Albanian Language Media:

• President Osmani continues meetings in the USA (media)
• Kurti does not appear at Special Prosecution Office, he is abroad (media)
• Opposition: Kurti's behavior towards judiciary and prosecution, unacceptable and wrong (Koha)
• KFOR: We do not have a ‘blacklist’ (media)
• Costa: The future of the Western Balkans is in the EU (media)
• Hill: There is no basis to point finger at anyone about Iber-Lepenc attack yet (media)
• Joint meeting of the Assembly of Kosovo and Albania to be held on December 20 (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Jevtic: Kurti will do nothing to establish ZSO, will continue pressuring Serbs (media)
• Djuric: Serbs must be united before elections in Kosovo; Grenell’s appointment is good for region (Kosovo Online)
• Andric Rakic: Concerning trend of ethnicization of Kosovo security institutions (Kosovo Online)
• PIK on CSOs report: We will analyze content (Alternativna.com, media)
• Police officers suspended in relation to Milos Subotic’s case returned to work (KoSSev)
• EU ambassadors to again discuss opening Cluster 3 in accession talks with Serbia (Tanjug)
• FM: German MFA's interference in our internal affairs risks undermining relations (Tanjug)
• Vucic claims student demands met, students disagree (N1)
• Serbian security agency says Amnesty report trivial (N1)

International Media:

• Kosovo’s 2025 budget: Government picks populism over ambition (Sbunker.org)                         

Albanian Language Media 

President Osmani continues meetings in the USA (media)

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, at the invitation of the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, Carlos del Toro, is staying in Rhode Island, USA, on the eve of the 11th International Symposium on Women, Peace and Security.

“At the invitation of the US Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Carlos del Toro, we are in Rhode Island, USA, on the eve of the 11th International Symposium on Women, Peace and Security. Moments like these are a testament to the power of cooperation and commitment to advancing peace and stability at the global level,” Osmani wrote on Facebook.

Kurti does not appear at Special Prosecution Office, he is abroad (media)

The spokesperson of the Special Prosecution Office of Kosovo, Liridona Kozmaqi, has announced that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti will not appear today at the Special Prosecution Office for an interview as a witness as he is not in Kosovo, and it was impossible for him to appear today for an interview. “Prime Minister Albin Kurti is traveling abroad, and it is impossible for him to come today. The next date has not been set yet”, Kozmaqi told reporters.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti received the summons for an interview as a witness from the Special Prosecution on Thursday, December 12, to appear today at this institution at 09:30. In fact, the summons from the Prosecution made it clear that in case of unreasonable failure to appear, they will force him to appear and there will be a fine of 250 euros.

Regarding the summons that the government of Kosovo received last Thursday, its spokesperson, Perparim Kryeziu, described it as an attempt to influence the 2025 election result. He also said that the Special Prosecution Office had been notified. “The Special Prosecution Office, namely the prosecutors of the case, have been notified that because the prime minister is abroad with a previously confirmed agenda, he cannot be present today according to the invitation of the prosecution. Despite this, Prime Minister Kurti has expressed his willingness to welcome the prosecutors of the case to his office on a day and time agreed upon by both parties to fulfill the request arising from the invitation of the prosecution,” Kryeziu said.

Opposition: Kurti's behavior towards judiciary and prosecution, unacceptable and wrong (Koha)

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo MPs, Arben Gashi, has described Prime Minister Albin Kurti's behavior towards the judiciary and the prosecution as wrong and unacceptable. "The signal that is being sent is a wrong signal. And this is a model of the behavior of the LVV. This is a wrong signal for the citizens of Kosovo. Even worse, the prosecutor calls you and the behavior of the political supremacy of the executive over the judiciary, the prosecution is unacceptable. It is a wrong concept", he said.

Regarding the December 17 meeting between the two chief negotiators in Brussels, Gashi said that he does not expect any changes since it is the end of the mandate.

The head of the Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Abelard Tahiri, has also described Kurti's response to the Special Prosecution as a bad message. "It is a very bad message in how he responds to the Prosecution and a very bad example for the citizens of our country," he said.

Asked about the meeting in Brussels, Tahiri said that he sees Bislim's participation as weak. "He is the only one who, in the eyes of those leaders, both of the EU and the Western Balkans, is a sanctioned leader," he said.

On the other hand, the MP of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Time Kadrijaj, said that Prime Minister Kurti is not above the law.

KFOR: We do not have a ‘blacklist’ (media)

The NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR, has reacted to allegations that there is a ‘blacklist’ that prohibits the entry of officials of Kosovo institutions into the Municipality of Leposavic. KFOR, through a statement, said that “such claims are unfounded and firmly rejects such accusations”.

“KFOR demands that all actors refrain from unilateral statements and actions that could create unnecessary tensions and negatively affect regional stability. KFOR does not interfere with the freedom of movement of individuals throughout Kosovo. KFOR also maintains regular communications with all its key counterparts. KFOR maintains the highest standards of transparency in communicating its activities, through its official communication channels available to the public”, KFOR’s response states.

Costa: The future of the Western Balkans is in the EU (media)

The new President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, has said that the future of the Western Balkans is in the European Union. He stressed through a video message published on his account on the X platform that this is the most important geopolitical investment they can make. “In these uncertain times, more than ever, we must work together. I look forward to our EU- Western Balkans summit on December 18 in Brussels,” he wrote.

Hill: There is no basis to point finger at anyone about Iber-Lepenc attack yet (media)

The U.S. Ambassador to Belgrade, Christopher Hill, has spoken about the attack on the Iber-Lepenci canal. He said that currently, there is ‘no basis’ to accuse specific individuals or entities of the attack, stressing the importance of credible investigations to determine responsibility. Hill stressed in an interview that the U.S. is ready to provide assistance in this process, in cooperation with the European Union. “What is important is to have a credible investigation, and we hope that we will achieve a result.”

“I do not believe at this moment that there is any basis to point the finger at anyone… Fortunately, they managed to fix things within an hour, within a few days everything has normalized, as I understand it, but that does not mean that we should not find out how it happened and who is responsible,” Hill said.

Joint meeting of the Assembly of Kosovo and Albania to be held on December 20 (media)

The Presidency of the Assembly of Kosovo met today to set the date for the joint session with the Assembly of the Republic of Albania. After the Presidency meeting, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, head of the VV Parliamentary Group stated that the agenda for the meeting was set. “This meeting, the last for this legislature, will be held on Friday, December 20, starting at 11:00” she said. Kusari-Lila added that the two Speakers of the Assemblies, the two Prime Ministers and the Chairman of the Parliamentary groups will deliver speeches at the meeting. “The common goal is the European agenda of the two countries,” Kusari-Lila said.  

The Head of the LDK Parliamentary Group, Arben Gashi, said that preparations have begun for this session. “We are at the end of the Legislature. What is left of the Assembly is to complete the International Agreements. Even if a special session is organized for this work, there is no indication that it will be organized,” Gashi said.

Serbian Language Media

Jevtic: Kurti will do nothing to establish ZSO, will continue pressuring Serbs (media)

Strpce mayor and Serbian List official Dalibor Jevtic said today Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti will do nothing in relation to the Community of Serbian Municipalities, despite appeals from international community urging Pristina to immediately and without delay approach its establishment, Kosovo Online portal reported. 

“I do not expect Pristina would do anything in this regard, given our experiences from the recent past. It is a fact that February 9 parliamentary elections in Kosovo are approaching. Is anyone really thinking in Brussels that Albin Kurti would do something like that on the eve of elections, which would bring him to an even less favorable position”, Jevtic told Euronews in Serbian.

Although it is expected that Kurti’s party will win elections, Jevtic added it would not be sufficient for him to form the government alone. Jevtic also said elections are precisely the reason why Kurti will do nothing regarding ZSO, on the contrary he will take moves contrary to all recommendations of the international community concerning de-escalation and a different approach to the north of Kosovo. 

Djuric: Serbs must be united before elections in Kosovo; Grenell’s appointment is good for region (Kosovo Online)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said that due to difficult conditions in which they live, it is of great importance for Serbs in Kosovo to remain united about the Serbian List. He described the appointment of Richard Grenell as a positive development for the region and highlighted that Serbian diplomacy is operating "at full throttle."

Djuric told RTS that over a decade ago, he participated in discussions with Serbian representatives to establish a political organization uniting all Serbs in Kosovo. “We sought to bring them together and create an important organization that would ensure unity in the fight for justice. That is what the Serbian List represents. Over time, its leadership has changed, but the core idea, Serbs speaking with one voice under difficult circumstances and being supported by the state, remains. It is crucial for the survival of Serbs in Kosovo that they remain united”, Djuric said.

He also expressed optimism about Richard Grenell’s appointment as the US Special Envoy for Global Operations.

“Mr. Grenell is one of President Trump’s trusted associates, someone he considers a rising star who will play a significant role during his term. A special department was created for Grenell, and there is no doubt he will influence the resolution of global conflicts. We have known Grenell for many years and have a good relationship with him. It is good news that someone familiar with the region will be involved. Does this mean he will always agree with us? Of course not. They have their stance, and we have ours, particularly on Kosovo and Metohija”, Djuric explained.

He also mentioned his recent trip to Washington, where he worked to strengthen Serbia’s ties with key US figures. “I met with congressmen, senators, and various contacts. It was important for me to meet with key Serbian diaspora leaders who are now advocating for Serbia. Finally, we are building a Serbian lobby,” he said.

Andric Rakic: Concerning trend of ethnicization of Kosovo security institutions (Kosovo Online)

New Social Initiative Program Manager Milica Andric Rakic, one of the authors of the report Ethnicization of Kosovo Police: Erosion of Ahtisaari’s Basis of Civic and Multiethnic Institution presented by five civil society organizations told Kosovo Online portal it is about new trend in Kosovo security services with tacit consent of the international community representatives in Kosovo. The report speaks of a number of Kosovo police officers wearing or showing the symbols of “Greater Albania”, former KLA or “Punisher” in public, violations of applicable laws and regulations, as well as spread of “Albanian ethno-nationalism”. 

"When I reacted to this new trend for the first time in December 2022, because we did not have this type of problem with Kosovo security structures before 2019, and even then it was not so widespread, international actors then assured me that the problem had been solved. Two months ago, we saw that this continued and we presented to the entire Quint several photos as an example of a practice that can negatively affect the recruitment of members of the minority community, but also the reason for the very low rate of community trust in the police. At that time, we have also received assurances that this problem will be solved”, Andric Rakic said.

She added the presented report portrays the scale of this phenomenon.

“It lists all articles of the administrative instruction related to discipline in police, code of conduct, standards of the uniform and professionalism in general which have been violated. But what we have also kept saying for a longer period of time is that ethnic composition (of police forces) violates the Constitution and Brussels Agreement”, she emphasized.

Andric Rakic in particular warned of a specific phenomenon related to glorifying the concept of extrajudicial ‘justice’ based on Marvel’s anti-hero with the emblem of “a skull and Albanian flag”. “This is very popular among the members of Kosovo special police units and this emblem is worn from commander to the lower-ranking members of the units. This is where the biggest part of the problem is, when you enter some community with such messages”, she said, adding it was visible in the center of Mitrovica North in December.  

“You are sending the message that you are an Albanian, that you are here to punish, that you are a ‘punisher’. These are rather problematic issues, and this trend is unfortunately ongoing, for the last three years and is not met with sufficient attention, and of course has impact and detrimental effect on non-majority communities not to be part of such structures in which a general impunity for unprofessional conduct and desecration of uniform reigns ”, she said.

Andric Rakic is convinced that this report would contribute to the reduction of this trend, but also be met with reaction from the international community.

“At least, they should stop donating equipment to the police until they start addressing this problem in a more serious manner. Also, I expect pressure on the Kosovo Police Inspectorate to start dealing with this practice”, she added.

PIK on CSOs report: We will analyze content (Alternativna.com, media)

“This is to inform you that Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK) will analyze the content of this report in line with its official duties”, reads the replay PIK sent to Alternativna.com portal in relation to the report Ethnicization of Kosovo Police: Erosion of Ahtisaari’s Basis of Civic and Multiethnic Institution, five civil society organizations led by Serbs presented on Friday.

Alterntivna.com recalled that previously Kosovo police said in their reply that police “do not comment on any statement/report”.

The report published by five civil society organizations, New Social Initiative (NSI), Aktiv, Centre for Affirmative Social Actions (CASA), InTer and Advocacy Centre for Democratic Culture (ACDC) on Friday points out massive violations of at least 13 articles of Administrative Instruction on violation, measures and discipline conduct within Kosovo police.

The articles relate to inappropriate conduct of Kosovo police members, undermining the image of Kosovo police, unlawful placement of insignia on police equipment that may represent discrimination, unlawful use of name and authority, unlawful use of symbols and violation of the standards of uniforms.

The civil society organizations also warned that over the last three years a trend has been observed in Kosovo on social media, and Tik Tok in particular, in which Kosovo police members spread “Albanian ethnonationalism” in contradiction to the Kosovo Constitution and applicable laws.  

Police officers suspended in relation to Milos Subotic’s case returned to work (KoSSev)

Two Kosovo police officers suspended in line with Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK) recommendation at the end of October this year, relating to the case of Milos Subotic, Mitrovica North resident, have returned to work today, KoSSev portal reported.

“Yes. They have returned to work today. According to PIK, there is no reason for their suspension”, deputy commander for the region North, Veton Elshani told the portal.

He could not say at what stage the case against two police officers at PIK is, what PIK investigated so far and based on what it made the decision that these two police officers could continue performing their duties.

KoSSev portal added it sent media enquiry to PIK with the same questions, adding they expect replay.

Milos Subotic accused police of mistreating and physically assaulting him on October 26, late evening. Upon removing plastic bags in front of the newly opened Albanian-owned shop, blocking the passage at Mitrovica North promenade, Subotic was apprehended by police and as he said, taken to the room without surveillance cameras at Mitrovica North police station and got beaten there by police officers who concealed their badge numbers. He was released afterwards and a misdemeanor report filed against him. Kosovo police denied claims of Subotic.

Series of reactions came after Subotic’s case, mainly from the Serbian side and also Kosovo Deputy Ombudsperson Srdjan Sentic. Five civil society organizations from the north suspended cooperation with EULEX following this case.   

EU ambassadors to again discuss opening Cluster 3 in accession talks with Serbia (Tanjug)

Ambassadors of EU member states will on Monday continue a debate on Serbia's request to open Cluster 3 in its EU accession talks and on General Affairs Council draft conclusions on enlargement, sources in Brussels have told Tanjug.

New discussions on the matter are scheduled to begin at around 6 pm after the ambassadors again failed to agree on Friday to give the green light for opening Cluster 3 (Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth) with Serbia. At the most recent Coreper II meeting on opening the cluster, a large majority of countries were in favor of the move.

The sources said Serbia's letter for submitting the negotiating positions for Chapters 16 (Taxation) and 19 (Social Policy and Employment) as part of the cluster had been given a positive assessment but had not been adopted because the Netherlands tied it to the adoption of the draft conclusions on enlargement. The draft conclusions, seen by Tanjug and due to be adopted on December 17, say the Council will accept a European Commission assessment that Serbia is ready for Cluster 3 and that the matter of opening it will be considered based on further progress, especially in terms of rule of law and normalization of relations with Pristina.

In its 2024 report on Serbia, the European Commission said Cluster 3 was technically ready for opening and that the overall pace of accession talks would continue to depend on rule of law reforms and normalization of Belgrade-Pristina relations. Serbia last opened chapters in its EU talks in December 2021.

FM: German MFA's interference in our internal affairs risks undermining relations (Tanjug)

In a reaction to the German MFA's post on X about student protests in Serbia, Foreign Minister Marko Djuric emphasized the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, noting that such statements risked undermining the constructive relationship Serbia strived to maintain with its partners.

"The tragic incident in Novi Sad is a matter of deep concern, and we are fully dedicated to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and justice", Djuric said in a statement. "While we value the importance of dialogue and cooperation with our international partners, such as Germany, it is essential to emphasize the principle of non-interference in the domestic political affairs of sovereign and equal European states”, Djuric added.

Public statements that presume to judge Serbia's internal processes without full knowledge of the facts risk undermining mutual respect and the constructive relationship that we strive to maintain with our partners, he also said.

In the post, the German MFA said students and journalists in Serbia demanded a "thorough investigation after the tragic Novi Sad incident," in which an overhang collapse at the Novi Sad railway station left 15 people dead. "They must be able to express their opinions freely, without fear of violence or intimidation. As an EU candidate, we expect Serbia to uphold the rule of law and human rights," it also said.

Vucic claims student demands met, students disagree (N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said last night all four demands of the protesting students have been fully met, but the students in the blockade say this is not true, N1 reported.

Vucic claimed that the demands related to the attack on students of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts (FDU) in Belgrade, documentation on the reconstruction of the Novi Sad Railway Station, the release of protest participants from detention, and a 20% increase in funding for universities have all been addressed.

“Some people live in a bubble of lies spread by [media mogul Dragan] Solak. We’ve published all 195 documents related to the case, and the prosecutor’s office also has them. We’ve done our part fairly and without deceit”, Vucic said.

However, a Philosophy Faculty student participating in the blockade told N1 that the demands have not been met and argued that Vucic, under the Constitution, lacks authority to make such decisions.

The student protests began after FDU students were attacked while paying tribute to victims of a collapsed canopy at the entrance to the Novi Sad Railway Station. The attackers were later identified as officials from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), N1 said. Currently, over 40 faculties at four Serbian universities are under blockade. The students demand prosecution of attackers, full disclosure of the railway station reconstruction documents, and a 20% increase in state funding for higher education.

Serbian security agency says Amnesty report trivial (N1)

Serbia’s top state security agency said on Monday that Amnesty International’s Digital Prison report on state surveillance is trivial, N1 reported.

It accused Amnesty International of working for the interest of agencies and pressure groups which is reflected in its report on digital surveillance of journalists and NGO activists by state agencies in Serbia. 

A statement on the BIA portal said that the agency “operates exclusively in line with the laws of the Republic of Serbia”. “That is why we cannot even comment on the senseless claims in their report just as we don’t comment on similar content”, the statement said.

Amnesty International’s Digital Prison report  was released on Monday

International

Kosovo’s 2025 budget: Government picks populism over ambition (Sbunker.org)

Announcing a government’s budget is one of the most important economic events of the year. In advanced economies, such announcements spark extensive debates that transcend politics. A budget is more than a plan of revenues and expenditures—it serves as a declaration of intent, a political statement and a reflection of government performance.

Kosovo’s 2025 Budget was recently approved in Parliament. The first thing that stands out in the 2025 budget is its lack of ambition. In the past, governments, eager to lead national elections, announced ambitious capital projects, many of which faced criticism for their high costs. As in the previous five years, this budget includes no such initiatives.

The World Bank’s economic growth forecast for the coming years indicates that Kosovo remains stuck in the 3-4% range. At this rate, experts estimate that it could take Kosovo 40 years to reach the average European living standard.

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