AGP Executive Report

Parliament & EU path: The EU says Kosovo’s Constitutional Court must rule on whether the new parliament and Kurti government were formed legally, after the opposition Democratic Party challenged the inauguration process and also plans to contest the government vote. Political deadlock: Kosovo’s president search is again in focus after Bekim Sejdiu withdrew, saying he no longer has enough parliamentary support—leaving parties scrambling for a candidate and raising the risk of more snap elections. Security ahead of The Hague: NATO chief Mark Rutte says KFOR will stay in Kosovo and keep its mission unchanged regardless of the Sept. 16 verdict in the Thaci case; Kosovo police also announced stepped-up measures to protect public order and traffic. Thaci verdict countdown: BIRN launched a dedicated focus page for the Hashim Thaci trial ahead of the judgment, where prosecutors are seeking 45-year sentences. Regional elections pressure: Serbia’s Petar Petkovic asked the OSCE to help ensure Serbian parliamentary elections can be held in Kosovo-Metohija too, citing past OSCE roles in ballot safety and transparency. Football & politics collide: FAI director John Martin says Ireland “shouldn’t be in” the position of playing Israel in Nations League ties, even as Kosovo is on Ireland’s schedule in Pristina on Sept. 24.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament re-elected Albin Kurti as prime minister in his “Kurti 4” government, winning 62 votes in the 120-seat assembly after months of deadlock; opposition parties boycotted the vote and say parliament was formed illegally, with plans to challenge the process at the Constitutional Court. Presidential Crisis: The bigger fight is still ahead: Kosovo needs a two-thirds majority to elect a president, and if parliament fails, it could trigger another snap election—potentially the fourth in two years. EU Membership Talks: The European Commission is considering new voting rules that would stop one EU member state blocking the opening or closing of negotiation chapters, a move that could matter for Kosovo since several EU states do not recognize it. KLA Verdict Countdown: Kosovo police are stepping up security ahead of the Specialist Chambers verdict in the Thaci trial, while rallies in Pristina and across the region demand acquittal for former KLA leaders. War Crimes Tribunal: Reuters reports the verdict is due Wednesday, with prosecutors seeking 45-year sentences for Hashim Thaci and three co-defendants, who deny the charges. Security Situation: KFOR commander Ozkan Ulutas says Kosovo’s security has improved and is broadly stable, leading NATO to suspend reserve deployments last January.

Government Reset in Pristina: Kosovo’s parliament has finally approved a new “Kurti 4” government, re-electing Albin Kurti as prime minister with 62 votes in a 120-seat assembly. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the session, accusing Kurti of post-election procedural violations, while the Serb List attended and voted against. Presidency Standoff: The political crisis isn’t over. Kosovo still must elect a president, requiring a two-thirds majority, and failure could trigger another snap election—potentially the fourth in two years—while EU reforms and funding remain stuck. KLA Verdict Countdown: As the Specialist Chambers’ ruling on former KLA leaders approaches, thousands rallied in Pristina demanding acquittals for Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, with the EU urging respect for the court’s process.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament has finally been constituted after MPs elected the remaining deputy speakers, clearing the way for talks on forming a new government and later electing a president. Parliament Deadlock: The breakthrough came after repeated failures to elect deputy speakers, with opposition parties walking out and disputes headed to the Constitutional Court. Thaci Verdict Countdown: Tens of thousands rallied in Pristina and across Kosovo backing former KLA leaders Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi ahead of their Hague war-crimes verdict next week; EU officials urged Kosovo to respect the ruling. War Crimes Trial—Obstruction Case: Thaci’s defence asked for acquittal in the obstruction of justice proceedings, arguing prosecutors relied on conversations that caused no witness tampering. Gaza Mission: Kosovo officially signed up to the US-backed “Board of Peace” and the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, a move that has sparked controversy at home. Media Oversight: Kosovo’s National Media Authority showcased its media regulation role at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

War-crimes verdict countdown: Tens of thousands rallied in Pristina and across Kosovo to demand the acquittal of former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi ahead of the Sept. 16 Hague verdict. EU stance: The EU urged Kosovo institutions and political groups to respect the ruling, stressing the Specialist Chambers were created by Kosovo’s own parliament and should be allowed to finish independently. Public pressure and mobilization: Supporters marched in Skanderbeg Square with portraits and a citywide countdown, while religious and civil groups backed the campaign under slogans like “The KLA unites us” and “Kosovo is waiting.” Court process: Thaçi’s defence rejected prosecutors’ push for a 45-year sentence, arguing the obstruction case rests on conversations that led to no witness tampering. Local politics: Kosovo’s parliament again stalled after opposition walkouts over deputy speaker votes, delaying government formation and the election of a new president.

KLA Verdict Build-Up: Thousands are set to march in Pristina on Saturday ahead of the Hague verdict for former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, all denying the war-crimes and crimes-against-humanity charges. Courtroom Update: Kosovo Specialist Chambers prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison term for Thaçi over alleged obstruction of justice, while the defence argues the case is based on conversations that caused no real-world witness tampering. Parliament Deadlock: Kosovo’s parliament again failed to form after MPs walked out over deputy speaker votes, with the Constitutional Court now in play and the government and next president election delayed. Gaza Mission: Kosovo has officially signed up to the US-backed “Board of Peace” and the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, with Kosovo officials saying troops are already involved in planning and logistics. War-Veteran Case: An appeals court overturned one-year prison sentences for 10 former Kosovo officials in a war-veteran benefits case, saying prosecutors didn’t prove deliberate abuse of office. Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met France’s Western Balkans envoy René Troccaz, reiterating claims about the situation for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament is still stuck in formation after a fresh dispute over deputy speakers. The Democratic Party of Kosovo’s Vlora Çitaku fell short with 44 votes, triggering an opposition walkout and a plan to challenge the process at the Constitutional Court. With four deputy speakers still missing, the deadlock is delaying a new government and the election of the next president. Kosovo War Crimes Trial: In The Hague, Hashim Thaçi has rejected prosecutors’ push for a 45-year sentence, while his defence argues the obstruction case is based on conversations that caused no real-world witness tampering. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have sought six years over alleged interference. Gaza Mission: Kosovo has officially signed up to the US-backed “Board of Peace” and the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, with the Board of Peace saying Kosovo soldiers are already involved in planning and logistics. EU Track: A new analysis argues the EU’s Western Balkans enlargement approach is too focused on quick wins, warning it must use leverage to drive reforms and settle bilateral disputes. Regional Security: A commentary warns terrorism is re-emerging where states weaken, highlighting growing cooperation between Yemen’s Houthis and Somalia’s al-Shabaab.

Kosovo War Crimes Trial: Prosecutors at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague asked judges to sentence former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi to six years for obstruction of justice, arguing he tried to interfere with the war-crimes case by allegedly directing instructions to witnesses; Thaçi’s defence denies wrongdoing and says the prosecution’s case is weak, with the main verdict in his war-crimes trial expected on Sept. 16. Kosovo Politics & Institutions: Kosovo’s parliament again hit a constitutional deadlock as Albulena Haxhiu was re-elected speaker, but the session was postponed after disputes over deputy speaker nominations, including wording objections raised by the Vetëvendosje Movement. Serb Community in Kosovo: Serbia’s Petar Petković met France’s Western Balkans envoy René Troccaz in Belgrade, accusing Pristina of obstruction in the Brussels dialogue and of escalating actions affecting Serbs, including arrests and property demolitions. Culture & Memory: A Pristina exhibition, “Diary of a War Photographer,” showcased Visar Kryeziu’s wartime images in support of KLA commanders ahead of the Hague verdict. International Spotlight: Iraq won 13 Muay Thai medals at the 2026 Senior World Championships held in Deçan, Kosovo.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s Assembly session to elect deputy speakers was blocked again, delaying full constitutional setup after Albulena Haxhiu was re-elected Speaker; the vote was postponed to Sept. 11 amid disputes over nominations and wording tied to the Serbian List. EU-Dialogue Tensions: Serbia’s Petar Petković met France’s Western Balkans envoy René Trocaz and Italy’s Thomas Botzios, accusing Pristina of stalling the Brussels dialogue, refusing the Community of Serb Municipalities, and citing arrests and demolitions affecting Serbs. War Crimes Court: In The Hague, prosecutors asked for a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi in an obstruction of justice case, ahead of the main war-crimes verdict expected Sept. 16. Culture & Memory: A Pristina exhibition, “Diary of a War Photographer,” opened ahead of the Hague verdict, with the photographer backing the KLA’s “just war” narrative. Regional Security: Kosovo is among countries pledging personnel to a US-led Gaza stabilization force, while Somaliland’s president says it could provide up to 2,000 troops if formally requested.

Kosovo Parliament Update: Albulena Haxhiu was re-elected Speaker of the Assembly after a long deadlock, winning 62 votes; the legislature still isn’t fully constituted because five deputy speaker posts remain to be filled, with the session set to continue after disagreements over nominees and voting procedure. Kosovo-Serbia Trade: Kosovo has imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed, adding €0.04 per kilogram (€40 per tonne) after an investigation found signs of unfairly low pricing that could harm local producers. Kosovo War Crimes Court: Closing arguments are underway in The Hague in the case accusing former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi and four others of trying to influence prosecution witnesses while detained; verdict timing is set for later in September. Regional Politics: Serbia’s President Vučić reacted sharply to the state-backed funeral of Ratko Mladić in Belgrade, calling European and regional responses “hysterical,” while Kosovo remains in focus amid ongoing tensions.

Kosovo Parliament Reset: Albulena Haxhiu was re-elected Speaker of the Assembly with 62 votes in favor, 16 against, and 13 abstentions, but the legislature still isn’t fully formed because five deputy speaker posts remain to be filled. Parliament Deadlock Fallout: MPs failed to agree on deputy-speaker voting procedures, pushing the constitutive process into another session. Kosovo-Serbia Trade Tension: Pristina imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed—€0.04 per kilogram (about €40 per tonne)—after an investigation found signs of dumping that could hurt local farmers. Regional Politics: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament and set snap elections for October 25, as reactions to Ratko Mladić’s funeral continue to strain EU ties. Gaza Mission Link: Kosovo signed on to join a US-led Gaza International Stabilization Force, with troop numbers and partner countries discussed in planning. Media Rights Watch: SafeJournalists warned Albania’s Meta-related restrictions and coordinated-looking account activity may still be exploiting platform vulnerabilities.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo MPs will reconvene on Wednesday to try again to form the new parliament, with Albulena Haxhiu elected speaker after a month-plus deadlock; deputies still need to be chosen and the president vote remains uncertain. Kosovo-Serbia Economy: Kosovo imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed, adding €0.04 per kilogram (€40 per tonne) after an investigation found unfairly low prices harming local farmers. Kosovo Security & Foreign Policy: Kosovo formally signed on to the US-backed International Stabilization Force for Gaza, pledging support for President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, though no deployment timetable was announced. Regional Politics: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament and set snap elections for October 25. EU Tensions Over War Crimes: The burial of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade with state honours triggered sharp EU criticism and renewed backlash across the Balkans; Kosovo’s PM Albin Kurti called it “state-sponsored glorification of genocide.” Sports & Identity: Reports say Bayern’s Erblin Osmani may choose to play for Kosovo after receiving a Kosovan passport, while Kosovo-linked Jamal Arago is linked with a move to India’s Samaleswari SC.

Kosovo joins US-led Gaza mission: Kosovo formally signed on to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, with Pristina saying it will support President Trump’s 20-point plan; no deployment timetable was announced. Parliament politics: Kosovo’s new parliament reconvenes as lawmakers still face uncertainty over electing a president, with party divisions—especially within the LDK—keeping the process tense. Courtroom fallout: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla received a one-year suspended sentence for throwing tear gas in parliament in 2018. EU/Serbia war-crimes row: The funeral of convicted Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladić in Belgrade with state honours sparked sharp EU criticism and outrage across the region; Kosovo’s PM Kurti called it “state worship of genocide,” while EU leaders warned it could undermine Serbia’s EU path. Regional business and tourism: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Kosovo security case: Prosecutors say Fatmir Sheholli passed political and security information to Serbia’s intelligence service and pleaded not guilty.

Gaza Mission: Kosovo has formally signed on to the US-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, with a participating-country agreement signed in Pristina by Kosovo officials and ISF commander Major-General Jasper Jeffers, as Kosovo links the move to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Justice & Security: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018, when he was an opposition MP. Prosecution vs Media: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council voted to terminate cooperation memorandums with civil society and media groups, arguing past arrangements have undermined investigation integrity and confidentiality. Kosovo-Serbia Spy Case: Fatmir Sheholli pleaded not guilty to spying for Serbia and blackmail, with prosecutors saying he passed political and security information to Serbia’s intelligence service and tried to influence the 2025 local elections. Regional Tensions: Serbia buried Ratko Mladić in Belgrade with military honours despite EU warnings, a move that drew condemnation from neighboring countries including Kosovo. Sports & Identity: Kosovo ambassador claims Bayern youngster Erblin Osmani will play for Kosovo, though his final decision on international allegiance is still pending.

Kosovo-Gaza Security Deal: Kosovo signed an agreement to join the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, with Kosovo Security Force leadership and US ISF commander Jasper Jeffers attending the ceremony, tying the move to the US-backed 20-Point Peace Plan. Pristina Court Case: Fatmir Sheholli pleaded not guilty in Pristina to spying and blackmail for Serbia’s intelligence service, with prosecutors saying he passed information on Kosovo’s politics, security and institutions and tried to influence the 2025 local elections. Media and Prosecutors: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council voted to terminate cooperation memorandums with civil society organisations, arguing media filming during operations undermines investigation integrity. Workplace Safety at KEK: A worker died after an electric shock at Kosovo’s state energy company KEK, prompting renewed safety inspections amid criticism over outdated risk assessments and protective equipment. Serbia’s Mladic Funeral Fallout: Ratko Mladić was buried in Belgrade with military honours despite EU warnings, drawing condemnation from Kosovo and others and highlighting how Serbia’s politics still clashes with European expectations. Regional Diplomacy: Nauru opened an embassy in Jerusalem, joining Kosovo among countries with missions there, as the move continues to spark international criticism.

War Crimes & Regional Tensions: Ratko Mladić’s body lay in state in Belgrade as thousands attended his funeral, with Serbia paying public homage despite EU warnings and renewed criticism from victims’ families and officials. Kosovo Court Case: Fatmir Sheholli, accused of espionage and blackmail for Serbia’s BIA, pleaded not guilty in Pristina and asked to move straight to trial. Justice for 1998 Prekaz: Kosovo prosecutors indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 killing of civilians at the Jashari compound in Prekaz, with the trial set to proceed in absentia. EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo risks losing about €166m from the EU Growth Plan due to stalled reforms tied to political deadlock. EU Pathway: Pristina urged the EU to begin processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, after nearly four years without the European Commission’s review. Workplace Safety: A fatal accident at KEK, Kosovo’s public energy corporation, has triggered renewed safety inspections after the fourth worker death in 2026. Media Freedom: SafeJournalists says Albania’s AGSH has become a full member, while it also flags unexplained Meta account restrictions affecting media and public-interest voices.