Albanian Language Media: 

• Basha urges EU to lift measures against Kosovo (media)
• Bislimi highlights Kosovo’s progress in Berlin meeting with ambassadors (media)
• Basha, UK Ambassador discuss Kosovo’s political developments (media)
• Prattipati: Serb-run parallel institutions must integrate in Kosovo system (media)
• VV ministers hold onto executive posts despite Assembly non-constitution (Koha)
• Thaci expresses concern to court over guard who became prosecutor (media)
• Serbian President not invited to Bled Strategic Forum (RTK)

Serbian Language Media:

• Djuric: Serbia has Spain's unreserved support on Kosovo issue (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, RTS)
• Vasiljevic: Vucic did not ask for an invitation to Bled, the malicious allegations of the opposition media (Tanjug, N1)
• Serbian MFA rejects incorrect claims about the participation of representatives of Serbia at the Bled Forum (Blic, Beta, NMagazin)
• Chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy Prattipati: The participation of Serbs in local elections is crucial for their future (KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio, KoSSev)
• J. Đ. from North Mitrovica indicted for espionage in favor of Serbian intelligence (KoSSev, KiM radio, Blic, NMagazin, RTS)

International:

• European Commission: Serbia to demonstrate commitment to European values (EWB)
• Serbia: Media freedom groups warn against attempt to seize political control of last remaining independent TV stations N1 and Nova (International Press Institute)

Albanian Language Media

Basha urges EU to lift measures against Kosovo (media)

Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Dimal Basha, met on Thursday with the Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, to discuss recent political developments and the importance of an effective legislature in advancing Kosovo’s EU integration agenda. Basha thanked Ambassador Orav for the EU’s continuous and substantial support for Kosovo across various stages of state-building, including numerous projects over the years.

He emphasized the need for the removal of EU measures against Kosovo and highlighted Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe as a crucial step to further guaranteeing human rights and freedoms for all citizens.

“EU Office Head Orav congratulated Basha on his new role as Speaker of the Assembly and stressed the importance of institutional functionality. He also reiterated the EU’s strong support and commitment to close cooperation with Kosovo, calling it a key relationship for the country’s development and full integration into European structures,” the statement added.

Bislimi highlights Kosovo’s progress in Berlin meeting with ambassadors (media)

Caretaker First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Besnik Bislimi, continued his official visit to Berlin, where he held a working dinner with ambassadors from allied and friendly countries, as well as representatives of the German government.

According to the government, the meeting, organized by the Embassy of Kosovo in Germany, focused on Kosovo’s recent progress, steps toward EU integration, economic development, and the final stages of the dialogue process. “Bislimi informed attendees about Kosovo’s economic achievements, highlighting an average economic growth of 6% during the current government’s mandate. He also discussed progress in the rule of law, implementation of reforms under the European agenda, and notable improvements in international rankings reflecting this progress,” the statement read.

Basha, UK Ambassador discuss Kosovo’s political developments (media)

Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Dimal Basha, met with UK Ambassador Jonathan Hargreaves to discuss the recent political situation and the constitutive session of the Assembly. Basha expressed gratitude for the UK’s long-standing support and reaffirmed Kosovo’s commitment to democratic reforms, EU integration, and NATO membership.

Ambassador Hargreaves congratulated Basha and reiterated the UK’s readiness to deepen cooperation and strengthen ties with Kosovo’s institutions and people.

Prattipati: Serb-run parallel institutions must integrate in Kosovo system (media)

Several news websites cover an interview that Charges d’affaires of the US Embassy in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, gave to Serbian media highlighting her remarks that Serbian-run parallel institutions in Kosovo must integrate in the Kosovo system and that the way this will be done is of crucial importance. “We have been clear on this matter. Parallel institutions led by the Serbs must integrate in the Kosovo system. The way that this will be implemented is of crucial importance. We understand the sensitivities related to the provision of education and healthcare for the Kosovo Serb community and we have continuously expressed concern about the shutdown of Serb parallel institutions without coordination with the affected parties … All changes affecting the Kosovo Serb community must be implemented in consultation with this community. There is no other alternative,” she argued.

Prattipati said that the caretaker government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti is responsible for the security and prosperity of all people in Kosovo and that the Constitution of Kosovo and its laws guarantee the representation of Serbs in Kosovo’s institutions. “We expect that the Kosovo government will ensure that the Serbs have equal opportunities and to fully participate in the political and social life in Kosovo,” she said.

Prattipati also said that Serbs in Kosovo need to assume the responsibility to help build a more stable Kosovo. “When you are not on the table, others decide for you. Participation ensures a role in shaping the future,” she said.

LVV Ministers hold onto executive posts despite Assembly being constituted (Koha)

The news website reports that several Vetevendosje (LVV) MPs, including Prime Minister Albin Kurti and caretaker ministers, continue to hold executive positions even after the Assembly was declared constituted, in violation of the Law on Government and a Supreme Court ruling that bars holding both roles simultaneously. Only Albulena Haxhiu and Emilja Rexhepi have resigned from their ministerial posts after being elected Deputy Speakers.

Legal experts and analysts, including Afrim Kasolli, criticized LVV for contradicting its earlier positions on constitutional standards. The Prime Minister’s Office defended the move by citing transitional provisions in the law, though legal provisions clearly require resignation from executive roles once elected as MPs. So far, LVV and its ministers have not explained why they remain in both roles.

Thaci expresses concern to court over guard who became prosecutor (media)

Most news websites reported on Thursday that the Specialist Chambers of Kosovo in the Hague published a transcript of the session dated 27 March 2025, during which Hashim Thaci expressed his concern regarding the presence of prosecutor John Devaney who had initially worked as a guard. Thaci said that Devaney had threatened and physically intimidated him. He said Devaney had different roles during the detention period, as a guard, investigator, deputy chief, and center chief, and had committed serious actions against detainees. He said he felt unrepresented and disrespected by the fact that “someone who was a guard yesterday is a prosecutor today”. “This prosecutor had access to information that he should not have had. We do not feel respected, legally or personally,” Thaci said. “And we, the four of us accused in Case No. 6, don’t even smoke. Okay. Personally, he carried out inspections, the current Prosecutor [REDACTED]. In certain instances, honorable President of the Court, esteemed Panel, he committed insults and even physical threats against us the accused. He insulted us and also carried out physical threats—the Prosecutor who is in front of us today. From the practices of Mr. [REDACTED], [REDACTED], and others even longer”.

Thaci also said that the Specialist Chambers were established by the Kosovo Assembly and that they operate under Kosovo’s constitutional laws. “And today I am surprised and astonished when I see this. Perhaps it is part of a special procedure and promotion in the SPO, but we do not feel comfortable, respected, or treated with dignity, even legally, when we see someone who presented himself as a prison guard yesterday and today is a prosecutor at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers,” Thaci said.

Serbian President not invited to Bled Strategic Forum (RTK)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic or Serbia’s Prime Minister were not invited to this year’s Bled Strategic Forum (BSF) in Slovenia, the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to N1 Slovenia. According to unofficial reports, Vucic may have requested an invitation, but none was issued.

While the BSF took place earlier this week, Vucic attended a military parade in Beijing, where he also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said there was “no dilemma” about which event to attend, adding he preferred the company in Beijing over what he called the “people of the blockade” at BSF. “I didn’t want to deal with meaningless things,” Vucic stated.

Serbian Language Media

Djuric: Serbia has Spain's unreserved support on Kosovo issue (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, RTS)

Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday in Madrid he and his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares Bueno had agreed that bilateral economic relations must be taken to a higher level and that Serbia and Spain would continue to support each other in international institutions, above all, when it comes to respect for territorial integrity.

Speaking to reporters at the end of a one-day visit to Spain, Djuric noted that Spain, a country of 50 million people that was a key EU member state, was providing unreserved support to Serbia on the issue of Kosovo and territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as when it comes to EU membership - from opening of clusters in the accession talks to understanding for the specific circumstances Serbia was in.

"With my Spanish colleague, I had exceptional discussions about our bilateral cooperation, and we both agreed that we must raise our economic cooperation to a higher level and that we must make use of the fact Serbia is a growing European economy and better connect our companies and that, Spain, as a large European economy, must support both our growth and development, and that we must open our door to more Spanish investments and new jobs that would also come from Spain," Djuric said.

Vasiljevic: Vucic did not ask for an invitation to Bled, the malicious allegations of the opposition media (Tanjug, N1)

Media advisor to the President of Serbia, Suzana Vasiljevic, stated yesterday that the statements of the opposition media that the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, asked for an invitation to the Bled Strategic Forum and did not receive it, are incorrect and malicious, and pointed out that Vucic never asked for an invitation, nor did he intend to attend the event, reported Tanjug. 

Vasiljevic stated for the portal B92.net that the participation of the Republic of Serbia at the Bled Strategic Forum was clearly planned and agreed through the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, in accordance with the protocol and format of the meeting itself.

She pointed out that the visit to China and participation in the parade in Beijing was agreed with the Chinese side at the beginning of April this year and that all EU representatives, as well as citizens of Serbia, were informed about this trip three months ago.

Serbian MFA rejects incorrect claims about the participation of representatives of Serbia at the Bled Forum (Blic, Beta, NMagazin)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia most decisively rejected yesterday, as unfounded and malicious, the speculations of certain media regarding the participation of official representatives of Serbia at the Bled Strategic Forum, which was held in Slovenia at the beginning of September.

"We are also surprised by the response that the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia sent to certain media in connection with the participation of Serbian representatives at the Bled Strategic Forum, thus contributing to the spread of malicious disinformation. We believe that this approach sends a message that is not in line with the partnership and friendly relations that our two countries are building, while at the same time giving the impression of attempts to indirectly interfere in the internal political debate in Serbia, which is certainly not desirable," the statement said.

According to the announcement, Serbia was represented at the mentioned event at a high level with the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric. 

"Any attempt to reduce, relativize or present Serbia's participation in this regional gathering in a way that does not correspond to the facts casts a shadow on the credibility of the Forum itself. We especially emphasize that the claims that the President of Serbia asked to participate in the Forum are incorrect and inappropriate. Such insinuations are aimed at distorting the facts and damaging the reputation of the institution of the President," announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Serbia will continue to contribute to regional and good-neighborly cooperation but makes it clear that it does not accept interference in its internal political decisions, nor the relativization of the role of its representatives at international and regional gatherings," the statement concluded.

Chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy Prattipati: The participation of Serbs in local elections is crucial for their future (KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio, KoSSev)

Kosovo's institutions must ensure equal conditions for all political parties in the upcoming local elections in October, said the charge d'affaires of the US Embassy in Pristina, Anu Pratipati, in an interview with several Serbian-language media outlets in Kosovo. She pointed out that the equal participation of Serbs in the election process is crucial for their representation and future in Kosovo, reported KiM radio.

"All citizens of Kosovo should have the right to choose their elected representatives. This includes Kosovo Serb parties. Conditions for participation must be consistent everywhere - elections that are transparent and safe, without obstacles for candidates or voters," Prattipati emphasized.

She added that active political and civil engagement of Serbs is necessary.

Speaking about the overall position of Serbs in Kosovo, the interlocutor reminded that "the Government of interim PM Kurti is responsible for the safety and prosperity of all residents of Kosovo", and that the representation of the Serbian community in the institutions is guaranteed by the Constitution.

"We are concerned about the actions of the interim government that have increased tensions, especially when it comes to the treatment of the Kosovo Serb community. We expect the Kosovo Government to ensure that Kosovo Serbs have equal opportunities and can fully participate in the political and civic life of Kosovo. We will continue to advocate for this," added Prattipati.

She also pointed out that Kosovo Serbs work in the Kosovo Police, Kosovo Security Forces and other institutions.

"At one point, a number of Kosovo Serbs served as prosecutors and judges; we look forward to the day when they will rejoin these institutions and encourage all parties to work to make that happen," she said.

When asked about the plans for the integration of education and health in the Kosovo system, the highest representative of the US Embassy emphasized that the key is the way to implement that process.

"We understand the sensitivities regarding education and healthcare for the Serbian community and have repeatedly expressed concern about the unilateral closure of parallel institutions. Changes must be implemented in full coordination with elected representatives and community members, as well as through dialogue mediated by the EU, with a clear timeline and plan. This cannot be a unilateral process," she stated, stressing that the US had been clear "on this issue".

"Parallel institutions run by Serbs must eventually be included in the Kosovo system," she said among other things.

When asked when the appointment of a new ambassador can be expected, she reminded that it is a process that includes both presidential nomination and confirmation by the Senate "which may take some time". She added that the ambassador's absence does not mean that the US is not engaged.

J. Đ. from North Mitrovica indicted for espionage in favor of Serbian intelligence (KoSSev,KiM radio, Blic, NMagazin, RTS)

The Special Prosecutor’s Office in Pristina has filed an indictment before the Basic Court against J.Đ. from North Mitrovica, charging her with espionage.

According to the indictment, J.Đ., who was employed as a “National Program Officer” at the OSCE Regional Center in Mitrovica until her arrest on February 28, is accused of “knowingly and intentionally engaging in multiple actions that actively supported the intelligence activities of a foreign service – namely, Serbia’s Security Intelligence Agency (BIA).”

Prosecutors allege that she collected and distributed sensitive documents and information to BIA officials, thereby “endangering Kosovo’s constitutional order and national security, as well as the lives and safety of state officials, citizens, and international OSCE staff in Kosovo.”

The indictment further links J.Đ. to Aleksandar Vlajić, a former Kosovo police officer who earlier this year became the first person convicted of espionage in Kosovo. Prosecutors claim that, acting on his instructions, J.Đ. used her position within the OSCE to pass on confidential information gathered during official meetings and reports, contributing to what they describe as a “hostile narrative against Kosovo’s security institutions, statehood, and territorial integrity.”

Investigators say she allegedly passed information directly to senior BIA officials, including “R.G., responsible for the Novi Pazar region, and L.B., with whom she met on several occasions in Belgrade, Serbia.”

The prosecution has requested that her detention be extended until the end of trial proceedings. The Basic Court in Pristina has repeatedly extended her custody, most recently until September 28.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/r879vhut

International

European Commission: Serbia to demonstrate commitment to European values (EWB)

Relations with Putin’s regime and Russia cannot be business as usual, and the European Union has made this crystal clear to Serbia, the European Commission Spokesperson told European Western Balkans in response to a question about Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his attendance at the military parade in Beijing.

“Serbia needs to reassure us of its strategic orientation towards the EU and demonstrate a credible commitment to European values”, it was stated in a written response to EWB.

From the European Commission recalled that Serbia has applied for EU membership and that Serbia’s decision implies that the country aligns with the EU, including in terms of foreign policy.

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

Serbia: Media freedom groups warn against attempt to seize political control of last remaining independent TV stations N1 and Nova (International Press Institute)

New investigation suggests Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić intends to undermine the independence of N1 and Nova TV

IPI joins the partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) in expressing serious concern over the threat of political interference in the operations of the United Group’s media outlets in Serbia, which owns the major independent television news channels that are active in Serbia, N1 and Nova TV.

On 27 August 2025, new information revealed by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and published in collaboration with the investigative outlet KRIK suggested that Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić intends to undermine the independence of N1 and Nova TV.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/34rb455f