Albanian Language Media: 

• EP: Kosovo to make reforms to move closer to EU, open  new chapter in talks with Serbia (media)
• PDK open to dialogue: Solution, new government by former opposition (media)
• Kosovo Presidency reacts to Vucic’s visit to Moscow (RTK)
• Gervalla in Warsaw alongside EU Foreign Ministers (RTK)
• Barduani and Jashari discuss security situation (RTK) 
• Kica-Xhelili: VV is insulting LDK in the morning, pleading with them in the afternoon (Reporteri)
• Haradinaj: Secret ballot does not solve deadlock (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic in Moscow: We have no right to revise the past (Kosovo Online, RTS, media)

• Petkovic: Pristina's panic over Vucic’s visit to Moscow expected (Kosovo Online)
• European Parliament adopts Tonino Picula’s Resolution on Serbia (Beta, N1, media)
• Terras: Dialogue must be encouraged, Picula: Reviving talks would boost EU accession hopes (Kosovo Online)
• Serbian Ministry of Agriculture: Raid on “Srbijasume” premises in Leposavic a brutal violation of property rights (Kosovo Online, KoSSev)
• Arsenijevic: No parallel structures, just support for police; Elshani: Community initiatives are welcome, but must be reviewed (KoSSev)
• Registration of newborns still impossible in North Mitrovica municipality (KoSSev)

Albanian Language Media 

EP: Kosovo to make reforms to move closer to EU, open  new chapter in talks with Serbia (media)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Kosovo on Wednesday with 353 votes in favour, 145 against and 78 abstentions. The approval was preceded by a debate that took place the night before, in which EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos also participated. She said that it is in Kosovo’s interest to form institutions as soon as possible, highlighting the approval of an agreement related to the European Union’s Growth Plan.

The report encourages Kosovo to make reforms to move towards membership in the European Union (EU) but also calls on both Kosovo and Serbia to open a new chapter in the normalization talks. “It is clear that Kosovo’s integration process needs a new momentum – we need a new chapter in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. It is extremely positive that all major political parties in Kosovo strongly support EU integration. Kosovo’s future is in the European family and we will work together on the reform agenda because any future membership must be based on merit,” said Riho Terras, the rapporteur for Kosovo in the EP.

According to MEPs, the dialogue on the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia “has unfortunately not produced the expected results”, as they urged both sides to implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, and for Serbia not to oppose Kosovo’s membership in regional and international organisations.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament's report, which was previously adopted by the Foreign Policy Committee, welcomes Kosovo's application for EU membership and calls on member states to start work on examining this application. With this report, the European Parliament has also asked the five EU countries that have not recognized Kosovo to do so as soon as possible.

The European Parliament has also called for the lifting of the measures against Kosovo that the EU imposed on it two years ago. According to the MEPs, there is no longer any reason for such measures since Kosovo has fulfilled the conditions for their lifting. Terras, who is an MEP from Estonia and the rapporteur for Kosovo, also called during Tuesday night's debate for these measures to be lifted.

“We demand the immediate lifting of the European Union’s punitive measures. They have been unjust and unnecessary from the beginning. The EU finances many projects and programs designed to support Kosovo’s European agenda. That is why we must lift the measures and enable Kosovo to advance using the funds we provide,” he said.

The report also expresses concern about the security situation in northern Kosovo, especially after the armed attack in Banjska and the Iber-Lepenc canal. It reiterates the demand addressed to Serbia to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attacks in Banjska, including their leader Milan Radoicic.

PDK open to dialogue: Solution, new government by former opposition (media)

Most of the media report that the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) held on Wednesday a regular meeting of the leadership to discuss the latest political developments, the institutional blockade, as well as current political proposals and initiatives. A PDK statement notes that this party assesses that Kosovo is in a deep institutional crisis, as a result of the irresponsible political behavior of the coalition that came first in the elections, but which, in the absence of a parliamentary majority, continues to hold Kosovo hostage. In this situation, any initiative that aims to resolve the blockade deserves to be heard and discussed.

“For this reason, since the conclusion of the February 9 elections, the Democratic Party of Kosovo has held meetings with all parliamentary political parties – including the Vetevendosje Movement, although we consider it primarily responsible for the current crisis. This commitment is an expression of our conviction that dialogue and cooperation are the only way out of political crises and to restore institutional normality. Therefore, as in the past, neither today nor in the future, we will not shy away from any meeting in the interest of citizens,” the party’s announcement states.

The PDK says that in this spirit, it considers that the President of Kosovo, as a supra-party institution with a legitimate mandate, can take the necessary steps to convene a meeting with all parliamentary political entities. A comprehensive roundtable could be the right step to find a way out of the institutional crisis. PDK says it is committed and convinced that the best solution for Kosovo is the formation of a new government, composed of parties that were in opposition in the previous mandate.

"A government that would stop institutional degradation, would bring Kosovo out of international isolation and would implement development policies for all citizens, without distinction. With an agreed list of state priorities, which would return Kosovo to the right path of development and Euro-Atlantic integration. At the same time, PDK calls on the VV - GUXO - Alternativa coalition not to further abuse its constitutional right to propose a candidate for Speaker of the Assembly, but to accept political reality and reflect in order not to further hold the state hostage to narrow party interests," the PDK statement further states.

According to it, Kosovo needs functional institutions as soon as possible. "PDK remains committed to making its contribution to a democratic and constitutional process that leads to a solution. Kosovo deserves more. Kosovo can do better!", the PDK statement reads.

Kosovo Presidency reacts to Vucic’s visit to Moscow (RTK)

The Office of the President of Kosovo has reacted to the visit of the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Moscow. According to the presidential office, Vucic’s visit confirms not only his ideological proximity to an autocratic and aggressive regime like Putin's, but also Serbia's orientation against Euro-Atlantic values ​​and principles. "It is also an indication that Vucic will continue destabilizing actions against our region, with Moscow's blessing. Let this visit serve as an alarm bell for all those European representatives who unconditionally support Vucic in the hope that he will turn towards the West," President Osmani's media advisor, Bekim Kupina, told RTKlive.

According to him, Vucic in Moscow and in full service of Putin is also the result of the accommodating policies that many Western politicians use towards him, ignoring his destabilizing actions towards his neighbors, which resemble those of the 90s.

Gervalla in Warsaw alongside EU Foreign Ministers (RTK)

At the invitation of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gervalla, has traveled to Warsaw, for the joint meeting of Foreign Ministers of EU member states, as well as candidate states and potential candidate states.  As announced by the MFA, the purpose of this forum is to create an open platform for strategic dialogue between EU member states and candidate states and states with EU membership prospects, including the Balkan region, in order to accelerate the enlargement process and deepen political and economic cooperation. “The meeting comes at a crucial moment for the European future of the Western Balkans and will serve as a space for the exchange of ideas and positions on common challenges, the role of the region in the European security architecture and the common integration perspective,” the ministry said in a statement.

Barduani and Jashari discuss security situation (RTK) 

The Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, received on Wednesday the KFOR Commander Enrico Barduani. KFOR Commander, together with the Director of the NATO Liaison Advisory Team, Sven Lange, were informed by the KSF Commander about developments in the KSF, training, exercises, operations and other KSF activities. Also, according to the Force's official announcement, the current local and regional security situation was discussed. The generals also discussed the current cooperation between the KSF and KFOR and pledged to cooperate further, for the benefit of security and peace in Kosovo and the region.

Kica-Xhelili: VV is insulting LDK in the morning, pleading with them in the afternoon (Reporteri)

Democratic League of Kosovo MP and deputy leader Doarsa Kica-Xhelili has reacted to Vetevendosje’s MP Hekuran Murati, saying that no one is stopping them from electing the speaker of parliament and the government. Kica-Xhelili, through a post on Facebook, said that VV is insulting LDK in the morning and pleading with them in the afternoon.

“For the 11th time you impose an unacceptable candidate for Speaker of the Assembly, and interpret processes arbitrarily. You talk in boring repetition about how you have the numbers for the government, but not for the Speaker of the Assembly. Kosovo is in an institutional crisis with the Assembly blocked by you, which makes the transitional government a pragmatic solution. New elections, held so soon after those of February 9, 2025, would only deepen political polarization and increase voter apathy, rightly so,” she wrote.

Haradinaj: Secret ballot does not solve deadlock (media)

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, has said that one of the options to unblock the political situation is the intervention of the president. "Another option is to involve the institution of the president. I believe that the President, in her mandate, can either take the initiative to consult with the political parties herself, being aware that the progress of the constitution of the institutions has stalled, or she can turn to the Court, but she needs a preliminary decision," he said. Regarding the idea of ​​a secret ballot in the Assembly, Haradinaj said that this would not solve the current crisis.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic in Moscow: We have no right to revise the past (Kosovo Online, RTS, media)

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, who arrived in Moscow yesterday to attend the commemoration of Victory Day over fascism, stated that the Serbian people have no right to revise history, given the sacrifices they made during World War II. Responding to criticism from the European Parliament and Croatian MEPs suggesting that Serbia must acknowledge crimes, he asked whether that means Serbia should acknowledge Jasenovac, the seizure of Kosovo, or the military alliance between Albania and Kosovo, reported Kosovo Online. 

"In a day and a half, a truly magnificent ceremony will be held here to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism. Tens of millions of people perished so that we could live normal lives today. We have no right to play with historical revisionism, as a people who suffered under the German Nazi occupiers and their local collaborators who fought against the Serbian people," Vucid told RTS last night.

He added that he is proud to attend the Victory Day commemoration as President of Serbia, reminding that it was not Serbs who welcomed Hitler’s planes and tanks with flowers and cheers.

Vucic emphasized that his visit to Russia also has rational grounds, including discussions on gas supply contracts and improving bilateral relations with Russia.

Regarding the overflight ban imposed by Latvia and Lithuania, Vucic said he opposes reciprocal measures.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/2ewxp98w

Petkovic: Pristina's panic over Vucic’s visit to Moscow expected (Kosovo Online)

Commenting on the statement by Bekim Kupina, advisor to the President of Kosovo, who described Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s visit to Moscow as a “wake-up call,” the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, stated that the panic in Pristina was expected.

“The panic in Pristina over President Aleksandar Vucic’s visit to Moscow is expected. In vain do they attempt to disguise their inability to form a government in Pristina by attacking the President of Serbia,” Petkovic wrote on X, adding that Pristina was failing on both fronts and only was “successful” in raising tensions and inciting conflict.

European Parliament adopts Tonino Picula’s Resolution on Serbia (Beta, N1, media)

The European Parliament (EP) adopted Wednesday a Resolution stating that, despite some progress, Serbia still has major hurdles to overcome on its EU accession path.

"The EP supported the clear and strong message about the autocratic character of the authorities in Serbia and the brave resistance to the regime! Thanks to fellow MEPs and assistants for their excellent cooperation and support," Picula said in an X post.

Key areas requiring improvement include improving internal political dialogue, rule of law and anti-corruption reforms, reaching a comprehensive normalization agreement with Kosovo, and full alignment with European Union’s (EU) foreign policy.

The resolution, authored by EP rapporteur for Serbia Tonino Picula, was adopted during the Strasbourg session with 419 votes in favor, 113 against, and 88 abstentions.

Picula’s report and Resolution provide EP’s response to the 2023 and 2024 European Commission Reports on Serbia, but also reflect recent developments in the country, including student protests, which are cited as raising serious concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law.

The text emphasizes that ensuring the independence of key institutions, including media regulators such as the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM), and full implementation of all outstanding and recent recommendations by the OSCE/ODIHR and the Council of Europe bodies on electoral reform in a transparent and inclusive process and well ahead of any new elections, remain of critical importance.

The Resolution expresses deep concern over the systemic issues highlighted by the student and other protests in Serbia, such as issues relating to civil liberties, separation of powers, corruption, environmental protection, institutional and financial transparency (particularly regarding infrastructure projects), and accountability.

The EP affirms that the students’ demands are in line with the reforms expected of Serbia on its EU path.

It also notes that the mass protest held on March 15 in Belgrade was the largest protest in Serbia’s modern history and calls for an impartial investigation into allegations that unlawful crowd-control technology was used against demonstrators, resulting in multiple injuries.

Terras: Dialogue must be encouraged, Picula: Reviving talks would boost EU accession hopes (Kosovo Online)

The European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, stated yesterday that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is crucial and that both sides must be encouraged to engage, especially given their previous agreement to participate. Meanwhile, the EP’s Standing Rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, described the dialogue as being “in crisis,” noting that it "barely exists" at present, and that reviving it would enhance both countries’ hopes of joining the European Union.

At a joint press conference with Picula, Terras was asked whether a strategy exists to revive the dialogue. He responded that there is always room for improvement and expressed hope that Peter Sørensen, the new EU Special Envoy, will bring fresh ideas to the Belgrade–Pristina talks.

“The European Parliament can play a role—for instance, by inviting MPs from national parliaments to the EP. I don’t know what the best method would be, but the dialogue is important. We must work to encourage both sides to re-engage, because both have agreed to take part. We have political consent; now it needs to be set in motion,” Terras emphasized.

Picula remarked that the dialogue is essentially at a standstill.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/7wdwbn8x

Serbian Ministry of Agriculture: Raid on “Srbijasume” premises in Leposavic a brutal violation of property rights (Kosovo Online, KoSSev)

The Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management condemned the forcible occupation of the premises of the public enterprise “Srbijasume” in Leposavic by the authorities in Pristina, carried out with the assistance of the Kosovo police and representatives of the Kosovo Forestry Agency.

In its statement, the Ministry asserts that this act constitutes a brutal violation of the property rights of the Republic of Serbia and the violent closure of a facility legally operating in the area.

“The raid on the premises of ‘Srbijasume,’ involving the use of force and the removal of the Serbian flag and the official sign of the public enterprise, is a continuation of the policy of provocation and systemic intimidation of the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija. This raid, conducted on the major Orthodox holiday of St. George’s Day (Djurdjevdan), represents not only a legal but also a morally unacceptable act, executed at a time when peace, tolerance, and mutual respect should be the most cherished values,” the statement reads.

The Ministry calls on all relevant international organizations and representatives of foreign missions to condemn this act of political violence clearly and unequivocally, which threatens to further destabilize an already fragile situation on the ground. The Ministry remains in contact with the Office for KiM and other competent institutions in order to undertake all necessary measures to protect the property and employees affected by this “unlawful conduct” by the Pristina authorities, the statement concludes.

Arsenijevic: No parallel structures, just support for police; Elshani: Community initiatives are welcome, but must be reviewed (KoSSev)

“Our goal is not to replace any security structure but to support those within security structures who genuinely want to do their job,” the Serbian Democracy leader Aleksandar Arsenijevic told KoSSev, denouncing claims that he is trying to establish “parallel security structures” with his recent proposal to create “Neighborhood Watch” in North Mitrovica. He emphasized that the initiative’s purpose is to monitor and report criminal acts, not to take justice into their own hands.

The idea emerged after a local woman reported being harassed by a group of men from a car. Serbian Democracy noted that similar incidents have recently become more frequent and criticized the police for allegedly failing to respond. Arsenijevic stressed that the initiative is meant to empower citizens to safeguard their neighborhoods without overstepping legal boundaries.

Legal Concerns and Criticism

Despite these assurances, some see the initiative as a threat to public order. Elvir Imeri, president of the Kosovo Bar Association in Mitrovica, expressed concerns that the project resembles illegal security groups like the “Bridge Watchers”, Mitropol portal reports.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/yd8k6hcu

Registration of newborns still impossible in North Mitrovica municipality (KoSSev)

The registration of newborns remains impossible in the North Mitrovica Municipality since February 1 of this year, according to information obtained by KoSSev from local administration sources.

The suspension of both birth and death registrations was first confirmed to KoSSev on March 18, nearly two months ago. At that time, municipal officials stated that the decision was based on a regulation issued by the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs, reported KoSSev yesterday.

“It has been suspended for births and deaths since February 1. Pristina will provide better explanations as to why it was suspended. We don’t know because they did not give us any details, only instructing us to halt the process. We also don’t know if it will resume or if there will be a new regulation,” local officials said.

Shortly after the report about the suspension was published, a KoSSev journalist received threats from the official who initially confirmed the information.

No response from institutions

Since the confirmation that the administrative process was halted, KoSSev has repeatedly sought answers from multiple institutions, including the municipality itself. We have asked whether the process has resumed, why it was halted, and when it might start again.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/ycvkt3we