AGP Executive Report

War Crimes & Missing Persons: Kosovo authorities have begun excavations in Kalludër near Zubin Potok after human remains were found, with PM Albin Kurti saying the immediate suspicion is that they could belong to the 23 abducted intellectuals from Mitrovica—though identification is still pending. Detentions in Northern Kosovo: A Pristina Basic Court ordered 30 days’ detention for two Serbs suspected of 1999 war crimes, as excavations get underway nearby. Official Victims List: Kosovo’s war crimes institute (IKKL) released a preliminary report documenting 12,230 people killed during 1998–99, including 1,047 children, with 100 children still missing and Kurti urging Serbia to open military archives. EU Pressure on Normalisation: The EU warned Kosovo and Serbia against obstructing normalisation after Vučić again said Kosovo belongs to Serbia, stressing dialogue as the only route. Political Deadlock: The European Parliament urged Kosovo to form a functioning parliament and government, warning the deadlock is delaying EU reforms and talks with Serbia. Youth Exodus: An NDI survey says 44% of Kosovars aged 18–24 would leave permanently, citing prices, electricity costs, and unemployment.

EU Deadlock Pressure: The European Parliament urged Kosovo to quickly form a functioning parliament and government, warning the political stalemate is delaying EU reforms and talks with Serbia. War Crimes & Missing Persons: Kosovo’s war crimes institute released a preliminary victims list for the 1998–99 war: 13,227 cases total, including 12,230 killed/disappeared/died by June 1999, with more than 1,000 children affected; Kurti urged international pressure for Serbia to open archives. Mass Grave Search: Excavations began in Zubin Potok after human remains were found, linked to arrests of two Serb suspects; officials say the remains may relate to abducted civilians from 1999. Justice System Under Strain: Kosovo’s Competition Authority has stopped functioning for over a year due to internal leadership disputes, leaving mergers unreviewed. NATO Presence: A KFOR commander visit reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to security and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo. Sport (Kosovo-linked): Hibs face KF Malisheva at Easter Road after a 2-0 first-leg loss in Pristina, with crowd tension spilling into the return.

Mass Grave Probe: Kosovo authorities have started excavations in Zubin Potok, searching for suspected victims from the 1998–99 war; prosecutors link the case to two war-crimes arrests in the Mitrovica area. War Victims List: Kosovo is set to publish its first official preliminary list of 13,190 dead and missing from the 1998–99 war, compiled by the state institute after years of work. New War-Crimes Detentions: Two people were detained for 48 hours over alleged crimes against civilians in Mitrovica in 1999; the Serb List and Serbia’s Office for Kosovo call it intimidation. Courtroom Outcome: Pristina’s Basic Court acquitted former KLA commander Sami Lushtaku and others in the “Drenica 1” witness-intimidation and obstruction case, citing insufficient proof. Safety Incident: A man died after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Pristina; another person was injured. EU/Regional Politics: A senior US lawmaker urged Serbia to cut ties with Russia, China and Iran and push fully toward EU and NATO, while also backing Kosovo’s independence.

War Crimes & Justice: Kosovo prosecutors arrested two suspects over alleged 1999 war crimes against civilians in the Mitrovica area; the Serb List and Serbia’s Office for Kosovo called it intimidation, while Kosovo’s Special Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation is ongoing. Courtroom Update: The Basic Court in Pristina acquitted Skenderaj/Srbica Mayor Sami Lushtaku and others of witness intimidation and obstruction of justice in the “Drenica 1” case, citing insufficient proof. Retrial Verdict: A retrial upheld a ten-year sentence for ethnic Gorani ex-police officer Sacir Lutvija over assaults on ethnic Albanian prisoners during the war, including the death of one detainee. Missing Persons Search: Excavations began in Zubin Potok over a suspected mass grave tied to the 1999 abduction of Albanian civilians. EU Path & Diplomacy: France’s delegate for European affairs Benjamin Haddad said Kosovo’s EU progress depends on meeting obligations, including the Brussels Agreement and reforms. Safety on the Ground: A man died after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Pristina; another person was injured. Travel Links: easyJet announced new winter routes, including a relaunch of flights from the UK to Pristina.

EU Integration & Diplomacy: France’s Benjamin Haddad told Pristina that Kosovo’s EU path hinges on meeting international obligations, especially implementing the Brussels Agreement and keeping reforms on track. International Justice: Kosovo’s acting foreign minister Glauk Konjufca urged the Hague-based KLA trial court to deliver a legal, not political, verdict ahead of a September 16 ruling. Local Politics: Democratic League of Kosovo leader Lumir Abdixhiku faces a leadership removal vote on July 30 after about 150 delegates backed the move, threatening government formation talks. Serb Community & Institutions: A Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb delegation met US officials in Washington seeking a functioning multiethnic state and security guarantees tied to KFOR, with health and education flagged as red lines. EU Access for Kosovo Industry: Kosovo dairy exports remain blocked from the EU market due to missing EU-recognised veterinary certification, leaving production capacity underused. Sport (Kosovo on the European stage): Hibs face Malisheva in the Conference League second leg at Easter Road after a 2-0 first-leg shock in Pristina, with Malisheva confident they can reach the next round. Culture & Arts: Dallas’ Nasher Sculpture Center will publicly award the Nasher Prize to Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj on Nov. 14.

EU Integration & Diplomacy: France’s Benjamin Haddad tells Pristina Kosovo’s EU path depends on meeting obligations, especially implementing the Brussels Agreement and continuing reforms, after meeting acting foreign minister Glauk Konjufca and signing five cooperation deals including a €60m loan for Prishtina student housing. Kosovo Politics: The Democratic League of Kosovo moves to remove Lumir Abdixhiku, triggering a leadership vote on July 30 and potentially derailing talks on forming the next government. Rule of Law in The Hague: Glauk Konjufca urges the KLA war-crimes court to deliver a legal, not political, verdict ahead of a September 16 ruling. Media & Disinformation: KALLXO.com responds to a defamation campaign tied to the “Lule Gjeli” Facebook profile, saying it will pursue legal remedies. Sports (Kosovo): Kosovo wins the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026 Division C title, with Besim Bytyqi named MVP; in the Conference League, Hibs face Malisheva again at Easter Road after a 2-0 first-leg shock. Travel & Trade: easyJet announces new winter routes to Kosovo, and Kosovo’s dairy still can’t access the EU market due to missing veterinary certification.

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.