Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Kosovo urged the EU to respond to Serbian minister Snežana Paunović after she said she “would have ethnically cleansed Kosovo” in the 1990s; Pristina permanently banned her and sued, while Serbia’s leadership tried to distance itself and opposition lawmakers demanded her removal. Rule of Law & Community Safety: Kosovo police denied Serbian Orthodox Church claims of harassment and intimidation of Serbs, saying arrests targeted suspected hate speech and incitement after a recent ceremony; the church warned trust is at a post-war low. Economy: Kosovo recorded the highest consumer inflation in the Balkans in June at 6%, outpacing regional peers. Public Administration: Kosovo sacked 20 ethnic Serb environment ministry officials for repeated absenteeism after an audit found salaries paid without proof of attendance. EU & Governance: A former US ambassador warned Kosovo’s political deadlock is blocking progress and damaging ties with Washington and the EU, urging faster action on government formation and ethnic Serb concerns. Sports (Kosovo ties): Hibs learned they will face Kosovan side KF Malisheva in the Conference League second qualifying round, with the first leg in Kosovo on July 23.