AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Specialist Chambers: Prosecutors in The Hague asked for former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi to receive a six-year prison sentence for obstruction of justice, arguing he tried to interfere with witness testimony ahead of his war-crimes trial; the verdict in his main case is expected on Sept. 16. Pristina Politics: Kosovo’s Assembly failed again to complete the constitution process after the deputy-speaker vote was blocked, with Speaker Albulena Haxhiu re-elected but the session postponed to Sept. 11. Serb Community Tensions: Serbia’s Petar Petković met France’s Western Balkans envoy René Troccaz and Italy’s Thomas Botzios, warning that Pristina’s refusal to restart dialogue and alleged arrests, demolitions, and property seizures are destabilizing Kosovo-Metohija. Culture & War Crimes: A Pristina exhibition, “Diary of a War Photographer,” opened ahead of the Hague verdict, with photographer Visar Kryeziu presenting images supporting the KLA’s “just war” narrative. Regional Security: Kosovo is among countries pledging personnel to a US-led Gaza stabilization force, with reports that Kosovo has signed on to participate.

Kosovo Parliament Power Struggle: Albulena Haxhiu was re-elected Speaker of the Assembly with 62 votes in favor, 16 against, and 13 abstentions, but the legislature still can’t fully function because five deputy speaker posts remain unresolved after MPs failed to agree on nominees and voting procedure. Kosovo Institutions Under Strain: The constitutive session continues as parties try to break the deadlock that followed the missed August 7 deadline, with political tensions spilling into the chamber ahead of further votes. Kosovo War Crimes Process: In The Hague, closing arguments are set to begin in Hashim Thaçi’s separate case over alleged witness interference, with verdict expected later and the trial running alongside the broader war crimes proceedings. Regional Shockwaves from Serbia: Ratko Mladić’s state-backed funeral in Belgrade continues to trigger sharp reactions across the region and in Brussels, keeping Kosovo’s political and diplomatic tensions in the spotlight. Gaza Stabilization Role: Kosovo is among countries pledging personnel for a US-led Gaza stabilization force, as coordination for troop contributions continues. Sports Spotlight: Jordan’s Muay Thai champions Omer Awad and Yazan Al-Saifi credited their Deçan world titles with renewed motivation for future competition.

Parliament Deadlock Breakthrough: Kosovo MPs re-elected Albulena Haxhiu as Speaker with 62 votes in favor, 16 against, and 13 abstentions, but the Assembly still can’t fully function until five deputy speakers are chosen; the session is set to continue Friday after disagreements on nominees and voting procedure. Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Kosovo imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed, adding €0.04 per kilogram (€40 per tonne) after an investigation found signs of dumping that could hurt local farmers. Regional Politics & EU Pressure: Serbia’s EU path faces fresh scrutiny after the state-backed funeral of Ratko Mladić, with EU officials and regional leaders reacting sharply; Serbian President Vučić dismissed the backlash as “hysterical.” Media Freedom Watch: SafeJournalists warned that Albania has seen Meta account restrictions and coordinated-looking manipulation targeting media and public-interest accounts, urging stronger safeguards. Gaza Stabilization: Kosovo is preparing to join a US-led Gaza International Stabilization Force, with plans for troop contributions including Kosovo listed among participating countries. Business & Tourism: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, alongside Albania and North Macedonia.

Kosovo Parliament Deadlock Break: MPs elected Albulena Haxhiu as speaker after more than a month of political stalemate, clearing the first hurdle for a new legislature; deputies still need to be chosen. Kosovo-Serbia Trade Fight: Kosovo imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on Serbian wheat seed, adding €0.04 per kilogram after an investigation found unfairly low prices harming local producers. Gaza Mission Link: Kosovo agreed to join the US-led International Stabilization Force in Gaza, signing a participating country agreement in Pristina. Courtroom Accountability: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla received a one-year suspended sentence for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018. Regional Shock Over Mladić Funeral: Kosovo leaders condemned Serbia’s state-backed funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying it signals “state worship of genocide,” while the EU criticized the honors and senior officials’ presence. Sports & Identity: Reports say Bayern youngster Erblin Osmani may choose to play for Kosovo after a Kosovo ambassador posted that he received a Kosovan passport.

Kosovo joins US-led Gaza stabilization force: Kosovo formally signed an agreement in Pristina to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF), backing President Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan; the deal follows Kosovo’s earlier parliamentary approval, but no deployment timetable was announced. Parliament politics: Kosovo’s parliament reconvenes for its inaugural session amid uncertainty over electing a head of state, after Vetevendosje and parts of the LDK failed to align on Judge Bekim Sejdiu. Serbia’s Mladic funeral sparks backlash: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti condemned Serbia’s state honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, calling it “state worship of genocide,” while EU officials said the ceremony could undermine Serbia’s EU path. Regional diplomacy: Serbia’s EU integration minister met the UK ambassador in Belgrade, including discussion of Kosovo-Serb pressure and the Berlin Process. Business in the Balkans: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Sports: Kosovo football hopes rise as Bayern midfielder Erblin Osmani is reportedly set to play for Kosovo after receiving a Kosovan passport.

Gaza Mission: Kosovo has formally signed up to join the US-led International Stabilization Force in Gaza, with a participating-country agreement signed in Pristina by Kosovo Security Force leadership and ISF commanders, tying the move to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Justice & Accountability: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term for throwing tear gas inside parliament in 2018. Prosecutors vs Media: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council voted to end cooperation memorandums with civil society groups, arguing media access during investigations undermines confidentiality and legal certainty. Regional Shockwaves: In Serbia, thousands attended the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, where state honors and church leadership drew renewed EU criticism and condemnation from the region, including Kosovo. Politics & Security: Kosovo prosecutors say Fatmir Sheholli passed political and security information to Serbia’s intelligence service and pleaded not guilty to spying and blackmail.

Kosovo Security & Diplomacy: Kosovo has signed up to join the US-backed International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, with the agreement signed in Pristina by Kosovo Security Force commander Bashkim Jashari and ISF commander Jasper Jeffers, as Kosovo frames the move as support for Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan. Justice & Media: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council voted to terminate cooperation memorandums with civil society and media groups, arguing that media filming during police operations undermines investigation integrity and legal certainty. Court Case: Fatmir Sheholli 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. Workplace Safety: A worker died after an electric shock at KEK, prompting renewed safety inspections and renewed criticism over outdated risk assessments and protective equipment failures. Regional Politics: Serbia held Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade with military honours and thousands attending, despite EU warnings—an event Kosovo and the region have condemned.

War Crimes & Memory: Serbia held a public send-off for Ratko Mladić in Belgrade despite EU warnings, with thousands attending a church service and funeral plans drawing sharp regional and international criticism. Kosovo Justice: Kosovo prosecutors filed an indictment charging 35 former Serbian police officers over the 1998 Prekaz massacre, including the killing of 26 civilians at the Jashari compound. Security & Courts: Fatmir Sheholli pleaded not guilty in Pristina to alleged espionage and blackmail for Serbia’s BIA, with the case moving toward trial. Workplace Safety: A worker died after an electric shock at KEK, prompting renewed safety inspections amid claims of outdated risk assessments and repeated fatalities. EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo risks losing about €166m from the EU Growth Plan due to stalled reforms tied to political deadlock. Media Freedom: SafeJournalists says Albania’s journalists face unexplained Meta account restrictions, including sudden access problems for major outlets.

EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo could lose about €166m from the EU Growth Plan if political deadlock keeps reforms stalled, with only 7 of 13 required reforms completed by end-June. War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors have indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging involvement in the killing of 26 civilians at the Jashari compound. Serb Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, alleging blocked access for media and calling for international action. Public Health & Ticks: Kosovo is highlighted as a hotspot for Hyalomma ticks that can spread Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, as climate change pushes the species further north. Media Rights: SafeJournalists warns Meta must explain unexplained restrictions and account-access problems affecting media and public-interest accounts in Albania. International Justice Context: Commentary flags concerns that ICC sanctions against officials could weaken international justice ahead of Kosovo-related proceedings involving Hashim Thaçi.

War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the 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 and will be heard in Pristina. Property Rights & Tensions: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, alleging blocked access for media and calling for international action. Srebrenica Commemoration Fallout: In Belgrade, commemorations and funeral arrangements around Ratko Mladić’s death continue to inflame divisions, with pro-government narratives clashing with international court findings. Public Health & Climate: Germany and Kosovo are linked in reporting on the spread of Hyalomma ticks that carry Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, as the species expands northward. Media Freedom: SafeJournalists warns Meta must explain sudden restrictions and account-access problems affecting media and public-interest accounts in Albania. Kosovo EU Path: Kosovo has asked the EU to finally process its membership application, filed in December 2022, after nearly four years without an opinion request. Sports & Community: Former Drita and Kosovo league player Salifu Ibrahim says he’s unlikely to return to the Ghana Premier League and expects to move abroad.

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 tied to the killing of 26 civilians at the Jashari compound; the case is filed in absentia and will be heard by the Basic Court in Pristina. Property Rights and Tensions: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake in Zubin Potok, alleging access was blocked and media prevented from filming. Mass Graves Update: A fourth suspect has been arrested over suspected war crimes after remains of at least 23 people were found in three mass graves in northern Kosovo; three others are already in custody and DNA testing is underway. EU Membership Push: Kosovo has asked the EU to begin processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, saying it is still waiting for the European Commission to receive it. Kosovo Telecom Growth: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated EUR 48.6 million in Q2 2026 revenue, up 9.8% quarter-on-quarter, driven mainly by mobile services.

War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging senior unit commanders in the killing of civilians at Adem Jashari’s compound. Mass Graves Investigation: A fourth suspect was arrested over suspected war crimes after remains from at least 23 people were found in three northern Kosovo mass graves; DNA testing is underway. Property Rights Clash: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office alleges Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, saying access was blocked to prevent filming. EU Pathway: Kosovo asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, saying it remains the only Western Balkan country without candidate status. Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Serbia’s president warned a Pristina “March for Freedom” could pressure the Kosovo Specialist Chambers ahead of the Sept. 16 ruling on four former KLA leaders. Local Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector rose to EUR 48.6m revenue in Q2, driven mainly by mobile services.

War Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors have charged 35 Serbian officers and officials over the March 1998 Jashari compound massacre in Prekaz, alleging the killing of 26 civilians, including women, children and elderly people. Property Rights & Tensions: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties at Gazivode Lake and blocked media access with armored vehicles. Mass Graves Investigation: A fourth suspect has been arrested over suspected war crimes after remains of at least 23 people were found in three mass graves in northern Kosovo; ten sets of remains were sent to The Hague for DNA testing. EU Pathway: Kosovo has urged the EU to begin processing its EU membership application, filed in December 2022, saying it is still waiting for the European Commission’s opinion. Serbia’s Political Signal: Serbia’s president says Ratko Mladić’s body is expected to arrive in Serbia, with tens of thousands anticipated at the funeral—fueling renewed regional and EU concerns. Kosovo Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated €48.6m in Q2 2026 revenue, driven mainly by mobile services.

Mass Graves & Justice: Kosovo prosecutors arrested a fourth suspect (R.K.) over suspected war crimes tied to remains found in three northern Kosovo mass graves, with at least 23 victims expected to be identified via DNA tests at The Hague. War Crimes Legacy: Ratko Mladić’s body arrived in Serbia after his death in The Hague, as Belgrade prepares a funeral with state honours—sparking fresh regional tensions over how Serbia remembers a convicted genocide perpetrator. Kosovo-Serbia Court Pressure: Serbian President Vučić says a planned Pristina march is meant to pressure the Specialist Chambers ahead of its September ruling on four former KLA leaders. Local Economy Watch: Kosovo telecom revenue rose to EUR 48.6m in Q2 2026, driven mainly by mobile services. Property Trends: Home prices across Kosovo climbed 7.3% in Q2 2026, with growth outside Pristina (12.8%) far outpacing the capital area (4.1%). Kosovo Courts: Kosovo removed 18 Serb judges who resigned in 2022 after a walkout, rejecting their bid to return despite EU calls.

Kosovo Politics: Serbia’s President Vučić says a planned Pristina “March for Freedom” on Sept. 12 is meant to pressure the Kosovo Specialist Chambers ahead of its Sept. 16 ruling on four former KLA leaders, warning of potential violence. EU Integration: Dirk Schübel took office as the new EU ambassador and EU Special Representative in Kosovo, urging the rapid formation of institutions and renewed momentum for EU reforms and the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue. Serb Community Dispute: Serbia’s Petar Petković hit back at Albin Kurti over the Community of Serb Municipalities, saying it’s not a political choice but a duty tied to signed agreements. Economy & Daily Life: Kosovo’s telecom sector brought in EUR 48.6 million in Q2 2026, up year-on-year, with mobile services driving most of the growth. Justice & Courts: Kosovo removed 18 Serb judges after their 2022 resignation walkout, rejecting their bid to return despite EU calls. Regional Shock: Serbia prepares for the arrival of Ratko Mladić’s body and a funeral expected to draw tens of thousands, as the death reignites Balkan tensions.

Judicial Accountability in Kosovo: Kosovo has formally removed 18 Serb judges who resigned during the 2022 walkout, after the Judicial Council rejected their bid to return—despite EU calls for reintegration. Violence Against Women: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu condemned two recent killings of women, saying the cases can’t be treated as isolated incidents and calling for the harshest punishment. Presidential Deadlock: Talks between Vetëvendosje and LDK to elect a president have stalled again, with six LDK MPs saying they won’t vote for joint candidate Bekim Sejdiu—raising the risk of snap elections. EU Engagement: Germany’s Dirk Schübel took office as the new EU ambassador/EUSR to Kosovo, urging the rapid formation of institutions and renewed momentum for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Politics in the Assembly: A Kosovo court found acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty for using tear gas in the 2018 parliament, with sentencing due after a Sept. 8 hearing. Property Watch: Home prices rose 7.3% across Kosovo in Q2 2026, but jumped 12.8% outside Pristina versus 4.1% in the capital area.