Major General Özkan Ulutaş, commander of the KFOR mission, held a meeting at the mission’s headquarters with Lieutenant General Miroslav Lorinc, who serves as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Slovakia.

The talks were held at Film City camp, with the security situation as the main topic.

During the meeting, Ulutaş stressed that KFOR remains committed to ensuring a calm and secure environment, impartially, for all residents of Kosovo.

A statement about the meeting said that the KFOR commander also expressed his sincere appreciation for Slovakia’s important contribution to the KFOR mission.

The mission continues to fulfill the mandate established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, adopted in 1999, with the aim of helping maintain a calm and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo.

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Bekim Sejdiu, considered one of the last possibilities for overcoming the deadlock surrounding the election of the president, has withdrawn his candidacy. He said he made the decision after failing to secure the necessary support from political parties, making the process of electing the head of state even more difficult.

Adnan Rrustemi, a lawmaker from the Vetëvendosje Movement, said his party would continue seeking a candidate acceptable to all sides, with the aim of preventing Kosovo from going to new elections.

In an interview with Ekonomia Online, Rrustemi said Sejdiu’s decision was respected, but argued that the professor’s withdrawal represented a missed opportunity for the country. He recalled that Sejdiu had made the reason for his withdrawal public and had informed Prime Minister Albin Kurti and LDK leader Abdixhiku.

Rrustemi said Sejdiu’s candidacy had been proposed as a consensual and nonpartisan figure following the agreement reached between LVV and LDK, which was the result of difficult negotiations. According to him, the decision was also linked to the refusal of 6 LDK lawmakers to support or implement the agreement. He added that such a president would bring an end to the political crisis related to this issue.

The LVV lawmaker described Sejdiu’s withdrawal as a blow to the process, particularly following the opposition to the agreement by, according to him, 6 LDK lawmakers. However, he stressed that this would not stop Vetëvendosje from seeking a candidate for president and trying to avoid fourth consecutive elections, which he described as unnecessary, costly and harmful.

Rrustemi said he had no information on whether a new invitation would be extended to opposition parties to discuss the presidency. He stressed that LVV had continuously invited political entities, while, according to him, LDK had responded, whereas PDK and the Alliance had not.

He underlined that the election of the president requires consensus and that no entity should use the process as a reason to obstruct the functioning of institutions. According to Rrustemi, the election of the president requires the support of 2/3 of the lawmakers in the Assembly of Kosovo, meaning it cannot be achieved by a single party.

Rrustemi confirmed that the search for a consensual figure would continue, but added that the process also requires readiness and political will from the other opposition parties. He called on parties and lawmakers to assume political and constitutional responsibility for maintaining institutional stability and not turn the election of the president into part of the confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition.

According to him, a cross-party and nonpartisan candidate would be the most appropriate solution for Kosovo and would make it possible to overcome the current political crisis.

During the interview, Rrustemi also spoke about the issue that the Democratic Party of Kosovo has referred to the Constitutional Court regarding the constitution of the Assembly.

He said he expected the Constitutional Court to confirm the continuation of the functioning of the central institutions. Rrustemi recalled that PDK had publicly called for the constitution of the Assembly, but after the process was completed, it opposed it and referred the matter to the Constitutional Court.

The LVV lawmaker said he expected the court to determine that the constitution of the Assembly had been unavoidable following the certification of the election results and that the work of the institutions should continue. He added that he did not expect the legal issue to affect possible talks on the election of the president, although he said it remained to be seen how the situation would develop.

Rrustemi described the election of the president as a primarily political process that depends on the will of parliamentary entities. He said that if the opposition parties showed a willingness to reach an agreement, he was convinced that a solution would be found.

However, he warned that the process would become more difficult if the other parties viewed the presidential issue as a means of obstructing Vetëvendosje’s governance and pushing the country toward elections, which, according to him, appeared to be their aim.

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The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DHTIK) and Vitia Municipality held the “Morning Coffee” event, which served as a forum for discussing the difficulties and demands of the business community.

During the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at supporting economic development, creating new opportunities for businesses and increasing employment in the municipality.

According to the agreement, a foundation will be established for undertaking concrete initiatives aimed at improving the business climate and strengthening the economy in Vitia Municipality.

Skender Krasniqi, Chairman of the DHTIK Board, said cooperation with municipalities is essential to enable businesses facing problems at the local level to present them and receive responses and solutions as quickly as possible.

The Mayor of Vitia Municipality, Sokol Haliti, expressed his gratitude to DHTIK for organizing the event, highlighting the value of direct dialogue with businesses and addressing their demands.

The relevant statement said that business representatives raised a number of issues, including power cuts, problems in some parts of the economic zone, rising fuel prices and the lack of functioning institutions.

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The Office of the Chief State Prosecutor organized a farewell meeting for Prosecutor Laura Pula, who reached retirement age today. The ceremony was held to honor her many years of work and contribution to the prosecution system.

During the meeting, the Chief State Prosecutor, Mr. Zejnulla Gashi, presented Prosecutor Pula with a certificate of appreciation for her professionalism, dedication and contribution in carrying out her duties. He particularly praised her professional commitment and responsibility in serving the institution and the justice system.

Thanking her for the work she had done over the years, Chief Prosecutor Gashi wished Laura Pula health, well-being and all the best in this new stage of her life.

At the end of the meeting, Prosecutor Laura Pula expressed her thanks and appreciation for the many years of cooperation, praising the colleagues and collaborators with whom she had worked throughout her professional career.

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Democratic Party of Kosovo MP Përparim Gruda said that the PDK expects Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi to be found not guilty tomorrow and released from all charges.

According to Gruda, Kosovo’s war of liberation and defense cannot be equated with the Serbian regime’s state policy of aggression, repression and ethnic cleansing.

Speaking at a press conference 18 hours before the final verdict is announced by the Special Court in The Hague, he said that Kosovo is expecting a fair decision.

“With hope and confidence, today we say that tomorrow we want to celebrate. We hope to see Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi free, on their way back to Kosovo. Until that moment, our duty is clear: we will defend the truth about the KLA’s war, the sacrifice of the people of Kosovo and the legitimacy of our state,” Gruda said.

He warned that any other decision would be strongly challenged through arguments and all available legal and democratic means.

“We also ask our international partners for what we have repeatedly called for: justice based on evidence, equal standards for everyone and respect for Kosovo’s historical truth,” the PDK MP declared.

Gruda recalled the repression, violence, expulsions, killings and crimes committed against the people of Kosovo for decades, stressing that history cannot be changed.

“In 1999, the KLA and Western democracies stood on the same side of history. This cooperation and international support brought an end to a humanitarian catastrophe and paved the way toward Kosovo’s freedom and statehood. For this reason, Kosovo’s history must not be rewritten. It is clear who was the aggressor and who was the victim, who used violence and repression, who expelled hundreds of thousands of citizens from their homes and why the democratic world intervened,” he stressed.

The PDK MP called on all public figures to remain calm and avoid creating unnecessary panic among citizens.

“At the PDK, we have followed with concern some public reactions in recent days that have caused unnecessary anxiety among citizens. In such circumstances, every public figure must show restraint and caution. Kosovo has proved that it can face major moments with dignity,” Gruda said.

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In an interview for the program “Minuta e parë,” well-known journalist Osman Stafa spoke about the death threat he received through a social media message, which he reported to the police.

He stressed that he received the threat one day after publishing a video of a citizen who was escorted because he had eggs in a bag.

“The threat came one day after I reported that a citizen had been stopped with eggs in the street. He was not even near Parliament. He was walking and had a bag of eggs in his hand. I asked how the police officer, who in this case was in civilian clothes, verified that the egg was intended to be used to strike the MP and then taken home.

I was there as a journalist and filmed an incident that, in my view, constituted an abuse of the powers of the State Police. If you have suspicions, send a patrol. After that moment, I received a threatening message. I did not see it that day.

He can be identified. I expect the police to take action and bring to justice anyone who issues threats concerning a person’s life,” journalist Stafa stressed.

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The Netherlands was thrown into traffic chaos after farmers set fires near motorways, while authorities launched an investigation into an act of sabotage on the railway network, on the eve of the official opening of the new parliamentary session.

ProRail, the company responsible for managing the country’s railway infrastructure, announced that thin pipes had been deliberately attached to tracks at more than 20 locations. Most of the incidents were reported in rural areas in the central and eastern parts of the Netherlands.

The placement of the pipes led to the suspension of train services on the affected lines and caused significant delays and disruptions on other sections of the network, including international routes connecting the Netherlands with Germany.

According to ProRail, the materials had not been placed accidentally, and the incident was therefore treated as sabotage. In addition to obstructing trains, the pipes also affected road traffic, as several level crossings were closed.

The AIVD, the Dutch intelligence agency, has also become involved in investigating the case and is working together with the police and prosecutors. So far, the AIVD has not made any details of the investigation public.

Meanwhile, around midday, fires were reported at several points along the motorways. As a result, authorities closed sections of the roads, while traffic was severely disrupted.

The Farmers’ Defense Force said that angry farmers were behind the fires, choosing the day the government budget was presented to burn hay bales and vehicle tires.

“We feel as though the country is on fire. Farmers feel as though their businesses are being burned by the government’s plans,” said the organization’s spokesperson, Sita van Keberma.

The organization denied any responsibility for the damage to the railway lines, but did not rule out the possibility that such actions had been carried out individually by angry farmers.

The protests center on the government’s plans for the 2027 budget, which farmers have opposed for months. They say they are being unfairly held responsible for nitrate pollution and oppose projects to restore habitats, as these measures could affect their activities.

The draft budget was made public by King Willem-Alexander at the start of the new parliamentary term. In a speech written by Prime Minister Rob Yeats, the king said it would be “irresponsible” not to address nitrogen pollution, even if the measures had consequences for farmers.

The government has said it will provide financial compensation to farmers and businesses affected by the habitat restoration plans.

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American Bank of Investments has fully funded the furnishing of the first floor of the “Zëra Jete” Special School in Elbasan, as part of its ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility. The contribution aims to create a more functional, suitable and dignified educational environment for more than 50 students with disabilities who attend the school, from first through ninth grade.

ABI Bank’s support comes at a particularly important moment for the “Zëra Jete” school community. At the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year, the students and teaching staff moved into a new building constructed specifically to meet the needs of special education. Thanks to the bank’s funding, the building’s first floor has been fully equipped with furniture adapted to the learning process and the children’s specific needs.

The inauguration of the new facilities took place in the presence of the Mayor of Elbasan, Mr. Gledian Llatja, representatives of the local government, ABI Bank representatives, the school’s teaching staff and parents. The ceremony served not only to present the new conditions created for the students, but also to highlight the importance of cooperation among public institutions, the private sector and the community in building a fairer and more inclusive society.

Investing in education is a long-term investment in the development of society. A safe, suitable and functional learning environment helps students participate more actively in the educational process, develop their skills and gain greater independence and self-confidence. Inclusive education is not only about physical access to a school building, but also about the quality of the facilities, the adaptation of resources, professional support and the creation of an environment in which every student feels welcomed and valued.

Social responsibility is an important part of how ABI Bank understands its role in society. Beyond its banking activities, the institution is committed to supporting initiatives that create a tangible and lasting impact on people’s lives. Education, social inclusion, children’s well-being, healthcare and community development are particularly important areas in the bank’s social responsibility activities.

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During an interview on News24, prominent lawyer Spartak Ngjela commented on SPAK’s investigation into former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, saying that, in his view, the special justice structure cannot easily be influenced or make incorrect decisions because it is supported and monitored by international partners.

“SPAK does not make mistakes. It is monitored from abroad. The question is why SPAK is not acting. It does not have it easy. SPAK members are not ordinary people. They have American legal experts. Albania cannot be attacked that easily because it has protection,” he said.

Speaking about investigations involving the highest levels of government, the lawyer said that the country’s leaders know what consequences the process initiated by SPAK could bring.

Ngjela also recalled Biden’s statement when the special structure was established: “It is not that the person leading us does not know about everything that is happening. When SPAK was established, Biden said that we would rid Albania of corruption.”

Ngjela was unequivocal in his assessment of former Deputy Prime Minister Balluku and the other people who may be affected by the investigations. “Balluku cannot escape, no one can escape. It is completely impossible,” he declared during the interview.

Regarding the delay in official action, the lawyer said that SPAK is working to secure a complete body of evidence before taking further steps. “SPAK does not act without evidence. SPAK has not yet established the exact equation of the evidence, and that is why it is delaying, in my opinion. But there is no question that the investigations are continuing,” Ngjela said.

In conclusion, he referred to the number of ministers and former prime ministers who are facing criminal proceedings, emphasizing that the period of impunity for the government cabinet has come to an end.

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Political analyst Petar Arsovski said that North Macedonia’s 10-year wait inside the European Union to gain full rights cannot be compared with a 10-year wait outside the union just to begin the membership process. He made the comments in an interview with “Sloboden Pechat.”

According to him, candidate countries could join the EU more quickly through a formula that would provide for a different decision-making system during the first years of membership from the one currently applied to member states.

Arsovski believes that such a model would make political sense only if it were directly accompanied by an acceleration of the path to membership.

“If the introduction of the so-called pre-accession space runs in parallel with an acceleration of the European integration process, then it has political meaning and functionality,” Arsovski said.

He stressed that the new mechanism must not turn into an additional set of conditions without offering candidates any concrete benefit in return.

“Candidates would practically be told: you will have fewer rights, but you will join more quickly and spend the period until you receive full rights inside the union. However, if this turns into a double loss, meaning a longer wait and, in the end, fewer rights, then the credibility of the accession process will be seriously damaged,” Arsovski explained.

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