AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Election Campaign: Kosovo parties kicked off campaigning ahead of the June 7 snap vote, with Vetëvendosje and PDK holding events in Ferizaj, the LDK starting in Pristina, and AAK in Gjakova; Democracy in Action warned recent government spending could tilt the playing field, which Kurti denied. Northern Kosovo Tensions: Pristina authorities raided Serbian Railways sites in Zvečan, Leposavić, Lesak and Ibarska Slatina, removing Cyrillic signage, hoisting flags, and replacing labels with “Railway infrastructure of Kosovo,” amid heavy police presence and election campaigning. Security Institutions: Albin Kurti outlined plans for a Kosovo gendarmerie to secure land, water and air borders, tackle smuggling and protect critical infrastructure, saying it will bridge the gap between police and the army and be set up via a special law after the June 7 elections. Serb List Messaging: Serb List launched a campaign video and rallying push under “one heart, one people, one list,” framing the vote as a fight to preserve schools, hospitals, homes and cultural traditions. Regional Diplomacy: EU Council President António Costa announced a Western Balkans tour (June 1–5) including stops in Sarajevo, Tirana, Skopje, Pristina and Belgrade, and co-chairing the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5. Serbia–China Push: Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a China visit announcing new investments worth hundreds of millions of euros, while Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić stressed momentum for the Serbia–China partnership and Kosovo support in multilateral settings. Media Ownership Watch: Journalists’ groups warned that the sale of Adria News Network to Alpac Capital could threaten media pluralism and editorial independence across the region. International Legal/US Angle: A US towing company agreed to pay $280,000 after allegations it illegally auctioned or scrapped 93 servicemembers’ vehicles while they were deployed overseas in Kosovo.

Kosovo Election Countdown: Kosovo’s parliamentary campaign has officially kicked off ahead of the June 7 vote, with Vetëvendosje and PDK launching events in Ferizaj and other parties starting in Pristina and Gjakova; Democracy in Action warns recent government spending could tilt the playing field, while acting PM Albin Kurti denies any link to the campaign. Security & Institutions: Kurti says Kosovo needs a new gendarmerie to handle modern threats, including armed paramilitary groups, smuggling, drone-related monitoring, and protection of critical infrastructure—designed to sit between the police and the army and to be set up via a special law after the June 7 snap election. North Kosovo Flashpoints: Pristina authorities, with “Kosovo Police” involvement, raided and seized Serbian Railways buildings in Zvečan, Leposavić, Lesak and Ibarska Slatina, replacing Cyrillic signage and hoisting flags, while Serbian officials frame it as election-related pressure. EU Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa will tour the Western Balkans from June 1–5, including meetings in Pristina and Belgrade, with EU enlargement, gradual integration, regional cooperation, and security on the agenda. Regional Security Context: A US DOJ settlement says a San Antonio towing firm will pay $280,000 after illegally selling or scrapping about 93 servicemembers’ vehicles, with the case tied to a complaint involving a tow and auction in Kosovo.

Kosovo Security: Acting PM Albin Kurti says Kosovo needs a gendarmerie to bridge the gap between Kosovo Police and the Kosovo Security Force, pointing to paramilitary threats, weapon smuggling, and drone-enabled attacks—especially in the north. Northern Kosovo Tensions: Pristina authorities raided Serbian Railways buildings in Zvečan, Leposavić, Lesak and Ibarska Slatina, replacing Cyrillic signs and hanging “Kosovo” flags as campaigning for June 7 early elections begins. EU Engagement: European Council President António Costa will tour the Western Balkans June 1–5, including a June 3 stop in Pristina and meetings with Kosovo’s acting president, outgoing PM Kurti, and opposition leaders, ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5. Serbia–China Diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Đurić and President Aleksandar Vučić highlight deepening Serbia–China cooperation, including new investments and China’s stance on Kosovo, as Belgrade leans further into Beijing. Gaza Force Stalls: Plans for a US-backed International Stabilization Force for Gaza remain stalled as pledged troop contributions fail to materialize, with Hamas refusing to disarm and the Iran war complicating regional cooperation. Election Campaigns & Online Abuse: As Kosovo’s election nears, reporting highlights how women face heavy online abuse and manipulation, including AI-generated political propaganda.

Kosovo Election & Online Abuse: As Kosovo’s June 7 vote nears, women are facing a surge of online abuse and AI-driven manipulation, including propaganda videos flagged as almost certainly generated by artificial intelligence. Kosovo Justice: The Specialist Chambers in The Hague have delayed the verdict in Hashim Thaçi’s war-crimes trial and those of three other former KLA leaders, citing the case’s complexity and the need for more time. EU Integration & Regional Politics: The EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro on June 5-6 is framed as a credibility test for enlargement, with Kosovo among the states in focus. Security Cooperation: EUFOR is in Kosovo to strengthen regional cooperation and the security dialogue. War Memory & Human Rights: A Pristina launch of a new book compiles testimonies from Kosovo war deportations by train in 1999, spotlighting forced expulsions and family separations. Regional Legal/Business Watch: Albania’s Supreme Court cleared a Kosovo-linked firm tied to Behgjet Pacolli to return to the Vlora airport project, after a legal fight with a rival investor.

Kosovo Justice: The Specialist Chambers in The Hague delayed the verdict in Hashim Thaçi’s war-crimes case, granting judges an extra 60 days due to the case’s complexity. EU Integration & Funding: In Belfast, councillors backed a move to explore EU pre-accession assistance funding, with Kosovo among the countries currently eligible under the IPA framework. Business & Infrastructure: Albania’s Supreme Court cleared a company linked to Kosovo businessman Behgjet Pacolli to return to the Vlora airport project, overturning earlier rulings that had blocked it. Regional Security & Diplomacy: A new US Western Balkans strategy says the “nation-building era” is over, shifting toward stability and “mutually beneficial partnerships,” while Washington also flags concerns about Chinese and Russian influence. Kosovo Memory & War Crimes: A Pristina book launch compiled testimonies of 1999 deportations by train, highlighting forced expulsions to the Bllace/Bllaca border crossing. Child Protection: UNICEF and local advocates warn Kosovo still struggles to prosecute and support survivors of child sexual abuse, citing coordination gaps and limited specialized social services.

Armenia–US Strategic Charter: Armenia and the United States have published and signed a new Charter on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, spelling out cooperation across diplomacy, security, trade, energy, tech, education and culture, with a roadmap tied to the 2025 Washington Peace Summit and follow-on TRIPP framework. Kosovo Justice: The Kosovo Specialist Chambers delayed the verdict in the Thaçi war-crimes case, granting judges 60 more days due to the case’s size and complexity. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s presidential deadlock keeps pushing the country toward another parliamentary election on June 7, with little belief the vote will break the institutional stalemate. EU Funding Row in Belfast: Belfast City Council is set to vote next week on whether to pursue EU pre-accession assistance funding, after a DUP–SDLP clash over “Brexit” arguments. Regional Security & Influence: A new US Western Balkans strategy shifts from “nation-building” to “mutually beneficial partnerships,” while flagging risks from Russian and Chinese influence and elevating Corridor 8. Business Expansion: Jumbo and BALFIN expand their partnership, extending Jumbo’s exclusive footprint into Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Kosovo War Memory: A new book launched in Pristina, The Train – On the Border Between Terror and Freedom, compiles testimonies of people deported by train in spring 1999, describing family separation, confiscations, and the terror of the Bllace/Bllaca border crossing. Kosovo Justice & Abuse: UNICEF and local experts warn Kosovo still struggles to prosecute child sexual abuse cases, citing weak coordination, limited child-sensitive support, and staffing gaps in social services. Serbia–China Pivot: In Beijing, President Aleksandar Vučić highlights deepening ties with Xi, celebrating China’s Order of Friendship and framing the relationship as a driver of jobs and infrastructure—while EU concerns grow over sanctions circumvention and dependencies. Western Balkans Strategy Shift: The US says its “nation-building era” is over, focusing instead on “mutually beneficial partnerships,” with Corridor 8 flagged as a strategic priority. Regional Security: EUFOR’s commander met KFOR leadership in Kosovo to stress coordination and information-sharing amid ongoing instability. Culture & Identity: Kosovo’s Cannes success continues as Blerta Basholli’s Dua wins the SACD award.

Kosovo Security Watch: The U.S. says it is monitoring Kosovo’s plan to create a gendarmerie force, urging Prishtina to keep faith with peace and security commitments; NATO adds that KFOR remains responsible for border security and expects close coordination. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo heads toward June 7 elections after the president vote deadlocked again, with little trust the next round will break the institutional stalemate. Survivors Under Strain: UNICEF warns Kosovo still struggles to prosecute and support child sexual abuse cases, citing weak coordination, limited child-sensitive services, and staffing overload in social services. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s Vučić wrapped up talks in Beijing, highlighting deeper China ties as the U.S. signals a shift from “nation-building” to stability and economic partnerships—while also flagging external meddling risks. Culture & Soft Power: Blerta Basholli’s “Dua” wins a major Cannes author award, putting Kosovo film on the global map.

US Balkans Pivot: The State Department says Washington has moved on from “nation-building” in the Western Balkans, shifting to stability, economic cooperation, and countering Russia and China—while pushing more local responsibility and structured 2026 talks with Serbia and North Macedonia. Corridor 8 Priority: In the same policy push, the US flags Corridor 8 as a strategic project linking the Adriatic and Black Seas. Kosovo Election Pressure: Kosovo heads toward June 7 elections amid deep deadlock and a harsher campaign, with the US also watching Kosovo’s security plans and how they fit commitments. EUFOR-KFOR Coordination: COM EUFOR visited Kosovo to strengthen regional security dialogue and coordination with KFOR. Serbia-China Spotlight: In Beijing, Vučić celebrated China’s Order of Friendship and met Li Qiang, while Kosovo-linked religious and political tensions continue to flare around the Serb Orthodox Church.

Elections in the Air: A new Western Balkans Stability Monitor bulletin flags a region-wide pre-election mood shift, with Bosnia’s vote still clouded by likely apathy and machinery politics, while Kosovo’s campaign is already turning sharper than expected ahead of the 28 May start. Kosovo Campaign Pressure: Parties are trading accusations early, with claims of secret meetings and even reports of an assault—raising fears the race could get nastier before voters return in early June. Kosovo Vote Timing & Cost of Living: The caretaker government announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and some workers, plus higher maternity support, as inflation hits 7.5% in the first four months. Security Plans Watched: The US says it is monitoring Kosovo’s proposed gendarmerie force and expects commitments on peace and security to be respected, with KFOR still responsible for border security. Regional Context: Across the Balkans, outside pressure and influence remain a recurring theme, from US warnings about Russia/China to Serbia’s push for EU support.

Kosovo Security Watch: The U.S. says it’s monitoring Kosovo’s plan to create a gendarmerie force, urging any steps to respect peace and security commitments, as acting interior minister Xhelal Sveçla moves ahead with a working group to define how the force would operate—while NATO’s KFOR remains the key border-security actor. Election Pressure: Kosovo’s campaign is already turning nasty ahead of the 28 May start, with parties trading accusations and the government announcing one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and low-paid workers just 16 days before the vote. Regional Friction: In North Macedonia, Albanian parties clash over alleged Serbian influence after a pro-Vučić rally in Kumanovo sparked anti-Kosovo chants. EU Border Strain: Greece’s new EU biometric checks are hitting travelers hard, with long queues at land crossings like Evzones as summer travel nears. Diplomatic Signals: Serbia’s Vučić heads to Beijing for a sensitive state visit, underscoring Belgrade’s push to balance Europe with stronger China ties.

Kosovo Security Watch: The US says it is monitoring Kosovo’s plan to create a gendarmerie force and expects any move to respect peace and security commitments, while NATO notes KFOR still holds border security responsibilities and urges coordination with Kosovo’s bodies. Election Pressure: With the official campaign due to start on 28 May, Kosovo parties are already trading accusations, and the caretaker government has announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and low-paid workers—just 16 days before the 7 June vote. State-Building Spotlight: Kosovo is also pushing for recognition and building an army, with defense officials framing new forces as “big steps” toward protecting citizens while cooperating with partners. Regional Context: Washington’s new policy tone says the Western Balkans matter directly to US security and trade, warning about outside influence and organized crime. Elsewhere: Swiss suspends Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27 amid Airbus A220 shortages.

Kosovo Security Watch: The US says it’s monitoring Prishtina’s push to set up a gendarmerie force, urging any steps to respect peace and security commitments. NATO and KFOR remain the key security backstop, with KFOR still responsible for border security—while Serbia warns KFOR is the only legitimate armed presence. Army-Building Drive: Kosovo’s defense minister frames the move as “big steps” toward a force that can defend citizens and cooperate with partners, even as Serb concerns linger. Election Pressure: With snap parliamentary elections looming, the campaign is already getting harsher, and the caretaker government announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and low-paid workers—just 16 days before voters return to the polls. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo could lose over €250 million from the EU Growth Plan if reforms miss deadlines, with only pre-financing so far. Regional Context: The week also brought fresh US messaging that the Western Balkans matter directly to Washington’s security and economic interests.

Kosovo Election Pressure: Kosovo’s campaign is already turning sharper ahead of the June vote, with Prishtina announcing one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and low-paid workers—while tensions spike in Serb-majority areas like Gračanica after arrests tied to alleged voter intimidation. Serb Vote Politics: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić backs the Belgrade-backed Serb List for Kosovo’s 7 June election, accusing Kurti of targeting prominent Serbs and claiming pressure inside the community. EU Leverage: Kosovo also faces a looming EU Growth Plan risk—missing reform steps could cost it over €90 million by end-June, with more money at stake later. Regional Backdrop: Outside Kosovo, Ana Brnabić urges “stronger, more vocal” Czech support for Serbia’s EU path and says the Balkans need EU membership for peace. Aviation Disruption: Swiss suspends Geneva–Prishtina flights for winter 2026/27, citing Airbus A220 parts and engine availability.

Kosovo Election Countdown: Kosovo’s campaign is already getting nastier ahead of the 7 June vote, with parties trading accusations, claims of secret meetings, and reports of an assault—while the official campaign is only due to start on 28 May. Pre-Vote Cash: The caretaker government has announced one-off €100 payments for pensioners, children, students and some low-paid workers, plus higher maternity support, aiming to blunt price pressure as inflation sits at 7.5%. Serb Community Tensions: In northern Kosovo, authorities detained officials tied to Serbia-backed institutions in Gračanica after allegations of pressure on voters for the Belgrade-backed Serbian List, sparking protests. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo also faces a looming funding threat under the EU Growth Plan—missing reform deadlines could cost the country over €250 million. Regional Pressure Points: Across the wider Balkans, Bruegel warns trade barriers are rising despite deeper EU integration, adding economic strain to an already tense political season.

Kosovo–Serbia Tensions Ahead of June 7: Kosovo authorities detained Serbian-linked officials in Gračanica on May 19, with Pristina alleging threats and voter pressure tied to the Belgrade-backed Serbian List—sparking protests and raising the temperature just weeks before snap parliamentary elections. NATO Cooperation: Prime Minister Albin Kurti met NATO’s partnerships deputy, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton, discussing deeper security cooperation, Kosovo’s tech and defense steps, and ammunition production, including how any new gendarmerie structure would coordinate with KFOR. EU Money at Risk: Kosovo faces a deadline-driven squeeze on EU Growth Plan funding—reportedly risking losing over €250 million if reforms aren’t completed by end-June and then again later. Regional Context: Montenegro marked 20 years since independence and renewed its push for EU membership by 2028, while the wider Balkans keep wrestling with EU timelines, investment bottlenecks, and political friction.