AGP Executive Report

Hague Verdict Watch: NATO says KFOR will stay ready and keep Kosovo stable regardless of the Sept. 16 verdict against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, as police step up security plans ahead of expected protests. Constitutional Court Clash: Kosovo’s opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has asked the Constitutional Court to suspend the newly inaugurated parliament, arguing it was formed illegally after deputy-speaker votes were mishandled, and it plans a separate challenge to the vote approving Albin Kurti’s government. New Government, Old Crisis: Kurti was re-elected prime minister with 62 votes, but the political impasse isn’t over—presidential deadlock could trigger another snap election. EU Membership Pressure: The EU says Kosovo’s Constitutional Court must rule on whether the new parliament and government were formed legally, warning that functioning institutions are needed for reforms and EU progress. Regional Security Context: KFOR commander Ozkan Ulutas says the security situation has generally improved since 2023 and NATO has adjusted its presence accordingly. Thaci Background Spotlight: BIRN launched a focus page ahead of the Thaci verdict, compiling its reporting and analysis on the trial’s impact.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament re-elected Albin Kurti as prime minister, backing his “Kurti 4” government with 62 votes in a 120-seat assembly, but the institutional fight isn’t over: opposition parties boycotted the vote and say parliament was formed illegally, with plans to challenge the process at the Constitutional Court and a looming presidential election that could trigger yet another snap election. EU Membership Talks: The European Commission is considering a shift to qualified-majority voting to stop one EU member state blocking others’ accession negotiating chapters—an issue that matters for Kosovo, since several EU states still don’t recognize it. Special Court Verdict: Ahead of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers verdict on Hashim Thaçi and three other former KLA leaders, BIRN has launched a dedicated focus page, while Kosovo police say they’re stepping up security measures to keep public order around the 16 September judgment. Public Order & Security: KFOR’s commander said security has improved and is generally stable, pointing to NATO’s decision to suspend reserve deployments last January. Regional Diplomacy: In Belgrade, Serbia’s EU integration minister met Austria’s ambassador, discussing EU reforms and warning about “pressure” on Kosovo-Serb rights and safety. International Spotlight: Reuters factboxes and reporting frame the Thaci verdict as a major moment that could reshape Kosovo’s ties with the West and raise new tensions with Serbia.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament has finally approved a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, ending three months of deadlock after the June election. The cabinet won 62 votes in the 120-seat assembly; opposition lawmakers boycotted the session and accuse Kurti of post-election procedural violations. Presidency Standoff: The crisis isn’t over. Kosovo still needs a president elected with a two-thirds majority, and failure could trigger another snap election—potentially the fourth in two years—while EU officials warn instability is blocking reforms and funding. KLA Verdict Pressure: As the Specialist Chambers’ ruling on Sept. 16 nears, Kurti told lawmakers no domestic or international court can “tarnish” the KLA, while thousands in Pristina rallied in support of former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi ahead of the verdict.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament is finally constituted after MPs elected the remaining deputy speakers, clearing the way for talks on forming a new government and later choosing a president. Parliament Deadlock: The process had stalled repeatedly after opposition walkouts over deputy speaker votes, delaying government formation and raising the risk of more early elections. War Crimes Verdict Watch: Thousands rallied in Pristina and across Kosovo to back former KLA leaders Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi ahead of the Hague verdict, while the EU urged respect for the court’s ruling. EULEX/Justice Tensions: Supporters framed the verdict as a test of “justice” and demanded acquittal, as prosecutors seek long prison terms. Media Oversight: Kosovo’s National Media Authority showcased media regulation and oversight work at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Gaza Role: Kosovo officially signed up to the US-backed “Board of Peace” and the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, a move that has sparked controversy at home. Tech Security: Anthropic says it disrupted state-linked AI propaganda and spying attempts, including involving Iran.

War Crimes Verdict Countdown: Tens of thousands filled Pristina’s Skanderbeg Square to demand the acquittal of former KLA leader Hashim Thaçi and three co-accused ahead of the Sept. 16 Hague ruling, with supporters chanting “UCK” and carrying banners and photos as a digital countdown runs. EU Pressure: The EU urged Kosovo institutions and political groups to respect the verdict, stressing the Specialist Chambers were created by Kosovo’s own parliament and can finish independently. Local Mobilization: Religious and civil groups backed the march, with the Islamic Community of Kosovo saying mosques were invited to participate after a mufti recommendation, while the “Freedom Has a Name” platform pushed “Kosovo is waiting” messaging. Courtroom Fight Over Obstruction: Thaçi’s defence asked for acquittal in the obstruction of justice case, arguing prosecutors rely on conversations that led to no witness tampering or intimidation. Parliament Deadlock: Kosovo’s parliament again failed to elect deputy speakers after opposition walkouts, delaying government formation and the election of the next president. Gaza Mission: Kosovo officially signed up to the US-backed “Board of Peace” and the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, a move that has sparked controversy at home.

KLA Verdict Watch: Supporters of four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders are gathering in Pristina for a march ahead of the Hague verdict, with Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi all denying the war-crimes and crimes-against-humanity charges. Parliament Deadlock: Kosovo’s parliament again failed to elect deputy speakers after opposition walkouts, delaying government formation and the election of the next president. War-Veteran Case Overturned: An appeals court cleared 10 former Kosovo officials in a long-running war-veteran benefits case, overturning one-year sentences after finding prosecutors didn’t prove deliberate abuse of office. Gaza Mission Politics: Kosovo officially signed up to the US-backed “Board of Peace” and the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, a move that has sparked controversy at home amid pro-Palestine protests. Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met France’s Western Balkans envoy René Troccaz, discussing the regional situation and the position of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija.

Parliament Deadlock: Kosovo’s parliament failed again to complete formation after opposition parties walked out over deputy speaker votes, with four deputy speakers still needed and the dispute headed to the Constitutional Court—stalling government formation and the election of the next president. Thaci Verdict Countdown: In The Hague, Hashim Thaçi rejected prosecutors’ push for a 45-year sentence, while his defence in a related obstruction case argued the charges rely on conversations that caused no real witness tampering. Gaza Stabilisation: Kosovo has officially signed up to the US-backed Board of Peace and the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, a move that has sparked controversy and pro-Palestine protests at home. Security & Terrorism: A new analysis warns terrorism is re-emerging as states weaken, pointing to growing cooperation between Yemen’s Houthis and Somalia’s al-Shabaab and its potential impact on global economic arteries. EU Balkans Pressure: Commentary highlights the EU’s enlargement focus and argues the bloc must use leverage to push reforms beyond “low-hanging fruit.”

War Crimes Verdict Watch: In The Hague, prosecutors urged judges to find former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi guilty in an obstruction of justice case and asked for a six-year prison sentence, arguing his alleged interference threatened the fair administration of justice ahead of the Sept. 16 verdict in his main war-crimes trial. Courtroom Tensions: Thaçi, speaking from detention, rejected prosecutors’ demands for a 45-year sentence in the war-crimes case and said he expects a fair judgment. Diplomacy on Kosovo-Serb Tensions: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met France’s Western Balkans envoy René Troccaz in Belgrade, with both sides discussing the situation in Kosovo-Metohija and Pristina’s refusal to resume dialogue, according to Serbian officials. Serb Community Concerns: Petar Petković also met Troccaz, warning of arrests, seizures and demolitions affecting Serbs and the Serbian Orthodox Church, and criticizing Pristina for blocking the Community of Serb Municipalities. Culture & Memory: A Pristina exhibition, “Diary of a War Photographer,” opened ahead of the Hague verdict, with the photographer Visar Kryeziu presenting images supporting the KLA’s role during the 1998-99 war.

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.