AGP Executive Report

EU Access & Trade: Kosovo dairy producers say exports are blocked from the EU market because the country lacks an EU-recognised veterinary certificate, leaving factories underused while imports top €12m in the first half of the year. EU Integration: Kosovo’s caretaker government approved talks with the EU to join the “roam like at home” framework, aiming to cut extra roaming charges across EU member states. Governance & Rule of Law: Acting PM Albin Kurti told an EU envoy that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned cannot return outside Kosovo’s legal system, as the EU pushes for their return to restore institutions. Sports (Kosovo in focus): Kosovo won the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026, Division C title, with Besim Bytyqi named MVP after an unbeaten run; in the women’s tournament, Kosovo took bronze. Regional Spotlight: Albania protests over a Trump-linked luxury resort escalated into clashes, with demonstrators reporting damage to the protected Narta lagoon.

Sports Glory: Kosovo beat Andorra 91-49 to win the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026, Division C title in Shkodër, finishing unbeaten; MVP Besim Bytyqi led with 26 points and also made the All-Star Five alongside Lis Binishi, while Albania took third by crushing Malta 101-61. Women’s Basketball: In Peja, Malta won the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket Division C title after edging Cyprus 56-35, with Cyprus’ Katerina Shakalli named MVP; Kosovo still finished third by beating Georgia 74-58. EU-Serb Institutions: Prime Minister Albin Kurti told EU envoy Peter Sorensen that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned can’t return outside Kosovo’s legal system, as Brussels pushes to restore institutions in the north. Local Justice: A Kosovo court sentenced former Pristina mayor Shpend Ahmeti to two years over undeclared assets worth €172,600. Parliament Deadline: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu set Kosovo’s new parliament constitutive session for August 6, aiming to avoid another early election amid stalled coalition talks.

Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says Serbia has boosted its military after closer defence ties involving Albania, Kosovo and Croatia, accusing them of forming an alliance against Belgrade while repeating Serbia’s claim over Kosovo. EU-Dialogue Pressure: Albin Kurti tells an EU envoy that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned from Kosovo institutions cannot return outside Kosovo’s legal system, as Brussels pushes for restored institutions and dialogue implementation. Justice in Pristina: A Kosovo court sentenced former Pristina mayor Shpend Ahmeti to two years over undeclared assets worth €172,600. International Rights Politics: The UN General Assembly re-elected Volker Turk as human rights chief for another four years despite US, Russia and Israel objections. Regional Security Diplomacy: US lawmakers back moving the OSCE’s 2027 meeting from Belgrade to Charleston, citing Serbia’s Kosovo stance and ties with Russia. Sports (Kosovo spotlight): Hibernian face a must-win return leg after losing 2-0 to Kosovo’s Malisheva in the Conference League qualifier.

Kosovo Politics: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu is set to call Kosovo’s parliament’s first sitting for August 6, starting a constitutional clock that could force another election if a new president isn’t elected within 60 days; coalition talks with the LDK remain suspended. EU-Serb Judicial Issue: Albin Kurti told EU envoy Peter Sorensen that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned can’t return outside Kosovo’s legal system, as the EU pushes to restore institutions and revive dialogue. Courts & Corruption: Former Pristina mayor Shpend Ahmeti was sentenced to two years for failing to declare €172,600 in assets. UN Rights: Volker Turk was re-elected UN human rights chief for another term despite US, Russia and Israel objections. Sports (Kosovo on the map): Kosovo’s U18 women’s team fell to Malta in a Division C semi, while Kosovo’s U18 men beat Albania 83-51 to reach the final; in Europe, Malisheva stunned Hibernian 2-0 in Kosovo.

UN Human Rights: Volker Turk won a new four-year term as UN rights chief despite sharp opposition from the US, Russia and Israel, after the UN General Assembly voted 144-10 with 13 abstentions. EU-Serb institutions: Albin Kurti told an EU envoy that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned can’t return outside Kosovo’s legal system, linking any fix to judicial independence and the stalled dialogue. Anti-corruption: A Kosovo court sentenced former Pristina mayor Shpend Ahmeti to two years for failing to declare €172,600 in assets. Politics & elections: Kosovo’s acting president set the parliament constitutive session for Aug. 6, starting a clock that could trigger another election if a president can’t be elected within 60 days. Kosovo-Serbia diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić said its ASEAN talks in Manila met all goals, including renewed support for Serbia’s territorial integrity. Sports: Hibernian were stunned 2-0 by Kosovo’s Malisheva in the Conference League qualifier, putting their return leg in Edinburgh under pressure.

Kosovo Politics: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu set Kosovo’s parliament constitutive session for August 6, starting a clock that could force another election if a new president isn’t elected within 60 days, with coalition talks between Vetëvendosje and the LDK still suspended. EU & Institutions: Kosovo’s EU bid is again in focus as Serbia’s ambassador in Brussels argues Kosovo should get candidate status and move ahead despite stalled institutions. Security: NATO says KFOR troop levels in Kosovo will be reduced gradually next year, depending on conditions on the ground, while keeping support for EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia talks. Economy: Kosovo’s trade deficit widened in June to €578.3 million as imports surged and exports stayed tiny, with exports covering just 15% of imports. Sports (Kosovo on the European stage): Hibernian were stunned 2-0 by Kosovo’s Malisheva in Pristina in the Conference League qualifier, leaving a tough return-leg task at Easter Road. International Diplomacy: US lawmakers push to block Belgrade from hosting an OSCE 2027 meeting, citing Serbia’s ties with Russia and its Kosovo stance.

Constitutional Clock: Kosovo’s acting president is expected to set the date for parliament’s first sitting on Friday, starting a deadline that could force a new election if a president can’t be elected within 60 days. UN Rights Pushback: UN human rights chief Volker Turk faces opposition from Russia and Israel ahead of a vote on a second term, with diplomats warning the decision could become contentious. EU/Serb Tensions: Serbia’s Office for Kosovo-Metohija says Pristina’s demolition of Serb-owned homes near Lake Gazivode violates rights and rule of law, while NATO says KFOR troop levels will be gradually optimized next year as security improves. Justice/Institutions: Kosovo’s prosecutorial council rejected the return of dismissed Serb prosecutors, and Kosovo is set to advertise seven prosecutor jobs after the dismissals. Economy: Kosovo’s trade deficit widened 16.1% in June to €578.3mn as exports covered only 15% of imports. Sport (Kosovo spotlight): In the UEFA Conference League, Malisheva shocked Hibernian 2-0 in Pristina, putting the Scots under pressure for the second leg at Easter Road.

Kosovo-Serb Tensions: Serbia’s Office for Kosovo-Metohija says Pristina is tearing down Serb-owned weekend homes near Lake Gazivode without court decisions, calling it illegal and part of a wider push to oppress Serbs, while also citing arrests and the stalled Community of Serb Municipalities. Rule of Law Clash: Serbia’s Justice Minister Nenad Vujic condemns the Gazivode demolitions as a serious property-rights and rule-of-law violation, urging the EU to reassess Kosovo’s judiciary and demand effective legal protection. Security Watch: KFOR plans a gradual troop reduction next year if conditions improve, with NATO saying it can reverse the move if security worsens; Serbia’s military chief met KFOR to press for protection of Serbs and heritage under UNSCR 1244. Economy: Kosovo’s trade deficit widened 16.1% in June to €578.3mn as exports rose to €102m but imports jumped to €680.3m. EU Justice: Kosovo will advertise seven prosecutor jobs after dismissals of ethnic Serb prosecutors, while the EU warns the move may breach the law. Sports (Kosovo spotlight): Hibernian were beaten 2-0 by Malisheva in Pristina in the Conference League first leg; coach David Gray calls the performance “unacceptable” but insists the tie can be turned at Easter Road. Travel: easyJet announces a new winter route from London Luton to Pristina starting December 7.

KFOR & Regional Security: Moldova has deployed a 25th military contingent to KFOR in Kosovo, sending 41 troops for six months to handle security, protection of facilities, and patrols. Serb Rights & Rule of Law: EU and OSCE missions criticized Kosovo’s demolition of 11 Serb-owned villas near Lake Ujman/Gazivoda, saying due process and property-rights concerns were not adequately addressed. Institutions & Representation: The U.S. Embassy in Pristina said Kosovo’s constitution guarantees Serb representation after the acting president dismissed seven Serb prosecutors, urging equal opportunities for Serbs to participate in public and political life. Border Deadlock: Kosovo-Montenegro road access in the Lim Valley remains blocked as both sides trade blame over border demarcation delays, leaving locals protesting for reopening. EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo risks losing EU reform-linked funding as the EU withholds money from countries missing targets; Kosovo has received only an initial payment amid political deadlock. Football (Kosovo spotlight): Hibs begin their Conference League qualifier at FC Malisheva in Pristina, while Bohemians beat Ballkani 2-1 in the first leg, setting up next week’s trip to Kosovo.

Kosovo Justice & Serb Representation: The U.S. Embassy in Pristina said Kosovo’s constitution guarantees Serbs’ representation after acting president Albulena Haxhiu signed decrees dismissing seven Serb prosecutors, urging equal opportunities for Kosovo Serbs in political and public life. Rule-of-Law Concerns: The EU and OSCE missions criticized the demolitions of 11 Serb-owned villas near Lake Ujman/Gazivoda, calling for an immediate halt over due process, proportionality, property rights, and pending court proceedings. EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo risks losing part of about €700 million in EU funds if reform targets aren’t met, with political deadlock delaying approvals and Kosovo receiving only an initial €61 million. Football—Kosovo on the European Map: Bohemians beat Ballkani 2-1 in the Conference League first leg, with Ross Tierney scoring a late winner; next week they travel to Pristina. Conference League—Malisheva vs Hibs: KF Malisheva host Hibs in Pristina, with Hibs missing several players as they chase a first-leg advantage.

Kosovo-Serb Justice Tensions: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu has formally dismissed seven ethnic Serb prosecutors who had resigned in 2022, after the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council rejected their requests to withdraw the resignations; the EU says the move may breach Kosovo law and due process and urges institutions not to block Serb judicial reintegration. EU Pressure on Rule of Law: The EU’s concern adds to a wider dispute tied to the 2022 north Kosovo walkout over Serbian-issued vehicle plates, with Serb judges still waiting on return decisions. Montenegro Probe: Montenegro’s special police questioned former PM Dritan Abazović and the former interior minister over a citizenship grant to a Kosovo businessman approved just before Abazović’s government left office, with prosecutors checking for abuse of office. War Crimes Survivors’ Silence: A BIRN report highlights how wartime sexual violence survivors in Kosovo struggle to get recognition, including a woman who fled after rapes in 1999 and still lacks Kosovo documents. Kosovo in the Spotlight Abroad: A U.S.-Serbia strategic dialogue is framed as a shift in Washington’s approach, while Kosovo is urged to protect minorities as relations with Pristina remain a key missing piece.

Kosovo Justice & Serb Rights: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu has formally dismissed seven ethnic Serb prosecutors, ending a long-running dispute after their 2022 resignations tied to the north’s vehicle-plate crisis; the EU warned the move could breach law and due process and urged Kosovo not to block their return. Media Freedom: A Council of Europe-backed fact-finding mission says Kosovo’s media freedom is declining, pointing to political pressure on journalists, weak RTK funding, and a media law that was later rejected as unconstitutional. Local Governance & Accountability: Kosovo’s prosecution oversight body rejected requests by Serb prosecutors and support staff to return to their old posts, keeping the justice-system standoff unresolved. Culture & Tourism: Sunny Hill Festival in Prishtina named Fever as its official international ticketing partner for 2026, aiming to make the event easier to book from abroad. Sports (Kosovo in the spotlight): Hibs’ UEFA Conference League first leg against KF Malisheva in Pristina will be screened live at Easter Road for fans who can’t travel.

Kosovo Justice & Serb Return: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council rejected requests from five ethnic Serb prosecutors and 15 support staff to return to their posts after the 2022 Serb walkout, moving the prosecutors’ names toward formal dismissal and ending salary suspensions. Media Freedom: A Council of Europe-backed report says Kosovo’s press freedom is still sliding, citing political pressure, attacks and harassment of journalists, and weak protections—Kosovo ranked 84th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Weather Alert: Serbia’s meteorological service warns severe storms could hit Kosovo’s Raška area first, then spread toward Toplica, with heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. Prishtina Culture & Tourism: Sunny Hill Festival named Fever as its official international ticketing partner for 2026, aiming to make bookings easier for fans abroad ahead of the 31 July–2 August run.

Kosovo Justice & Serb Return: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council rejected requests from five ethnic Serb prosecutors and 15 support staff to return to their jobs after the 2022 north Kosovo walkout, moving to formal dismissal and ending salary suspensions; Kosovo police say those who resigned won’t be allowed back. Press Freedom: An international media-freedom mission in Prishtina says political pressure, attacks on journalists, and weak funding at RTK are driving a clear decline in Kosovo’s press freedom, with Kosovo ranked 84th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Weather Alert: Severe storms are forecast to hit Kosovo soon, with heavy rain, hail, and strong winds expected to move from the Raška area toward Toplica. Prishtina Culture & Tourism: Sunny Hill Festival named Fever its official international ticketing partner for 2026, aiming to make booking easier for fans abroad ahead of the 31 July–2 August run. Regional Human Story: Three Kosovo Albanians missing after a trip to Skopje were found dead in North Macedonia after their car plunged into the Lepenc River.

Kosovo–Serbia Tensions: Kosovo is pushing the EU to punish Serbian foreign minister Snežana Paunović after her “ethnically cleansed Kosovo” remarks, while Serbia’s leadership says the comments don’t reflect government policy and opposition lawmakers demand her removal. Media Freedom: A European Federation of Journalists fact-finding mission in Prishtina warns that Kosovo’s media freedom has clearly declined, citing political pressure on journalists, weak RTK funding, and a rejected media law that would have increased control over the Independent Media Commission. Security Incident: Police deny claims of harassment of Serbs by officers after the Serbian Orthodox Church complained of intimidation during religious events; Kosovo police say arrests targeted suspected hate speech and incitement. Economy: Kosovo recorded the highest inflation in the Balkans in June at 6%, with regional figures showing slower price growth elsewhere. Tragedy: Three Kosovo Albanians missing since leaving Skopje were found dead after their car plunged into a river in North Macedonia.

Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Kosovo is pushing the EU to punish Serbian minister Snežana Paunović after her “ethnic cleansing” remarks, while Serbia’s leadership tried to distance itself and Paunović refused to retract, reopening wounds from the 1998-99 war. Security & Rights: Kosovo police denied claims by the Serbian Orthodox Church that officers harassed Serbs, saying arrests targeted suspected hate speech and incitement. Economy: Kosovo recorded the highest consumer inflation in the Balkans in June at 6%. Public Administration: Kosovo sacked 20 ethnic Serb environment ministry officials over years of “ghost worker” absences, after an audit found salaries paid without proof of attendance. EU Politics: A former US ambassador warned Kosovo’s political deadlock is blocking progress and damaging ties with Washington and the EU, urging a government deal and action on Serb concerns. Sports (Kosovo in Europe): Hibs and Hearts learned possible paths in European qualifiers, with FC Malisheva (Kosovo) set as an opponent for Hibs in the Conference League second qualifying round.