AGP Executive Report

Presidency: Justina Shiroka-Pula was inaugurated as Kosovo’s president after MPs elected her in a late-night vote, avoiding snap elections. Entertainment: SkyShowtime is now available on Titan OS-powered Philips and Sharp TVs in Kosovo, bringing films, series and children’s shows to viewers. Romani Culture: Prizren’s Radio Romano Avazo is turning its Romani-language broadcasts into podcasts, helping preserve the community’s stories and culture online. Faith and Learning: Around 200 women and girls gathered in Vushtrri for a seminar on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, with talks and student presentations.

Kosovo Politics: Justina Shiroka Pula was elected president, averting another snap election. In the same tense session, lawmakers approved a last-minute change to the Hague war crimes court’s powers, after protests over convictions of former KLA leaders. Pula is the first woman to lead Kosovo’s Academy of Sciences and Arts. Civic Space: At a Pristina forum, Western Balkan activists warned that restrictive NGO laws and smear campaigns are putting pressure on civil society and independent media. Romani Culture: Prizren’s Radio Romano Avazo is bringing Romani-language stories and culture online through podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and its website. Faith & Education: Around 200 women and girls gathered in Vushtrri for a seminar on the Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings, with talks on compassion, patience and ethical values.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo MPs narrowly elected Justina Shiroka Pula as President in a last-minute vote, avoiding a snap election and meeting a constitutional deadline. Civic Tension: Protests outside Kosovo’s parliament turned violent after lawmakers failed to pass a bill to curb the powers of the Hague-based war crimes court, with tear gas and water cannon used as demonstrators denounced the Thaci verdict. Youth & Identity: Young Kosovars have been leading daily street protests in Prishtina against the Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, framing the KLA as central to their lived identity. EU & Regional Talks: Civil society in Pristina warned that restrictive NGO laws and smear campaigns are squeezing civic space, calling it a key condition for EU enlargement. Berlin Process: A forum in Prishtina questioned the Berlin Process’s future role as trust declines, while Kosovo’s EU negotiator urged re-energising stalled agreements. Culture & Language: Radio Romano Avazo is moving Romani-language content online via podcasts, bringing community voices to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and its website. Religion & Community: An Islamic seminar in Vushtrri gathered around 200 women and girls to discuss the Prophet Muhammad’s life and moral values. Media & Entertainment: Titan OS-powered Philips and Sharp TVs across Kosovo now offer SkyShowtime directly on home screens.

Kosovo Protests: Riot police used tear gas and a water cannon outside Kosovo’s parliament after lawmakers failed to pass a bill to curb the powers of the Hague-based war crimes court, as demonstrators demanded changes following last month’s Thaci verdict. Justice & Identity: The clashes reflect deep anger in Pristina over sentences for former KLA leaders, with young protesters—many born after the 1998-99 war—leading daily rallies. EU-Western Balkans: A civil society forum in the Berlin Process spotlighted uncertainty about the initiative’s future as regional trust declines and EU enlargement dynamics shift. Media & Culture: Radio Romano Avazo is moving Romani-language content online via podcasts on major platforms, keeping Roma voices present as audiences shift to digital. Work & Mobility: Germany plans to cut Western Balkans work-visa approvals in half from 2027, raising concerns for construction staffing. Travel & Lifestyle: Saudi Arabia expanded streamlined tourist visas to Kosovo citizens, making it easier to visit for tourism, events, and even Umrah. Tech for Homes: SkyShowtime launched on Titan OS-powered Philips and Sharp smart TVs across Kosovo and 21 other European markets.

War Crimes Court Protests: Police clashed with protesters outside Kosovo’s Parliament and government buildings as lawmakers debated changes to the Hague-based Specialist Chambers law, with tear gas and water cannon used after demonstrators threw firecrackers and stones; the amendments would cap sentences at 15 years, allow serving terms in Kosovo, and open appeals to Kosovo’s Supreme Court. Youth-Led Street Action: Young Kosovars—many born after the 1998-99 war—are leading daily rallies in Prishtina, saying the KLA legacy is “everything” and pushing back against the convictions of former KLA leaders. Culture & Community: The Red Dress Project—built by hundreds of women and girls across dozens of countries, including Kosovo—will tour next year in a Bridport Heritage Forum exhibition, using stitched stories of war, poverty, and displacement. Travel & Lifestyle: Saudi Arabia expanded its streamlined tourist visa programme to include Kosovo citizens, with online or on-arrival options for tourism, events, and even Umrah. Work & Migration: Germany plans to cut Western Balkans work-visa approvals in half from 2027, raising concerns for sectors like construction.

Kosovo Protests: Thousands rallied in Pristina against the Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, with banners like “Not in my name,” as families and supporters denounce the verdict as unfair and tied to anonymous witness accounts. Justice & Healing: A new wave of commentary links the court case to long-held war trauma, arguing Kosovo’s wounds remain unhealed and that public anger is about more than sentencing. EU Path & Reforms: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to speed up reforms for EU progress, pointing to potential funding up to €882 million and stressing institutional stability and judicial independence. Travel Ease: Saudi Arabia expanded streamlined tourist visas to Kosovo citizens, allowing e-visas or visas on arrival for tourism, events, and even Umrah. KFOR Leadership Change: Serbian officials met KFOR’s outgoing commander ahead of a mid-October handover, while stressing Kosovo Serbs still feel unsafe and calling on KFOR to protect cultural and religious heritage. Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch warned that thousands of alleged ISIS-linked men and boys transferred to Iraq face abuse and unfair trials, as countries delay repatriation and aid.

Kosovo Justice & Identity: Thousands filled Prishtina’s squares in the biggest nationwide protest yet against Hague war-crimes convictions for four former KLA leaders, with banners like “Not in my name” and demands for “fair justice,” as families and politicians argue the verdicts tarnish Kosovo’s independence struggle. EU Migration Rules: The EU has named seven “safe countries of origin” for 2026, including Kosovo, meaning asylum claims may face faster processing, with Kosovo’s listing explicitly tied to status-neutral legal caveats. EU Integration Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to speed up reforms to unlock up to €882 million under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, while also calling for institutional renewal and progress on roaming and SEPA. Travel & Culture Links: Saudi Arabia expanded streamlined tourist visa access for Kosovo citizens, allowing e-visas or visas on arrival for tourism, events, and Umrah—an easier route for cultural travel and family visits. Regional Security Watch: Reports say the US is reviewing its force posture in Europe, with possible changes affecting commitments like KFOR in Kosovo, keeping local uncertainty in the spotlight.

Women’s Safety & Politics: Kosovo-linked humanitarian experience is at the center of a UK debate as Tory shadow minister Joy Morrissey hits back at Labour over claims of “weaponising” violence against women and girls. Sports & Identity: Ireland’s Nations League build-up in Serbia turns chaotic after press questions about a plane hijacking and racist abuse allegations, showing how sport keeps colliding with politics. Kosovo Justice Protests: Thousands in Prishtina rally against Hague war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders, with banners like “Not in my name” and “Freedom Has a Name,” as protesters demand fair justice and say the EU “let Kosovo down.” EU Path & Reforms: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urges Kosovo to speed up reforms for up to €882 million in support, stressing judicial independence and institutional renewal. Travel for Kosovars: Saudi Arabia eases travel rules for Kosovo citizens with eVisas and visa-on-arrival options from Oct 1, 2026. Culture & Lifestyle: Berlin’s WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market returns to Gendarmenmarkt after renovations, running Nov 23–Dec 31 with food, crafts, and festive lights.

Kosovo Justice Protests: Thousands filled Prishtina squares for the biggest nationwide rally yet against Hague war-crimes convictions of four former KLA leaders, with banners like “Not in my name” and demands for “fair justice,” as Kosovo leaders and families argue the verdicts tarnish the independence struggle. EU Integration Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to speed up reforms and stabilize institutions to unlock up to €882 million under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, while also calling for judicial independence and progress on roaming and SEPA. KFOR Command Update: In Belgrade, Serbian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Milan Mojsilovic met KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulutas ahead of a mid-October handover, stressing Kosovo Serbs still don’t feel safe and highlighting KFOR’s role in protecting religious, cultural and historical heritage. Travel Ease for Kosovars: Saudi Arabia simplified travel for Kosovo citizens from Oct 1, 2026, adding Kosovo to the eVisa/visa-on-arrival eligible group for tourism, family visits and religious travel. Lifestyle & Culture: Berlin’s WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market returns to the renovated Gendarmenmarkt (Nov 23–Dec 31), bringing stalls, crafts, food, lights and heated tents back to one of the city’s most iconic squares.

Kosovo Protests: Thousands filled Prishtina’s squares to denounce Hague war-crimes convictions of four former KLA leaders, with banners like “Not in my name” and demands for “fair justice,” as families and politicians argue the verdicts tarnish Kosovo’s independence struggle. EU Integration Push: Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to speed up reforms to unlock up to €882 million under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, including steps on judicial independence, institutional renewal, roaming talks, and SEPA readiness. KFOR Command Change: Serbian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Milan Mojsilovic met KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulutas ahead of a mid-October handover, stressing Kosovo Serbs’ safety and KFOR’s duty to protect religious, cultural, and historical heritage. Travel & Visas: Saudi Arabia eased travel rules for Kosovo citizens from Oct 1, offering e-visas or visa-on-arrival for tourism, family visits, and religious travel under Vision 2030. Culture & Lifestyle: Berlin’s WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market returns to the renovated Gendarmenmarkt (Nov 23–Dec 31), bringing stalls, crafts, food, lights, and heated indoor spaces.

Kosovo Justice Protests: Thousands filled Prishtina squares for the biggest nationwide rally yet against Hague war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders, with crowds chanting “Not in my name” and demanding “fair justice” after sentences for Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi. EU Integration Pressure: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to speed up reforms and institutional renewal to unlock up to €882 million under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, while pushing steps tied to judicial independence and payments integration. Regional Security Watch: A US review of its Europe force posture is reportedly weighing a possible reduction of about a third of troops, raising fresh questions about the future of Washington’s role in KFOR in Kosovo. Travel & Mobility: Saudi Arabia eased visa rules for Kosovo citizens, adding Kosovo to the group eligible for e-visas and visas on arrival for tourism, family visits and religious travel. Culture & Media: The Albanian diaspora’s “Flamingo Revolution” is set to rally in Brussels, while Kosovo War survivors plan a 50-state US film tour for “The Journalist’s Mission,” ending with screenings in Kosovo.

Hague Verdict Protests: Thousands filled Prishtina’s squares again, denouncing the Specialist Chambers’ war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi, with banners like “Not in my name” and “Freedom Has a Name,” as families and politicians call it “unfair justice” and fear the ruling tarnishes Kosovo’s independence struggle. EU Path & Funding: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to speed up reforms and institutional renewal to unlock up to €882 million under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, while stressing judicial independence and steps toward roaming talks and SEPA. War-Crimes Probe: Prishtina ordered 30-day pre-trial detention for nine suspects in a case tied to mass graves discovered in northern Kosovo, with authorities citing risks of flight and interference with witnesses. Infrastructure & Daily Life: Saudi Fund for Development opened a revamped 9.87-km Prishtina–Mitrovica highway section, aiming to cut travel times and improve access to jobs, healthcare and education for hundreds of thousands. Culture & Media: A Kosovo War survivors’ film, “The Journalist’s Mission,” is set for a 50-state U.S. tour starting Oct. 20, with screenings and a documentary filmed alongside the journey.

Hague Verdict Backlash: Thousands filled Prishtina squares for “fair justice” protests after the first-instance Kosovo Specialist Chambers convictions of former KLA leaders, including Hashim Thaçi (25 years) and Jakup Krasniqi (25), with rallies also denouncing “unfair treatment” and demanding trust in the process. EU Push for Reforms: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Kosovo to speed up institutional renewal and reforms to unlock up to €882 million, stressing judicial independence and steps like roaming negotiations and SEPA readiness. Diaspora Mobilisation: The “Flamingo Revolution” is set to bring Albanian diaspora protesters to Brussels on Oct. 3, expanding from Vjosa–Narta environmental activism into wider demands for accountability and governance. New War-Crimes Case: Kosovo authorities detained nine suspects in Zubin Potok over war-crimes allegations tied to mass graves found in August, with the court ordering 30-day pre-trial detention. Culture & Identity: Kosovo-born, Austria-based painter Gazmend Freitag was named “Painter of the Year 2025,” celebrated for art that bridges memory, displacement, and belonging. Roads for Daily Life: Saudi Fund for Development opened a revamped 9.87-km Prishtina–Mitrovica highway section, aiming to cut travel times and improve access to jobs and services.

NATO & Security: NATO chief Mark Rutte urged Russia to stop nuclear threats after Moscow warned it could deploy its arsenal if Kaliningrad is attacked, while European leaders called for dialogue to avoid escalation. Kosovo Justice: Kosovo’s Basic Court in Prishtina ordered 30-day pre-trial detention for nine suspects in a war-crimes case tied to mass graves found in Zubin Potok. EU Pathway: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti said the EU should deliver real single-market access for candidate countries, not a “parallel process,” as Von der Leyen pushes a Western Balkans integration plan. Infrastructure & Jobs: The Saudi Fund for Development opened a revamped 9.87 km Prishtina–Mitrovica highway section, aiming to cut travel times and improve access to services for about 600,000 people. Culture & Art: Kosovo-born, Austria-based painter Gazmend Freitag was named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër, celebrating art that bridges memory and displacement. Sports & Society: In Ireland, the Israel Nations League controversy spilled into calls for mental-health support and safeguarding checks, including a psychologist brought into the squad.

War Crimes & Justice: Kosovo’s Basic Court in Prishtina ordered 30-day pre-trial detention for nine suspects in Zubin Potok over alleged war crimes linked to mass graves, citing risks of obstruction and evasion. EU Integration & Economy: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen kicked off a Western Balkans tour in Albania, pushing “gradual integration” with single-market access and funding, while Kosovo PM Albin Kurti stressed it must lead to full membership. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The Saudi Fund for Development opened a revamped 9.87-km Prishtina–Mitrovica highway section, aiming to cut travel times and improve access to jobs and services for about 600,000 people. Culture & Arts: Kosovo-born, Austria-based painter Gazmend Freitag was named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër, with his work framed as a bridge between Kosovo memory and Central Europe life. Public Health: Kosovo recorded 180 measles cases since April, with over 95% among unvaccinated people, as catch-up MMR vaccinations continue. Politics & Memory: Kosovo MPs adopted a statement of deep concern over Hague convictions of four former KLA leaders, calling for action to protect “historical truth” about the liberation war.

EU Single-Market Access: Ursula von der Leyen kicks off a Western Balkans tour in Tirana, pushing “tangible” gradual integration for candidate countries, with Kosovo expected to benefit from closer alignment while still aiming for full EU membership. Kosovo Justice: Kosovo authorities ordered 30-day pre-trial detention for nine suspects in Zubin Potok over alleged war crimes tied to mass graves found in August. Roads & Mobility: The Saudi Fund for Development inaugurated a revamped 9.87-km Prishtina–Mitrovica highway section, promising safer travel and better access to jobs and services for about 600,000 people. Culture Spotlight: Kosovo-born, Austria-based painter Gazmend Freitag was named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër, celebrated for art that bridges memory, displacement, and identity. Film & Arts: PriFest honored Berea resident Cheryl Johnson with a Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting Kosovo’s post-war push to rebuild cinema culture. Lifestyle & Celebrity: Dua Lipa shared moments from a traditional Albanian wedding in Prishtina, dancing with her father and celebrating her roots. Health Watch: Kosovo recorded 180 measles cases since April, with over 95% among unvaccinated people.