Serb Community Tensions: Kosovo police denied claims by the Serbian Orthodox Church that officers harass ethnic Serbs, saying arrests targeted alleged hate speech and incitement after last month’s religious celebrations; police also disputed claims of rising attacks on churches, citing mostly property thefts across faiths. Public Service Accountability: Kosovo sacked 20 ethnic Serb environment ministry officials for repeated absences, after an audit found nearly €470,000 paid in 2025 to integrated “Civil Protection” workers without proof of attendance; Pristina has banned the group as a terrorist organization since 2023. Kosovo Politics & EU Money: Kosovo’s parliament is set to meet in August as parties race to form a government; the deadlock is already threatening €40m in EU funding and raising inflation, with experts warning investors are holding back. Regional Diplomacy: A former US ambassador said Kosovo’s political deadlock is damaging ties with Washington and the EU, urging faster decisions and action on Serb concerns. Albania Economy & Tourism: Albania reported strong June export growth led by energy and minerals, while its tourism minister warned protests nearly stalled arrivals in June after cancellations hit key markets. Gaza Plan (Kosovo-linked): Reports say the US “Board of Peace” Gaza rebuild plan has been scaled to a limited Rafah pilot, with a small contingent of Moroccan and Kosovan officers already arriving to help form a proposed security force.