UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, October 22, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

UN Security Council discusses Kosovo (media)
Kurti: UK presence in our region is both welcomed and vital (media)
Kurti: Trying to form govt, but it seems that elections are an alternative (RFE)
Citaku reacts to Kurti: You want submission, not agreement (media)
Rama: Kosovo should forget Serbia, and meet EU requirements (Koha)
KLA War Veterans react: We fear the final decision will be political too (EO)
Rexhepi: Kurti was not against a Bosniak-majority municipality (media)

Serbian Language Media:

DSRSG Shin addressed Security Council, report on Kosovo discussed (RTS, media)
Djuric: Pristina must form Community of Serbian Municipalities, UNMIK's role indispensable (Tanjug, KoSSev, Kosovo Online, media)
Ambassadors at UN Security Council: Dialogue key, concern over pressure on Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)
European Representative calls on Pristina to enable reintegration of judges, prosecutors and police offices, Belgrade to prosecute attackers from 2023 (KoSSev)
Djuric met Nebenzya in New York, dialogue only way to reach sustainable solution for Kosovo (media)
Petkovic comments on UNSC session on Kosovo, says world heard of difficult conditions faced by Serbs (media, social media)
Vucic says 2026 elections will be the most significant in modern history (N1)
Russian expert says Serbia can continue receiving gas (N1)

International Media:

Kosovo PM: We feel 'obligation' to host UK migrant return hub (Sky News)
Türkiye to build ammunition plant in Kosovo as defense links grow (Daily Sabah)
Why Britain needs the Western Balkans summit to deliver on migration (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media

UN Security Council discusses Kosovo (media)

The peaceful and inclusive atmosphere of recent local elections was commended by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of UNMIK Milbert Dongjoon Shin in his briefing to the UN Security Council.

“Municipal governments are the closest link to communities. Their proper functioning helps translate people’s voices into actions that shape their daily lives,” DSRSG Shin said during a regular session on the situation in Kosovo today.

Welcoming the higher numbers of women candidates in this year’s municipal elections, he noted that only one of Kosovo’s 38 municipalities will be led by a woman mayor.

DSRSG Shin called for continued calm and inclusivity in the run-off municipal elections scheduled for November.

He also welcomed recent meetings between Belgrade and Pristina within the EU-facilitated Dialogue but reiterated concerns around closures of structures, particularly those that impact health, educational and cultural services.

“It is important that Pristina authorities genuinely engage all concerned communities, prior to enforcing decisions that affect everyday lives. And that they seek viable alternatives in order to avoid or minimize negative impacts.”

DSRSG Shin reflected on growing reports of police arrests relating to the display of cultural, national, or religious symbols and concerns about media safety and independence.

“Kosovo’s dynamic civic space remains one of its greatest strengths. Yet, recent pressures on civil society warrant close attention.”

Looking at work being done by the Mission, DSRSG Shin highlighted a leadership programme supported by the Mission for 60 political and civil society representatives; the 7th edition of the United Nations Youth Assembly in June with more than 130 leaders from Kosovo and the Western Balkans; and the UNMIK-supported Barabar Centre, which has hosted more than 220 multi-ethnic events for more than 17,000 participants.

“UNMIK reiterates the importance of building trust among communities. We therefore continue, despite financial constraints, to promote trust and social cohesion.”

In her speech at the UN Security Council, Kosovo’s caretaker Foreign Minister, Donika Gervalla, addressed the Serbian representative, Marko Djuric, by making it clear that "Kosovo and Metohija" does not exist. She emphasized that Kosovo is on the path toward Euro-Atlantic integration, while Serbia is heading toward Russia.

Gervalla warned against focusing on the wrong issues and urged the international community not to risk another Balkan war by ignoring the true danger. She rejected the term “Kosovo and Metohija,” calling it a symbol of Serbia’s hegemonic ambitions, rooted in the language of Slobodan Milosevic. Kosovo, she stated, is a democratic country with overwhelming support for NATO and the U.S., and it was protected from genocide by NATO and the U.S.

She presented a photo of a mural in Serbia that she claimed symbolizes Serbia’s threat to Kosovo. Gervalla criticized the propaganda coming from Serbia, particularly from President Aleksandar Vucic, which she argued spreads hatred and poisons the Serbian population. She also condemned the militaristic rhetoric in Serbia, such as graffiti that says "When the army returns to Kosovo," further demonstrating Serbia's intentions.

Gervalla called for a genuine dialogue, not one based on Vucic's falsehoods, and highlighted that Serbia’s strategy towards the EU is based on aggression, including military aggression. She urged the international community to intervene, particularly after Serbia’s actions in 2023, which showed they were ready for war.

She also called for the release of former Kosovo police officer Arbnor Spahiu, who was arrested by Serbia, and warned that without consequences for Serbia’s actions, tensions would only escalate.

Finally, Gervalla stated that UNMIK should be closed, as it no longer serves its purpose. She argued that it wastes UN resources and that Kosovo would not change if UNMIK were gone, emphasizing that the future of the region depends on a choice between Western democracy and autocracy.

Serbia's Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric, criticized Kosovo's acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti during a UN Security Council session, accusing him of “pursuing a policy that aims to expel Serbs from Kosovo” and undermine the "peace legacy" of President Trump. He claimed that 20% of Serbs had left Kosovo in what he called a "silent exodus," and only 17 voluntary returns had been registered. He also criticized Kurti for militarizing the Kosovo Security Force and buying kamikaze drones, stating that peace cannot be built with the armament of one side.

Stavros Lambrinidis, the EU representative to the UN, criticized Serbia for not doing enough to bring those responsible for the September 2023 attack in Banjska, which killed a police officer, to justice. He emphasized that the EU expects Serbia to take stronger action. Lambrinidis also stressed the importance of normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia for their European integration and urged both sides to avoid unilateral actions. He praised the participation of all communities in Kosovo's local elections and called for a smooth transfer of power, as well as for Kosovo to facilitate the reintegration of Serbs into its institutions.

The U.S. representative to the UN Security Council, Jeff Bartos, reiterated calls for the closure of UNMIK, stating that it is time for the mission to withdraw and transfer its functions. He added that discussions about UNMIK are unhelpful, emphasizing that there is no security crisis in Kosovo and that UNMIK no longer plays a role in the governance. “There is no security crisis in Kosovo, and UNMIK no longer has a role in governing Kosovo. The time has come for the mission to withdraw. Mr. Shin's efforts in dialogue are appreciated, but UNMIK is a peacekeeping mission without peacekeepers. It is time to begin transferring its functions to more appropriate agencies. The U.S. urges member states to end its operations. This transition is overdue. Meetings about UNMIK are unhelpful and should be stopped. These meetings are damaging to institutions,” he said.

Bartos also encouraged both Kosovo and Serbia to refrain from escalating actions and to focus on building peace and stability, with mutual recognition as the ultimate goal.

The United Kingdom called on UN member states that have not yet recognized Kosovo’s independence to do so, stressing that recognition is key for long-term regional stability and Kosovo’s full development. The UK also urged Serbia to hand over Milan Radoicic and criticized attacks on Kosovo's Constitutional Court.

The British representative praised Kosovo’s peaceful local elections and emphasized the need for strong, inclusive institutions to advance Kosovo's international integration. She called the return of Serb mayors to Serb-majority municipalities a positive step but urged all parties to respect the rule of law and reintegrate the Serb community.

The UK reiterated its call for Serbia to cooperate in reducing tensions and ensuring accountability for the 2023 Banjska attack. The UK also stressed the importance of implementing existing agreements, including the formation of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, as essential for building trust and stability. Additionally, the UK called for a strategic review of UNMIK, urging better resource allocation within the UN system for more effective results.

France has called for resolving the status of the Serb community in Kosovo through the creation of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, viewing it as a crucial step for normalizing Kosovo-Serbia relations. In his speech at the UN Security Council, the French representative praised the peaceful conduct of local elections in northern Kosovo and urged a smooth power transition. He stressed that normalization is key to the European integration of both Kosovo and Serbia and criticized Kosovo’s actions that negatively affected the Serb community. He also condemned the lack of justice for the perpetrators of the 2023 Banjska attack, calling it unacceptable that they remain free two years later.

Kurti: UK presence in our region is both welcomed and vital (media)

Kosovo caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, on the eve of the Berlin Process Summit in London, joined a discussion hosted by the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, with UK MPs, academics, and journalists on this year’s themes of the Berlin Process: security, growth, and migration. Kurti said in a post on X that “Kosova has made remarkable progress over the past five years: we are the most democratic and fastest-developing country in the region, with steady economic growth, improved rule of law, and strengthened anti-corruption measures. Our investments in defense show our commitment to modernizing Kosova’s army and contributing to NATO and European stability. The UK remains a committed partner and friend of Kosova. Its presence in our region is both welcomed and vital. I also reflected on the solidarity of our people with Ukraine, born from our own history of resistance and survival as well as my own personal experience as a political prisoner of Serbia from 1999–2001. I shared the story of Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was captured by Russian forces in 2023 while reporting from Zaporizhzhia, held in isolation, and tragically returned to Ukraine in 2025 with signs of torture and inhumane treatment. I’d like to thank the Institute and all the participants for this crucial discussion”.

Kurti: Trying to form govt, but it seems that elections are an alternative (RFE)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti implied on Tuesday that his party – the Vetevendosje Movement – as winner of the February 9 parliamentary elections may fail to form a new government and that “it seems that the alternative is to go elections again”, the news website reported.

In a meeting with the Albanian diaspora in London, Kurti said that “in the remaining days [of the deadline to present a new government] we are communicating and talking” but did not reveal any details with which parties or MPs the talks are being held.

Kurti was nominated by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani on October 11 to form a new government and according to Kosovo laws, he has 15 days to do this, which means that he has time only until October 26.

“It is not easy [to form a new government], perhaps you heard yourselves that the atmosphere has become quite intoxicated, there is a lot of jealousy, spites and cynicism much more than ideas, work and passion. But this is the situation, and we will try to form the government. But it seems that the alternative is that we will go to elections again,” he said.

Citaku reacts to Kurti: You want submission, not agreement (media)

Deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Vlora Citaku said on Tuesday that Kosovo caretaker Prime Minister and Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti does not want an agreement on the new government but rather the submission of political partners. Kurti said during a meeting with the Albanian diaspora in London, that he had made an offer to NISMA but that the agreement was not reached because of political reasons. Citaku reacted in a Facebook post saying “You [Kurti] don’t seek an agreement or compromise. You seek submission. But this people is not and will never be a people that submits”.

Rama: Kosovo should forget Serbia, and meet EU requirements (Koha)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Tuesday that Kosovo should forget Serbia and implement all the points from the EU-facilitated dialogue. He argued that by acting in line with EU’s proposals, Kosovo will leave the ball in Serbia’s field and then Europe will deal with Belgrade. He made these remarks during a panel in London on “Western Balkans and the European Union”.

“It is Kosovo’s duty to move forward and to bind the other part about its consolidated position in terms of values in the democratic world and the European Union. For Kosovo to be successful it needs to forget Serbia and to implement all the points from the EU-facilitated dialogue, regardless of Serbia. They [Kosovo] need to implement every point and leave the ball in Serbia’s field and move toward Europe and let Europe deal with Serbia and not allow Serbia’s issue to turn into a blame game between the two countries,” Rama said.

Rama said that he respects all decisions of Kosovo’s institutions and that Kosovo doesn’t have any unresolved territorial issue with any country. “I don’t see any territorial issue between Kosovo and someone else. The territory of Kosovo is determined. Kosovo is a Republic. It is a young and democratic country, recognized by the great powers and still not recognized by five EU member states. In this regard, I don’t see any problem,” he argued.

KLA War Veterans react: We fear the final decision will be political too (EO)

The Organization of KLA War Veterans issued a strong reaction to a decision by the Specialist Chambers in the Hague to reject the majority of evidence documenting crimes committed by Serbian forces during the war in Kosovo. The deputy leader of the war veterans, Gazmend Syla, in an interview with the news website said the decision is unfair and unacceptable and that the Specialist Chambers have deviated from its mission and is trying only KLA members in a biased manner. “This reason makes us stand up and show these injustices to the international community and the Albanian people. You see that in the last protests [in support of KLA leaders standing trial in the Hague] there is outstanding mobilization because the people too are seeing that this court has deviated from its mission.

Syla said that “a court that tries only one ethnic community, and in this case Kosovo’s liberation war, is partial and unacceptable. It should be unacceptable for the international community too. The Special Court is a political court. At the time it was formed, it came under political pressure from the international community and by establishing it Kosovo proved that it is ready to face international justice. Not only in this case but in previous cases too, Kosovo is a model of facing international justice. We, as an organization, think that it [the court] is political and we fear that the final decision will be political for our fellow combatants who are standing trial there,” he said.

Rexhepi: Kurti was not against a Bosniak-majority municipality (media)

MP from the Bosniak community in Kosovo, Emilija Rexhepi, said on Tuesday that Kosovo caretaker Prime Minister and Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti was not against the formation of a Bosniak-majority municipality. She mentioned a meeting that she and her colleagues Rasim Demiri and Duda Balje had with Kurti. “There were three MPs at the meeting, myself, Rasim Demiri and Duda Balje. And we talked about a new space, about decentralization or a new municipality. All three of us were there. We talked about the conditions and criteria of the Ministry of Local Government,” she said. “Kurti was not against it [the formation of a Bosniak-majority municipality] but said that we need to talk and see. He said he was in favor of decentralization of the bigger cities”.

Serbian Language Media

DSRSG Shin addressed Security Council, report on Kosovo discussed (RTS, media)

Serbian media have widely covered the United Nations Security Council session on Kosovo and work of UNMIK on Tuesday afternoon. During an address to the UN Security Council the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) and Officer-in-Charge of UNMIK Milbert Dongjoon Shin commended the peaceful and inclusive atmosphere of recent local elections in Kosovo, RTS reported.

“Municipal governments are the closest link to communities. Their proper functioning helps translate people’s voices into actions that shape their daily lives”, DSRSG Shin said during a regular session on the situation in Kosovo.

Welcoming the higher numbers of women candidates in this year’s municipal elections, he noted that only one of Kosovo’s 38 municipalities will be led by a woman mayor. He also called for continued calm and inclusivity in the run-off municipal elections scheduled for November.

DSRSG Shin welcomed recent meetings between Belgrade and Pristina within the dialogue held under EU’s auspices, but reiterated concerns around closures of structures, particularly those that impact health, educational and cultural services.

He reflected on growing reports of police arrests relating to the display of cultural, national, or religious symbols and concerns about media safety and independence. “Kosovo’s dynamic civic space remains one of its greatest strengths. Yet, recent pressures on civil society warrant close attention”, he said.

Read full DSRSG Shin’s statement to Security Council at: https://shorturl.at/Hed1e

Djuric: Pristina must form Community of Serbian Municipalities, UNMIK's role indispensable (Tanjug, KoSSev, Kosovo Online, media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said on Tuesday in New York Pristina must form a Community of Serb Municipalities, "its binding pledge to the EU and its own people”, Tanjug news agency reported.

Addressing a UN Security Council session on the latest semi-annual report on the work of UNMIK, the UN Mission in Kosovo, Djuric said Kosovo caretaker PM Albin Kurti was sabotaging dialogue and undermining the "peace legacy" of US President Donald Trump. "Today I issue a resounding call: after 12 years, Pristina must form the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities. This is not Serbia's whim, it is Pristina's binding pledge to the EU and its own citizens, a cornerstone for Serb rights and security. (Albin) Kurti sabotages dialogue, unravelling the Brussels Agreement and the Washington Accord", Djuric said.

During his address Djuric also said that fundamental human rights of Serbs in Kosovo were not only being ignored but systemically eroded, piece by piece. “Ethnically motivated attacks have become an everyday occurrence. If you are a Serb, your security, dignity and childhood mean nothing. If you are Serb, no vulnerability – youth, age, innocence – will protect you. You are marked simply because you exist. This systematic denial of rights is not only a problem of the Serbian people, but also a moral failure of the international community. What kind of future awaits children who learn since their birth to hide their language from cradle to grave?”, Djuric said, KoSSev portal reported. He added that last year alone 37 attacks on children and youth were recorded in Kosovo. He also recalled the recent case of attempted kidnapping of an underage Serb girl at Mali Zvecan, adding that two persons who attempted to make her enter their vehicle have been released.

Djuric said Serbia commended UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres's report as "a modest but significant step towards more balanced and realistic reporting on the situation in Kosovo and Metohija". Djuric also commended the work of UNMIK, extended Serbia’s support to it and underlined the importance of the presence of this Mission in Kosovo.

"We deeply value UNMIK's role in upholding international law, protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining stability in the face of growing pressures", Djuric also said.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/3TSFm

Full Minister Djuric’s address to Security Council is available at: https://shorturl.at/frFfp

Ambassadors at UN Security Council: Dialogue key, concern over pressure on Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)

During the United Nations Security Council session on work of UNMIK and the situation in Kosovo, it was emphasized that the dialogue is a key and agreements reached so far must be implemented. With a few exceptions, there was also broad support for UNMIK and the continuation of its mandate, Kosovo Online reported on Tuesday evening.

The Ambassador of China to the UN, Geng Shuang said it is essential to preserve social stability, noting that the authorities in Pristina forcibly closed several institutions established by the Serbian community, conducted violent searches, intimidation and coercion against Serbs, and built and opened a bridge over the Ibar River by force. “These actions violate the legitimate rights and interests of Serbs and cause panic and tension. China expresses deep concern over these developments. We call on the Kosovo authorities to stop escalating unilateral actions, to sincerely protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Serbian community, and to preserve peace and stability in the north”, said the Chinese representative. He pointed out the need for ethnic reconciliation, support for EU-led dialogue, and the important role of the United Nations.

The Representative of Russia and President of the UN Security Council, Vassily Nebenzya, said the UNMIK report clearly reflects a trend of significant deterioration of the situation in Kosovo, and that the main causes remain unchanged, “including Pristina’s policy of hatred toward the Serbian community and its desire to impose complete control over the north of the province, in collusion with a number of Western countries”.

He recalled a new round of raids by Pristina, allegedly aimed at eliminating Serbian structures in Kosovo, as well as the usurpation of public utility companies, social service facilities, and cultural and sports institutions. “There are indications that preparations are underway to seize educational institutions and hospitals. The mass expulsion of Serbs from social housing in northern Kosovo is ongoing. Plans for the expropriation of Serbian churches and monasteries include attempts to establish their own ‘Orthodox’ churches. The pace of erasing boundaries around densely populated Serbian areas in the north of the province has increased”, Nebenzya said.

He emphasized that Kosovo Security Forces freely move in armored vehicles in northern municipalities, intimidating the local population, and pointed out that two new bridges across the Ibar River were built without the consent of Serbs, adding that the Pristina government’s plans include officially declaring Kosovo Serbs as foreigners. “As a result, people who have lived on their land for centuries, where the graves of many generations of their ancestors lie, will have to apply for temporary residence documents”, he said. He assessed that Pristina is receiving assistance in building its own army.

“It is well known that if Albin Kurti remains in power, he intends to increase military expenditures to create a joint military unit with Albania, launch an ammunition production plan, and conduct large-scale training of volunteer reservists to arm them in the event of mobilization. The threat such plans pose to regional security is evident”, Nebenzya said.

Read remarks of ambassadors at: https://shorturl.at/bYbWe

European Representative calls on Pristina to enable reintegration of judges, prosecutors and police offices, Belgrade to prosecute attackers from 2023 (KoSSev)

European Union calls on Kosovo to enable reintegration of judges, prosecutors and police officers form Serbian community into institutions, and expects from Belgrade to urgently prosecute those responsible for the attacks in the north of Kosovo in 2023, Head of the EU Delegation to the UN Stavros Lambrinidis said in New York, KoSSev portal reported.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council session on Kosovo, Lambrinidis said the progress in normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina “was among crucial preconditions on the European path of both sides”. He added this includes implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements on Path to Normalization, reached in 2023, as well as previous agreements reached within the dialogue under the EU auspices.

He also said the EU remains “deeply concerned” over the situation in the north of Kosovo and pointed out that Pristina and Belgrade must continue to strive for de-escalation in close cooperation with the EULEX Mission, refrain from unilateral and provocative moves that can lead to tensions and violence and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. He also called upon all political authorities in Kosovo to preserve democratic and multiethnic character of Kosovo.

Djuric met Nebenzya in New York, dialogue only way to reach sustainable solution for Kosovo (media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met in New York with the President of the Security Council and Russian Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzya and spoke with him about the situation in Kosovo, underlining Belgrade’s stance that dialogue is the only way to reach sustainable solution to Kosovo issue, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Speaking after the UNSC session on Kosovo, Djuric pointed out that for Serbia the continuous consideration of the Kosovo issue in this body is of essential importance for a detailed overview of the situation and informing the international community about the political and security situation on the ground, thanking the Russian Federation for its understanding and continuous support in this matter.

During the meeting Djuric also said situation in Kosovo is extremely unstable and sensitive, with numerous incidents, underlining Belgrade's clear and unchanging position on dialogue as the only way to achieve a sustainable solution, but also that for dialogue to continue, it is necessary for Pristina to fulfill its obligations from the Brussels Agreement, among which the formation of Community of Serbian Municipalities is a priority.

The two officials also exchanged views on the current situation in the region, while Djuric noted Serbia remains firmly committed to preserving peace and stability both in Kosovo and the entire region.

Petkovic comments on UNSC session on Kosovo, says world heard of difficult conditions faced by Serbs (media, social media)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic commenting on the United Nations Security Council session on Kosovo, said it was an opportunity for the world to hear the balanced report of UNMIK, and for entire world to, as he said, hear about unilateral and violent Pristina’s acts by which Kosovo caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti creates unbearable conditions for the lives of Serbs, Kosovo Online portal reported.

In a post on X, Petkovic said “Serbia fights with the power of truth for its state and national interests, as well as for its people in KiM”. He also said the messages of peace conveyed by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric “will outpower the nationalism of Albin Kurti and his efforts to destabilize the region”.

Vucic says 2026 elections will be the most significant in modern history (N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Tuesday in the city of Zrenjanin that the 2026 elections will be the most significant in the country’s modern history, N1 reported.

Speaking at an event marking the 17th anniversary of the founding of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which he is a member of, Vucic did not specify when these elections would be called. Taking aim at the opposition, he framed the upcoming vote as a choice between economic progress and a forward-looking vision for the nation versus a return to the past, N1 added.

Russian expert says Serbia can continue receiving gas (N1)

A Russian energy expert said on Tuesday that Serbia can continue getting Russian gas despite the European Union transit ban, N1 reported.

“Gas supplies to Serbia through EU territory will remain possible even with the introduction of new sanctions”, Anton Sviridenko, Executive Director of the P.A. Stolypin Institute for Growth Economics, told the TASS news agency.

He said in theory Serbia could be supplied through Bulgaria. “They want to stop supplies to the EU no later than January 1, 2028, which will only make life more difficult for themselves", he said. "The document does not prohibit the transit of Russian gas to third countries through EU territory either. It speaks of stricter controls and advance notification of the volumes of such supplies", he is quoted as saying.

International Media

Kosovo PM: We feel 'obligation' to host UK migrant return hub (Sky News)

Kosovo feels a "political duty" to process failed migrants from the UK, if legal issues can be overcome, the country's prime minister has told Sky News.

Albin Kurti said there is "limited capacity" in the small nation, which has a population of fewer than two million people, but that he expected a "successful result" from negotiations.

Talks are under way, he confirmed, between officials from both countries about a migrant returns deal for those whose claims have been ruled ineligible by the UK, and are awaiting deportation to their country of origin.

A Home Office team is exploring options for how one could work, Sky News understands, although no formal request has yet been made to Kosovo to host a facility.

Mr Kurti, who is attending a Western Balkans Summit in London this week, said: "We want to help the UK, we consider that that is our friendly and political duty.