AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Parliament Deadlock: MPs re-elected Albulena Haxhiu as Speaker, but the legislature can’t fully start until five deputy speakers are chosen; the session will continue Friday after disagreements on nominees and voting procedure. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti condemned Serbia’s state honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, calling it “state worship of genocide” and warning it could fuel future violence. EU Reaction to Mladić Funeral: EU leaders said the Belgrade ceremony undermines Serbia’s EU path, after thousands attended and senior officials were present. Trade & Agriculture: Kosovo imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed, adding €40 per tonne, citing unfair low pricing harming local producers. Gaza Mission: Kosovo signed an agreement to join the US-led International Stabilization Force in Gaza, linking participation to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Domestic Justice: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla received a one-year suspended sentence for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018. Business & Tourism: TGI Fridays announced its first expansion into Kosovo (plus Albania and North Macedonia) via Devolli Group, planning 10 restaurants. Sports & Identity: Kosovo football interest grows as Bayern youngster Erblin Osmani is reported to have received a Kosovan passport, with his international future still unclear.

Kosovo in Gaza Mission: Kosovo has formally signed on to the US-led International Stabilization Force for Gaza, signing a participating-country agreement in Pristina; the deal says Kosovo will support President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, but no troop timetable was announced. Parliament Deadlock: Kosovo’s parliament reconvenes for its inaugural session amid uncertainty over electing a president, with tensions inside the LDK adding to the risk of “chaos.” EU vs Serbia Over Mladic Funeral: The EU sharply criticized Serbia after Ratko Mladić received full military honours in Belgrade; Kosovo PM Albin Kurti called it “state worship of genocide,” while reactions across the region continue to deepen. Kosovo Security Case: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla received a one-year suspended sentence for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018. Business & Lifestyle: TGI Fridays signed a development agreement with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo (plus Albania and North Macedonia), with plans for 10 restaurants across the three markets. Sports Talent Watch: Reports say Bayern youngster Erblin Osmani may choose Kosovo for international football, after a Kosovo ambassador posted that he received a Kosovan passport.

Kosovo-Gaza Security: Kosovo has formally signed on to the US-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza, with a participating-country agreement signed in Pristina by Kosovo Security Force leadership and ISF commanders, framed as support for President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. Kosovo Politics: Parliament is set to reconvene for the inaugural session, but the election of a president remains in doubt amid deep party divisions and accusations of “chaos” over the process. Serbia-EU Fallout Over War Crimes: Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade drew sharp reactions across the region, with Bosnia planning diplomatic withdrawals from Belgrade and Kosovo among those condemning the public glorification despite EU warnings. Kosovo Justice: Acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla received a one-year suspended sentence for throwing tear gas inside Kosovo’s parliament in 2018. Kosovo Court Case: Fatmir Sheholli pleaded not guilty to spying for Serbia and blackmail, with prosecutors alleging he passed political and security information to Serbia’s intelligence service.

Kosovo Security Force in Gaza: Kosovo has signed an agreement to join the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, with KSF commander Bashkim Jashari and US ISF commander Jasper Jeffers signing in Pristina, as the mission is framed as support for President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. Kosovo court case: Fatmir Sheholli, a former political commentator, pleaded not guilty in Pristina to spying and blackmail for Serbia’s BIA, with prosecutors saying he passed information on Kosovo’s politics, security and state institutions and tried to influence the 2025 local elections. Serbia’s Mladic funeral fallout: Ratko Mladić was buried in Belgrade with military honours and thousands attending, despite EU warnings, with the event drawing sharp regional criticism. Workplace safety at KEK: A worker’s death at Kosovo’s public energy company KEK has triggered renewed safety inspections after allegations of outdated risk assessments and unsafe handling of live high-voltage cables. Regional economy snapshot: An ILO comparison highlights weak labor productivity across the Western Balkans, with Kosovo’s productivity reportedly declining in recent years even as growth continues. Media freedom in the region: SafeJournalists says Albania’s journalists’ association AGSH has become a full member, moving the network into a new phase.

Kosovo Justice: Former Pristina political commentator Fatmir Sheholli pleaded not guilty at the Basic Court to espionage and blackmail for Serbia’s BIA, with prosecutors alleging he passed information on Kosovo’s institutions and security. War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors filed indictments against 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging them with war crimes in the killing of civilians from the Jashari compound. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo could lose about €166m under the EU Growth Plan due to stalled reforms tied to political deadlock and non-functioning institutions. Workplace Safety: A worker died after an electric shock at KEK, the fourth fatality at the state energy company in 2026, prompting renewed safety inspections and renewed questions about outdated risk assessments. Media Freedom: SafeJournalists says Albania’s AGSH has become a full member of its network, while also flagging unexplained Meta restrictions affecting media and public-interest accounts. Regional Politics: Serbia’s government says Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, accusing Kosovo police of blocking media access. International Spotlight: Serbia held public homage and a military funeral for Ratko Mladić in Belgrade despite EU warnings.

EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo risks losing about €166m from the EU Growth Plan as political deadlock keeps reforms stalled, with only 7 of 13 required reforms completed by end of June and money released only after agreement. War Crimes Case: Kosovo prosecutors filed an indictment against 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging them with war crimes tied to the killing of 26 civilians at the Jashari compound; the case is filed in absentia. Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office alleges Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties at Gazivode Lake, saying access routes were blocked and media were prevented from filming. Health Threat: Kosovo and the region are facing growing concern over Hyalomma ticks that can spread Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, with climate change pushing the tick further north. Diplomacy: Kosovo asked the EU to start processing its membership application, nearly four years after it was filed in December 2022, noting it remains the only Western Balkan state without candidate status.

EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo could lose about €166m from the EU Growth Plan as political deadlock keeps reforms stalled, with only 7 of 13 required steps completed by June and no release of funds until institutions function. War Crimes Case: Kosovo prosecutors indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging war crimes tied to the killing of Adem Jashari’s family and others during the siege; the trial will proceed in absentia. Serb Property Tensions: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office alleges Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, saying media access was blocked by police and calling for international action. Mass Grave Probe: A fourth suspect was arrested over suspected war crimes after remains from mass graves in northern Kosovo were found; three others are already in custody and DNA testing is underway. Public Health Alert: Germany and Kosovo are coordinating against Hyalomma ticks that can spread Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, as the tick expands northward with climate change. Regional Diplomacy: Kosovo asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, but still awaiting an opinion. Media Rights: SafeJournalists says Meta must explain new restrictions and account-access problems affecting media and public-interest accounts in Albania.

War-Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors have indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging them with war crimes for the killing of 26 civilians, including women, children and the elderly, during the siege of the Jashari family compound; the case will be heard in absentia. Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, alleging access was blocked by Kosovo police and warning international actors to act. Missing Persons: A fourth suspect has been arrested over suspected war crimes linked to mass grave remains found in northern Kosovo; three others are already in custody, and DNA testing is underway for at least 23 missing people from 1999. EU Path: Kosovo has asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, after nearly four years without it reaching the European Commission. Local Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated €48.6m in Q2 2026, up 9.8% quarter-on-quarter, driven mainly by mobile services.

War Crimes Case in Focus: Kosovo prosecutors have indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging them with war crimes for the killing of 26 civilians at the Jashari compound; the trial will be held in absentia since suspects are not in Kosovo custody. Property Rights Row: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake in Zubin Potok, alleging access was blocked by Kosovo police and warning international bodies to act. EU Path Pressure: Kosovo has asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, but still waiting for the European Commission’s opinion. Local Economy Watch: Kosovo’s telecom sector brought in €48.6m revenue in Q2 2026, up 9.8% quarter-on-quarter, driven mainly by mobile services. Housing Market: Home prices rose 7.3% across Kosovo in Q2 2026, with prices outside Pristina jumping 12.8% versus 4.1% in the capital region.

War Crimes Case: Kosovo prosecutors have charged 35 Serbian police commanders and officials over the March 1998 Jashari compound attack in Prekaz, alleging 26 civilian deaths; the indictment is filed in absentia and now goes to the Basic Court in Pristina. Mass Graves: A fourth suspect was arrested over suspected war crimes after remains from at least 23 people were found in three mass graves in northern Kosovo; three other suspects are already in custody and DNA work is under way at The Hague. Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, alleging blocked access by Kosovo police and calling for international action. EU Path: Kosovo has urged the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, saying it is still waiting for the European Commission’s review. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Serbia’s president accused organisers of a planned Pristina march of threatening violence ahead of a Hague court ruling on four former KLA leaders. Economy & Society: Kosovo telecom revenue rose to EUR 48.6m in Q2 2026, driven by mobile services; meanwhile, home prices rose 7.3% across Kosovo, with the biggest jump outside Pristina (+12.8%).

War Crimes Case in Kosovo: Kosovo prosecutors have filed an indictment charging 35 people over the March 1998 Jashari compound attack in Prekaz, alleging the killing of 26 civilians, including women, children and elderly people. The suspects are former senior Serbian police figures, with the case filed in absentia because none are in Kosovo custody; it now moves to the Basic Court in Pristina. Mass Graves Update: A fourth suspect has been arrested over suspected war crimes tied to mass graves in northern Kosovo, where remains from at least 23 people were found; three other suspects are already in custody and samples have been sent to The Hague for DNA testing. EU Membership Pressure: Kosovo has urged the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, saying it is still waiting for the European Commission to receive it. Serbia-EU Tensions Over Mladić: Serbia’s handling of Ratko Mladić’s body and funeral plans is deepening disputes with the EU, as his nationalist legacy continues to divide the region. Kosovo Politics: Serbia’s president says a planned Pristina march is pressuring the court days before it rules on four former KLA leaders. Local Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated €48.6m in Q2 2026 revenue, driven mainly by mobile services.

Kosovo Politics: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić accused Kosovo protesters of threatening violence ahead of the Specialist Chambers verdict on four former KLA leaders, warning the “March for Freedom” in Pristina could raise tensions before the September 16 ruling. EU Presence: German diplomat Dirk Schübel took office as the EU’s top representative in Kosovo, calling for swift formation of institutions and renewed momentum in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Serb Community Dispute: Serbia’s Petar Petković hit back at Albin Kurti over the Community of Serb Municipalities, saying it is not a matter of political will but of respect for signed agreements. Judicial Developments: Kosovo removed 18 Serb judges after their resignation walkout in 2022, rejecting their bid to return despite EU calls. Economy & Daily Life: Kosovo’s telecom sector earned €48.6m in Q2 2026, up year-on-year, while home prices rose 7.3% across Kosovo—12.8% outside Pristina. Crime & Safety: Albania’s police arrested suspects after an alleged €5m extortion demand tied to an armed attack on a hotel owner, with a Kosovo citizen among those detained.

Kosovo Politics: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić warned that a planned “March for Freedom” in Pristina on Sept. 12 could pressure the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, days before it is set to rule on four former KLA leaders (Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi, Selimi). Judicial System: Kosovo has removed 18 Serb judges who resigned during the 2022 institutional walkout, after their bid to return was rejected by the judicial council despite EU calls. Presidency Deadlock: Talks between Vetëvendosje and LDK to elect a consensus president are under strain after six LDK MPs said they won’t back Bekim Sejdiu, raising the risk of fresh elections; Kurti says the political agreement still stands. EU Role: Germany’s Dirk Schübel took office as EU ambassador/EUSR to Kosovo, urging faster institution-building and continued Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Security & Courts: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla was found guilty for using tear gas in the 2018 parliament; sentencing is set after a Sept. 8 hearing. Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated EUR 48.6m in Q2, up year-on-year, with mobile services driving most revenue growth. Property Market: Home prices rose 12.8% outside Pristina in Q2, far faster than the 4.1% increase in the capital region. Social Issues: Kosovo’s acting president condemned recent killings of women, calling for the harshest punishment and stronger protection.

Kosovo Politics Deadlock: Talks between Albin Kurti and LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku collapsed again, leaving Bekim Sejdiu short of votes and raising the risk of fresh elections. LDK Split: Six LDK MPs—including Avdullah Hoti—say they won’t back Sejdiu, while Kurti insists the agreement still stands and promises more meetings. EU Push for Institutions: Germany’s Dirk Schübel took office as EU ambassador/EUSR, urging Kosovo to quickly form institutions and keep the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue moving. Serbia-NATO Tensions: Serbian President Vučić warned NATO over the reopening of the Ibar Bridge to vehicles, saying Christians and Serbs in northern Kosovo fear attacks and calling on Washington/NATO to intervene. Court Ruling in Pristina: Kosovo’s Basic Court found acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty for using tear gas in the Assembly in 2018. Security Case Sparks Religious Row: A document found on a suspected Serbian spy’s phone claims money was raised to fund mosques in Kosovo, prompting backlash from Kosovo’s Islamic Community. Energy Watch: Kosovo’s main plants face possible shutdown in October if licences can’t be renewed due to a regulator board deadlock.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s presidential deal is wobbling after six LDK MPs said they won’t back joint candidate Bekim Sejdiu, raising fears of snap elections and leaving the coalition short of the numbers needed for a vote. Court & Security: A Basic Court ruling found acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty for using tear gas in the Kosovo Assembly in 2018; the sentence details follow a Sept. 8 hearing. Espionage & Religion: A document found on a phone in a Kosovo spy case has sparked a wider religious row, with claims about Serbian-linked funding for mosques rejected by Kosovo’s Islamic Community. Energy: Kosovo’s two main power plants face possible shutdown in October as operating licences expire and the regulator can’t renew them amid political deadlock. International Ties: Serbia’s foreign ministry says São Tomé and Príncipe withdrew recognition of Kosovo, while Serbia’s diplomacy continues around the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary in Belgrade. Culture & Sports: Kosovo’s karate champion Islam Selmani won gold at Taranto 2026, and Kosovo is set to debut at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

Kosovo Presidential Deadlock: A deal to end Kosovo’s months-long political standstill is now in doubt after six LDK MPs refused to back the agreed presidential candidate, leaving the vote short of the numbers needed and raising the risk of new elections. Energy Security: Kosovo’s two main power plants, Kosova A and Kosova B, could be forced to shut from October 4 if the regulator can’t renew their licences due to a board shortfall tied to the same political deadlock. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia used the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade to pitch NAM as a “bastion of multilateralism,” while Serbian officials also highlighted that several countries have withdrawn recognition of Kosovo. EU and Balkans Fallout: Croatia’s PM warned that any Serbian state funeral for Ratko Mladić would “close the doors” to EU membership for Belgrade. Tourism Watch: Kosovo continues to post growth in overnight stays, while Albania has slipped from top spot in Europe’s tourism growth rankings. Sports: Kosovo’s Islam Selmani won gold at Taranto 2026, adding to the country’s medal haul.