UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, October 10, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani: Serbia is trying to buy votes in Kosovo (media)
Osmani calls for protection of election integrity from Serbia’s interference (media)
Kusari-Lila: VV will not vote for any candidate from Serbian List (media)
Reactions to non-accreditation of Serbian media for Oct 12 local elections (media)
Deda: Sheholli’s arrest, strongest case of espionage for Serbia (media)
Removal of EU measures against Kosovo still in the first steps (Kallxo)
Osmani commends KSF winning silver medal at Cambrian Patrol in UK (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: We demand and appeal to UN to react, and to Turkiye to respect international law (Kosovo Online, media)
Djuric: Serbia sent strong message from Belfast it is ready for EU (Tanjug)
Reactions to non-accreditation of majority of Serbian media for Kosovo elections (media)
JANAF, NIS, and US lawyers to meet on Friday (N1)

International Media:

Kosovo Serb party’s deputy leader tried for 2023 attack on journalists (Balkan Insight)
US sanctions hit Serbia’s mainly Russian-owned oil company (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani: Serbia is trying to buy votes in Kosovo (media)

Most news websites cover an interview that Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani gave to Tirana-based A2CNN highlighting her remarks that Serbia’s interference in the local elections in Kosovo on Sunday is the most flagrant so far and that it is trying to buy votes by violating the principle of good neighborly relations. “It is one of the most flagrant interferences in the election processes in Kosovo, although they have happened continuously and this is not only our conclusion, but a continuous conclusion by European and American institutions. Serbia has constantly interfered in the processes through the people it controls in Kosovo and it has even used violent methods and threats and intimidation against Serb citizens in order to get their votes and to direct them where it wants,” she argued. “Now we are seeing another attempt by Serbia to buy votes by promising that do not belong to it because it is another country and according to every standard of international law this is in full opposition with the principle of good neighborly relations. As you know international law prevents or sanctions every interference in the elections of another country”.

Osmani calls for protection of election integrity from Serbia’s interference (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met with the head of the Central Election Commission Kreshnik Radoniqi on Thursday and said that the integrity of the local election process on Sunday must be protected from Serbia’s interference. A press release issued by Osmani’s office notes that she paid special emphasis on Serbia’s interference in the local election process and called on the international community to condemn acts that violate the will of the people. Osmani said that this is a phenomenon that is being repeated for years, “and it is manifested through buying of votes, external interference, intimidation and violence”. “The President strongly condemned the interference by Belgrade and called for full engagement to protect the integrity of the election process. She also called on all political and institutional actors, as well as internationals, to contribute to protecting the free vote and to condemn every illegal act that threatens the democratic will of the people of the Republic of Kosovo,” the statement notes.

Kusari-Lila: VV will not vote for any candidate from Serbian List (media)

Alternative leader and MP Mimoza Kusari-Lila said on Thursday that she hopes the constitutive session of the Kosovo Assembly which started six months will conclude on Friday. She said that the Vetevendosje Movement would vote for Nenad Rasic as deputy speaker of the Assembly, but that it would not vote for any candidate from the Serbian List. “It is in the interest of the Serb community too for Rasic to be deputy speaker of the Assembly, for the constitution process to be completed and for the deadline to form the government to begin. This is important and I am confident that he too is aware of this and that he focuses on the interest of the Republic of Kosovo,” she argued.

Reactions to non-accreditation of Serbian media for Oct 12 local elections (media)

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) said in a statement on Thursday that it is deeply concerned about the unprecedented decision of the Central Election Commission (CEC) to deny accreditation to all Serbian-language media for coverage of the October 12 elections. “Requests for accreditation as observers from dozens of Serbian-language media outlets operating in Kosovo were collectively rejected during today’s CEC meeting. From the discussions among members of the commission, the rejection appears to be politically and ethnically motivated. AJK views this decision as unacceptable, as it runs contrary to Kosovo’s democratic values and violates media freedom in the country. Serbian-language media in Kosovo are officially registered either as businesses with the Kosovo Business Registration Agency (ARBK) or as NGOs with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MBP). Kosovo Serb citizens have a constitutional right to be informed about such an important democratic process in their own language, which is one of the official languages of Kosovo. AJK encourages the rejected media outlets to immediately appeal the decision to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP), in accordance with Article 54, paragraph 8 of the Law on Elections, and calls on this institution to urgently review and overturn the CEC’s decision,” the statement notes.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, in a Facebook post on Thursday, expressed “its strong disappointment regarding the decision taken today by some members of the Central Election Commission to abstain or vote against accreditation requests submitted by all Serbian-language media outlets, and others, for coverage of the upcoming local election scheduled for Sunday, 12 October. Free, fair, and transparent elections depend on open and equal access for all media to observe, report, and inform the public about electoral developments. Restricting media accreditation on the basis of perceived community, language or editorial affiliation limits the ability of journalists to perform their professional duties. Access to information in community languages represents a fundamental aspect of Kosovo’s multiethnic and democratic framework. Ensuring equal opportunities for all media is essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process, avoiding suggestions of discriminatory practices and supporting informed participation by all communities. The Mission remains committed to promoting and protecting freedom of expression, media pluralism, and equal access to information for all communities, in line with OSCE principles and international standards. It calls upon political parties to adhere to these values”.

The German Embassy in Kosovo said it “fully supports the statement issued by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo regarding the recent decision by some members of the Central Election Commission (CEC) to abstain or vote against accreditation requests from Serbian-language and other media outlets for coverage of the upcoming local elections. At the same time, the Embassy commends all members of the CEC who acted constructively and in the spirit of media freedom. Free, fair, and transparent elections depend on equal access for all media to observe and report on the process. Restricting accreditation based on language or affiliation risks undermining public confidence in democratic institutions and the inclusiveness of Kosovo’s electoral framework. The German Embassy joins the OSCE Mission in calling on all relevant institutions to ensure equal treatment for all media and to uphold the principles of media freedom and non-discrimination”.

Deda: Sheholli’s arrest, "strongest case" of espionage for Serbia (media)

Political commentator Ilir Deda, commented on the arrest of Fatmir Sheholli on Thursday, saying that it is the strongest case when a person is known to have had ties with the Serbian intelligence agency (BIA). During a debate on Klan Kosova, he said that the espionage charges need to be proved with clear evidence but that it seems that Sheholli has resorted to cooperating with the Serbian agency. “It seems that Fatmir has resorted to cooperating with BIA and it relates to the sudden leak of videos related to the war against Nenad Rasic and other people that are not on the same line with the Serbian List on the eve of local elections,” he said.

Deda also said that according to some information, Sheholli’s operations were active and that the Special Prosecution will need to have clear evidence for this.

Removal of EU measures against Kosovo still in the first steps (Kallxo)

The news website reported on Thursday that although it has been two years since the EU imposed penalty measures against Kosovo, they remain in power. Some of the measures have started being lifted but their number remains limited. A spokesperson for the European Union told Kallxo on Thursday that until now “the first steps to lift some of the measures have been made”. “Specifically, four projects of Technical Assistance which support potential investments within the Reform and Growth Mechanism, have been reintroduced to the board of the Balkans Investment Framework and were adopted on July 28,” the spokesperson said.

Another step, according to the European Commission, is that the work of subcommittees of the Stabilization/Association Agreement has resumed. The Commission said that future steps will depend on maintaining de-escalation in the north of Kosovo. “For this reason, holding inclusive and peaceful local elections, including a regular process of transferring local government after the elections will be crucial,” the spokesperson said.

Osmani commends KSF winning silver medal at Cambrian Patrol in UK (media)

Most news websites reported on Thursday that Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani commended troops from the Kosovo Security Force for scoring a silver medal at the Cambrian Patrol in the United Kingdom. “FSK, a force that honors the flag and inspires the nation! The Kosovo Security Force has excelled in one of the toughest military competitions in the world, the Cambrian Patrol in the United Kingdom, being decorated with the Silver Medal among 118 teams from around the world. Our team from the Second Infantry Regiment demonstrated exemplary discipline, resilience and dedication, putting Kosovo's name on the pedestal of international honor. With FSK, Kosovo is always strong and proud!” Osmani wrote in a Facebook post.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: We demand and appeal to UN to react, and to Turkiye to respect international law (Kosovo Online, media)

Commenting on delivery of “kamikaze” drones to Pristina, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said yesterday during public address Serbia demands and appeals to the United Nations to react and to ensure respect for the resolutions that have been adopted, as well as for the UN Charter, and that Turkiye, as a partner and friend, respect the elementary norms of public international law, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Vucic also said the day before he reacted strongly - some might even say too strongly - to the additional arming of Albanians in Kosovo by Turkiye, adding this was not directed against anyone, but rather aimed at protecting the international legal order, protecting the Serbian population in Kosovo - which, he underlined, is the principal goal - and preserving peace and stability.

“We demand and appeal to the UN to react and to ensure respect for the resolutions that have been adopted and for the UN Charter. At this moment we do not need any further escalation. We appeal once again to our Turkish partners to talk to us and take our interests into account. Turkiye’s conduct is of the utmost importance for the stability of this region. Therefore, I appeal to our Turkish partners and to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to consider not only their own interests, but those of the entire region, and of Serbia as a partner and friendly country. We call for respect for the norms of international law, the UN Charter, and UN resolutions. We desire the closest and best relations with Turkiye, but we ask for respect for the elementary norms of public international law, as well as for the interests of Serbia and the Serbian people”, Vucic said during the address.

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

Djuric: Serbia sent strong message from Belfast it is ready for EU (Tanjug)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said on Thursday he was pleased Serbia had sent a strong message from a Western Balkans summit in Belfast that it was prepared for the EU and that it wanted, and deserved, an equal seat at a table where decisions on security, political and other issues in Europe were made.

Speaking to reporters after a closed-door Hillsborough Castle meeting hosted by the UK for Western Balkan and EU FMs, Djuric said a series of topics had been discussed and that top officials of EU member states had reiterated their commitment to EU enlargement.

"We first discussed European integration. For us, it is very important that, ahead of the upcoming visit to Belgrade by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Serbia has prospects of getting an equal seat at the European table", Djuric said, adding that ways to accelerate the region's EU integration had been discussed as well.

Reactions to non-accreditation of majority of Serbian media for Kosovo elections (media)

The Kosovo Central Election Commission (CEC) announced yesterday the list of media that have been accredited to follow the local elections on October 12 and the list of those which did not. The majority of media that will not be able to follow the voting process and CEC activities in elections on Sunday include outlets reporting in the Serbian language, Radio KIM reported.

Radio KIM also said CEC decided to reject all their timely submitted requests for accreditation of journalists and cameramen. This media outlet covers elections in Kosovo, ever since they were first organized following the end of conflict. CEC previously had regularly issued accreditations to journalists of this media outlet, including for the last parliamentary elections on February 9, this year.

Radio KIM said it was symptomatic that the majority of media not receiving accreditations were those reporting in the Serbian language, both local Serbian media based in Kosovo or those based in central Serbia, but having correspondents in Kosovo. The number also includes several Albanian and regional media outlets. The following media outlets have not been accredited by CEC:

VIM INFO DOO; RTV Puls D.O.O.; TV Most DOO; Kontakt Kosovska Mitrovica/Kontakt Plus Radio; PRVA TV Belgrade; Raporto24.com; Radio KIM; Radio-Television of Serbia (RTS); Tanjug news agency; GracanicaOnline.info; TV Gracanica; Vendi Sot; Mitropol Media Sh.P.K; Mondo INC d.o.o/Kurir Television; Insajder Television; Nina Media Kliping; RTV Vojvodina; MTVA – Hungarian State Television; Alternativna.com; TV Herc; Expose media; RTV Slovenia desk for Balkans, Belgrade; Leke Musolli B.I.; Video Plus doo; E Perditshimja BotaSote Re; Nova.rs Belgrade; Media Centre Caglavica; Danas; R. Media L.L.C.

CEC did not elaborate on the reasons to refuse accreditations to those media. On the other hand, CEC accredited 42 media, including 29 local and 13 international.

Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS) and its branch in Kosovo (DNKiM) condemned decision of Central Election Commission (CEC) not to accredit all Serbian language media to follow elections in Kosovo due on October 12 and demanded immediate reactions from European Federation of Journalists and International Federation of Journalists, as well as from international community over this discriminatory act, Radio KIM reported.

“Decision of CEC to accredit only Albanian and international media to follow local elections in Kosovo is an open discrimination against the media reporting in Serbian language. Without any explanation we are denied the right to enter polling stations on a day of elections and follow the vote counting process after the elections”, Ana Markovic, Prva TV correspondent from Kosovo said.

UNS said it will send letters to all international and media organizations and demand immediate reactions as well as public condemnation of this discriminatory decision, in order to change it with joint efforts.

"I expect this decision of Central Election Commission (CEC) to be changed, and if that does not happen, then all journalists who work in the Serbian media have the right to stand before the CEC and ask them what you plan to do on Sunday, October 12, that is, what will happen at the polling stations that the Serbian community should not be informed and should not know about?”, President of the Association of Serbian Journalists (UNS) branch in Kosovo (DNKiM) and journalist from Mitrovica North Ivana Vanovac said. She added the list of media rejected for accreditations indicates accreditations were rejected because they are reporting in Serbian language.

"Accreditation is actually a process designed so that you register that you are there, for the sake of records. It is not a license, so that someone approves or disapproves of us or evaluates our credibility for that day. This is a scandal, I do not remember something like this happening in a democratic society, at least not in a society with democratic laws protecting the freedom of the media and citizens' right to information in their mother tongue", she asserted.

Vanovac also said they informed the President of the European Federation of Journalists Maja Sever about the CEC decision, adding they will also address all instances they perceive should take measures in this case and ensure freedom of expression, media and reporting in mother tongue for the Serbian community in Kosovo.

Radio Mitrovica Sever director Maja Ficovic condemned the decision of Kosovo Central Election Commission (CEC) to reject accreditations to all media reporting in Serbian language to follow elections on Sunday, October 12.

"The refusal of the Central Election Commission to accredit media reporting in Serbian is a scandal of the scandal. For the 26 years of my work, I am facing this situation for the first time and I am still trying to process that it really happened. The Central Election Commission showed how unprofessional it is in its work, discredited itself and succumbed to political pressure from those who came up with an insane idea to exclude Serbs from monitoring the election and thus deny Serbs information about this process", Ficovic said.

She added CEC went one step further and rejected even media properly registered in Kosovo, paying licenses and complying with all laws and regulations. She assessed the CEC’s decision as an example of poor practice, undermining democracy and all the values, as well as an attack on the media. “(…) Political pressure and acts by which (CEC) violates their own laws is an alarm for the international community to engage immediately, and we will certainly file an appeal once we receive official information of rejection”, she said.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expressed deep concern over decision of Central Election Commission (CEC) not to accredit any Serbian-language media outlet to report on the 12 October local elections, adding this decision was without precedent and that, judging from members’ discussions at the CEC session, the rejection appears to be political and ethnic in nature. According to the AJK’s statement, the accreditation requests of dozens of Serbian-language media from Kosovo, submitted as observers, were rejected in their entirety during the CEC meeting on Thursday.

“From the members’ discussions at the meeting, it appears that the rejection is political and ethnic in nature. The Association considers this decision unacceptable and contrary to Kosovo’s democratic values and to media freedom in the country. Serbian-language media in Kosovo are registered with the Business Registration Agency as companies, or with the MBP as non-governmental organizations”, the statement posted on Facebook reads. It adds that people of Kosovo of Serbian ethnicity have a constitutional right to be informed about such an important process in their own language, an official language throughout Kosovo.

The Association encourages the media outlets that were rejected to file an appeal immediately with the ECAP (Election Complaints and Appeals Panel) and calls on that institution to address the matter urgently and annul the CEC decision.

Kosovo Association of Independent Broadcast Media said the decision of the Central Election Commission not to accredit Serbian language media to cover elections on October 12 is unacceptable, Radio KIM reported.

They recalled that media in the Serbian language in Kosovo are licensed by the Independent Media Commission and legally registered either as non-governmental organisations or enterprises in respective Kosovo institutions. It said this decision runs contrary to the democratic values of Kosovo and the rights of the Serbian community to be informed in their own language about important processes.

This Association also said they will support the Serbian language media to file complaints to Election Complaints and Appeals Panel over CEC decision.

“The OSCE Mission in Kosovo expresses its strong disappointment regarding the decision taken today by some members of the Central Election Commission to abstain or vote against accreditation requests submitted by all Serbian-language media outlets, and others, for coverage of the upcoming local election scheduled for Sunday, 12 October”, OSCE Mission in Kosovo said in a statement on Facebook on Thursday.

“Free, fair, and transparent elections depend on open and equal access for all media to observe, report, and inform the public about electoral developments. Restricting media accreditation on the basis of perceived community, language or editorial affiliation limits the ability of journalists to perform their professional duties. Access to information in community languages represents a fundamental aspect of Kosovo’s multiethnic and democratic framework. Ensuring equal opportunities for all media is essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process, avoiding suggestions of discriminatory practices and supporting informed participation by all communities.

The Mission remains committed to promoting and protecting freedom of expression, media pluralism, and equal access to information for all communities, in line with OSCE principles and international standards. It calls upon political parties to adhere to these values”, the statement concluded.

“We fully support the statement issued by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo regarding the recent decision by some members of the Central Election Commission (CEC) to abstain or vote against accreditation requests from Serbian-language and other media outlets for coverage of the upcoming local elections(1/4)”, German Embassy said in a post on Bluesky social network last night.

“At the same time, we commend all members of the CEC who acted constructively and in the spirit of media freedom. Free, fair, and transparent elections depend on equal access for all media to observe and report on the process. Restricting accreditation based on language or affiliation risks undermining public confidence in democratic institutions and the inclusiveness of Kosovo’s electoral framework. (3/4) The German Embassy joins the OSCE Mission in calling on all relevant institutions to ensure equal treatment for all media and to uphold the principles of media freedom and non-discrimination”, the statement concluded.

During the Central Election Commission (CEC) session at which it was refused to grant accreditation to Serbian media for covering the upcoming local elections, CEC member from the Self-Determination movement, Alban Krasniqi, requested accreditation not be issued, saying that “such media outlets are known for propaganda and defamation”, Kosovo Online portal reported.

“I divided international media into those coming from the international scene, from neighboring countries, and, in this case, from Serbia - which are known for propaganda, defamation, and conducting a special war against Kosovo. Media that raise suspicion, such as some domestic ones, and especially those coming from Serbia, must operate on a legal basis, under which we have the right to grant or deny authorization”, Krasniqi said, as reported by Kosova Press.