AGP Executive Report

EU Funding Pressure: Kosovo could lose about €166m from the EU Growth Plan as political deadlock keeps reforms stalled, with only 7 of 13 required steps completed by June and no release of funds until institutions function. War Crimes Case: Kosovo prosecutors indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging war crimes tied to the killing of Adem Jashari’s family and others during the siege; the trial will proceed in absentia. Serb Property Tensions: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office alleges Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, saying media access was blocked by police and calling for international action. Mass Grave Probe: A fourth suspect was arrested over suspected war crimes after remains from mass graves in northern Kosovo were found; three others are already in custody and DNA testing is underway. Public Health Alert: Germany and Kosovo are coordinating against Hyalomma ticks that can spread Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, as the tick expands northward with climate change. Regional Diplomacy: Kosovo asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, but still awaiting an opinion. Media Rights: SafeJournalists says Meta must explain new restrictions and account-access problems affecting media and public-interest accounts in Albania.

War-Crimes Accountability: Kosovo prosecutors have indicted 35 former Serbian police officers over the March 1998 Prekaz massacre, charging them with war crimes for the killing of 26 civilians, including women, children and the elderly, during the siege of the Jashari family compound; the case will be heard in absentia. Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake, alleging access was blocked by Kosovo police and warning international actors to act. Missing Persons: A fourth suspect has been arrested over suspected war crimes linked to mass grave remains found in northern Kosovo; three others are already in custody, and DNA testing is underway for at least 23 missing people from 1999. EU Path: Kosovo has asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, after nearly four years without it reaching the European Commission. Local Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated €48.6m in Q2 2026, up 9.8% quarter-on-quarter, driven mainly by mobile services.

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 for the killing of 26 civilians at the Jashari compound; the trial will be held in absentia since suspects are not in Kosovo custody. Property Rights Row: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued “unlawful” demolitions of Serb-owned properties around Gazivode Lake in Zubin Potok, alleging access was blocked by Kosovo police and warning international bodies to act. EU Path Pressure: Kosovo has asked the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, but still waiting for the European Commission’s opinion. Local Economy Watch: Kosovo’s telecom sector brought in €48.6m revenue in Q2 2026, up 9.8% quarter-on-quarter, driven mainly by mobile services. Housing Market: Home prices rose 7.3% across Kosovo in Q2 2026, with prices outside Pristina jumping 12.8% versus 4.1% in the capital region.

War Crimes Case: Kosovo prosecutors have charged 35 Serbian police commanders and officials over the March 1998 Jashari compound attack in Prekaz, alleging 26 civilian deaths; the indictment is filed in absentia and now goes to the Basic Court in Pristina. Mass Graves: A fourth suspect was arrested over suspected war crimes after remains from at least 23 people were found in three mass graves in northern Kosovo; three other suspects are already in custody and DNA work is under way at The Hague. Property Dispute: Serbia’s Kosovo-Metohija office says Pristina continued unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, alleging blocked access by Kosovo police and calling for international action. EU Path: Kosovo has urged the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, saying it is still waiting for the European Commission’s review. Serbia-Kosovo Tensions: Serbia’s president accused organisers of a planned Pristina march of threatening violence ahead of a Hague court ruling on four former KLA leaders. Economy & Society: Kosovo telecom revenue rose to EUR 48.6m in Q2 2026, driven by mobile services; meanwhile, home prices rose 7.3% across Kosovo, with the biggest jump outside Pristina (+12.8%).

War Crimes Case in Kosovo: Kosovo prosecutors have filed an indictment charging 35 people over the March 1998 Jashari compound attack in Prekaz, alleging the killing of 26 civilians, including women, children and elderly people. The suspects are former senior Serbian police figures, with the case filed in absentia because none are in Kosovo custody; it now moves to the Basic Court in Pristina. Mass Graves Update: A fourth suspect has been arrested over suspected war crimes tied to mass graves in northern Kosovo, where remains from at least 23 people were found; three other suspects are already in custody and samples have been sent to The Hague for DNA testing. EU Membership Pressure: Kosovo has urged the EU to start processing its membership application, filed in December 2022, saying it is still waiting for the European Commission to receive it. Serbia-EU Tensions Over Mladić: Serbia’s handling of Ratko Mladić’s body and funeral plans is deepening disputes with the EU, as his nationalist legacy continues to divide the region. Kosovo Politics: Serbia’s president says a planned Pristina march is pressuring the court days before it rules on four former KLA leaders. Local Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated €48.6m in Q2 2026 revenue, driven mainly by mobile services.

Kosovo Politics: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić accused Kosovo protesters of threatening violence ahead of the Specialist Chambers verdict on four former KLA leaders, warning the “March for Freedom” in Pristina could raise tensions before the September 16 ruling. EU Presence: German diplomat Dirk Schübel took office as the EU’s top representative in Kosovo, calling for swift formation of institutions and renewed momentum in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Serb Community Dispute: Serbia’s Petar Petković hit back at Albin Kurti over the Community of Serb Municipalities, saying it is not a matter of political will but of respect for signed agreements. Judicial Developments: Kosovo removed 18 Serb judges after their resignation walkout in 2022, rejecting their bid to return despite EU calls. Economy & Daily Life: Kosovo’s telecom sector earned €48.6m in Q2 2026, up year-on-year, while home prices rose 7.3% across Kosovo—12.8% outside Pristina. Crime & Safety: Albania’s police arrested suspects after an alleged €5m extortion demand tied to an armed attack on a hotel owner, with a Kosovo citizen among those detained.

Kosovo Politics: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić warned that a planned “March for Freedom” in Pristina on Sept. 12 could pressure the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, days before it is set to rule on four former KLA leaders (Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi, Selimi). Judicial System: Kosovo has removed 18 Serb judges who resigned during the 2022 institutional walkout, after their bid to return was rejected by the judicial council despite EU calls. Presidency Deadlock: Talks between Vetëvendosje and LDK to elect a consensus president are under strain after six LDK MPs said they won’t back Bekim Sejdiu, raising the risk of fresh elections; Kurti says the political agreement still stands. EU Role: Germany’s Dirk Schübel took office as EU ambassador/EUSR to Kosovo, urging faster institution-building and continued Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Security & Courts: Kosovo’s acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla was found guilty for using tear gas in the 2018 parliament; sentencing is set after a Sept. 8 hearing. Economy: Kosovo’s telecom sector generated EUR 48.6m in Q2, up year-on-year, with mobile services driving most revenue growth. Property Market: Home prices rose 12.8% outside Pristina in Q2, far faster than the 4.1% increase in the capital region. Social Issues: Kosovo’s acting president condemned recent killings of women, calling for the harshest punishment and stronger protection.

Kosovo Politics Deadlock: Talks between Albin Kurti and LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku collapsed again, leaving Bekim Sejdiu short of votes and raising the risk of fresh elections. LDK Split: Six LDK MPs—including Avdullah Hoti—say they won’t back Sejdiu, while Kurti insists the agreement still stands and promises more meetings. EU Push for Institutions: Germany’s Dirk Schübel took office as EU ambassador/EUSR, urging Kosovo to quickly form institutions and keep the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue moving. Serbia-NATO Tensions: Serbian President Vučić warned NATO over the reopening of the Ibar Bridge to vehicles, saying Christians and Serbs in northern Kosovo fear attacks and calling on Washington/NATO to intervene. Court Ruling in Pristina: Kosovo’s Basic Court found acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty for using tear gas in the Assembly in 2018. Security Case Sparks Religious Row: A document found on a suspected Serbian spy’s phone claims money was raised to fund mosques in Kosovo, prompting backlash from Kosovo’s Islamic Community. Energy Watch: Kosovo’s main plants face possible shutdown in October if licences can’t be renewed due to a regulator board deadlock.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s presidential deal is wobbling after six LDK MPs said they won’t back joint candidate Bekim Sejdiu, raising fears of snap elections and leaving the coalition short of the numbers needed for a vote. Court & Security: A Basic Court ruling found acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla guilty for using tear gas in the Kosovo Assembly in 2018; the sentence details follow a Sept. 8 hearing. Espionage & Religion: A document found on a phone in a Kosovo spy case has sparked a wider religious row, with claims about Serbian-linked funding for mosques rejected by Kosovo’s Islamic Community. Energy: Kosovo’s two main power plants face possible shutdown in October as operating licences expire and the regulator can’t renew them amid political deadlock. International Ties: Serbia’s foreign ministry says São Tomé and Príncipe withdrew recognition of Kosovo, while Serbia’s diplomacy continues around the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary in Belgrade. Culture & Sports: Kosovo’s karate champion Islam Selmani won gold at Taranto 2026, and Kosovo is set to debut at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

Kosovo Presidential Deadlock: A deal to end Kosovo’s months-long political standstill is now in doubt after six LDK MPs refused to back the agreed presidential candidate, leaving the vote short of the numbers needed and raising the risk of new elections. Energy Security: Kosovo’s two main power plants, Kosova A and Kosova B, could be forced to shut from October 4 if the regulator can’t renew their licences due to a board shortfall tied to the same political deadlock. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia used the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade to pitch NAM as a “bastion of multilateralism,” while Serbian officials also highlighted that several countries have withdrawn recognition of Kosovo. EU and Balkans Fallout: Croatia’s PM warned that any Serbian state funeral for Ratko Mladić would “close the doors” to EU membership for Belgrade. Tourism Watch: Kosovo continues to post growth in overnight stays, while Albania has slipped from top spot in Europe’s tourism growth rankings. Sports: Kosovo’s Islam Selmani won gold at Taranto 2026, adding to the country’s medal haul.

Presidency Deal: Kosovo’s Vetëvendosje and LDK have finally agreed on a consensus candidate for president, backing law professor and former Constitutional Court judge Bekim Sejdiu after talks that ran from July 9 to August 31, aiming to end months of deadlock and avoid new elections. Institutional Pressure: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu welcomed the agreement as a step toward fully functional institutions, with the next hurdle now in Parliament. Energy Risk: Kosovo’s two main power plants, Kosova A and Kosova B, face a potential shutdown from October 4 because the energy regulator can’t renew licences without a fully seated board, raising fears of heavier electricity imports. Regional Politics: Serbia marked the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade, while Kosovo-linked tensions and diplomacy with African states continued in parallel. Health Watch: A locally acquired West Nile virus case has been reported in Hungary, with officials warning the mosquito cycle is active.

Presidency Deal: Kosovo’s Vetëvendosje and LDK have finally agreed on a consensus presidential candidate, Bekim Sejdiu, after talks running since July 9 and months of deadlock. Acting President Albulena Haxhiu called it a key step to get institutions fully functioning, with the next hurdle now in Parliament to secure enough votes and avoid new elections. Funding Blocked in Southern Serbia: Prime Minister Albin Kurti says Serbian institutions blocked over EUR 2.14 million earmarked by Kosovo for Albanians in Bujanovac, Preševo, and Medvegjë, including education, culture, media, and support for students and families. Missing Persons, DNA Tests: Kosovo marked the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, with officials saying more than 1,500 people remain missing; recent mass-grave remains from Zubin Potok have been sent to The Hague for DNA matching. War Crimes Politics: The death of Ratko Mladić has sparked fresh regional debate, with reports of large memorial gatherings in Bosnia and renewed questions about how the Balkans confront the 1990s. Health Watch: A locally acquired West Nile virus case has been reported in Hungary, raising concern as mosquitoes spread the virus across the region.

Presidential Breakthrough: Kosovo’s Vetëvendosje and LDK have agreed to back Bekim Sejdiu, a former Constitutional Court judge and law professor, as a consensus candidate to end the long-running deadlock and help avoid new elections. KFOR Rotation: U.S. Colorado Army National Guard aviators completed a transfer of authority, handing KFOR’s Regional Command-East aviation mission to a new battalion to keep rotary-wing support running across the region. North Kosovo Court Case: Two Kosovo Serbs, Dusan Dobrac and Milos Radosavlevic, pleaded guilty and received prison sentences for participating in 2022 roadblock unrest aimed at obstructing constitutional order at border crossings. Missing Persons Update: Kosovo authorities say human remains from mass graves near Zubin Potok have been sent to The Hague for DNA testing, with samples tied to at least 23 possible victims and arrests already made. EU Justice Tension: The EU criticised Kosovo for rejecting requests from Serbian judges and court staff to return after they resigned in 2022, warning it could complicate rebuilding a multi-ethnic justice system. Health Alert: A first Hungarian case of an African virus linked to mosquitoes has been reported, raising regional concern about mosquito-borne disease spread.

Mass Graves & Missing Persons: Kosovo authorities say human remains from three mass graves near Zubin Potok have been sent to The Hague for DNA testing, with samples from at least 10 people (linked to up to 23 missing) and three arrests tied to suspected war crimes. Enforced Disappearances: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu and PM Albin Kurti marked the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, urging Serbia to open archives and warning Kosovo cannot wait until 2044 for key files. EU vs Kosovo Judiciary: The EU criticised Kosovo’s decision to block Serbian judges and court staff from returning after their 2022 resignations, saying it could hinder rebuilding a multi-ethnic justice system. Presidential Deadlock: Kurti and Abdixhiku met again but reported no progress on electing a new president; without a deal, Kosovo risks another parliamentary election. Regional Shockwaves from Mladić’s Death: Coverage continues to ripple across the Balkans after Ratko Mladić’s death in The Hague, with Serbian officials promising state honours if his family chooses burial in Serbia. Health & Environment: A new report highlights cancer fears in Obilić, where lignite power plants and pollution are blamed for widespread illness.

Missing Persons & EU Pressure: Kosovo acting president Albulena Haxhiu and acting PM Albin Kurti marked the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, saying over 1,500 people remain missing and urging Serbia to open war archives now—not by 2044—citing declassification of files tied to the Yugoslav Army’s 37th Motorised Brigade. Justice & Multi-ethnic Courts: The EU criticised Kosovo’s decision to block the return of Serbian judges and court staff who resigned in 2022, warning it may clash with Kosovo law and complicate rebuilding a multi-ethnic justice system. War Crimes Casework: Kosovo authorities sent human remains from three mass graves in Zubin Potok to The Hague for DNA testing, with samples linked to at least 10 people and arrests reported over suspected war crimes. Political Deadlock: Talks between Vetëvendosje and LDK failed again on choosing a new president, raising the risk of another parliamentary election if MPs can’t reach the 80-vote threshold. Rule of Law in Court: Prosecutors urged conviction of acting minister Xhelal Sveçla over the 2018 tear gas incident in the Kosovo Assembly, arguing a canister was used as a weapon. Regional Shockwaves: Ratko Mladić’s death in The Hague sparked renewed Balkan tensions, with Serbian officials signalling possible burial in Serbia and Albanian leaders stressing guilt isn’t erased.

Gaza Ceasefire Watch: UN peace chief Nikolay Mladenov warned that failure to follow the Gaza roadmap could trigger a collapse of the ceasefire, saying Morocco will take part in an International Stabilisation Force while Turkey stays out after an Israeli veto. EU Justice Pressure on Kosovo: The EU criticised Kosovo for rejecting the return of Serbian judges and court staff who resigned in 2022, warning it may clash with Kosovo law and complicate rebuilding a multi-ethnic justice system. War Crimes, DNA Testing: Kosovo authorities sent human remains from mass graves in Zubin Potok to The Hague for DNA tests, with at least 10 people identified from three sites and three suspects arrested. Kosovo Court Case: Prosecutors urged conviction of acting Minister Xhelal Sveçla over the 2018 Kosovo Assembly tear gas incident, arguing a canister was used as a weapon. Diplomacy in Pristina: Italy’s ambassador Antonini met interim President Albulena Haxhiu, discussing new institutions, KFOR “optimisation,” reintegration of Serbian judges, and a Special Chambers ruling expected Sept. 16. Regional Politics: Serbia’s leaders reacted to Ratko Mladić’s death, while Albania’s foreign minister said the verdicts and crimes must not be erased. Health and Environment: AFP reports cancer fears in Obilić, Kosovo’s coal heartland, as locals link pollution from lignite plants to widespread illness.