AGP Executive Report

Presidency: Justina Shiroka-Pula was sworn in after winning 81 votes in parliament, ending a 19-month political deadlock and averting another snap election. Hague Court Dispute: Lawmakers also approved changes restricting Kosovo’s Specialist Chambers, prompting the EU to warn that the move breaches international commitments and risks political interference. The vote followed protests outside parliament, where clashes left people injured. Trepča Mine: More than 60 miners were trapped underground after an electrical fault; officials said they were in good health as an emergency evacuation got underway. Investigation: Kosovo police detained former Mabetex executive Valon Lluka for 48 hours over suspected fraud and other alleged economic offences.

Political Shift: Justina Shiroka-Pula was sworn in as Kosovo’s president after winning 81 votes in parliament, averting snap elections. Her election followed a deal that also advanced changes to the Hague-based war crimes court law. Hague Court Dispute: The EU says the amendments breach Kosovo’s international commitments and could curb the court’s jurisdiction, cap sentences at 15 years and allow presidential pardons. Trepča Emergency: Sixty-three miners were trapped underground after an electrical fault. Authorities said they were in good health as crews organized their evacuation through an emergency exit. Investigation: Former Mabetex director Valon Lluka was detained for 48 hours on suspicion of fraud and other economic offenses; the allegations remain under investigation. Press Safety: The Association of Journalists of Kosovo condemned a physical attack on a Klan Kosova team in Ferizaj and called for a swift investigation.

Presidential Deal: Kosovo lawmakers elected academic Justina Shiroka Pula president with 81 votes, just above the 80-vote threshold, narrowly averting another snap election after months of political deadlock. The last-minute agreement between ruling Vetëvendosje and opposition PDK was tied to changes to the Hague-based Specialist Chambers law. Hague Court: Parliament approved amendments that would narrow the court’s jurisdiction, cap prison terms at 15 years and allow presidential pardons. The EU says the changes conflict with Kosovo’s commitments and warns against political interference in the court’s work. Press Freedom: A Klan Kosova reporting team was physically attacked while covering a story in Ferizaj. Three crew members were seriously injured; the Association of Journalists of Kosovo has called for a swift investigation and arrests.

Presidential Deadline Crisis Averted: Kosovo’s parliament elected economist Justina Shiroka Pula as largely ceremonial president just before a midnight constitutional deadline, preventing snap elections after a last-minute deal between Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje and the opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo. War Crimes Court Law at the Center: The vote is tightly linked to protests and negotiations over changes to the Hague-based Specialist Chambers law after September convictions of former KLA leaders, including Hashim Thaci. Street Protests Turn Violent: In Pristina, clashes outside parliament saw tear gas and water cannon used; at least 17 people were injured and arrests were reported as demonstrators demanded curbs on the court’s powers. EU Enlargement Push: The European Commission floated a “Preparing for a wider Union” plan, proposing gradual integration for candidate countries and new safeguards, while also backing a stronger defence integration track for candidates. Regional Civic Space: Civil society leaders in Pristina warned that restrictive NGO rules and smear campaigns are pressuring democracy, arguing that vibrant civic space is a condition for credible EU accession. Business Move in the Balkans: JYSK will buy out its Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia franchise partner, bringing stores under its own organisation from January 2027.

Specialist Chambers Protests: Clashes in Pristina erupted outside Kosovo’s parliament as demonstrators demanded changes to the Hague-based war crimes court law. Police used tear gas and water cannon; at least 17 people were injured and three were arrested, with tensions tied to the Specialist Chambers convictions of former KLA leaders and a stalled push for a second reading. Election Deadlock: The unrest is unfolding as Kosovo races against a constitutional deadline to elect a president—if no deal is reached by Oct. 6, parliament is set to dissolve and a snap election follow. Berlin Process Debate: In Pristina, civil society and officials questioned the Berlin Process’s future role as EU enlargement gaps widen and regional trust declines, while Kosovo’s EU negotiator urged re-energising stalled implementation. Energy Poverty Watch: New OECD figures show energy poverty is severe in the region, with around 40% of Kosovo households and 38% in Albania unable to keep homes warm. Regional Mobility: Germany plans to cut work-visa approvals for Western Balkans from 50,000 to 25,000 from Jan. 1, 2027, affecting residents of Kosovo among others.

War Crimes Court Tensions: Police clashed with protesters in Pristina outside Kosovo’s parliament and government buildings as lawmakers stalled and then advanced first-reading changes aimed at curbing the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers, following last month’s Thaci and KLA leaders’ convictions; demonstrators blocked exits, threw flares and stones, and police used tear gas and water cannon, with multiple injuries reported. Parliamentary Deadlock: MPs backed the amendments at first reading, but a second vote is still needed, while the political fight over electing Kosovo’s president before a constitutional deadline is now tightly linked to the court-law process. EU-Linked Civil Society: Pristina hosted the Western Balkans Civil Society and Think Tank Forum under the Berlin Process, with discussions on Europe’s imagination of the Balkans and policy working groups running through 7 October. Travel & Work Rules: Saudi Arabia expanded tourist visa eligibility to Kosovo citizens, while Germany plans to cut Western Balkans work-visa approvals (including for Kosovo residents) from 50,000 to 25,000 from January 2027. Energy Poverty: New OECD figures put Kosovo among Europe’s worst for energy poverty, with about 38% of households unable to keep homes adequately warm.

Special Chambers Showdown: Kosovo’s parliament approved first-reading changes to the Law on the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, backed by 91 MPs, as the clock ticks on the Oct. 6 presidential vote and the risk of snap elections. Parliament Pressure: An extraordinary plenary session is set for today, with a protest expected outside parliament by war veterans demanding the amendments be fully approved. Hague Court Powers: The draft would narrow the court’s jurisdiction and shift some cases back to Kosovo; the PDK says it will back electing a president only after final passage, while the LDK warns the vote may not guarantee implementation. Protests After Verdict: Thousands continue rallying over the Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, with anger focused on how cases were built and the trauma left behind. 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 Hague-based Specialist Chambers, with the vote also seen as a potential way to avoid another early election after the Constitutional Court deadline for electing a president. Court & Protests: The wider fallout from Specialist Court convictions continues to spark demonstrations, including a Berlin protest by Albanian emigrants against the Hague verdicts. EU & Reforms: EU officials again pressed Kosovo on reforms and stability, tying progress to the country’s European path. Regional Sports: In UEFA Nations League action, Kosovo drew 1-1 with Austria, keeping the group race tight ahead of the next round of matches involving Kosovo, Austria, and Ireland. Visa & Mobility: Saudi Arabia expanded streamlined tourist visa access to citizens of Kosovo, allowing online or on-arrival tourist visas. Asylum Rules: The EU listed Kosovo among “safe countries of origin,” a move that can speed up asylum processing under EU law.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s leaders are racing against a constitutional deadline to agree on a new president. The Constitutional Court says parliament must elect by Oct. 6 or it will be dissolved, triggering a snap election within 45 days; PM Albin Kurti and opposition leader Bedri Hamza are still negotiating, with Hamza linking support to changes to the law governing the Hague war-crimes court. Hague Verdict Protests: Thousands of Kosovo Albanians are continuing protests against the Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, including a new rally planned in Berlin outside the German parliament. Protesters also demand changes to Kosovo’s Hague-court law. EU and Reforms: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged faster Kosovo reforms tied to EU progress, while also stressing that Hague judgments require respect. Kosovo Court and Law: Kosovo’s government says parliament can legally consider changing the law behind the Hague-based court, a move the opposition wants to use to limit the court’s mandate. Regional Security Context: Separate coverage highlights ongoing debate over NATO and European security cooperation in the wider region, with Kosovo repeatedly referenced in the context of international military and political dynamics.

EU–Kosovo War-Crimes Fallout: Kosovo lawmakers and the government are pushing back on Hague-based convictions, with Pristina saying parliament can legally consider changing the law governing the court’s mandate. Political Crisis in Pristina: Talks between Albin Kurti’s Samoopredeljenje and PDK leader Bedri Hamza reportedly failed to produce a deal on electing a new president, leaving Kosovo facing fresh deadlines and possible new elections. Special Prosecutor Shake-up: Kosovo’s special prosecutor Blerim Isufaj was dismissed after the prosecutorial council cited mismanagement and incompetence; Dren Paca will run the office in the interim. Serbia–KFOR Security Signals: Serbia’s military chief met KFOR’s outgoing commander, warning the situation in Kosovo remains “delicate” and that Serbs do not feel safe, while stressing KFOR’s duty to protect Serb communities and heritage. Regional EU Pressure: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged faster Kosovo reforms tied to the war-crimes court and reconciliation, while also backing a full EU membership path.

Kosovo–Hague dispute: Kosovo’s government says parliament can legally consider changing the law governing the Hague-based war-crimes court, as the opposition PDK links the issue to the next presidential vote and demands reforms first. Special prosecution shake-up: Kosovo’s top special prosecutor, Blerim Isufaj, was dismissed after the prosecutorial council cited mismanagement and failure to do the job; Dren Paca will run the office temporarily. EU pressure on reforms: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged faster Kosovo reforms and stressed that Hague judgments require respect, while also backing a full EU membership path. Regional security and KFOR: In Belgrade, Serbia’s military chief met the outgoing KFOR commander ahead of a handover, with both sides stressing the security situation in Kosovo and KFOR’s role under UN Resolution 1244. Organised crime case: Kosovo prosecutors charged nine people over an alleged Kosovo–Albania cannabis network, including thousands of plants seized in the Peja area. Diplomacy spotlight: Prime Minister Albin Kurti shared that he met US President Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly high-level week, thanking Washington for increased NATO defence spending and reiterating Kosovo’s aspiration to join the alliance.

Kosovo Politics: Albin Kurti met Bedri Hamza, but they failed to agree on Kosovo’s next president; Hamza says the priority is amending the Kosovo Specialist Chambers law, with president talks after the changes. Justice & Security: Kosovo’s special prosecutor Blerim Isufaj was dismissed by the prosecutorial council over alleged mismanagement and incompetence; Dren Paca will lead the office in the interim. War Crimes Fallout: Thousands protested in Pristina against Hague war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders, with demonstrators saying the verdicts are unjust and “not in my name.” EU Integration: Ursula von der Leyen urged North Macedonia to amend its constitution to recognize the Bulgarian minority to unlock EU talks, while in Kosovo she reiterated that judgments at The Hague require respect and that reforms are needed for the EU path. Crime Crackdown: Kosovo prosecutors charged nine people over an organised drug network between Kosovo and Albania, including large-scale cannabis cultivation in the Peja region. Travel & Mobility: Saudi Arabia eased travel for Kosovo citizens, adding them to the e-visa/visa-on-arrival eligible group from Oct. 1.

EU Integration & Reforms: European 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 respect for judicial independence and the need for reconciliation. Hague Verdict Protests: Thousands rallied in Pristina against war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders, with demonstrators saying the verdicts are unjust and warning the EU “let Kosovo down.” Presidential Deadlock: Kosovo has days to elect a new president or face another election, as Prime Minister Albin Kurti begins talks with opposition parties ahead of an Oct. 6 deadline. Berlin Process Civil Society: The Civil Society & Think Tank Forum of the Berlin Process will be held in Pristina on 5–7 October, aiming to turn regional commitments into recommendations for EU integration. Regional Security Cooperation: Serbia and Angola signed a MoU on civil defence, firefighting and rescue services, expanding cooperation between interior ministries.

EU Kosovo Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Pristina to accelerate reforms and keep institutions stable to unlock up to €882 million, backing a full EU membership path and rejecting any “associate membership” model. Hague Verdict Backlash: Thousands rallied in Pristina against the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ first-instance war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders, as von der Leyen said the rulings concern individual responsibility and that defendants can appeal. Presidential Deadline: Kosovo has days to agree on a new president or face another election, with PM Albin Kurti starting talks with opposition parties ahead of the Oct. 6 deadline. Kosovo in Sport: In UEFA Nations League action, Israel and Kosovo drew 0-0 in Hungary, while Ireland’s match vs Austria was twice interrupted by Palestine-related protests before a 2-2 comeback.

EU-Western Balkans Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kosovo for talks with acting President Albulena Haxhiu and PM Albin Kurti, with EU bid, reforms and funding on the agenda. Trade & Economy: Kosovo opened free trade with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, completing free-trade access with all four EFTA states. Security & Crime: A Kallxo.com investigation links Kosovo to firearms trafficking into Albania, with Kosovo citizens arrested in Albania and weapons reportedly feeding organised crime. EU Accession Roadmaps: EU plans for “gradual integration” into the single market would offer staged access to candidates like Moldova, Ukraine, Montenegro and Albania, while Kosovo is mentioned among those facing delays. Regional Politics: Kosovo has six days to elect a president and avoid new elections; meanwhile, three Kosovo Serbs pleaded not guilty over 2022 unrest in North. International Spotlight: Kosovo war survivors plan a 50-state U.S. film tour starting Oct. 20 to honor U.S. veterans, with screenings also planned in Kosovo in January 2027.

EU Enlargement & Economy: The European Commission is drafting a plan for “unprecedented gradual integration” into the EU single market for candidate states, offering frictionless trade and research access while conditioning benefits on security and foreign-policy alignment; the roadmap approach is set for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro, while countries like Kosovo face longer, more conditional timelines. EU-Western Balkans Diplomacy: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen begins a Western Balkans tour in Tirana, signaling Albania’s progress and pushing further reforms and implementation; she is also scheduled to visit Pristina and other regional capitals. Kosovo Politics: Prime Minister Albin Kurti says Kosovo has six days to elect a new president before the Oct. 6 constitutional deadline, warning that failure would trigger new parliamentary elections; he also calls for urgent opposition talks around a possible candidate. North Kosovo Court Case: Three Kosovo Serbs pleaded not guilty over December 2022 roadblocks at northern border crossings, with the case tied to unrest after an arrest and earlier convictions already handed down to other defendants. Kosovo War Crimes Probe: Kosovo authorities ordered pre-trial detention for nine suspects in a war-crimes investigation linked to mass graves discovered in the north. Regional Politics: Kurti says Albanian parties in Serbia’s Preševo Valley have agreed on a joint coalition ticket for the Oct. 25 election, calling it potentially “historical” and arguing for guaranteed minority representation.