serbs to local institutions, government, parliament, police, the justice system, healthcare, education, etc., is vital for the state of Kosovo. Only their integration means success for Kosovo. Anything else would be an internal failure with consequences for Euro-Atlantic integration,” Thaci stated.

Thaci also addressed the Banjska attack in Zvecan, which occurred on September 24, 2023. He wondered how over 80 uniformed and armed individuals managed to enter tens of kilometers into Kosovo’s territory without detection or intervention. “How did the quiet departure of these individuals happen in broad daylight, as if they were ‘guests of freedom’ and not attackers of freedom and the state?” Thaci asked.

He emphasized that Kosovo had both the “stick and the carrot” in this situation, meaning both the power to act and the opportunity to engage. He concluded that only a deep and transparent investigation, in cooperation with international partners, can reveal the full truth behind what led to the Banjska incident.

Thaci warned that “it takes only individuals from one generation to gangrene the state and society, with consequences that could take decades to heal on a civil level.” "We must not allow short-term agendas to jeopardize long-term geopolitical goals. We must strengthen the state for our justice and good, not out of hatred toward anyone," said Thaci.

He spoke about his cooperation with the United States of America and with Western countries. “If anyone interprets the realization of the People’s will for Freedom, Independence, the founding of the Kosovo Army just a few years ago, recognition by 119 states, and integration into international organizations as obedience or servility on my part toward the U.S. and the West, not only do I not feel accused, I feel deeply honored. I am not ungrateful!” Thaci said.

He further shared his opinion on the situation in Kosovo, emphasizing that “there must be more love for the state and the people, more dialogue, tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect.”

“Political differences should serve as motivation for higher-quality work. A state can be built even amid opposition, but that opposition must be understood and respected as a competition for better work, not used to obstruct one another, with Kosovo paying the price. Leaders are temporary. Kosovo is eternal,” Thaci said.

He praised Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama saying that Albania today is on the right path, destined to have a secure Western future, and according to him, Rama is making the European history of the Albanian people.

Asked if he would be active in politics upon his return, Thaci said that he does not miss political activity, while sarcastically adding, “perhaps politics doesn’t miss me either,”and emphasized that he does not present himself as a political competitor or threat to anyone. “I will do what my heart desires. Political life is not a preoccupation and I don’t miss it. I am more than fulfilled; I’ve been a student leader, freedom fighter, opposition leader for years, several times Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and President. Duties to the homeland don’t end until the last breath of life,” said Thaci.

US sees opportunity for economic cooperation with Kosovo, wants removal of barriers (RFE)

The United States told Radio Free Europe that there are significant opportunities for economic cooperation with Kosovo in several strategic sectors, and that removing trade barriers would further strengthen these ties. “We see opportunities for economic cooperation in Kosovo in several sectors, including energy, defense, infrastructure, information and communication technology, and cybersecurity. Removing barriers to U.S. exports would lead to increased trade,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Pristina told Radio Free Europe. “We encourage both the public and private sectors in Kosovo to continue seeking economic opportunities and investment in the American market, and we urge the government to promote a transparent and stable environment for U.S. businesses looking to expand in Kosovo”.

The news website notes that this position is in line with Kosovo’s recent efforts to expand economic cooperation with the U.S., especially following the recent visit of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani to Washington. In meetings with senior US officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Osmani highlighted the importance of creating a new economic partnership, focusing on energy, defense, and IT sectors. Radio Free Europe also learned that cooperation in the mining sector was among the topics discussed.

The news website also notes that currently, Kosovo imposes a 10% tax on goods imported from the US. In early April this year, Osmani called on the Kosovo government to suspend this tax but the tax remains in effect. Osmani also said that her office had prepared a draft law for the removal of the tax, but the approval depends on the constitution of the new Assembly.

The spokesperson for the US Embassy emphasized that stability and security in the region are key to economic prosperity. Quoting Deputy Secretary Landau, he said: “our missions around the world are ready to help businesses and foreign investors connect with our American public and private partners to leverage our leading companies, technology, and workforce”.

Maqedonci announces future purchases from company that supplied Kosovo with “Bayraktar” drones (Reporteri)

Caretaker Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, has announced from Turkey that there will be future purchases from the Turkish company “Baykar,” from which Kosovo has been supplied with the “Bayraktar” drones. Maqedonci revealed that during his visit to Turkey, he met with Haluk Gorgun, the Head of the Secretariat of National Defense Industries of Turkey, with whom they discussed future plans and the possibility of continuing procurement with companies like Baykar and many others. “The visit to the Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) was an excellent opportunity to closely observe the innovations these companies offer, which are essential for enhancing the capabilities of our army. Thank you for the support so far, and I’m excited for the joint projects that lie ahead!” Maqedonci wrote.

Osmani in farewell meeting with UN Coordinator (RTK)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, held a farewell meeting with the United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo (UNKT), Ms. Arnhild Spence, on the occasion of the end of her mandate. Osmani expressed gratitude for the valuable contribution of the UNKT and other UN agencies in areas such as gender equality, transitional justice, human rights, the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and more.

The meeting also addressed the operationalization of the Presidential Commission for Transitional Justice and the next steps to be taken. The importance of women's participation in local elections and their engagement in public and political life was also discussed. "In conclusion, President Osmani thanked Ms. Spence for the successful cooperation during her mandate and wished her success in her future endeavors," the Presidency announced.

Hargreaves at CEC, discuss local elections (RTK)

The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves met on Thursday with the head of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Kreshnik Radoniqi. “Today I met with the Chair of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi. We discussed preparations for the upcoming local elections and the need for all actors to fully respect the laws and procedures that underpin Kosovo’s democratic processes. The United Kingdom continues to strongly support Kosovo’s institutions and their vital role in upholding democracy and the rule of law,” Hargreaves wrote.

Serbian Language Media

French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: We hope for swift release of Igor Popovic (media)

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Thursday expressed hope for swift release of Igor Popovic, Office for Kosovo and Metohija Assistant Director, Kosovo Online portal reported. Popovic is currently held in detention in Gnjilane.

“France reiterates its support for the European-facilitated dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo. This requires that negotiators and their teams be able to move freely and safely in both territories. France hopes for the swift release of the Serbian deputy negotiator, Igor Popovic”, the Ministry said in a statement. France also called on both parties to refrain from any unilateral actions that could jeopardize the continuation of the dialogue and welcomed the efforts of the EU Special Representative in this regard.

Meanwhile, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric expressed his appreciation to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs after it said it hopes for Popovic’s swift release.

Botsan-Kharchenko: Russia demands immediate and unconditional release of Igor Popovic (Tanjug, RTS)

Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko said on Thursday Russia demands immediate and unconditional release of the Office for KiM Assistant Director, Igor Popovic and return to dialogue, based on mutual respect within the agreed formats, Tanjug news agency reported.

"We are deeply concerned about the latest developments related to the unscrupulous act of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina, which arrested the Serbian Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija Assistant Director, Igor Popovic. It is obvious to anyone who is at least slightly familiar with what happened in the province in 1998-1999 that this step is politically motivated. We are sure this is part of a broad campaign of intimidation of the Serbian population of Kosovo and Metohija and their expulsion from centuries-old places", the Russian Embassy said in a statement.

The continuation of this process, it is added, will inevitably lead to dangerous consequences, for which the responsibility will be not only “on so-called Kosovo authorities", but also those who consciously incite the violence carried out by Pristina.

Kidnapped and Missing Persons’ Families Association demands apology from Orahovac mayor, say Popovic spoke on behalf of victims (TV Most, Radio KIM)

Association of Missing and Kidnapped Persons’ Families in Kosovo expressed on Thursday embitterment and concern over declaring Serbian Government official Igor Popovic “persona non grata” by Orahovac Municipal Assembly, due to his presence and paid tribute to the Serbian and Roma victims in this municipality, adding it was a shameful attempt to silence the voice of justice and prevent any remembrance of the sufferings of Serbian people, TV Most reported. 

As the statement said “Popovic was speaking on behalf of victims, mothers who are still searching for mortal remains of their children, on behalf of sisters who were left without brothers, on behalf of families who were decimated with the crimes committed against Serbian civilians”. The Association also said the decision of Orahovac municipality to declare Popovic “persona non grata” is not only an attack on victims' families, but also attack on the fundamental human rights, truth and dignity of all those who perished.

The families of the victims demanded urgent apology from Orahovac mayor over, as the statement emphasized, insult caused to families and all those honoring the truth, as well as unconditional release of Igor Popovic who took part in a commemoration ceremony solely to support families of those who perished, arrested without any grounds for criminal prosecution.

“Our silence can no longer be taken as a weakness. We will not allow it to be banned from the right to truth and remembrance. We will not stop speaking on behalf of those whose lives were forcefully taken – until justice is served”, the Association said in a statement. 

Djuric, Russian Ambassador discuss Igor Popovic's arrest (Tanjug, media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met with Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko on Thursday to inform him of developments in Kosovo and, as the statement said, the unfounded and illegal arrest of Office for Kosovo and Metohija Assistant Director Igor Popovic by Pristina authorities, noting that Popovic's urgent release from custody was the primary objective, Tanjug news agency reported.

"Igor Popovic's arrest is not only a gross violation of fundamental human rights and a breach of legal procedures and proceedings, but also political persecution and a continuation of a broader campaign of intimidation, humiliation and pressure on Serbs in the province, which has especially intensified in the past three years", Djuric said. He noted that Popovic, as a Serbian official and a member of Belgrade's negotiating team in the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina, had been detained just because the Albin Kurti regime had a problem with the truth he had said at a commemoration of Serb victims in Orahovac.

Djuric again thanked Moscow for its firm and principled position on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and for understanding the gravity of the position of Serbs in Kosovo, as well as for the years-long support provided to Serbia on those issues within international organisations, the statement said. 

Djuric after meeting Li Ming: Arrest of Popovic an attempt to suppress culture of remembrance and rewrite history (media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric informed  Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Li Ming, Thursday of the latest developments following the arrest of Igor Popovic, Office for Kosovo and Metohija Assistant Director. The Minister also expressed gratitude for China’s principled support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, reiterating that Serbia also firmly supports the One China principle and China’s sovereignty over its entire territory, reads the MFA statement.

Djuric said Popovic was arrested after a memorial ceremony in Orahovac for allegedly inciting hatred in his speech, in which he said that members of the KLA killed 47 Serbs and Roma in 1998. He added that such actions  - apart from being blatant violations of rights and civilizational norms - are intended to reshape historical events according to the narrative of the Pristina authorities, rather than based on facts, and to suppress the culture of remembrance.

“The terrorist nature and numerous crimes of the KLA”, Minister Djuric recalled, “are well documented on the international political stage, including in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1160, and proceedings are currently underway before the Specialist Chambers in The Hague against four former political leaders of Kosovo Albanians for crimes committed in 1998 and 1999. He emphasized that the KLA had also been listed in the U.S. government’s registry of terrorist organizations”, the statement added.

Djuric stressed dialogue with representatives of Pristina is not possible under the current circumstances and Serbia is counting on support of all relevant international stakeholders to ensure Popovic’s swift release.

Djuric met OSCE Mission Head, discussed situation of Serbs and their rights in Kosovo (media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met on Thursday with new OSCE Mission in Kosovo Head, Ambassador Gerard McGurk, to discuss the increasingly difficult situation in Kosovo and systematic pressures exerted on the Serbian population there, Kosovo Online portal reported.

During the meeting Djuric warned of the escalation of Pristina’s activities, including physical attacks, threats, home raids, all aimed at intimidating the Serbian community in Kosovo and creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. These actions have led to the displacement of nearly 20 percent of the Serbian population from northern Kosovo in recent times, Serbian MFA said in a statement. He called on the OSCE Mission to urgently take steps, in line with its mandate, to halt the escalation and ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Serbian people. 

The Serbian Foreign Minister also noted that Pristina authorities, by beginning construction of two bridges on the Ibar River, are further increasing pressure on the Serbian community. This move, he said, is perceived as a direct security threat to the predominantly Serbian population in the north.

Djuric stressed that Serbia remains committed to dialogue and the implementation of what was agreed upon in the Brussels Agreement. However, he also pointed out that Pristina, through its unilateral actions, is seriously undermining the process and has persistently avoided, for 12 years now, fulfilling its obligation to establish the Community of Serb Municipalities.

International Media 

Deadlock deadline: Time running out for Kosovo MPs to end parliamentary stasis (Balkan Insight)

When the Constitutional Court's one-month deadline for Kosovo MPs to finally inaugurate a new parliament runs out on Saturday, it will be up to the top court to chart a new course. Kosovo MPs will convene on Friday for the 52nd and potentially last time to inaugurate the institution they were elected in February to represent – the country’s parliament.

Since April 15, when they convened for the first time, they have failed to do so, despite clocking in every 48 hours at the chamber – only to fail in the task and leave a few minutes later. Friday’s session might change the parliament’s fortunes one way or another.

Another failure to inaugurate will drop the ball firmly in the hands of the Constitutional Court, which is expected to chart a fresh path – a thing it avoided doing in its earlier verdict on June 26, when it ruled that MPs must constitute a new parliament within 30 days.

Read at: https://shorturl.at/sGnGf

Public apathy in times of crisis: Citizens trapped between disillusionment and inaction (Prishtina Insight)

Kosovo sociologists say that years of public passivisation have triggered resounding societal silence to the prolonged political crisis which has marred Kosovo for more than three months.

More than three months have passed since Kosovo entered an institutional crisis caused by failure to constitute its Parliament.  This crisis has been further exacerbated by a number of events impacting the daily lives of citizens including rising electricity prices, increased cost of basic goods, a series of tragic workplace deaths, and controversial police conduct.

Aside from a few exceptions - mainly civil society groups and a number of individuals - there has been very little public reaction to the situation.

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