AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Security & Elections: Pristina authorities, with heavy police presence, raided and seized Serbian Railways buildings in Zvečan and Leposavić, replacing Cyrillic signs with “Railway infrastructure of Kosovo” in Serbian and Albanian and hanging Kosovo flags as June 7 early election campaigning begins. Security Institutions: Acting PM Albin Kurti says Kosovo needs a gendarmerie to respond to today’s threats, citing paramilitary groups, weapon smuggling, border risks, and drone-enabled attacks that exceed the police mandate. EU Engagement: European Council President António Costa will tour the Western Balkans from June 1–5, including a June 3 stop in Pristina and meetings with Kosovo’s acting president, outgoing PM Kurti, and opposition leaders, alongside talks on enlargement, integration, and regional security. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić warned that “trouble is ahead” for Kosovo Serbs around the June 7 vote, while also pointing to Serbia’s limited ability to help. International Politics: US lawmakers visited Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo amid concerns about Russia and possible gaps if US support for KFOR were reduced.

Kosovo Election & Online Abuse: With Kosovo’s snap election set for June 7, social media is flooded with AI-made propaganda, including a viral TikTok video that Hive says was generated by AI with 99.9% probability, as online manipulation targets voters and intensifies the campaign. War Crimes Justice: The Kosovo Specialist Chambers delayed the verdict in Hashim Thaçi’s war crimes trial and three other former KLA leaders, citing the case’s complexity and the need for 60 more days. EU Accession Pressure: A new EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro on June 5-6 is framed as a test of whether Kosovo and the region will be fully pulled into Europe’s future, amid concerns that some EU states want Ukraine’s process to move without leaving the Western Balkans behind. Regional Security Cooperation: EUFOR is set to visit Kosovo to strengthen regional cooperation and the security dialogue. Court Ruling in Albania: Albania’s Supreme Court cleared the way for a company linked to Kosovo businessman Behgjet Pacolli to return to the Vlora airport project after earlier rulings favored a rival investor. Gender & STEM Spotlight: Young women engineers from the University of Huddersfield took part in the Global Engineer Girls conference in Türkiye, highlighting wider efforts to boost women in STEM.

Kosovo War Crimes Justice: The Kosovo Specialist Chambers delayed the verdict in Hashim Thaçi’s Hague trial and three other former KLA leaders, citing the case’s complexity and the need for 60 more days. Kosovo Memory & Survivors: A new book in Pristina, The Train – On the Border Between Terror and Freedom, collects testimonies from people deported by train during the 1999 Kosovo war. Kosovo Politics & Elections: Kosovo heads toward elections amid deepening political deadlock, with campaign tensions rising. EU Integration Pressure: The EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro on 5-6 June is framed as a test of whether the EU can deliver real integration progress for Kosovo and the region. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The U.S. says its “nation-building era” in the Western Balkans is over, focusing on stability and partnerships—while Washington also keeps an eye on Kosovo’s security plan. Albanian-Serb Tensions: U.S. congressmen visited Preševo amid concerns about the rights of Albanians, including “passivization” of addresses and limits on Albanian-language use.

Courtroom Delay: The Hague has pushed back the verdict in Hashim Thaçi’s war-crimes case, giving judges 60 more days due to the case’s size and complexity, with another delay still possible. Kosovo Justice: Kosovo’s Supreme Court upheld a prison sentence for a Kosovar convicted of rape, threats and extortion of a minor, keeping the focus on accountability even as verdicts elsewhere drag on. EU Money Fight: In Belfast, councillors are arguing over whether to pursue EU pre-accession funding—an internal political clash that also shows how EU support can become a battleground. Business & Infrastructure: Albania’s Supreme Court cleared a Kosovo-linked firm tied to Behgjet Pacolli to return to the Vlora airport project, overturning earlier rulings that favored a rival investor. Regional Politics: Kosovo’s political deadlock continues as elections loom, while the wider region watches shifting US priorities toward “mutually beneficial partnerships” and Corridor 8.

Kosovo War Memory: A new book in Pristina, The Train – On the Border Between Terror and Freedom, collects testimonies from people deported by train during the 1999 expulsions, describing family separations, confiscations, and the terror of the journey to Bllace/Bllaca. Serbia–China Pivot: In Beijing, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says Serbia’s ties with China are deepening further, as China awards him its Order of Friendship—while the US flags growing EU worries about sanctions circumvention and security influence. US Scrutiny on Minorities: US lawmakers visited Preševo to hear Albanian minority concerns, including education gaps and “passivization” of addresses—after a separate US meeting with Serbia’s Ana Brnabić was cancelled. Justice at Home: Kosovo’s Supreme Court upheld a 15-year prison sentence for a Kosovar convicted of rape and abuse of a minor. Regional Security: EUFOR and NATO KFOR commanders met in Kosovo to coordinate on stability and security cooperation across the Western Balkans.

Kosovo Survivors’ Justice Gap: A UNICEF-linked report says Kosovo struggles to prosecute child sexual abuse cases, often because accusations arrive late and evidence is hard to build; it also points to weak coordination and limited, overburdened social services for child-sensitive support. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo is heading into another parliamentary election amid deep deadlock over the presidency and stalled institutions, with parties trading blame for the crisis. Security Watch: The US says it is monitoring Kosovo’s plan to create a gendarmerie force, urging respect for peace and security commitments, while NATO/KFOR stresses coordination and notes KFOR remains responsible for border security. Regional Context: The US also signals a shift away from “nation-building” toward stability and economic partnerships, naming Corridor 8 as a strategic priority. Culture Spotlight: Blerta Basholli’s film “Dua” makes Kosovo proud again, winning the SACD award at Cannes.

US Balkans Reset: The U.S. says the “nation-building era” is over, shifting to “mutually beneficial partnerships” focused on stability, trade, and countering Russia/China—while warning outside actors exploit weak governance. Corridor 8 Priority: Washington flags Corridor 8 as a strategic project linking the Adriatic and Black Seas, tying security to energy and transport investment. Kosovo Election Deadlock: Kosovo heads to June 7 polls amid deep institutional paralysis and harsher campaign dynamics. Security Tensions: The U.S. is watching Kosovo’s planned gendarmerie force, urging respect for peace and coordination with KFOR. EUFOR/KFOR Coordination: EUFOR’s commander visited Kosovo to strengthen regional security dialogue with NATO’s KFOR. Mines Still Killing: Kosovo continues demining decades after the war; officials say 117 people have died since 1999 and work is ongoing near Hani i Elezit. Serbia-China Push: Xi awarded Serbia’s Vucic China’s Order of Friendship as Serbia leans further into Chinese ties. Religious Affairs Row: A Serbian religious dispute is heating up after claims Vucic is preparing removal of Bishop Teodosije.

Kosovo Election Tensions: Kosovo’s next parliamentary vote is still weeks away, but the campaign is already getting sharper—parties are trading accusations online and in public, with fears the race could turn more aggressive than before. Security & State-Building: The U.S. says it is watching Kosovo’s plan to create a gendarmerie, urging any move to respect peace and security commitments, while NATO reiterates KFOR’s role and calls for coordination. EU Pressure on Prishtina: Kosovo risks losing over €90 million from the EU Growth Plan if reform steps aren’t completed by end-June, with another €165.9 million at stake later. Regional Backdrop: In Bosnia, election-year politics are tense but uncertain, while NATO warns Serbia to address attacks tied to northern Kosovo. Broader Balkans Mood: Across the region, outside influence and border frictions keep showing up—from Serbia’s China push to Greece’s new biometric checks slowing travelers.

Kosovo Security Watch: The U.S. says it’s monitoring Kosovo’s plan to create a gendarmerie force and expects any move to respect peace and security commitments, while NATO reiterates KFOR remains responsible for border security and calls for continued coordination. Election Pressure: With Kosovo’s snap parliamentary vote looming, parties are already trading accusations and the campaign is turning harsher, as the caretaker government announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and some low-paid workers—timed just 16 days before the election. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo could lose over €90 million from the EU Growth Plan if it misses reform steps due by end-June, with another €165.9 million also on the line later this year. Regional Context: NATO also warned Serbia that deeper ties are on hold until accountability for attacks in northern Kosovo, including the 2023 Banjska incident.

Kosovo Security Shake-Up: The US says it’s watching Kosovo’s plan to create a gendarmerie force and insists any steps must respect peace and security commitments. Kosovo’s acting interior minister says a working group is studying how the force would operate, including border and infrastructure protection, while NATO says KFOR still remains responsible for security along the Serbia border and expects coordination. Serbia, meanwhile, calls KFOR the only legitimate force. Election Pressure: With the campaign already turning nasty ahead of the 7 June vote, Kosovo’s caretaker government announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and some low-paid workers—just 16 days before polling—as inflation hits 7.5%. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo faces losing over €90m from the EU Growth Plan if it misses reform steps due by 30 June. Regional Context: NATO also warned Serbia that deeper ties are on hold until accountability for attacks in northern Kosovo, including the 2023 Banjska incident.

Kosovo State-Building: Kosovo’s defense push is back in the spotlight as Ejup Maqedonci tells Bloomberg the country is taking “very, very big steps” toward a force that can defend citizens and still work with partners—an ambition that comes with fresh Serb-community worries about tensions. Election Pressure: With the June vote looming, Kosovo’s campaign is already turning sharper, and the caretaker government has announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and low-paid workers—just 16 days before polling—while inflation sits at 7.5%. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo also faces a hard deadline: the EU says it could lose over €90 million from the Growth Plan if reform steps aren’t completed by end of June, with more at stake later. Regional Security: NATO says deeper ties with Serbia are on hold until accountability for attacks in northern Kosovo in 2023. International Context: The US says the Balkans now matter directly to its security and economic interests, warning about outside threats and organized crime links.

Kosovo Election Pressure: With the official campaign due to start on 28 May, Kosovo parties are already trading accusations ahead of the 7 June vote—raising fears of a harsher race, as social media claims of secret meetings and even a reported assault swirl around the Serb vote and Kurti’s circle. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo is also staring at a deadline: the EU says it could lose over €90 million from the Growth Plan if it doesn’t complete 13 reform steps by 30 June, on top of a possible total risk above €250 million. Cost of Living Politics: The caretaker government has announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and some low-paid workers, plus higher maternity support—moves timed tightly before voters return to the polls. Regional Context: NATO says deeper ties with Serbia are on hold until there’s accountability for attacks in northern Kosovo, while inflation remains a live pressure point across the region.

NATO Accountability Pressure: NATO says deeper ties with Serbia stay on hold until there is accountability for attacks in northern Kosovo in 2023, calling the assaults on KFOR troops and Kosovo police “completely unacceptable” and warning of Russian-style disinformation stoking division. Election Campaign Escalation: Kosovo’s vote atmosphere is getting harsher early, with parties trading accusations and the caretaker government announcing one-off €100 payments to pensioners, children, students and low-paid workers—just 16 days before the election. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo faces possible loss of over €90 million from the EU Growth Plan if it misses reform steps by end of June, with another €165.9 million also hanging on later deadlines. Serb List Backing: Vučić signals support for the Belgrade-backed Serb List ahead of Kosovo’s 7 June election, while Brnabic presses for stronger Czech backing for Serbia’s EU path. Regional Trade Friction: A Bruegel report warns Western Balkan firms face rising non-tariff barriers and border delays even as EU integration deepens.

EU Growth Plan Pressure: Kosovo could lose over €250 million from the EU’s Growth Plan if it misses reform deadlines—EU sources say Kosovo hasn’t applied beyond pre-financing, and a June end-date could cost it €90m+, with another loss risk later. Foreign Investment Friction: Investors are stuck waiting months to lease public land because two laws split approval power between the Forest Agency and a prime-minister-linked public property office, leaving businesses warning Kosovo looks unpredictable. Northern Kosovo Tensions: Ahead of snap parliamentary elections on June 7, Kosovo detained Serbian-linked officials in Gračanica, triggering protests and accusations of voter intimidation—Belgrade calls it pressure on Serbs; Prishtina frames it as threats and election interference. NATO Cooperation: Prime Minister Albin Kurti met NATO’s Kevin Hamilton to deepen partnerships, including discussion of Kosovo’s ammunition production and the planned Gendarmerie concept. Regional Context: Montenegro marked 20 years of independence and pushes toward EU membership, while demographic and inflation pressures keep hitting the wider region.

Northern Kosovo Election Tensions: Kosovo authorities detained Serbian-linked officials in Gračanica on May 19, with Prishtina saying the arrests targeted “threats, pressure and blackmail” aimed at influencing voters ahead of June 7 snap parliamentary elections—sparking protests and fresh accusations from Belgrade that Pristina is intimidating Serb voters. Media Under Pressure: The Association of Journalists of Kosovo says internet cables were cut again at the offices of online outlet “Paparaci,” disrupting work and calling on police and prosecutors to identify those behind the repeated sabotage. Investment Bottleneck: Foreign investors say Kosovo’s land-lease rules are trapping them in long delays, as overlapping approvals between state bodies leave lease requests stuck for months. Regional Context: Montenegro marks 20 years since independence and pushes toward EU membership, while inflation data shows Kosovo among Europe’s higher-price pressure countries. World Stage: Kosovo’s film “Dua” and director Blerta Basholli drew attention at Cannes Critics’ Week, reinforcing the country’s growing cultural footprint.

Montenegro’s EU push: Montenegro marks 20 years since independence and says NATO membership is the springboard to EU entry, with President Jakov Milatović betting on joining the bloc by 2028 and an EU accession treaty being drafted. Kosovo–Serbia tensions: In Kosovo’s north, Petar Petkovic says detentions of Serb health and education workers are meant to intimidate voters ahead of 7 June, while a Kosovo court jailed a Serb police lieutenant for six years for spying for Serbia’s intelligence. Media under pressure: Kosovo journalists at “Paparaci” report repeated internet cable cuts, with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo calling it obstruction and urging police and prosecutors to act. Security and state-building: Prime Minister Albin Kurti met NATO’s Kevin Hamilton to deepen cooperation, including gendarmerie plans, and Kosovo has started building its first ammunition factory in Gjakova. Regional diplomacy: Somaliland announced it will open an embassy in Jerusalem, and Israel says it will reciprocate—Kosovo is already cited as the only other Muslim-majority entity with an embassy there.