AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Presidency Crisis Averted: Kosovo’s parliament elected economist Justina Shiroka Pula as president just before the midnight deadline, avoiding another snap election. She won 81 votes, after a last-minute deal between Kurti’s Vetevendosje and the opposition PDK to pass amendments that would limit the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) powers in The Hague, following September’s war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders including Hashim Thaçi. Protests Turn Violent: Demonstrators demanding the KSC changes clashed with police in Pristina, with tear gas and water cannon used and 17 people injured, as MPs debated the law. EU Enlargement Push: The European Commission adopted a pre-enlargement package outlining reforms and safeguards to prepare the EU for future expansion, while also proposing gradual defence integration for candidate countries. Regional Security Debate: Civil society and EU officials in Pristina warned that civic space and rule of law are key to credible enlargement, linking democracy and security.

Presidential Deadline Crisis: Kosovo is racing to elect a new president by midnight Oct. 6 or face dissolution of parliament and a snap election within 45 days, as acting president Albulena Haxhiu asks the Constitutional Court who can exercise presidential powers if the deadline passes. War Crimes Court Protests: In Pristina, clashes outside parliament left at least 17 injured as police used tear gas and water cannon; protesters demand amendments to the Specialist Chambers law after MPs stalled a second vote. Political Deal-Making: Prime Minister Albin Kurti made a last-minute offer to the opposition, proposing MPs back presidential candidate Bekim Sejdiu if parliament completes Hague court law changes on Thursday. EU/Regional Diplomacy: At the Berlin Process Civil Society Forum in Pristina, officials warned that “stability without values” won’t last and urged faster, rule-of-law-based progress for EU integration. Business & Jobs: JYSK says it will take over its Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia stores from its franchise partner, with the move set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Energy Poverty Watch: OECD data shows 38% of Albanian households can’t keep homes warm; Kosovo is even higher at about 40%.

War Crimes Court Standoff: Police clashed with protesters in Pristina after Kosovo MPs stalled and then advanced first-reading changes aimed at curbing the Hague-based Specialist Chambers, following the Thaci verdict. Tear gas and water cannon were used as demonstrators tried to block lawmakers, with dozens injured and arrests reported. Parliament Deadline Pressure: The bill needs a second vote to become law, while Kosovo faces a tight Oct. 6 presidential election deadline—failure could trigger new elections—turning the court fight into a wider political crisis. Youth-Led Protests: Young Kosovars, many born after the 1998-99 war, kept daily rallies going, framing the Hague convictions as an attack on KLA legacy. Regional Diplomacy & Civil Society: The Berlin Process civil society forum opened in Pristina under “Proofs, Not Promises,” focusing on regional cooperation and Europe’s view of the Balkans. Travel Update: Saudi Arabia expanded tourist visa access to Kosovo citizens, with e-visas and visas on arrival at entry points.

Hague Court Law Showdown: Kosovo MPs approved first-reading amendments to the Specialist Chambers law, narrowing the court’s jurisdiction and moving some cases back to Kosovo, as protesters outside parliament demanded full approval; the bill now needs a second vote and Kosovo has until Oct. 6 to elect a new president or face fresh elections. Parliament Blockade: Supporters of former KLA leaders blocked exits from the assembly and threw flares after the first-reading vote, with minor clashes reported as pressure mounted over the war-crimes verdicts delivered in September. KLA Verdict Fallout: Coverage of the Thaci-era sentencing backlash continues, with critics arguing the case relied too heavily on anonymous testimony and that the punishment feels harsher than other comparable rulings. Kosovo in the Sports Spotlight: In UEFA Nations League action, Kosovo drew 1-1 with Austria while Ireland and Israel’s politically charged rematch ended 1-1 behind closed doors in Serbia amid fresh allegations and tempers. Energy Security Talk: A regional energy expert said Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia are leading preparedness for an oil-supply crisis through legislation and physical stocks, ahead of an Oct. 7 forum in Belgrade.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s parliament is set to meet Monday to consider amendments to the Specialist Chambers law, a move that could also decide whether the country avoids another early election after the Constitutional Court deadline for choosing a president. Protests and Justice: Thousands have been rallying in Kosovo and abroad under “Not in My Name” against Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, arguing for “fair justice” and challenging the court’s legitimacy. EU and Reforms: EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, have urged faster Kosovo reforms tied to the EU path, stressing that judgments in The Hague point to individual responsibility. Regional Security/Legal: The Hague verdict on former Kosovo leader Hashim Thaçi continues to reverberate politically, with calls to change the Specialist Court framework and renewed debate over the West’s Kosovo “double standard.” Sports (Kosovo in focus): Kosovo drew 1-1 with Austria in the Nations League, keeping pressure on group rivals as Ireland and Israel also finished level.

EU Asylum Rules: The EU has published its 2026 list of “safe countries of origin,” adding Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia at Union level, while keeping Kosovo on the list with a legal caveat tied to UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the ICJ opinion—meaning asylum claims from these countries can be pushed through faster procedures. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo may face another snap election after the Constitutional Court set a deadline of October 6 for electing a president; if parliament fails, it will be dissolved and a new election called within 45 days, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and opposition leader Bedri Hamza still negotiating. Hague Verdict Protests: Kosovo Albanians are continuing protests against Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, including a rally planned in Berlin outside Germany’s parliament. EU Reform Pressure: EU officials again urged Kosovo to speed up reforms to unlock major funding, as the Hague court dispute remains a live political fault line. Football Focus: Kosovo’s Nations League match vs Austria and the Republic of Ireland’s politically charged rematch with Israel in Serbia dominate the weekend sports calendar, with protests and security concerns still shaping coverage.

Kosovo Justice & Politics: Pristina says parliament can legally consider changing the law governing the Hague-based Kosovo war crimes court, after the opposition PDK pushed to limit the court’s mandate and return some cases to Kosovo—an issue now tied to the country’s presidential deadlock, with the Constitutional Court insisting a president must be elected by Oct. 6. Special Prosecutor Shake-up: 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 Reform Pressure: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged faster Kosovo reforms for access to up to €882 million, stressing that judgments in The Hague point to individual responsibility and that the EU path runs through reforms and reconciliation. Regional Security Watch: Serbia’s military chief met KFOR’s outgoing commander ahead of a mid-October handover, with Belgrade warning the security situation in Kosovo remains “delicate” and that KFOR must protect Serbs and heritage.

Hague Court Clash: Kosovo’s government says parliament can legally consider changing the law governing the Hague-based war-crimes court, after the opposition PDK pushed to limit the court’s mandate and move some cases back to Kosovo; the dispute is now tied to Kosovo’s political crisis, with the Constitutional Court requiring a new president by Oct. 6. Special Prosecutor Ousted: Kosovo’s special prosecutor Blerim Isufaj was fired by the prosecutorial council over alleged mismanagement and failure to do the job; Dren Paca will lead the office in the interim. EU Pressure on Reforms: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to respect Hague verdicts while linking the EU path to reforms and reconciliation, as she arrived for talks in Pristina. Civil Society in Pristina: The Berlin Process civil society forum CSF 2026 runs Oct. 5–7 in Pristina, aiming to turn regional commitments into recommendations for EU integration. Crime Crackdown: Kosovo prosecutors charged nine people over an organised Kosovo–Albania drug network tied to large-scale cannabis cultivation in the Peja area. Sports Spotlight: A Kosovo-hosted IFMA world event in Deçan saw Canadian fighter Fehn Foss win silver in the women’s 67kg division.

Kosovo Justice Shake-Up: Kosovo’s special prosecutor Blerim Isufaj was dismissed by the prosecutorial council after accusations of mismanagement and failing to do the job; Dren Paca will lead the office until a permanent replacement is named. EU Pressure on War Crimes Verdicts: Thousands again protested in Pristina against Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, with demonstrators saying the verdicts are unjust and that the EU “let Kosovo down.” Presidential Election Deadlines: Prime Minister Albin Kurti says talks have started to agree on a new Kosovo president, with parties facing a deadline of Oct. 6 or else parliamentary elections could follow. Regional Diplomacy: Civil Society & Think Tank Forum of the Berlin Process will run in Pristina from Oct. 5–7, aiming to shape recommendations for EU integration. Travel Update: Saudi Arabia eased travel for Kosovo citizens, adding them to the eVisa/visa-on-arrival eligible group from Oct. 1. Security & NATO Context: A US review of force posture in Europe is reportedly weighing changes that could affect KFOR planning, though no withdrawal from Kosovo is announced.

Kosovo Protests: Thousands rallied in Pristina against Hague war-crimes convictions of four former KLA leaders, including ex-president Hashim Thaçi, with demonstrators calling the verdicts “unacceptable” and saying the EU “let Kosovo down.” EU Accession Pressure: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to accelerate reforms and secure institutional stability to unlock up to €882 million under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, while stressing reconciliation and judicial independence. Drug Network Case: Kosovo prosecutors charged nine people over an organised Kosovo–Albania drug network tied to large-scale cannabis cultivation near Peja, after raids seized thousands of plants and over 1,000 kg of cannabis. Berlin Process in Pristina: The Civil Society & Think Tank Forum of the Berlin Process will run 5–7 October in Pristina, bringing regional groups to shape recommendations for EU integration. Regional Security/Justice: A US prosecutor said Kosovo authorities failed to prepare the public for outcomes in the Thaci verdict, while arguing the court’s focus is individual responsibility. Sports—Kosovo in Nations League: Israel and Kosovo played out a stalemate, leaving Israel bottom of the group.

EU Kosovo Track: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Pristina to speed up reforms and keep institutions stable, backing full EU membership and rejecting any “associate membership” model, while pointing to up to €882 million in Growth Plan support and faster steps on roaming talks and SEPA. Hague Verdict Fallout: Thousands marched in Pristina against the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ first-instance war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders, as von der Leyen insisted the court’s mandate must be respected and that the verdict concerns individual responsibility, not Kosovo’s 1998-99 resistance. Presidential Deadline: Prime Minister Albin Kurti opened talks with opposition parties as Kosovo has five days to elect a new president or face another election. Kosovo in Sport: In UEFA Nations League action, Israel and Kosovo played out a stalemate, while Kosovo’s Edon Zhegrova featured ahead of the Hungary clash.

EU-Kosovo Talks: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Pristina urging Kosovo to make institutions fully functional fast, saying institutional stability is the base for reforms and progress toward the EU. War Crimes Court Fallout: Thousands rallied in Kosovo against Hague war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders as von der Leyen insisted the court’s mandate must be respected and that Kosovo’s resistance is not on trial; Kosovo’s parliament also rejected the verdict in a 99-0 vote. Kosovo-Serbia Politics: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić said the “Student List” would impose sanctions on Russia and recognise “Kosovo,” while Serbian caretaker FM Marko Đurić stressed stability and a future-focused approach for the region. Trade & Security: Kosovo opened free trade with Switzerland and Liechtenstein under EFTA deals, while a Kallxo.com investigation links Kosovo firearms losses to organised trafficking into Albania. Regional EU Momentum: Germany signalled optimism for Montenegro’s swift EU accession if reforms keep moving.

Kosovo Politics: Prime Minister Albin Kurti says Kosovo has just six days to elect a new president and avoid another snap election, urging opposition talks as the Constitutional Court deadline nears. North Kosovo Courts: Three Kosovo Serbs pleaded not guilty over December 2022 roadblocks tied to unrest at border crossings, with the case linked to earlier convictions and ongoing legal fallout. War Crimes Probe: Prishtina ordered 30-day pre-trial detention for nine suspects in a war-crimes investigation connected to mass graves discovered in 2026. EU Accession Push: The EU is drafting a “gradual integration” plan for candidate states, offering single-market access and research participation in return for security and foreign-policy alignment—while Kosovo is watching for where it fits. Diplomacy: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met UNMIK chief Peter Due, stressing UN Security Council engagement and raising concerns about arrests in Kosovo. Regional Politics: Albanian parties in southern Serbia agreed to run together in Serbia’s Oct. 25 election, with Kurti calling for fair minority representation.

Presidential deadlock: Kosovo has just six days to elect a new president after the Constitutional Court set an Oct. 6 deadline, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti warning that failure would trigger another costly snap election. North Kosovo unrest in court: Three Kosovo Serbs pleaded not guilty in Pristina over alleged roadblock involvement during the Dec. 2022 unrest in the north, while earlier convictions were handed down in the same case. War-crimes probe: Pristina ordered 30-day detention for nine suspects in a Zubin Potok case tied to mass graves and the disappearance of 23 people during the 1999 war. EU integration push: The EU is drafting a plan to offer candidate states “gradual integration” into the single market, including frictionless trade and research access, in return for security alignment. Regional politics: Kurti said Albanian parties in Serbia’s Preševo Valley are uniting on a joint coalition ticket for Oct. 25, calling for fair minority representation. UNMIK talks: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met UNMIK chief Peter Due, urging Security Council attention under UNSCR 1244. Infrastructure: Saudi Fund for Development opened a revamped 9.87 km Pristina–Mitrovica highway section, aiming to cut travel times and improve access.

War Crimes & Justice: A Pristina court ordered one month in custody for nine Serbian passport holders suspected of war crimes tied to the 1999 disappearance of 23 people; raids in Zubin Potok seized weapons, phones and documents, with remains identified via DNA. Kosovo Politics & Protests: Kosovo war veterans are threatening fresh protests unless changes to the Hague court law are put to a vote, after parliament voted 99-0 against the verdict on former KLA leaders. Infrastructure & Economy: The Saudi Fund for Development opened a revamped 9.87-km section of the Pristina–Mitrovica highway, saying it will cut travel times, improve road safety and benefit about 600,000 people. Security Presence: British troops arrived in Kosovo for a six-week KFOR exercise as part of NATO’s reserve force. International Spotlight: A Russian agency claims Aleksandar Vučić’s resignation was linked to his call with Putin and aimed to keep his influence ahead of Serbia’s October 25 parliamentary election. Sports & Society: Kosovo and Israel’s Nations League week continues amid political pressure and public debate around accountability and responsibility.

Hague Verdict Backlash: Kosovo war veterans are threatening fresh protests after Kosovo parliament voted 99-0 against the Hague verdict on four former KLA leaders. The Democratic Party of Kosovo has proposed changes to the Hague court law, but veterans want the bill put to a vote fast; they’re marching in Pristina on Oct. 1 and say more will follow if it stalls. Serb Rights Tensions: Petar Petkovic met UNMIK chief Peter Due, accusing Pristina of politically motivated arrests of Kosovo Serbs, including nine heads of households from Zubin Potok, and warning that the international community must act. KFOR Exercise: British troops have arrived in Kosovo for a six-week KFOR exercise as part of NATO’s Strategic Reserve Force, with soldiers and equipment training across the country. EU Enlargement Roadmaps: Politico reports the EU is preparing accession roadmaps for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro, but not for Kosovo yet. Road Safety Projects: UNITAR and FIA ran a workshop in Warsaw with Kosovo among participants to plan practical road-safety interventions.