AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Election Heat: Even before the official start on 28 May, Kosovo’s campaign is already turning sharper—accusations of secret meetings, online attacks, and reports of an assault are pushing party politics away from programmes and toward personal conflict. Democratic Resilience: At GLOBSEC in Prague, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya warned that democracy can’t be “enjoyed” without daily defence—people must take responsibility, especially when institutions fail. Media Under Pressure: Kosovo’s journalists at “Paparaci” report repeated internet-cable cuts, with the AJK calling for immediate police and prosecution action. Arts & Film: Kosovar director Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” has signed with Cinetic after Sundance success, while Blerta Basholli’s Cannes Critics’ Week film “Dua” continues to draw attention for its intimate wartime storytelling. Tragedy in the Region: A crash near Skopje killed three 20-year-olds and prominent North Macedonia opera singer Riste Velkov, after a Kosovo-plate tractor-trailer lost control.

Democracy Under Pressure: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya told GLOBSEC in Prague that threats to democracy don’t only come from outside—citizens must defend it daily, citing Belarusian self-organisation when state institutions failed. Kosovo Election Tension: Kosovo’s campaign isn’t officially underway yet, but accusations and even reports of assault are already escalating ahead of the 28 May start, with analysts warning the fight is crowding out policy debate. EU Enlargement Spotlight: EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited Pristina, urging reforms and normalization with Serbia while stressing Kosovo needs stable institutions and faster implementation to move toward candidate status. Media Freedom: The Association of Journalists of Kosovo says internet cables were cut again at the “Paparaci” newsroom, disrupting work and calling for police and prosecutors to identify those behind the obstruction. Arts & Culture: Blerta Basholli’s Cannes Critics’ Week film “Dua” continues Kosovo’s cultural visibility, while Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” has signed with Cinetic after Sundance success.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo is heading for another snap parliamentary election on June 7 after parliament failed to elect a new president by the April 28 deadline, deepening the standoff between PM Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje and the LDK/PDK and leaving institutions under strain. EU Path Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Pristina to “catch up” on EU priorities and push normalization with Serbia, but candidate status still hangs on recognition issues and Kosovo’s own instability. Media Under Strain: Kosovo journalists at “Paparaci” report repeated internet-cable cuts, with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo calling it deliberate obstruction and urging police/prosecutors to act fast. Arts & Film Spotlight: Kosovar director Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” has signed with Cinetic after winning at Sundance, while Blerta Basholli’s “Dua” continues to draw attention from Cannes Critics’ Week. Regional Culture: Eurovision’s final also sparked a Kosovo-flag clash involving the Serbian delegation.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo is heading toward another snap parliamentary election on June 7 after parliament failed to elect a new president by the April 28 deadline, deepening the standoff between Kurti’s Vetëvendosje and the LDK/PDK and leaving institutions under strain as EU reforms pile up. Media Freedom: In Pristina, the online outlet “Paparaci” says internet cables were cut again—at least the third time—prompting the Association of Journalists of Kosovo to call for immediate police and prosecution action. Court & Security: The Pristina Basic Court sentenced police lieutenant Bojan Jevtic to six years for espionage for Serbia’s BIA, plus a fine and a ban on public functions. Arts & Film: Kosovo’s Blerta Basholli’s “Dua” drew attention at Cannes Critics’ Week, while Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” signed with Cinetic after Sundance success. Regional Diplomacy: Ukraine’s delegation to Serbia is expected to be led by Deputy PM Taras Kachka, not Zelenskyy, amid sensitive ties between Kyiv and Belgrade.

Cannes Spotlight: Blerta Basholli’s Dua and Visar Morina’s Shame and Money are turning Kosovo stories into festival headlines, with La Gradiva also winning Cannes Critics’ Week top honors—proof the region’s cinema is hitting a global nerve. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Kosovo journalists at “Paparaci” report repeated internet cable cuts, with police only deploying teams after the latest disruption—AJK calls it deliberate obstruction. Politics at Home: Kosovo’s stalled presidential vote is pushing the country toward another snap election on June 7, deepening fears of institutional drift and EU delays. Diplomacy Shockwaves: Somaliland says it will open an Israel embassy in Jerusalem, joining Kosovo’s earlier move—another reminder how recognition politics keep reshaping the Balkans and beyond. Sports & Culture: UNM Lobos adds Italian forward Federico Grani, while Eurovision’s media-center flare-up over the Kosovo flag shows how culture still sparks real-world tensions.

Diplomacy Shock: Somaliland says it will open an Israel embassy in Jerusalem, a move that piles pressure on Somalia and echoes Kosovo’s 2021 embassy decision—showing how recognition politics keep reshaping the region. Kosovo Courtroom: In Pristina, a Kosovo Police lieutenant, Bojan Jevtic, was sentenced to six years for spying for Serbia’s intelligence, after a guilty plea deal. EU Pressure on Pristina: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Kosovo to speed up reforms and normalization with Serbia, while Kosovo’s leaders push for candidate status amid June 7 snap elections. Arts & Screen: Kosovar director Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” has signed with Cinetic, and Blerta Basholli’s “Dua” continues to draw Cannes attention for its intimate look at life in 1990s Kosovo. Culture in the Spotlight: A Eurovision media-center incident saw a Serbian delegation member allegedly try to remove a Kosovo flag—another reminder that symbols still spark real friction.

Kosovo Court & Security: The Pristina Basic Court sentenced police lieutenant Bojan Jevtic to six years for espionage, after he admitted leaking confidential Kosovo Police information to Serbia’s BIA, with a five-year ban from public administration after prison. Kosovo at Cannes: Kosovar director Blerta Basholli’s sophomore film Dua premiered in Cannes Critics’ Week, turning a 13-year-old’s coming-of-age in late-1990s Pristina into an intimate look at how “normal” moments survive amid war. EU Pressure & Politics: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited Pristina urging reforms and normalization with Serbia, while Kosovo’s political deadlock is pushing the country toward snap elections on June 7 and renewed calls for candidate status. Regional Tensions: A Eurovision media-center incident saw a Serbian delegation member allegedly try to remove a Kosovo flag, stopped by a Kosovo delegation member. Ongoing Story: Kosovo’s election instability and EU delays keep colliding, with Brussels watching closely as institutions struggle to function.

Cannes Spotlight: Kosovar director Blerta Basholli’s sophomore feature “Dua” premiered in Cannes Critics’ Week, turning late-1990s Pristina into an intimate coming-of-age story shaped by war and the urge to feel “normal.” Justice & Security: In Pristina, the Basic Court sentenced police lieutenant Bojan Jevtic to six years for espionage and illegal weapon possession, with a five-year ban from public administration after a guilty plea deal. Diplomacy Watch: A Ukrainian delegation is expected to visit Serbia later this week, with Zelenskyy possible—an EU-path and sovereignty topic that could move fast or be cancelled. Regional Politics: Kosovo’s election crisis keeps deepening, with fears of instability and drift away from the EU as the country heads toward another snap vote on June 7. Arts & Identity: Eurovision’s media-center flare-up—Serbian delegation members allegedly trying to remove a Kosovo flag—adds to the week’s loud cultural signals.

Kosovo EU Push: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited Pristina, backing Kosovo’s European path while urging reforms and normalization with Serbia—yet Kosovo’s leaders are pressing hard for candidate status now, as Politico reports. Political Instability: The same week’s pressure is internal: Kosovo is heading toward another snap election on June 7 after parliament failed to elect a president, deepening fears of drift away from the EU. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s President Vučić met Kenya’s Ruto in Baku and said Kosovo’s issue came up—highlighting how recognition politics still shapes the wider Balkans. Culture Spotlight: At Cannes Critics’ Week, Blerta Basholli’s film “Dua” drew major attention for its late-1990s Pristina coming-of-age story amid Kosovo’s war-era violence. Arts & Memory: The UK’s Bolton Museum announced “KFOR and Kosovo +25,” a photography exhibition marking 25 years since NATO’s peacekeeping mission.

UAE AI Push: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid says the UAE will roll out “Agentic AI” across 50% of government services, training 80,000 employees and approving new AI-powered service bundles—plus a national AI healthcare push. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo is heading toward another snap election on June 7 after parliament failed to elect a president, deepening fears of instability and EU drift. EU Candidate Status: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos backs Pristina’s European path, while Kosovo urges the EU to grant candidate status—still blocked by five non-recognising EU states and Serbia’s refusal. Rights Court Clash: The Kosovo Specialist Chambers rejects claims of rights violations, saying a preliminary review found no judges breached defendants’ rights. Culture & Memory: Bolton Museum in the UK will host “KFOR and Kosovo +25,” a photo exhibition marking 25 years since NATO’s peacekeeping mission. Arts Spotlight: Blerta Basholli’s Cannes Critics’ Week film “Dua” brings Kosovo’s 1990s war-era girlhood to the screen.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo is heading for another snap parliamentary election on June 7 after parliament failed to elect a new president by the April 28 deadline, deepening fears of instability and slowing reforms needed for EU progress. EU Path: During a visit to Pristina, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos backed Kosovo’s European aspirations but stressed the need for reforms and normalization with Serbia—while Kosovo’s leaders renewed calls for candidate status. Serbia Tensions: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti says Serbia is blocking aid for ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia, leaving thousands of pupils, students, and farmers affected. Justice & Rights: The Kosovo Specialist Chambers pushed back on media claims about a preliminary rights review, saying no judges’ decisions violated defendants’ human rights. Arts & Culture: Blerta Basholli’s Cannes Critics’ Week film “Dua” spotlights a teenage girl’s coming-of-age amid 1990s Kosovo persecution. Media & Accountability: A Kosovo court dismissed a businessman’s defamation lawsuit against BIRN Kosovo over a solar-energy investigation.

Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s stalled presidential vote has pushed the country toward another snap parliamentary election on June 7, deepening fears of instability and raising fresh worries in Brussels about drifting away from the EU path. The crisis follows parliament missing the April 28 deadline, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje at odds with the LDK and PDK—Kurti failed to secure support for his preferred candidates, declined to back President Vjosa Osmani’s re-election, and the PDK boycotted the process. EU Track: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited Pristina, urging reforms and normalization with Serbia while Kosovo’s leaders renewed calls for candidate status. Justice & Rights: The Kosovo Specialist Chambers rejected claims of rights violations, saying media misread a preliminary review. Rule of Law in Focus: A defamation lawsuit by businessman Blerim Devolli against BIRN Kosovo was dismissed after he didn’t attend court. Regional Security: Albania, Croatia and Kosovo plan joint military drills, while Kosovo says Serbia is blocking aid to Albanians in southern Serbia.

EU Path Push: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited Pristina, backing Kosovo’s European bid while urging reforms and normalization with Serbia—yet candidate status still hinges on five EU states that don’t recognize Kosovo and on Pristina’s June 7 snap election after the government collapse. Courtroom Clash: In Pristina, businessman Blerim Devolli’s defamation case against BIRN Kosovo over the “Unclean energy” solar investigation was dismissed after he failed to attend. Regional Security: Albania and Croatia plan joint military drills, with Kosovo expected to be involved, while officials downplay concerns about separate NATO vs Serbian exercises. Culture Spotlight: Blerta Basholli’s Cannes Critics’ Week film “Dua” puts late-1990s Pristina girlhood under the pressure of war and persecution. Diaspora & Identity: Dua Lipa’s Albanian/Kosovar roots keep trending, while craftivism and pop culture continue to amplify Balkan stories. Arts & Memory: Kosovo Specialist Chambers says media misread a preliminary rights review, insisting no judges violated accused persons’ human rights.

EU Candidate Status Push: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos arrived in Pristina to back Kosovo’s European path, urging Pristina to keep reforming and normalize ties with Serbia—“There can be no security in Europe without Kosovo.” She said Kosovo must catch up on EU priorities and build stable institutions, as Politico notes five EU states still don’t recognize Kosovo and elections are set for June 7 after the government fell. Regional Pressure & Politics: Kurti frames the moment as overdue—41 months after applying for EU membership—and links progress to democracy, growth, and better daily life. Legal & Accountability Watch: In a separate Kosovo spotlight, a businessman’s defamation case against BIRN Kosovo over a solar-energy investigation was dismissed after he failed to appear in court. Arts & Culture: Cannes Critics’ Week continues to elevate Kosovo stories, with Blerta Basholli’s “Dua” drawing major attention for its late-1990s Pristina coming-of-age perspective.

Courtroom Outcome: Kosovo businessman Blerim Devolli’s defamation case against BIRN Kosovo and RTK over the solar investigation “Unclean energy” was dismissed after he and his lawyers failed to show up, leaving the reporting intact as a major test of media accountability. Regional Security Drills: Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo are planning joint military exercises, with officials saying separate NATO vs. Serbian drills are a media issue, not a security one. Diplomacy & Tensions: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti says Serbia is blocking aid to Albanians in southern Serbia, while Serbia’s Petar Petkovic warns Pristina’s pressure on Kosovo Serbs is daily and says dialogue is being obstructed. Arts & Culture: At Cannes, Kosovar director Blerta Basholli’s coming-of-age film “Dua” is being spotlighted for its late-1990s Pristina setting and its focus on girlhood under war. Music Spotlight: World Cup song talk keeps rolling, with “Dai Dai” framed as the strongest official entry so far. Tech & Society: A new interview highlights how criminals adopt AI faster than law enforcement, pushing fraud defenses to catch up.

Courtroom Fallout: Kosovo businessman Blerim Devolli’s defamation case against BIRN Kosovo over the solar-energy investigation “Unclean energy: The Kosovar Who Would Own the Sun” was dismissed after he and his lawyers failed to show up in Pristina, with the Basic Court treating the lawsuit as withdrawn—an outcome civil society had warned could be a familiar “SLA” pattern. Regional Security Drills: Albania, Croatia and Kosovo are planning joint military drills, with defence officials saying training and defence-industry cooperation are the focus, and that separate NATO-versus-Serbia drills are more of a media issue than a security concern. Kosovo-Serb Aid Tension: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti says Serbia is blocking aid to Albanians in southern Serbia, leaving thousands of pupils, students and farmers without support. Arts & Culture: At Cannes, Blerta Basholli’s film “Dua” continues to draw attention for turning late-1990s Pristina girlhood into a sharp, emotional coming-of-age story.