About 70 political and civil society organization representatives from Presheva, Bujanoc, Medvegja and Sandzak gathered in Pristina on 29 August 2026 for a meeting organized by Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti.
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The discussions focused on developments in these areas, the challenges facing Albanians, human rights violations, and the need for continued institutional and social support and cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by Serbian Parliament member Shaip Kamberi, Presheva Mayor Ardita Sinani, and the chairman of the Albanian National Council, Enkel Rexhepi.
Kurti said Kosovo considers supporting the Albanians of Presheva, Bujanoc, Medvegja and Sandzak a permanent responsibility. He mentioned assistance for students, children and other groups, while saying that Kosovo is also defending the rights and interests of the Valley’s Albanians on the international stage.
The acting prime minister called for the release of funds and the implementation of approved projects related to culture, sports, education, media, the use of the Albanian language and social support.
According to Kurti, €304,500 was blocked in January this year, followed by a further €1,837,500 in April. In total, this amounts to more than €2.1 million intended for a range of programs and initiatives.
He explained that the funding covers 78 projects in art, culture and cultural heritage, 23 sports projects, 13 projects for the official use of the Albanian language and national symbols, as well as 7 organizations working with children with special needs.
The list also includes 15 applicants educated in the field of information and Albanian-language media. Together, these account for 186 approved projects and organizations. In addition, 61 applications from families of students who have lost one or both parents have also been approved.
Kurti said the failure to release these funds harms not only the organizations that won the projects, but also directly affects pupils, students, interns, children with special needs and journalists.
He stressed that the consequences cannot be assessed solely by the amount of money involved, because the blocking of funds means lost opportunities for citizens.
Speaking about Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s recent visit to these areas, Kurti described it as a reflection of the political and institutional climate faced by Albanians in the Valley.
According to him, the different treatment of Albanians and the Serbian community points to a broader political problem. Kurti said discrimination is manifested not only in statistics, but also through the language, conduct and response of state institutions.
He said that, one week earlier, Vucic had visited only Serbian-majority settlements in Medvegja, Bujanoc and one village in Presheva, where, according to Kurti, he used stigmatizing and denigrating language toward Albanians. At the same time, the Serbian president heard a promise of employment in the BIA within 48 hours.
Kurti contrasted this situation with the difficulties that, he said, Albanians face when seeking employment in Serbia’s public institutions, where they encounter barriers and underrepresentation.
He called on the European Union to respond to systematic discrimination, emphasizing that the principles of the rule of law, equality and non-discrimination must also apply to the Albanians of Presheva, Bujanoc and Medvegja.
Kurti said Kosovo would continue documenting and internationalizing the issue, with the aim of having it addressed in Brussels, Washington and Strasbourg as well.
He added that it is not enough for Albanians from these areas to be welcomed and treated well in Pristina. According to him, they must also be able to enjoy their rights in Presheva, while students from Bujanoc should have prospects in their hometown.
Kurti also said that doctors from Medvegja should have the opportunity to practice their profession with dignity there, while young people from Novi Pazar, alongside attending Albanian-language courses in Kosovo, should be able to preserve, strengthen and develop their national identity where they live.
In conclusion, the acting prime minister said support for Albanians in these areas must be continuous and based on concrete institutional and budgetary mechanisms.
