The article discusses the concept of 'degrowth' as a solution to the environmental and social issues exacerbated by traditional economic growth. Predrag Momčilović, a scholar and Executive Director of the Center for Green Politics in Serbia, advocates for degrowth, which challenges the ideology of constant economic and material growth. He argues that GDP growth is an inadequate measure of success as it overlooks aspects like human relations and voluntary work. Degrowth emphasizes the need to reduce consumption in certain sectors, such as fossil fuels, while promoting growth in education and culture. The article explores how degrowth is not synonymous with poverty but rather a shift towards sustainable and equitable resource use. It also touches on the challenges of implementing degrowth in capitalist societies and the need for a global redistribution of wealth, especially between the Global North and South.

Stevan Dojčinović, an investigative journalist and founder of KRIK, faces significant stress and danger due to his work exposing organized crime and corruption in Serbia, a country where media freedoms are declining. KRIK journalists are under surveillance by the Security Intelligence Agency and face smear campaigns and lawsuits from government officials. Dojčinović discusses the challenges of working in a media environment dominated by government propaganda, the importance of debunking lies, and the financial mechanisms through which the government controls the media. He also highlights the interconnectedness of organized crime across borders and the role of cross-border journalism in combating corruption. Despite the pressures, Dojčinović remains committed to investigative journalism as a means to inform the public and hold powerful figures accountable.

The article discusses the issue of abandoned and poorly planned school buildings in Kosovo, highlighting the case of an unused school near Gjakova's airfield, intended for villages like Janosh, Sopot, and Trakaniq. Despite being built in 2004, the school has never been used, and the reasons remain unclear due to a lack of documentation and accountability. The article explores the roles of the Municipality of Gjakova and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) in this failure. It also addresses the broader problem of inadequate infrastructure planning in Kosovo's education sector, exacerbated by demographic shifts and rural flight. The piece includes comments from various officials and experts who point to a combination of declining rural populations, corruption, and political interests as factors contributing to the construction of unnecessary or poorly utilized educational facilities. The article also mentions the construction of a new campus for Gjilan's Agribusiness High School, which faced similar issues of poor planning and location choice.

The article explores the cultural and political significance of cafes in Prishtina, Kosovo, over the years. It highlights how Hani i 2 Robertëve and Dit 'e Nat' have been central to the city's social life and political discussions, with the latter being a gathering place for activists of the political movement VV. The piece also discusses the shift in the role of cafes due to technology and social media, which have changed the way people mobilize and discuss politics. Additionally, the article addresses gender inequality in the bar and restaurant industry, focusing on Tartine Deli, an innovative cafe that employs only women, and the challenges faced by women in the sector. The patriarchal division in public spaces and business ownership is also examined, with insights from Linda Gusia, a sociology professor.

The article by Arian Lumezi discusses the parallels between Serbia's invasion of Kosovo in 1998 and Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the shared experience of nationalist-driven conflict. Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, finds itself in a precarious position due to the war in Ukraine. The article explores Kosovo's support for Ukraine, the potential implications for Kosovo's security and political future, and the region's complex relationship with Serbia and Russia. It also touches on Kosovo's efforts to strengthen its military and pursue NATO membership, despite non-recognition from some EU member states. The article includes insights from political analysts on the potential for conflict spillover in the Balkans and the impact of the Ukraine war on the region's stability and European integration prospects.

The article details the humanitarian response in Kosovo and Albania following a devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake in western Albania. Residents of Kosovo, including fan groups like Plisat and social community centers like Termokiss, mobilized to collect and send essentials to the affected areas. The Kosovo Security Force was deployed to assist in rescue operations. The journalist visited Thumanë, the hardest-hit village, and described the rescue efforts and the makeshift camps for survivors. The article also covers the challenges in distributing aid effectively and the emotional toll on the victims, who are now afraid to return to their damaged homes. The solidarity between Kosovo and Albania is highlighted, as well as the frustration with the government's response to the crisis.

The article provides an in-depth look at the political climate in Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, focusing on the recent elections and the influence of the Serbian-backed party Lista Srpska. It discusses the decentralization process in Kosovo, the discrepancy between registered voters and actual residents, and the imposition of a 100 percent tax on Serbian products by the outgoing government. The journalist encounters reluctance among locals to discuss politics, noting a palpable tension and the omnipresence of Lista Srpska in the region. The article also covers the rise of the Albanian nationalist party Vetëvendosje and its leader Albin Kurti's approach to dialogue with Serbia. In Mitrovica, the article highlights the ethnic division and the local perception of political leaders. The journalist also touches on issues such as illegal betting, the lack of rule of law, and the idea of a territory exchange between Kosovo and Serbia. The article concludes with insights from a political scientist who emphasizes the need to address daily concerns before political issues.

The article recounts the experiences of Kosovar Albanians during the NATO intervention in Kosovo in 1999, focusing on the personal stories of three individuals who were forced to flee their homes due to the conflict. Angjelina Krasniqi, an activist, fled to Montenegro and later returned to Kosovo to find her parents had been beaten by Serbian police. Hamit Krasniqi, a school teacher, took his family to Albania after witnessing atrocities committed by Serbian forces. Urim Çerkini, a medical student, was unable to leave Kosovo initially but eventually found refuge in Macedonia. The article details the hardships faced by refugees, the conditions in neighboring countries that took them in, and the eventual return of some to their homeland after the signing of the Kumanovo Agreement, which ended the war and the exile of almost a million people.

Atifete Jahjaga, former President of Kosovo, remains dedicated to the rights of women and wartime sexual violence survivors. Despite her reserved stance on her political future, she continues to be a prominent figure in advocating for gender equality and institutional support for survivors. Jahjaga's presidency was marked by efforts to improve Kosovo's international image and address sexual violence through initiatives like the National Council for the Survivors of Wartime Sexual Violence and the Jahjaga Foundation. The article discusses the lack of women's representation in political decision-making, the impact of global activism for gender equality, and the challenges faced by women in politics, including sexism and the need for greater inclusion and support for survivors of wartime sexual violence.

The article discusses the severe crackdown on press freedom in Turkey, highlighting the experiences of Abdullah Bozkurt, former Ankara Bureau chief of Today's Zaman. Bozkurt witnessed the raid on Zaman's headquarters and later fled Turkey due to the oppressive actions of Erdoğan's government against journalists and media outlets. The article covers the broader implications of the Turkish government's actions, including the aftermath of the failed coup d'état in 2016, the arrest and mistreatment of journalists, and the government's alleged links to jihadist groups. It also touches on Erdoğan's influence in the Balkans through organizations like the Maarif Foundation and TIKA, and the international abductions of Turkish citizens linked to the Gülen movement. The case of Jamal Khashoggi is mentioned to highlight Erdoğan's hypocrisy regarding press freedom.

The article discusses the inefficiencies and alleged corruption within Kosovo's justice system, particularly in handling high-profile cases involving politicians. It mentions the 'Pronto' affair, where leaked conversations revealed political interference in public appointments, and the 'Toka' case, involving land fraud. The article highlights the indictment of six government ministers and other elected officials, and the delays and obstacles faced by the courts, such as defendants failing to appear. It also covers the transfer of the 'Toka' case from EULEX to local authorities, which was opposed by the EULEX prosecutor. The article raises concerns about the influence of politics on the justice system and the public's perception of inequality before the law. It concludes by mentioning the European Commission's focus on Kosovo's judicial reforms as a condition for visa liberalization for its citizens.

Gill Phillips, director of editorial legal services at The Guardian, discusses the evolving role of media lawyers amidst the digital transformation of journalism. She has provided legal counsel on major stories like the Edward Snowden leaks and has seen increased dangers for journalists, including state surveillance and high-profile murders. Phillips emphasizes the importance of pre-publication legal work to avoid potential lawsuits and post-publication handling of legal complaints. She also notes the shift towards collaborative journalism, as seen in the Snowden, Paradise Papers, and Panama Papers cases, which has increased safety and allowed for more effective handling of large data sets. Phillips advocates for the necessity of media lawyers, especially in regions like the Balkans where investigative journalism faces autocratic regimes and limited legal support. She also addresses the challenges of protecting whistleblowers and the ethical responsibility of journalists to report the truth, distinguishing between fake news and propaganda.

The article discusses the visa issues faced by citizens of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the political complexities that contribute to travel difficulties. Benjamin Kolenović, a Kosovo citizen, was unable to attend a conference in Sarajevo due to visa problems. The POINT conference organizer, Darko Brkan, and Bosniak deputy Emilija Redžepi, discuss the political influence of Belgrade on Bosnia's visa policies and the need for international pressure to improve relations. The article also covers the impact of visa regimes on sports, citing the Kosovo basketball federation's challenges. Additionally, the lack of proper transport infrastructure in the Balkans is addressed, with the European Union's connectivity agenda aiming to improve this. However, progress has been slow, with only half of the projects starting concrete work by 2018. The World Bank's involvement in financing road construction and the issues with contractors in Serbia are also mentioned.