Today, President of the Republic Bajram Begaj delivered a special message to the Assembly of Albania at the opening of the new parliamentary session.

In his message, the head of state called for political unity in the national interest, the fulfillment of responsibilities toward citizens, and cooperation on the country’s European reform.

“I hope that this parliamentary session will be a period of cooperation in the service of Albania and all its citizens: a session that brings Albania closer to the European Union, strengthens institutions, and strengthens citizens’ trust in politics and the state!” President Begaj said.

Referring to the protests accompanying the opening of this new parliamentary session, the President of the Republic stressed that peaceful protest is part of the development of democracy:

“It is encouraging when citizens’ voices find space in the public debate and receive the attention of institutions. Our common challenge is to ensure that this civic energy and institutional engagement fuel a dialogue that strengthens trust and helps find the best solutions,” the President of the Republic said.

While underscoring the Assembly’s role as a representative, functional and accountable institution, President Begaj reminded lawmakers of their duties and responsibilities:

“Citizens have high expectations of the Assembly regarding the quality of debate, political language, lawmaking and the level of representation. The Assembly must be the institution where citizens see that parliamentary decision-making brings concrete solutions: a representative, functional and accountable Assembly.”

Regarding Albania’s long-term interests and strategic partnerships, the President of the Republic stressed that they require visionary ideas that transcend divisions over the issues of the day: “National security, the rule of law, economic development and citizens’ well-being, the strategic partnership with the United States of America and the European Union, the fight against organized crime and corruption, elections and territorial reform, as well as the country’s European future, require continuity and a sense of responsibility that unites all political forces.”

Referring to the Euro-Atlantic path and European integration, President Begaj described this strategy as a national project requiring the cooperation of all political forces and social actors.

“In this project, everyone can make the contribution expected of them. The Assembly, by fully exercising its legislative and oversight functions; the majority, by turning commitments into results; the opposition, by providing scrutiny and an alternative; independent institutions, by acting with professionalism, transparency, accountability and integrity; civil society, universities, the media, business, young people and the Diaspora are indispensable actors in this project.”

In his message, President Begaj also highlighted reforms as a condition for joining the European Union, stressing that they make Albania more democratic, fairer and more functional.

“On this journey, consolidating justice reform remains one of the most important responsibilities of the Albanian state. SPAK’s results are one of its most important achievements. The reform must deliver efficient justice, with European standards, that is felt in citizens’ lives. Independent, impartial and integrity-based justice is, above all, a guarantee for citizens,” the President of the Republic stressed.

At the end of his message, the head of state underscored the importance of unity and cooperation, saying that responsibility toward Albania is shared regardless of political differences.

He expressed his hope that this parliamentary session would bring the country closer to the European Union, strengthen institutions and increase citizens’ trust in politics and the state.

The post European integration/ President Begaj’s message to the majority and opposition: Fulfill your responsibilities appeared first on Albeu.com.

Arbërie Nagavci, a Member of Parliament from the VETËVENDOSJE! Movement, welcomed the agreement reached with the Democratic League of Kosovo on the candidacy of Bekim Sejdiu for President of the Republic of Kosovo.

She described the agreement as a politically and institutionally important development, stressing that it was reached after difficult negotiations.

According to Nagavci, the fact that a consensus candidate has been found shows that compromise and institutional responsibility are possible despite political differences when the country’s interests are placed above party interests.

Nagavci described Bekim Sejdiu as a respected figure who can serve as a unifying force beyond political divisions and add value to the process of electing the President.

She expressed hope that the procedure would be successfully completed and that Kosovo would establish functional and legitimate institutions as soon as possible.

Nagavci said the agreement could represent a step toward overcoming the institutional deadlock, expressing her wish that the process would be concluded as soon as possible in the interest of Kosovo and its citizens.

The Member of Parliament also stressed that Kosovo needs functional institutions, political stability and, above all, responsibility.

The post Nagavci: VV-LDK agreement paves the way to overcoming the institutional deadlock appeared first on Albeu.com.

Following the postponement of the Assembly’s constitutive session, Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, held a press conference on the Assembly premises.

Speaking about the position of head of state, Kurti said it could not be considered the property of any political force. According to him, the election of the president requires a broad agreement and consensus among the parties.

“The president does not belong to any party. If the position did belong to a party, then the numbers should be considered. LVV has 53, while the other three opposition parties have 47 combined, or 6 fewer than us,” Kurti said, according to “Bota Sot.”

He described the withdrawal of Glauk Konjufca’s candidacy for speaker of the Assembly as a step taken by the Vetëvendosje Movement to pave the way for a political agreement.

“We have made the major concession and withdrawn Glauk Konjufca. A political agreement requires understanding, compromise and concessions from everyone,” Kurti said.

The acting prime minister stressed that compromise was out of the question when it came to sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and the Republic of Kosovo. However, he said the parties needed to reach a common understanding on political issues.

“We must reach an agreement among ourselves to avoid new elections and give Kosovo a consensus president with integrity, values and a record of contributing to the country,” Kurti said.

The post Kurti Confronts Opposition with “53 to 47” Figures: We Withdrew Konjufca, Now We Need an Agreement on the President appeared first on Albeu.com.

The VETËVENDOSJE! Movement has published the full speech delivered by Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti during the constitutive session of the Kosovo Assembly.

As reported by “Bota sot,” Kurti spoke about efforts to constitute the institutions, contacts with political parties and the need for cooperation to guarantee institutional stability and the continuation of democratic processes.

He said that talks on forming the institutions began immediately after the certification of the results. Kurti thanked Bedri Hamza, chairman of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, for the meeting, as well as Lumir Abdixhiku, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, for the meetings that were held.

According to him, the discussions were interrupted because of internal developments within the LDK and resumed only this week. The acting prime minister stressed that VETËVENDOSJE! is seeking dialogue with the PDK and AAK as well, despite the clear refusal by these two entities.

Kurti said that the June 7 elections came as a result of the failure to elect a president in April. He called on the parties to move forward together, emphasizing the need for the broadest possible agreement on a unifying president, in accordance with the constitutional order to which the deputies swore an oath today.

He warned that this time, the constitution of the institutions must not once again lead the country toward the dissolution of the Assembly and the holding of further early elections, which he described as unreasonable, unnecessary for citizens and harmful to the economy.

The post VETËVENDOSJE! publishes Kurti’s speech in Parliament on institutions, the president and the possibility of new elections appeared first on Albeu.com.

Lumir Abdixhiku, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, has expressed dissatisfaction with an initiative by one-third of the delegates to remove him. He made the remarks in a speech to delegates at LDK’s extraordinary assembly, which is expected to determine his political future as party leader.

Abdixhiku described the decision as deeply misguided and one-sided, particularly because the Republic of Kosovo is facing an institutional crisis.

Speaking about how the assembly was convened, he said that when he took office as leader five years ago, he was aware that the position would not belong to him forever. According to him, it was a temporary mandate entrusted to him by the delegates and a responsibility that had to be carried out honorably before one day being returned to the party.

He stressed that the assembly had not been convened by him, but by the delegates. Abdixhiku described this as a democratic mechanism provided for in LDK’s statute and said that, as party leader, he regarded it as his duty to respect the initiative and organize the assembly without a single day’s delay.

The LDK leader said he does not consider the meeting a celebration. According to him, for the first time in the party’s 37-year history, delegates have gathered not to elect someone, but to oust someone.

Abdixhiku said that neither he nor the party membership views the assembly as a festive event. He stated that, regardless of the outcome of the day, July 30 will be recorded in LDK’s political history as the date when a meeting was organized with the aim of ousting the party leader.

According to him, democracy is harmed when ousting someone becomes the objective. He added that if such an action is intended to diminish this political home, LDK will emerge from it neither better organized, stronger nor more united.

Abdixhiku also objected to the timing of the assembly. He noted that the country is going through an institutional crisis and that the issue should have been decided in LDK’s regular elections.

He said that only LDK would be harmed, while the initiators could have waited a few more months, as from today the position of party leader would be open to anyone who believes they deserve it. Nevertheless, Abdixhiku called for the path already chosen to be followed calmly, prudently and democratically.

According to him, the assembly is misguided because it was initiated unilaterally, at a sensitive time for the country and a decisive moment for the party. He stressed that the meeting is being held only a short time after LDK’s extraordinary assembly and just a few months before the regular assembly for the party’s internal elections.

Addressing the delegates, Abdixhiku asked where LDK would be today if the same level of engagement had been shown during the national elections.

He said he often wonders what position the party would be in today if this much energy had been invested in the national elections. According to him, in that case, neither this assembly nor the previous one would ever have been held in LDK. Abdixhiku said he would have liked to see this positive energy during the campaign instead of it being directed against one another, adding that he rejects such a mindset and feels only regret.

Following the conclusion of Abdixhiku’s speech, the extraordinary assembly is continuing its proceedings behind closed doors. Delegates will vote on the motion seeking his removal.

A total of 327 delegates are attending the meeting out of the 350 members of this party body.

The post Abdixhiku to Delegates: Where Would LDK Be Today With This Level of Engagement in the National Elections? appeared first on Albeu.com.

Benjamin Haddad, France’s Minister for European Affairs, has arrived in Kosovo for his first official visit, where he was welcomed by Kosovo’s chief negotiator with the European Union, Jeton Zulfaj.

Zulfaj had been delegated to attend the meeting by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. He expressed Kosovo’s solidarity with France, which is battling major wildfires near Bordeaux.

“Welcome to the Republic of Kosovo, Minister Benjamin Haddad! It is a pleasure to welcome you on your first official visit. Kosovo stands in solidarity with France as it battles the terrible wildfires near Bordeaux,” Zulfaj wrote on the social media platform X.

Zulfaj also stressed that France and Kosovo are “aligned and allied,” while wishing the French minister a pleasant stay and a productive visit.

The post French Minister for European Affairs Visits Kosovo for the First Time, Welcomed by Zulfaj appeared first on Albeu.com.

In a social media post, Haziri stressed that the LDK belongs to idealists and that its strength comes from its membership, not its officials.

“The LDK belongs to the idealists.

The idealists are the membership! In Kosovo, history has taught us that the LDK is the party of idealists, the PDK is the party of insurgents, and VV is the party of the dissatisfied. The LDK belongs to the idealists, and its idealists are the membership. Not the officials. It is time to return to the idealists!” Haziri wrote.

The post Haziri Reacts to Situation in LDK: It Is Time to Return to the Idealists appeared first on Albeu.com.

In his address at the event, Ambassador Olivier Guérot said he hoped the evening would be capped by a victory for the French team over Spain in the World Cup football semi-final, but also delivered a clear message to the local political class regarding the swift formation of institutions.

Guérot said that while preparing his speech, he had to revisit last year’s address, where he found a paragraph that, unfortunately, remains just as necessary today. He reiterated that Kosovo’s international allies, including official Paris, need stable counterparts to advance agreements and accompany the country on its path towards European integration.

“I call on all political leaders in this country, without distinction, regardless of the political force or community to which they belong, to find their own path to compromise and a way out of this state of deadlock, with which no citizen is satisfied,” the French ambassador declared. He added that this appeal for the inclusive functioning of institutions, after one year and two electoral cycles, remains more relevant than ever.

Continuing his speech, the diplomat announced that a senior representative of the French government will soon visit Pristina, a trip which, he said, will mark the beginning of a new and significant phase for Kosovo’s economic development, in which France aims to play a prominent role.

Addressing the acting prime minister, the ambassador recalled the previous reception at the Élysée Palace and confirmed that teams are working to finalise the visit. He also stressed that France in Kosovo, as in every corner of the world, represents a committed, determined, reliable and supportive ally, bringing with it the same principles of international law and multilateralism that it defends everywhere.

For his part, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti praised France’s multidimensional contribution, stressing that it has shaped the world through literature, philosophy, science and art, as much as through politics and diplomacy. He said this influence is also tangible for Kosovo.

Kurti recalled that the Republic of Kosovo, born out of a war for freedom and justice, has embraced democracy and the rule of law not as empty expressions, but as the fundamental pillars of state-building. He described France as a friend and partner at key moments in history, from standing by the people during the conflict, to recognising independence the day after it was declared, and through to its continued support for strengthening democracy.

According to him, the partnership between the two countries has become increasingly essential, taking shape in concrete political, institutional, cultural and educational cooperation. The acting prime minister concluded by stressing that the path towards the European Union remains a conscious democratic choice and a necessary institutional discipline to take Kosovo’s natural place among the nations of the continent.

The post French Ambassador Calls on Kosovo Parties to Break Political Deadlock appeared first on Albeu.com.

In a public message, Pastor Mark Burns, who is currently staying in Kosovo, expressed his gratitude to members of the Kosovo Police for the daily work they do to protect citizens and maintain order.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Kosovo Police for their professionalism, hospitality, and dedication to public safety during our time in Kosovo,” the message said.

Burns underlined that the commitment of police officers is of particular importance in protecting communities and serving citizens.

“Thank you for the work you do every day to protect communities, maintain order, and serve the citizens of Kosovo.

Your dedication does not go unnoticed.”

“May God bless and protect all police officers and their families as they serve with courage and honor,” Burns said at the end.

The post American Republican Official Publicly Praises Kosovo Police for Their Outstanding Work appeared first on Albeu.com.

In a statement to RTK, he said Washington has already made public the United States’ intention to reduce its military presence in Europe, stressing that such a development would clearly also affect Kosovo.

Petritsch underlined that Kosovo must move forward in addressing outstanding issues and at the same time prepare to take on more responsibility for security by gradually increasing its defense capabilities.

According to him, the country will have to take responsibility for its own security, become a security provider for Kosovo and the region, and turn into a stabilizing factor.

He also criticized the role Kosovo currently plays in relation to regional stability, stressing that the country must become a more constructive partner in Europe.

In conclusion, the former Austrian diplomat said Kosovo must become a constructive partner in Europe.

The post Petritsch: Kosovo should strengthen its role in security amid pressure on NATO appeared first on Albeu.com.