The Guardian: Vucic will accept independence, Kosovo-Serbia deal within six months or a year
The Guardian is reporting that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will accept independence only if Serbia gets something concrete in return. Vucic told The Guardian that he believes the final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is possible within “six months or a year.” Original post Here
Djuric: Apostolova siding with Kosovo
Director of Serbia’s Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, on Thursday reacted to a statement made by the Head of the EU Office in Pristina Nataliya Apostolova who stated that Pristina “should do more to convince states that did not recognize Kosovo’s independence to do so in the near future.” Original …
Kosovo President Thaci to meet German Chancellor Merkel in Berlin
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci is set to visit Germany on 9 May known as the Europe Day when he is expected to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel. Original post Here
Tusk urges Kosovo to build consensus on meeting EU criteria
European Council President Donald Tusk, who is visiting Pristina today, urged Kosovo leaders to build a political consensus for advancing the EU integration path. Original post Here
Thaci not a unifying figure in Kosovo to lead the dialogue with Serbia
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who has been tasked by the Government to lead the final phase of the political dialogue with Serbia, is perceived as obstacle and accused of not being a unifying figure in the country. In addition to opposition parties who are fiercely criticising Thaci’s role in dialogue …
Daniel Serwer in Pristina: Vetevendosje and Srpska List unconstitutional parties
Daniel Serwer, expert of Balkans affairs, said that the Vetevendosje Movement and Srpska List are unconstitutional political entities in Kosovo. Serwer made the comments attending a debate organised by Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED) dubbed “Balkans, EU and U.S.: Can they synchronise again?” Original post Here
EU gives Kosovo four months to establish Association of Serb Municipalities
The European Union made it clear to Kosovo institutions that they have only four months to establish the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. Their reaction came after Blerim Shala, political advisor to President Hashim Thaci, said that there will be no establishment of Association without signing final agreement with Serbia. Also …
Car of ex-Kosovo Police member set on fire in Zubin Potok
A BMW vehicle was set on fire in northern municipality of Zubin Potok last night, Kosovo police says. Original post Here
Germany wants EULEX mission in Kosovo extended
The government of Germany wants the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo – EULEX be extended for two more years, but its duties be streamlined. Kosovo leaders would like the mission to leave the country in June when current mandate of the mission expires. Original post Here
Kosovo President Thaci wants political consensus on the dialogue with Serbia
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci asked the support of political parties for continuation of the dialogue with Serbia. The Government approved last week a platform which gives head of state a leading role in political dialogue with Belgrade. Original post Here
Tirana will soon open its doors to the sights, sounds, and flavors of Arabia. From 16 to 20 September 2025, the Palace of Congresses will transform into a vibrant stage for Saudi Cultural Week, a five-day celebration of art, heritage, and creativity hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The festival promises to be more …
Albania’s hosting of an exiled Iranian opposition group was never likely to be easy. Now it’s under criminal investigation. Original post Here
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and other turbulent issues across the region. Original post Here
The city of Durres on Albania’s Adriatic coast boasts a fine selection of Roman-era mosaics. But due to a lack of initiative by the local authorities, progress has been slow to preserve them and make them available for the public to view. Original post Here
As Mediterranean fire seasons grow in intensity, Albania’s government faces calls to invest in firefighting and reforestation. Original post Here
Interview with Migen Qiraxhi, Project Manager at Qëndresa Qytetare, July 17 In Albania, where higher education is often portrayed as a bridge to opportunity and European integration, the reality on the ground tells a darker story. Behind university gates, corruption, nepotism, and political interference have quietly hollowed out institutions that …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and a whole lot more. Original post Here
From data leaks and criminal hacks to smear campaigns, BIRN’s digital rights monitoring team documented widespread privacy violations and assaults on freedom of speech across Southeast Europe in July. Original post Here
As fires rage at overflowing and often illegal landfills in Albania, companies with criminal connections keep securing waste management contracts with the state. Original post Here
Across the region, our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories suggests that alarm bells are going off in many countries – and not only because of the wildfires. Original post Here