AGP Executive Report

Police Oversight: Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate (IPK) has recommended suspending two officers from the North Mitrovica Regional Police Directorate after allegations that a Serb man in Dren, Zubin Potok, was beaten during an August 11 raid; the IPK says it will work with prosecutors to establish the full circumstances. Mitrovica Bridge Standoff: Serbia says the main Mitrovica bridge is not ready to reopen, while the EU says coordination and security steps are in place and KFOR is reducing its permanent presence; the dispute keeps fueling tensions in the north. Political Deadlock: Kosovo remains stuck in a parliamentary crisis over forming the Assembly and agreeing on a president, with parties trading blame and opposition MPs staying away from talks aimed at breaking the impasse. KFOR Violence Case: A Pristina court ordered 30 days’ pre-trial detention for Igor Mirković of Zvečan over alleged attacks on KFOR personnel and Kosovo Police during May 2023 unrest. Public Health: Kosovo reports 137 measles cases since mid-April, including 25 in the past week, and has launched catch-up MMR vaccination in low-coverage areas. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia signed a three-year coal agreement for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq at €24.40 per tonne. Telecom Update: Kosovo-related regional telecom news: Ncell in Nepal introduced a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 countries.

Mitrovica Bridge Standoff: The EU says the main bridge over the Ibar in Mitrovica can reopen, but only after more coordination and security guarantees for all communities, as KFOR reduces its permanent presence; Serbia’s Vučić meanwhile urges NATO to block the reopening. KFOR & Courts in North Kosovo: A Pristina court ordered 30 days’ detention for Serb Igor Mirković over alleged attacks on KFOR and Kosovo Police during the May 2023 unrest in Zvečan, while EU officials stress rule-of-law safeguards amid ongoing tensions. Presidency Deadlock: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu pushed parties to agree on a consensus presidential candidate to avoid another election, but opposition MPs stayed away and kept pressuring the assembly to convene. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia signed a three-year coal agreement for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq at €24.40 per tonne, pending selection of a contractor. Public Health: Kosovo recorded 137 measles cases since mid-April, with 25 in the past week, and has launched catch-up MMR vaccination in low-coverage areas. Telecom & Economy: Kosovo’s fixed and mobile subscriptions grew in June, and Albania’s economy grew 3.71% in Q1—regional momentum that includes Kosovo. Media Ethics: Kosovo’s Life Line protested Sinjali over alleged privacy-violating reporting on suicide cases.

Mitrovica Bridge Standoff: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić says he will ask NATO chief Mark Rutte to stop the main bridge in Mitrovica reopening to traffic, blaming KFOR commander Özkan Ulutaş and calling it a “major disappointment,” after the EU said conditions were met for reopening. Presidential Deadlock: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu urged parties to agree on a consensus candidate to avoid another election, after meeting PM Albin Kurti and minority representatives, while key opposition parties stayed away. Northern Security Shift: KFOR has started reducing its permanent presence at key sites, including on the Mitrovica bridge, with plans to expand Kosovo police roles—though DW reports deep Serb mistrust after demolitions and allegations of police abuse. EU Pressure Over Enforcement: EU officials warned Pristina over demolitions near Lake Ujman/Gazivode, saying irreversible actions while court reviews are ongoing violate safeguards and due process. Public Health: Kosovo recorded 137 measles cases since mid-April, with 25 in the past week, and launched catch-up MMR vaccination for 276 children in worst-hit areas. Media Ethics Row: Kosovo activists protested outside Sinjali over alleged privacy-violating reporting on suicide cases, demanding better accountability. Economy Watch: A Kosovo Business Alliance leader warned that political deadlock is costing hundreds of millions of euros and could deter foreign investors. Tax Crackdown: Kosovo’s tax authority says it found about €60m in unpaid taxes during 1,015 inspections in the first half of 2026.

Mitrovica Bridge Update: The EU says conditions are now in place to reopen the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica after KFOR began reducing its permanent presence there, a move Kosovo leaders frame as a step toward integrating the north and shifting more security responsibility to Kosovo police—though DW reports lingering Serb mistrust amid past demolitions, searches, and allegations of police abuse. Political Deadlock: Kosovo’s acting president warns the country could face another early election unless parties agree on a consensus president, as parliament remains unconstituted and talks are rejected by opposition parties. Economy & Taxes: Kosovo’s tax authority uncovered about €60m in unpaid taxes in the first half of 2026, while a business group says the ongoing political deadlock is costing the economy hundreds of millions and could deter investors. Security & Justice: Kosovo police arrested a suspect over 2023 attacks on NATO peacekeepers and police in northern Kosovo. Culture & Funding: DokuFest Prizren wrapped with “As the Spring Arrives, Water Recalls the Nomads” winning the Balkan Dox Competition, and CEE Animation launched the CODA co-development animation awards call for early-stage projects. Health & Travel: Foreign tourist stays in Albania rose 20.6% in June year-on-year, with Kosovo and Italy among the biggest sources.

KFOR Transition in North Kosovo: NATO has started reducing its permanent presence at key northern sites, pulling back from the Mitrovica bridge and planning a bigger role for Kosovo police around the Visoki Dečani monastery, with officials saying the change could help reopen the bridge to traffic—though DW reports deep mistrust among many local Serbs after demolitions, searches, and police-abuse allegations. Kosovo Tax Crackdown: Kosovo’s tax authority says it uncovered about €60m in unpaid taxes after 1,015 inspections in the first half of 2026, with construction, wholesale trade and hospitality among the worst-hit sectors. Political Deadlock Costs Money: A Kosovo business group warns the ongoing institutional crisis is costing the economy hundreds of millions of euros and could scare off foreign investors. Kosovo Parliament Still Blocked: Parliament remains unconstituted as opposition parties reject a path forward on a consensus president, keeping the suspended session in limbo. War Crimes Investigation: Kosovo police say they found human remains believed to belong to three people killed in the 1998–99 war near Zubin Potok, with identification pending and arrests made in the wider probe. Regional Security: Kosovo police arrested a suspect over alleged attacks on NATO peacekeepers and police during the 2023 unrest in northern Kosovo. Cross-border Crime: Albania police arrested suspects over alleged firearms smuggling from Kosovo, seizing pistols and ammunition.

Vlora Hotel Fire: A blaze in central Vlora left at least five people seriously injured, including five Kosovo citizens, with police saying an electrical outlet tied to a refrigerator likely caused the fire; some victims were transferred to Tirana for burns treatment. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu warns the country could face another early election after opposition parties rejected talks, as parliament remains unconstituted and parties clash over a consensus presidency. NATO Security Probe: Kosovo police arrested a suspect over the 2023 attacks on NATO peacekeepers and police in northern Kosovo, with charges including assault and rioting. War Crimes Recovery: Kosovo police found remains of three suspected war victims from the 1998–99 conflict near Zubin Potok; identification is pending and investigations continue. Serbia-EU Tensions: Russia’s Lavrov claims the EU is “blackmailing” President Vučić to align with EU Russia decisions and recognize Kosovo, while Vučić reiterates he will not recognize Kosovo. Kosovo-Serbia Flashpoint: NATO has begun reducing its permanent presence at the Mitrovica bridge as security transition continues, heightening local political alarm. Kosovo Abroad/Regional Links: Bangladesh and Kosovo reaffirm cooperation on trade and investment, including talks on a free trade agreement and worker recruitment.

Parliament Stalemate: Kosovo’s parliament remains unconstituted as opposition parties push to resume a suspended session, arguing the delay violates the constitution and Constitutional Court rulings, while the session chairman warns reconvening without a political agreement could spark clashes; the fight is also tied to deadlock over choosing a consensus president. Presidency Talks: Acting president and acting prime minister Albulena Haxhiu and Albin Kurti are calling party leaders to negotiate a consensus candidate on August 18, with Kurti saying a deal is needed to avoid a fourth election since February 2025. Espionage Case: Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a dual Kosovo-Serbia citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA, allegedly passing information on Kosovo officials and Islamist radicals and receiving money. War Crimes Search: Kosovo police found remains believed to belong to three people killed in the 1998–99 war near Zubin Potok; identification is pending. Cross-Border Crime: Albanian police arrested two people over pistols and ammunition suspected to have been smuggled from Kosovo. Diplomacy and Trade: Kosovo and Bangladesh reaffirmed opposition to transnational crimes and discussed an FTA and closer economic cooperation, including investment and labour mobility. Culture Spotlight: DokuFest in Prizren continues with Kosovo-linked film recognition, including “The Rifts” winning a DokuFest Forum award.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s acting president and acting prime minister have called party leaders to talks on a consensus presidential candidate, aiming to prevent a fourth election after the June vote left institutions stalled. Parliament Deadlock: The opposition Democratic League of Kosovo says it has dropped demands tied to naming the president, urging MPs to stop delaying parliament and government formation. Security & Justice: Prishtina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for a Kosovo-Serbia dual national suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA, allegedly passing information on officials and Islamist recruitment targets. War Crimes Remains: Kosovo police found human remains believed to belong to three people killed in the 1998–99 war near Zubin Potok; identification is pending and missing persons lists remain a key dispute with Serbia. Crime & Smuggling: Greek police dismantled a Turkish-Albanian drug network moving raw cannabis from Albania via Greece to Turkey, with help from Kosovo and North Macedonia authorities. Guns Trafficking: Albania arrested suspects over pistols and ammunition allegedly smuggled from Kosovo to criminal groups. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Bangladesh and Kosovo reaffirmed opposition to transnational crimes and discussed trade, investment, and labor mobility, including steps toward an FTA. Culture: DokuFest Forum in Kosovo awarded Bulgarian director Gogo Vanev’s “The Rifts” a Best Project/Creative Force prize.

Kosovo-Serbia Politics: Kosovo’s acting president and acting prime minister called party leaders to agree on a consensus presidential candidate to avoid a fourth election, as the country remains without a fully formed parliament. Governance Deadlock: The opposition LDK says it has dropped demands over the presidency to unblock institutions, while Kurti insists talks must move to specific names. War Crimes & Missing Persons: Kosovo police found remains of three suspected war victims near Zubin Potok; identification is pending and arrests were made in the wider probe. Security/Spying: Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA and passing information about Kosovo officials and recruitment targets. Diplomacy & Economy: Kosovo and Bangladesh discussed an FTA process and trade expansion, including pharmaceuticals and IT, plus a government-to-government mechanism for orderly worker recruitment. Culture: DokuFest opened in Prizren with its “Persistent Defiance” theme, spotlighting more than 100 films across competitions and special programmes. Regional Spotlight: Albania’s PM Edi Rama urged no criticism of Ukraine over Zelensky’s Kosovo remarks, arguing Ukraine’s right to freedom remains “indisputable.”

Presidential Deal Talks: Kosovo’s acting president and acting prime minister have called party leaders to agree on a consensus candidate for president, aiming to prevent a fourth election after February 2025 as parliament remains incomplete. Political Deadlock Pressure: The LDK has dropped demands for top posts in talks with Vetëvendosje, signaling it will stay in opposition while backing a consensus presidency to unblock institutions. Court Orders Detention in Espionage Case: Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA and passing information about Kosovo officials and Islamist circles. Serbia’s Kosovo Line Repeated: Aleksandar Vučić says Serbia will not recognize Kosovo, impose sanctions on Russia, or join NATO, while again raising the Ibar River issue. EU Dialogue Pace: EU envoy Peter Sørensen says there’s no deadline for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, stressing implementation over calendars. Regional Diplomacy Ripple: Albania’s PM Edi Rama defended continued support for Ukraine despite Zelensky’s Kosovo remarks, arguing freedom and solidarity can coexist. Trade and Mobility: Bangladesh and Kosovo discussed an FTA process and a government-to-government mechanism for orderly worker recruitment. Culture in Prizren: DokuFest marks its 25th edition with a “Persistent Defiance” theme, drawing filmmakers and audiences to Prizren.

Kosovo Political Deadlock: Opposition parties say Albin Kurti cannot stay as acting prime minister after being sworn in as an MP, as Kosovo still lacks a fully formed parliament and the August 7 deadline has passed. Presidential Crisis Talks: The LDK has dropped demands for top posts in negotiations with Kurti’s Vetëvendosje, signaling openness to a consensus president to avoid new elections. Parliament vs Government Rules: Legal questions are growing over whether Kurti and acting president Albulena Haxhiu can hold parliamentary seats while keeping their executive roles. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: NATO says improved security has let KFOR reduce its permanent presence at the Mitrovica bridge, while keeping visible patrols. Religious and Community Security: The Serbian Orthodox Church urges protection for its sites after attacks and threatening messaging. Detentions: Kosovo police detained a prominent Bosnian Islamic preacher ahead of a book event, without clear public reasons. Trade and Labor Links: Bangladesh and Kosovo discussed an FTA and a government-to-government recruitment mechanism for workers. Regional Diplomacy: Albania’s PM Edi Rama backed Ukraine’s right to freedom while rejecting calls to punish Kyiv over its Kosovo stance.

Kosovo Political Deadlock: Kosovo’s opposition has dropped power-sharing demands, while Kurti’s camp faces fresh legal questions after Kurti and acting president Albulena Haxhiu were sworn in as MPs—raising concerns about holding multiple roles and risking more elections and EU funding delays. Parliament Chaos: Opposition MPs again blocked proceedings and threw eggs at acting PM Albin Kurti, suspending parliament and deepening the standoff over constituting the Assembly and electing a president. EULEX/KFOR Security Shift: NATO says improved security has allowed a gradual reduction of KFOR’s permanent presence at the Mitrovica bridge, with the change reversible if conditions worsen. Ibar River Dispute: Serbia’s Vučić says any Ibar rerouting idea dates back decades and a task force will be formed next week, as EU and Pristina criticize the move and tensions with Kosovo Serbs continue. Espionage Case: Kosovo police arrested a former member of the president’s consultative council on suspicion of espionage at the Merdare border. Regional Diplomacy: Albania’s PM Edi Rama reiterated support for Ukraine despite Kyiv’s refusal to recognize Kosovo, arguing freedom isn’t “cashback.”

Kosovo Security: Kosovo police arrested Fehim Sali at Merdare on Aug. 13, suspecting him of espionage, adding to a growing list of such cases amid heightened tensions with Serbia. Mitrovica Bridge: NATO says improved security has let KFOR reduce its permanent presence at the Mitrovica bridge, while keeping visible patrols in both north and south Mitrovica. Ibar River Dispute: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić says a task force will be formed next week to revive a decades-old Ibar project, as Kosovo and EU-linked concerns grow over possible impacts on water security and normalization. Parliament Crisis: Kosovo’s parliament remains deadlocked over leadership, with MPs clashing physically as the EU warns delays could jeopardize reform funding. War Crimes & Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors and police bodies continue probing alleged abuse of Serb Nenad Rasković during a raid, while Kosovo begins excavations at newly found 1998-99 mass graves tied to missing people.

Mass Graves Search: Kosovo has begun excavations at newly found mass graves linked to the 1998-99 war, renewing hope for families of the missing, including Erblin Ademi, whose father disappeared in 1999. Police Accountability: Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate opened a preliminary probe into allegations of excessive force by officers during a raid on Serb Nenad Rašković in Zubin Potok, after claims of beatings and coercion to confess to war crimes. Parliament Crisis: Fourteen civil society groups asked Kosovo’s Constitutional Court to review parliament’s failure to form by the August 7 deadline, as the deadlock threatens EU funding. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: The Ibar River dispute is again framed as a security and sovereignty issue, with Kosovo warning against any upstream move that could affect its water supply. Diplomacy Shockwaves: Coverage of Zelensky’s Serbia visit continues to spark debate in Prishtina over optics, recognition, and Serbia’s balancing act with Russia and the West. Human Rights & Work: A report highlights “modern slavery” risks for migrant workers in Kosovo, including withheld wages and exploitative conditions.

Kosovo Politics & EU Funding: Fourteen civil society groups have asked Kosovo’s Constitutional Court to review why parliament missed the August 7 deadline to form a full assembly, as the deadlock drags on and threatens EU Growth Plan money tied to reforms. Parliament Crisis: Opposition MPs’ latest disruption—eggs thrown at the acting prime minister—has kept the political situation unstable and parliament suspended. Serb List Allegations: Serb List claims Kosovo Police beat Nenad Rasković in Zubin Potok, allegedly tying him to a tree and forcing a war-crimes confession; they demand an urgent independent investigation. Ibar River Row: Serbia’s hints about diverting the Ibar have triggered protests in Prishtina and pushback from the EU, while Albania and Serbia trade arguments over sovereignty and international law. War Memory & Missing Persons: Excavations near Kalluder e Vogel in Zubin Potok have renewed hope for families still searching for 1998-99 war missing, including Erblin Ademi’s father. Migrant Workers: A report highlights “modern slavery” concerns for some migrant workers in Kosovo—wage withholding, restricted movement, and in some cases suspected trafficking. KFOR Transition: KFOR says its Mitrovica bridge posture is being optimized gradually, conditions-based, amid ongoing debate over security responsibilities.

Ibar River Tensions: The EU warned that Serbia’s talk of diverting the Ibar River harms Kosovo-Serbia normalisation, while Kosovo’s acting president protested as a threat to water and security; Diplomacy vs. Sovereignty: Albania rejected Serbia’s use of UN Resolution 1244 to challenge Kosovo’s statehood, and Edi Rama hit back at Belgrade, saying “Serbia lost Kosovo”; KFOR Transition in Mitrovica: NATO began shifting security at the Ibar bridge and around Visoki Dečani as Kosovo police take on more duties, prompting fresh alarm from Kosovo Serb politics and criticism from Vučić; US-Kosovo Normalisation Push: The US State Department urged Serbia-Kosovo normalisation after Vučić’s Ibar remarks; Kosovo Politics & Courts: Former president Hashim Thaçi will stay in Hague detention until a September verdict; EU Funding Risk: Kosovo could lose EU growth funds due to political deadlock delaying reforms; Security of Orthodox Sites: KFOR commander met US senator Joni Ernst on protecting Serbian Orthodox shrines; Ukraine-Kosovo Fallout: Zelensky’s Belgrade visit sparked anger in Prishtina, including removal of a Ukrainian flag after his Kosovo remarks.