An increase in the number of travelers has caused long lines at border crossings and traffic jams on Croatian highways, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Zagreb has announced. Citizens have therefore been asked to factor delays into their travel plans.

At Karasovići, the border crossing between Croatia and Montenegro, the wait to enter Croatia is up to four hours, while queues several kilometers long have formed for those leaving the country. The wait to exit at the Vitaljina border crossing is also around four hours.

Meanwhile, at Bajakovo, on the Croatia-Serbia border, travelers face waits that may last up to three hours.

To manage the situation, the Embassy is maintaining continuous contact with the police authorities responsible for the border area through Interior Ministry attaché Sefadin Kuçi. According to the announcement, police have confirmed that they are taking measures to ease traffic and manage the situation.

The gridlock has prompted the mayor of the Municipality of Konavle to activate the Civil Protection Headquarters, while residents have been asked not to travel by car unless necessary. Police are diverting some traffic onto alternative routes, while local residents are providing travelers with water and access to toilets.

Long queues have been reported on nearly all Croatian highways, and traffic problems have also affected public transport. Kosovars traveling from the Bus Station in Zadar have reported delays of up to three hours.

The Embassy has advised travelers and transport companies to take the current traffic restrictions and additional waiting times into account before setting out.

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After concerns expressed earlier by the European Union and the German Embassy in Pristina, the British Embassy in Kosovo has also reacted regarding the demolition of buildings near Lake Ujman.

Through a statement, the diplomatic office announces that it is closely following events and has stressed the necessity of full respect for the rule of law, as well as fair and transparent procedures.

The reaction emphasizes that the rule of law requires correct and open processes, which give affected persons space to defend their interests.

A particular point of concern for the embassy are reports that actions to implement decisions have continued, even though legal procedures have not yet taken final form.

The embassy recalls that the law must be applied uniformly and impartially throughout the territory of Kosovo.

It calls on Kosovo authorities to engage with residents of affected areas, address concerns transparently, and refrain from any further actions that could undermine public trust or good faith between communities.

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The concern expressed by the European Union regarding the demolition of homes along Lake Ujman has been joined by the Italian Embassy in Pristina. Through its official Facebook page, this diplomatic mission republished the earlier reaction of the European bloc.

The action to demolish 11 residential buildings on the lakeshore, in the territory of the municipality of Zubin Potok, began on July 24. The reasoning given by the authorities was that these structures were built without permits on property managed by the Public Water Management Enterprise “Ibër-Lepenci”.

The European Union voiced concern that in this case, as well as in several other events that have occurred in northern Kosovo since February, a proper legal process was not followed. The bloc’s call was clear: it demanded the immediate halt of any further demolitions, forced evictions, or confiscations until issues related to due process, proportionality, property rights, human rights, and effective legal remedies are properly addressed.

In its reaction, the EU stressed the necessity for institutions to cooperate without delay with the affected citizens and municipalities, aiming to find solutions within the legal framework.

The demolition operations were carried out with the support of the Kosovo Police, and the EU noted that its role in such actions must remain strictly in line with its legal mandate, based on well-defined orders or decisions from relevant authorities, and properly documented.

The statement also emphasized that irreversible enforcement measures, taken while procedures and contested property claims are ongoing, raise serious questions about the rule of law. Referring to Kosovo’s European path, the EU expects the authorities to address these concerns with urgency and transparency and to ensure that similar actions are not repeated.

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Arian Gashi, Chair of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC), held an official meeting today with representatives of the British Embassy in Kosovo. The meeting was attended by Deputy Head of Mission Agnes Allens, Head of Rule of Law Margaret Belof, and Rule of Law Policy Implementation Officer Altina Besimi.

The talks took place in a positive and cooperative atmosphere, focusing on recent developments in Kosovo’s prosecutorial system, further strengthening the rule of law, and maintaining close interinstitutional cooperation with international partners.

The parties also discussed the Prosecutorial Council’s continued commitment to building an inclusive prosecutorial system. In this regard, ensuring the fair representation of all communities remains one of the institution’s main priorities.

Gashi announced that applications for the recruitment of new prosecutors will open soon, with the aim of advancing their fair representation within the country’s prosecutorial system.

Meanwhile, the British Embassy representatives reaffirmed their readiness to continue supporting the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council and justice institutions in advancing reforms and further consolidating the rule of law in the country.

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De la Esperanza, who enjoys the support of U.S. President Donald Trump and is set to begin his term on August 7, has said that reestablishing ties with Israel will be among the first steps of his administration.

His office stated that Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem, a city it considers the capital of Israel. According to the statement, the goal is to strengthen the historic ties between the two states.

This new direction overturns the decisions of the government of Gustavo Petro, the outgoing president. Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2024, in protest against the war in the Gaza Strip. His administration also banned coal exports to Israel and the purchase of Israeli weapons.

The outgoing president reacted sharply to his successor’s initiative, accusing de la Esperanza of becoming an “accomplice in genocide” through his rapprochement with Israel.

In Washington, the foreign minister proposed by the president-elect, Omar Boula, met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Both sides reached an agreement on a plan that foresees the full restoration of bilateral relations and the lifting of the visa regime.

According to the president-elect’s office, Colombia will also withdraw its support for South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice. In that case, Israel is accused of genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Most countries still have their embassies in Tel Aviv, as the status of Jerusalem remains one of the most contested issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, following President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the city as Israel’s capital.

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According to the post, the embassy welcomes the appointment following a long period without a permanent chief prosecutor. It wished Gashi success in undertaking the necessary reforms so that Kosovo’s prosecution service can carry out its functions effectively and efficiently, strengthen the rule of law and contribute to the fight against organised crime and corruption, for the benefit of all citizens.

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The column of protesters passed through several of Tirana’s main arteries, including Kavaja Street, and briefly stopped at the entrance to the area known as Embassy Street.

During the march, they leveled accusations against the government, calling it corrupt and demanding political change.

Activist Visar Dalipi, speaking through a megaphone, addressed the participants and called on citizens who say they have been threatened to go to the embassies.

“All those who feel threatened and have been threatened should submit their request at the embassy,” the activist said.

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In its statement, the embassy explained that some parents travel to the United States on tourist visas with the intention of giving birth there, using the Medicaid program to pay for healthcare costs.

According to the embassy, these expenses place a burden on American taxpayers, while people involved in such a practice risk encountering problems when seeking to renew their visas in the future.

“Many Albanian parents with tourist visas travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth there and use the Medicaid program to cover medical care. These costs are passed on to American taxpayers, and those parents may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future,” the message from the American Embassy said.

US authorities have previously stressed that a tourist visa cannot be used for purposes that conflict with its conditions, and applicants must accurately state the reason for their travel and comply with immigration rules.

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In the response from the spokesperson for the US Embassy in Pristina, it was stated that “Kosovo’s political leadership must work together to form institutions in accordance with the Constitution and the decisions of the Constitutional Court.”

According to the embassy, Kosovo’s citizens expect political leaders to act in the best interest of the state.

“The people of Kosovo expect their leaders to fulfill their commitment to work in the best interest of the country,” the spokesperson said.

The American embassy also stressed that the political deadlock is costing Kosovo through lost opportunities.

“This continued political blockage is resulting in missed opportunities for Kosovo. It is time for the leadership to prioritize progress and stability for the benefit of all citizens,” the US embassy said.

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In the statement published afterward, the embassy highlighted the presence of the participants and stressed that the atmosphere created turned the celebration into a special event.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at the American Embassy in Pristina to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence! Your presence made this historic celebration truly special,” the Embassy’s statement said.

The embassy also shared some of the evening’s key moments and invited participants to share their memories and photos from the celebration.

“Enjoy some of the evening’s highlights and share your favorite moments using #Liria250. #250Dita e Pavarësisë,” the statement further said.

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