Haradinaj’s party conditions dialogue with the visa liberalisation
Members of Parliament of the ruling Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) have submitted Thursday a draft-resolution asking the Government of Kosovo not to resume dialogue with Serbia, until the EU takes a final decision on removing visas for citizens of Kosovo. Original post Here
Thaci and Vucic to meet on 18 July in Brussels
Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, will meet next week, on 18 July, President Hashim Thaci of Kosovo and President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia in the context of the continuation of her facilitation of the EU-facilitated Dialogue. Original post Here
Kosovo President Thaci draws red lines in talks with Serbia after all
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci said on Thursday that Kosovo has “red Lines” when it comes to the final phase of the dialogue with Serbia. Thaci drew the “red lines” in talks with Serbia after criticism from opposition parties. Earlier this month Thaci, who leads the political dialogue with Serbia, said …
Fajon expects EC report on visas for Kosovo be published before summer break
Tanja Fajon, the European Parliament rapporteur on visa liberalisation for Kosovo, said that she expects the European Commission report on whether Kosovo has fulfilled all the criteria on visa liberalisation, be published before summer break. Media have reported that the EC is delaying publication of the report due to be …
Kosovo PM wants ‘political truce’ with Serbia
Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, said at the end of the Western Balkans Summit in London that he expressed his concerns during his meetings in London over Serbia’s continuous pressure on Kosovo Serbs to leave the Kosovo Security Force. Original post Here
Journalist who is investigating Ivanovic’s murder assaulted in Serbia
Serbian Journalist, Stefan Cvetkovic, who has investigated killing of the Kosovo Serb politican Oliver Ivanovic killed in January in Mitrovica North, was physically assaulted in front of a cafe in his home town of Bela Crkva on Monday evening. The Serbian police have arrested a man suspected of assaulting Cvetkovic, …
Avramopoulos confirmed to Thaci that there will be no delays on visas
Kosovo President, Hashim Thaci, said that he got confirmation from the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos, that Kosovars will expect soon a “good news” on visas. Original post Here
Pacolli in London: Time for final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia
The dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia facilitated by the European Union has brought positive results, but time has come to talk on reaching a final agreement, which is for the benefit of both countries, said Kosovo Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli in his addressing attending the EU-Western Balkans Summit in London. …
Kosovo President Thaci meets Russian PM Medvedev
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci met on Monday Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The meeting was held in Ankara, when many state leaders are gathered to attend the inauguration of Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Original post Here
Belgrade is blackmailing Kosovo Serb members of KSF, Çeku says
Around 40 members of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) of Serbian community have left the force. This came after pressure exerted on them by Belgrade, says Agim Çeku, deputy minister of KSF. Original post Here
TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times. In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here
In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader of the opposition, Edi Rama, declared that the country is facing a series of serious problems that require deep and structural reforms. One of the first issues raised was that of drinking water. “Despite reported improvements, the situation calls for …
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) July 15,2025 — Just 300 meters from the office of Albania’s Prime Minister, a 40-story tower rises over Tirana’s skyline. It’s one of dozens of new high-rises reshaping the capital. But behind the glass and steel façade lies a darker truth that experts say reflects Albania’s …
After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …
In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here