AGP Executive Report

Banjska Case: Kosovo says Milan Radoičić’s appearance beside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s son at an SNS rally reinforces its claim that Serbia was involved in the 2023 Banjska attack. Radoičić has admitted leading the armed group, but remains at large in Serbia, where he faces no charges. War Crimes Court: The EU says Kosovo’s recent changes to the law governing the Specialist Chambers breach the country’s international commitments, as protests over the amendments have turned violent in Pristina. Political Stability: Justina Shiroka-Pula’s election as president has averted snap elections and ended Kosovo’s latest political deadlock—for now.

Banjska Attack: Kosovo says Milan Radoičić’s appearance beside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s son at an SNS rally reinforces its claim that Serbia organised the 2023 attack that killed police officer Afrim Bunjaku. Radoičić has admitted leading the armed group but remains in Serbia, where he faces no charges. Political Stability: Justina Shiroka-Pula has been sworn in as Kosovo’s president after lawmakers elected her with 81 votes, averting snap elections and ending a prolonged political deadlock. War Crimes Court: Amendments limiting the scope of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers have drawn sharp EU criticism as a breach of Kosovo’s international commitments. The proposed changes also sparked protests in Pristina, where clashes with police injured demonstrators, officers and a journalist.

Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Milan Radoičić, wanted over the 2023 Banjska attack, was filmed at a Serbian Progressive Party rally in Kragujevac beside Aleksandar Vučić’s son. Kosovo’s police officer Afrim Bunjaku was killed in the attack. EU Path: Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta called in Pristina for Western Balkan countries to gain greater access to the EU single market before membership, so people and businesses can see benefits sooner. Specialist Chambers: Kosovo’s parliament has approved changes to the Hague-based court’s law, drawing EU warnings that they breach Kosovo’s international commitments. Albania’s incoming ambassador to Kosovo defended the amendments, saying Kosovo has the right to change its laws. Political Stability: Parliament elected Justina Shiroka-Pula president, avoiding another snap election after a prolonged deadlock. But protests over the court changes and the country’s political direction continue to divide Kosovo.

Political Deadlock: Kosovo elected Justina Shiroka-Pula president with 81 votes in a last-minute deal, averting another snap election after nearly two years of crisis. She has since met Prime Minister Albin Kurti, though questions remain over whether the vote met the constitutional deadline. Hague Court Dispute: Parliament approved changes limiting the Kosovo Specialist Chambers after it convicted four former KLA leaders. The EU says the amendments breach Kosovo’s international commitments and has urged the country to protect the court’s independence. Protests over the changes turned violent in Pristina; Albania’s incoming ambassador defended Kosovo’s right to amend its laws. US Engagement: Senator Jeanne Shaheen says Washington should focus on economic opportunity, stability and democratic institutions in the Western Balkans. Her delegation is due to visit Kosovo on Monday.

Hague Court Dispute: Kosovo’s parliament has passed amendments limiting the powers of the Hague-based Specialist Chambers, prompting the EU to warn that the changes breach Kosovo’s international commitments and threaten the court’s independence. Albania’s incoming ambassador defended Pristina’s right to change its laws. Political Deadlock: Justina Shiroka-Pula’s election as president ended nearly two years of institutional uncertainty and averted another snap election. She has since met Prime Minister Albin Kurti, but must decide whether to sign the disputed court law. Regional Tensions: Police in Albania found no explosives after bomb threats targeted about 150 state institutions. The sender invoked Kosovo and claimed to represent a Serbian militia, but investigators have found no link to any Serbian armed group. Serbia-Kosovo: Aleksandar Vučić accused Kosovo’s prime minister and foreign figures of helping Albanian parties unite for Serbia’s October 25 election; the alliance says it aims to represent voters and seek equal rights.

Presidency: Kosovo’s new president, Justina Shiroka-Pula, met Prime Minister Albin Kurti after a last-minute deal ended months of deadlock and averted another election. She was elected with 81 votes, but faces an early test: whether to sign controversial changes to the Specialist Chambers law. Hague Court: The EU says the amendments breach Kosovo’s international obligations and has urged the country to protect the court’s independence and witness safety. The law passed amid protests in Pristina, where clashes injured demonstrators, police officers and a journalist. Telecoms: Kosovo has launched mobile number portability, allowing customers to change providers while keeping their numbers, in a move aimed at boosting competition. Regional Links: Kosovo joined officials from across the Balkans and Europe at a Sofia conference on Corridor VIII, focused on transport, energy and security connections between the Adriatic and Black seas.

Presidency: Justina Shiroka-Pula was sworn in as Kosovo’s president after winning 81 votes in a late-night parliamentary session, averting snap elections and ending months of political deadlock. Hague Court Dispute: Parliament also approved changes limiting the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ powers. The EU says the amendments breach Kosovo’s commitments; they would narrow the court’s cases, cap prison terms at 15 years and allow presidential pardons. Protests over the changes turned violent, with injuries reported. Trepča Mine: More than 60 miners were trapped underground after an electrical fault. Officials said they were safe as crews arranged their evacuation. Investigation: Prosecutors ordered the 48-hour detention of former Mabetex director Valon Lluka over suspected fraud and other offences; the allegations remain under investigation.

Mining Emergency: More than 60 Trepča miners were trapped underground after an electrical fault. Officials said they were in good health as crews organized an evacuation through an emergency exit. Presidency: Justina Shiroka-Pula was sworn in after winning 81 votes in parliament, averting snap elections and easing a prolonged political deadlock. Hague Court Dispute: The EU says amendments approved by Kosovo’s parliament undermine commitments to protect the Specialist Chambers’ independence. The changes would narrow the court’s jurisdiction, cap prison terms and allow presidential pardons. Investigation: Police detained former Mabetex director Valon Lluka for 48 hours on suspicion of fraud and other offences. The allegations are under investigation; he has not been convicted. Press Freedom: The Association of Journalists of Kosovo condemned a physical attack on a Klan Kosova team in Ferizaj and called for a swift investigation.

Press Freedom: A Klan Kosova reporting team was physically attacked while working in Ferizaj. Three crew members suffered serious injuries, and the Association of Journalists of Kosovo called for a swift investigation and arrests. Political Deadlock: Parliament elected Justina Shiroka Pula president with 81 votes, narrowly avoiding another snap election. The late-night deal with the opposition also secured approval of changes to the law governing the Hague-based Specialist Chambers. Hague Court: The amendments would narrow the court’s jurisdiction, cap prison sentences at 15 years and allow presidential pardons. The EU warned that the changes conflict with Kosovo’s commitments and urged it to protect the court’s independence.

Presidency Crisis Averted: Kosovo’s parliament elected economist Justina Shiroka Pula as largely ceremonial president just before a midnight deadline, avoiding snap elections after a last-minute deal between Kurti’s Vetevendosje and the opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo over changes to the Hague-based war crimes court. Protests & Deadlock: The deal follows days of street anger over the Specialist Chambers law, with police using tear gas and water cannon as demonstrators clashed outside parliament and injured dozens. War Crimes Verdict Fallout: The political fight is tied to September 16 convictions of former KLA leaders, including ex-president Hashim Thaci, and demands to adjust how sentences and court powers work. EU Enlargement Push: Separately, the European Commission floated a “Preparing for a wider Union” plan, including gradual integration steps and new safeguards for candidate countries, while also linking enlargement to security and reforms. Regional Business News: JYSK will buy out its Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia franchise partner, bringing the stores under its own organisation from Jan. 1, 2027.

War Crimes Court Protests: In Pristina, clashes erupted outside Kosovo’s parliament as demonstrators demanded changes to the Hague-based Specialist Chambers law. Police used tear gas and water cannon; at least 17 people were injured and three were arrested, with protesters throwing stones and pyrotechnics. Election Deadline Pressure: The unrest is unfolding as Kosovo faces a president vote deadline—if no president is elected by Oct. 6, parliament is set to dissolve and trigger a snap election. Berlin Process Debate: Kosovo’s EU negotiator and regional civil society discussed whether the Berlin Process can stay relevant as trust drops and EU enlargement strategy evolves. Human Rights Warning: Germany’s human rights commissioner said “stability without values” won’t last, stressing rule-of-law fundamentals for EU progress. Regional Economy & Energy Costs: The World Bank expects slower growth for Albania, while OECD data shows energy poverty is severe—around 40% of Kosovo households can’t keep homes warm. Kosovo Police Detention: A Serb man was arrested near Srbica on alleged war-crime suspicions from 27 years ago.

War Crimes Court Protests: Police and protesters clashed in Pristina as Kosovo lawmakers debated changes to the Hague-based Specialist Chambers law. Parliament approved the bill at first reading, but adjourned without a second vote, triggering flares, tear gas, and water cannon. Protesters want limits on sentences (capped at 15 years), appeals to Kosovo’s Supreme Court, and the ability to serve sentences in Kosovo—moves tied to anger after Thaci and three former KLA leaders were convicted. Political Deadlock: The unrest is also wrapped into a last-minute fight over electing Kosovo’s president, with lawmakers facing a deadline or risking new elections. International Spotlight: Separately, Kosovo’s Specialist Chambers president and prosecutor were mentioned in international coverage as EU and regional forums continue to press for reforms and stability. Travel & Work: Saudi Arabia expanded tourist visas to include Kosovo citizens, while Germany plans to cut Western Balkans work approvals next year—affecting residents of Kosovo.

Special Chambers Deadline Crunch: Kosovo lawmakers approved first-reading changes to the Hague Specialist Chambers law, limiting the court’s jurisdiction and moving some cases back to Kosovo, as the president election deadline nears and the country faces fresh elections if the vote fails. Parliament Under Pressure: An extraordinary plenary session is set to continue the process amid protests by war veterans and KLA supporters, with the PDK linking its backing for a new president to the law’s final passage. Hague Law Momentum: A parliamentary committee also backed the amendments, paving the way for a full vote, while Prime Minister Albin Kurti says appeals remain the route to challenge convictions. Public Anger Over Thaçi Verdict: Kosovo continues to grapple with the fallout from the Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, with critics saying the case relied heavily on anonymous testimony and arguing the punishment feels harsher than other rulings. Journalist Attacked: KosovoNews reporter Jeton Sopa was physically pushed while covering protests outside the Assembly, prompting condemnation from the Association of Journalists of Kosovo.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament is set to meet Monday to consider changes to the law governing the Specialist Chambers in The Hague, a move that could also decide whether the country avoids another early election after the Constitutional Court set a president-election deadline. Protests in Germany: Albanian diaspora protesters gathered in Berlin under “Not in My Name” to oppose Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, calling for “fair justice.” EU Asylum Rules: The EU has listed Kosovo among seven “safe countries of origin” at Union level, meaning asylum claims are processed under faster procedures, with a legal caveat tied to Kosovo’s status. Kosovo Football: In Nations League action, Kosovo drew 1-1 with Austria, with Edon Zhegrova and Fisnik Asllani involved in the opener, keeping Kosovo in the mix behind Austria. Regional Context: The week’s wider Balkan political tension also fed into the Ireland–Israel Nations League controversy played in Serbia, where tempers flared and incidents were reported.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s Constitutional Court says parliament must elect a new president by Oct. 6 or face dissolution and a snap election within 45 days, as PM Albin Kurti and opposition leader Bedri Hamza still negotiate—Hamza links any presidential deal to changes to the law governing the Hague war-crimes court. Hague Verdict Protests: Thousands of Kosovo Albanians keep protesting the Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, including a new rally in Berlin outside Germany’s parliament, with demonstrators also demanding changes to the Hague-court law. EU & Reforms: Kosovo’s government says parliament can legally consider changing the Hague-court law, while EU officials push faster Kosovo reforms tied to access to major EU funding. Kosovo in Sports: Kosovo and Austria meet in UEFA Nations League action in Pristina, with the match also reflecting how politics and sport keep colliding across the region.

Hague Court Reform Clash: Kosovo’s government says parliament can legally consider changing the law governing the Hague-based war-crimes court, as the opposition PDK pushes to limit the court’s mandate and move some cases back to Kosovo—an issue now tied to the country’s political crisis over the president election deadline. Special Prosecutor Ousted: Kosovo’s special prosecutor Blerim Isufaj was dismissed by the prosecutorial council over alleged mismanagement and failure to do the job; Dren Paca will lead the office until a permanent replacement is named. EU Pressure on Reforms: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged faster Kosovo reforms and said the EU path runs through reforms and reconciliation, while also stressing Kosovo must respect Hague verdicts. KFOR Command Transition: In Belgrade, Serbia’s military chief met the outgoing KFOR commander ahead of a mid-October handover, with both sides stressing the security situation in Kosovo remains delicate and Serbs still feel unsafe. Kosovo-Serbia Security Narrative: Serbia’s MoD said KFOR is responsible for protecting Serbs and their cultural and historical heritage under UN Security Council Resolution 1244. Regional Politics Watch: In Serbia, Slovak PM Robert Fico backed Aleksandar Vučić’s bid for prime minister, while Russia’s Putin also voiced support.