UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, November 21, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani and Prattipati discuss recent developments in Kosovo (media)
Hargreaves: Kosovo cannot afford anymore lost time (media)
EU expresses regret over political deadlock (RTK)
Osmani says she’ll leave her political future “in hands of the people” (media)
Hamza: New govt led by PDK will work to lift EU penalty measures (media)
Abdixhiku: A new era begins on December 28 (media)
Haxhiu: Big victory on Dec 28 “so we can no longer be blackmailed” (media)
Haradinaj: No coalitions this time, only exception a joint opposition list (media)
EU criticizes dismissal of Acting Chief State Prosecutor (media)
Supreme Court decides: there will be no revote in Mitrovica South (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Serbian List: Transfer of power in northern municipalities must proceed without obstructions (Kosovo Online)
Riker: Kosovo needs a government that can cooperate with United States (media)
CEC to verify results of local elections today (media)
EU: Dismissal of Kelmendi undermines reform of Prosecutorial Council and progress toward EU (media, social media)
Vucic: Outcome of talks with US about new NIS licence to become known within 48 hours (Tanjug)
European Federation of Journalists condemns attack on N1 (N1)

International Media:

Kosovo president sets December 28 as date for snap vote (Reuters)
Kosovo's president calls snap vote on Dec 28 (SeeNews)
Kosovo chief prosecutor sacked amid wartime massacre probe allegations (BIRN)
Albanian special court suspends Deputy Prime Minister: source (BIRN)
Spotlight on mining in the Western Balkans (EWB)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani and Prattipati discuss recent developments in Kosovo (media)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, received on Thursday the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, Anu Prattipati. In a press release from the Office of the President, it is stated that the meeting focused on the recent developments in Kosovo and the holding of early elections.“The President emphasized the importance of the smooth conduct of the electoral process and the respect for the highest democratic standards,” the announcement reads.

The meeting also addressed various issues of bilateral cooperation, during which Osmani reiterated her full commitment to strengthening the partnership with Kosovo’s most important strategic ally.

Hargreaves: Kosovo cannot afford anymore lost time (media)

All news websites covered a meeting between Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and UK Ambassador to Jonathan Hargreaves on Thursday. The meeting focused on the recent political developments in Kosovo and the holding of early elections. The President reiterated the importance of the smooth running of the electoral process and the respect for the highest democratic standards. Osmani reaffirmed the commitment of Kosovo to advancing bilateral cooperation with the United Kingdom, particularly in the fields of security, defense, economy, trade, and human rights. She also expressed her gratitude for the UK’s continued support for Kosovo and its citizens. In this spirit, they also discussed preparations for advancing the President’s initiative to conclude a strategic agreement with the United Kingdom, as previously discussed with the UK Foreign Secretary during his visit to Kosovo.

EU expresses regret over political deadlock (RTK)

RTK’s Brussels-based correspondent reported on Thursday that the European Union has expressed regret that the political parties did not overcome the prolonged political deadlock following the parliamentary elections of February 2025. The EU advised that Kosovo must have the capacity to act. In this context, officials in Brussels expect Kosovo to return to the right path toward the much-needed reforms related to the EU, for the benefit of its population and to advance in the normalization of relations with Serbia.

The EU emphasizes its readiness to work with the authorities of Kosovo and to continue supporting Kosovo on its path towards the EU. At the same time, Brussels expresses regret that the conditions were not created for Kosovo to benefit from the financial resources of the Growth Plan. “It is also regrettable that the political parties have so far been unable to agree on key issues, including the ratification of the Reform and Growth Plan,” a spokesperson for the European Commission underlined. This source confirms that last week Kosovo and the EC signed the agreement for the loan, but it must still enter into force. The total amount foreseen for Kosovo under the Growth Plan is up to 882 million euros. “Due to a delay in forming its institutions, the agreements related to the Reform and Growth Instrument are not yet in force. Without the ratification of the agreements, Kosovo cannot submit a payment request under the Reform and Growth Instrument.

The Reform and Growth Instrument is a time-limited instrument approved for the 2024–2027 period, and it is in Kosovo’s interest that ratification take place as soon as possible in order to fully utilize all opportunities under the Growth Plan, for the benefit of its population,” EU officials advise.

Osmani says she’ll leave her political future “in hands of the people” (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said on Thursday that she will leave her political future in the hands of the people, when asked by reporters if she aims for a second term in office. Osmani, whose mandate expires in April next year, said that for the time being she cannot give an answer, “because I will wait for the results of the December 28 elections and only then we will see what the mood of the political parties is and that will be the greatest interest of the Republic of Kosovo at that time”. She said that she would continue her engagement in Kosovo’s institutions, “give my best contribution and return to the people so that they are the ones to decide about my political future”.

Hamza: New govt led by PDK will work to lift EU penalty measures (media)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Bedri Hamza, said on Thursday after meeting with EU Head of Office Aivo Orav, that a new government led by the PDK would work with the European Union and its member states to lift the penalty measures against Kosovo as soon as possible, so that Kosovo can benefit from EU alignment projects. In a Facebook post, Hamza announced that he discussed this issue and Kosovo’s European perspective during a meeting with the EU ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav. He emphasized that he remains committed to open dialogue with international partners, stressing that the goal remains a more developed Kosovo, integrated into the European family.

Abdixhiku: A new era begins on December 28 (media)

Leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Lumir Abdixhiku said in a Facebook post on Thursday that a new era will begin after the December 28 parliamentary elections. In a message to people both in Kosovo and the diaspora, he said that there is “a real chance for change. This change is in your hands at the end of this very difficult year, for a new beginning”. He argued that the December 28 elections are not simply about who will lead a government, “but these elections will determine who we are, and we want to be as a country, people and a generation”.

Haxhiu: Big victory on Dec 28 “so we can no longer be blackmailed” (media)

Senior member of the Vetevendosje Movement, Albulena Haxhiu, said in an interview with TV Dukagjini on Thursday, that this party aims for a big victory in the December 28 parliamentary elections. “I believe that the people have seen since April until yesterday how important it is for the Vetevendosje Movement not to depend on other political parties because their demands are not in line with their political parties. They have as much political power as the people have given them in the February 9 elections, but their demands are very big. Therefore, in order for the Vetevendosje Movement not to be blackmailed by any political party … I think it is important not to depend on these political parties. And this is not because we want to govern alone, because we have proved even earlier in a coalition with the LDK, and even before the constitutive session on April 15 we said we wanted to meet with the LDK for a possible coalition,” she argued.

Haxhiu also criticized the opposition parties saying that “only because of their spite towards VV and Albin Kurti they left the country without a budget, without international agreements and they left RTK workers without wages”.

Haradinaj: No coalitions this time, only exception a joint opposition list (media)

Leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj said on Thursday that his party would not enter any pre-election coalition for the December 28 parliamentary elections. In an interview with Klan Kosova, he said that the only exception would be if the opposition parties would form a joint list. “We won’t enter a coalition with anyone. The only change would be a joint list of the whole opposition. I was a supporter of this even in previous elections, but there was no readiness,” he argued.

EU criticizes dismissal of Acting Chief State Prosecutor (media)

Members of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC) have dismissed the Acting Chief State Prosecutor, Besim Kelmendi, during a meeting held on Thursday. The EU Office in Kosovo has reacted to this decision, stating that the action hampers the necessary reform within the KPC. “Today’s dismissal of the Acting Chief State Prosecutor by the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council hinders the ongoing and necessary reform of the KPC and disregards the principles of the rule of law and the duties owed to citizens.”

The European Union Office further stated that the dismissal of the Acting Chief State Prosecutor “undermines Kosovo’s progress on its path toward the EU,” media report.

Supreme Court decides: there will be no revote in Mitrovica (media)

The Supreme Court of Kosovo has ruled that there will be no revote in the Mitrovica mayoral runoff, rejecting the Democratic Party of Kosovo’s (PDK) appeal as unfounded. PDK had requested that the Central Election Commission be ordered to repeat the election, alleging irregularities such as mixed ballot papers and issues with ballot serial numbers. However, the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) had already dismissed these claims on November 14, stating that PDK had provided no evidence to substantiate the alleged violations.

After ECAP’s rejection, PDK appealed to the Supreme Court, but the higher court upheld ECAP’s decision. In its ruling, the Supreme Court stated that none of the claims were proven and that there was no legal basis to suggest substantial violations that could have affected the integrity or outcome of the election. The court concluded that the evidence presented was insufficient to justify ordering a new vote.

With the appeal dismissed, the runoff results remain unchanged: Faton Peci of the Vetevendosje Movement continues to stand as the winner over PDK’s Arian Tahiri.

Serbian Language Media

Serbian List: Transfer of power in northern municipalities must proceed without obstructions (Kosovo Online)

Representatives of the Serbian List, led by its president Zlatan Elek, held separate meetings yesterday with the French Ambassador in Pristina, Olivier Guérot, and with representatives of the British Embassy, during which they discussed the political and security situation as well as recently held local elections, Kosovo Online portal reported.

The elected mayors of the northern Kosovo municipalities expressed their expectation that the process of transferring authority will be carried out in accordance with the law, without obstructions at either the central or local level. They said the period during which local institutions violated the rights of the Serbian people has come to an end, the press release said.

They also emphasized that they would do everything in their power to ensure that the municipalities once again become true services to the people, aimed at improving living conditions for the people residing in northern Kosovo.

Riker: Kosovo needs a government that can cooperate with United States (media)

Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and former U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia Philip Reeker said Kosovo needs a government capable of cooperating with the United States and willing to implement what has been agreed. Commenting on proceedings at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former KLA leaders, he said that the testimony of General Wesley Clark and Ambassador Christopher Hill could be very significant for the defence and will reignite interest in the process.

In an interview for Kosovo Online, Reeker noted that very little has been achieved in the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue over the past ten years and that both sides should make use of the engagement of the EU’s Special Representative for the dialogue, Peter Sorensen.

Read the full interview at: https://shorturl.at/PAANR

CEC to verify results of local elections today (media)

Central Elections Commission (CEC) will verify today the results of the municipal assembly elections held on October 12, for the municipalities whose complaints submitted to the Elections Appeals and Complaints Panel and the Supreme Court have been completed, as well as results of the second round of mayoral elections held on November 9, CEC’s Spokesperson Valmir Elezi said, Kosovo Online portal reported.

The shadow on the process was cast by irregularities in Mitrovica South prompting reactions from prosecution which halted the vote counting process. Some ballot papers were found to be disputable, as their serial numbers did not match the code of the polling station, for which the printing company assumed responsibility saying it was “a technical error”.

Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) filed a complaint, demanding the vote re-run, however, the Kosovo Supreme Court dismissed their complaint earlier yesterday, saying there are no legal grounds proving that violations of the essential nature occurred that may impact integrity of the elections process or the final results, thus there will be no vote re-run in Mitrovica South municipality.

EU: Dismissal of Kelmendi undermines reform of Prosecutorial Council and progress toward EU (media, social media)

The European Union said yesterday that the decision of Kosovo Prosecutorial Council to dismiss the acting chief prosecutor Besim Kelmendi obstructs reforms of this body and disregards rule of law principles, Kosovo Online portal reported.

“Today's dismissal of the acting Chief State Prosecutor by the #KosovoProsecutorialCouncil obstructs the ongoing & necessary reform of the KPC & disregards the rule of law principles and the duty towards the citizens. It also undermines Kosovo's progress on its EU path”, the EU said in a post on X yesterday.

The Kosovo Prosecutorial Council dismissed the acting chief prosecutor Besim Kelmendi yesterday following the recent events in which Kelmendi was summoned as a witness by the Special Prosecutor in relation to the Racak case, the portal recalled.

Vucic: Outcome of talks with US about new NIS licence to become known within 48 hours (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Thursday he would hold talks with the US about a new operating licence for Serbia's Russian majority-owned oil company NIS - which is under US sanctions - and said he believed he would be able to inform the public of the outcome of the talks within 48 hours, Tanjug news agency reported.

A new licence would enable NIS and its oil refinery to operate without obstructions during talks about a change of ownership of the Russian stake in the company. "In the next two to three days, we will have to speak with America. I will personally ask everyone at the (US) Department of the Treasury to help us obtain a licence so that the refinery can operate. We have not been successful so far, we will see whether we will now. I will work and try - we will inform you within 48 hours", he added.

Asked by a reporter to comment on a statement by opposition leader Zdravko Ponos that "it is too early for joy about NIS" and Ponos's question about the source of funding for a purchase of the Russian stake, Vucic responded: "If it was our money, it would be evident because we would be boasting of that". He reiterated the Russian side was in talks with three companies about a sale of its holdings in the company.

European Federation of Journalists condemns attack on N1 (N1)

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) strongly condemned the attack on the N1 TV crew, whose camera was broken, and the inaction of law enforcement, who were at the scene but reportedly did not intervene. “We call for an immediate investigation to identify and sanction the attacker”, the EFJ said.

On Thursday, while an N1 television crew was filming the area near the Serbian Parliament building, a young man approached them and demanded that they stop filming. Shortly afterward, the same young man took the camera and threw it onto the ground several times, thus destroying it. The police, who were nearby, did not react to the incident but said that another team would arrive. The SafeJournalists network strongly condemned yet another attack on N1 journalists.

“The SafeJournalists network joins NUNS in strongly condemning yet another in a series of attacks on media workers in Serbia. The Network demands that the competent institutions carry out an investigation, conduct the procedure, and punish the perpetrator”, it said.

International Media

Kosovo president sets December 28 as date for snap vote (Reuters)

Kosovo's president, Vjosa Osmani, set December 28 as the date for an early parliamentary election on Thursday, after the ruling Vetevendosje party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti failed to secure enough votes in parliament to form a government.

The election will be the second in the space of a year, after Kosovo's parliament failed to form the government, following a February vote, which Vetevendosje won but did not secure enough seats to rule alone.

The need for a fresh election will delay much-needed funding for Europe's newest country, Osmani said.

She said that she had tried to convince the parties to go back to parliament for a final session to vote through next year's budget, some deals with the European Union and loans with the World Bank and other international lenders.

"We are talking about more than a billion euros that will now stay frozen," she told reporters.

Osmani dissolved parliament and called on parties to conduct an election campaign with the "highest political standards."

"Our citizens urgently need stable and responsible institutions that make decisions in their interest," she said.