The article critiques the Kurti Government's policies in Kosovo, particularly focusing on their approach to combating social inequality and poverty. It discusses the government's financial redistribution efforts, such as allowances for mothers and children, and one-time payments during holidays, which are seen as lacking a clear vision to effectively target inequality and poverty. The article also mentions the UNDP's survey indicating an increase in poverty and expenses on food items among Kosovar families. Furthermore, it criticizes the government's failure to fulfill its promise to build 160 kindergartens, which would have significantly impacted early childhood education and gender inequalities. The article concludes that without radical interventions and a redefinition of priorities, the government's social policies will only maintain the deeply entrenched inequality.

Kosovo's Assembly has ratified a border demarcation agreement with Montenegro after two and a half years of political contention and multiple attempts to pass the deal. The ratification, which passed with 80 votes for and 11 against, includes an annex for review if errors are found. The session was marked by tear gas disruptions and the detention of opposition deputies. The agreement has been a central political issue, overshadowing other important matters such as health insurance legislation and unemployment. The European Commission has tied visa liberalization for Kosovo to the ratification of this agreement. Opposition to the deal has led to protests and legal actions against deputies. U.S. Ambassador Greg Delawie has been vocal in supporting the agreement, emphasizing its importance for Kosovo's European integration.

In an interview with BIRN, Kosovo's new Foreign Affairs Minister Donika Gervalla discussed her plans to revitalize Kosovo's foreign service and international reputation. She criticized the previous administration's actions, including a moratorium on applying to international organizations as agreed in Washington DC, which she views as a violation of Kosovo law. Gervalla intends to reform the diplomatic corps, noting that many ambassadors were politically appointed rather than being from the foreign service. She supports the decision to open a Kosovo embassy in Jerusalem and seeks good relations with both Israel and Palestine. Gervalla also plans to be involved in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, emphasizing the need for preparedness and seriousness in negotiations. She highlighted the importance of treating relations with Serbia as a foreign policy matter to maintain Kosovo's sovereignty.

The article by Eraldin Fazliu discusses the issue of young Kosovo Albanians emigrating abroad in search of better opportunities, despite the new government's promise to curb this trend. It highlights the story of Gzim Olluri, a journalism graduate working in construction in Croatia, who represents the plight of many young Kosovars facing high unemployment rates at home. The economic downturn exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to job losses and poor working conditions in Kosovo. The article also touches on the recent victory of the anti-establishment Vetëvendosje party, which has raised hopes among the youth and the diaspora for reforms that could improve employment and social justice. However, experts like Artan Mustafa suggest that migration is also driven by a desire to escape conservative societal norms. The piece concludes with the perspectives of individuals like Rronë Kryeziu, a dentistry student planning to move to Germany, underscoring the challenges Kosovo faces in retaining its young population.

The article discusses the ongoing issue of young Kosovo Albanians emigrating abroad in search of better opportunities, despite the new government's promise to curb this trend. Gzim Olluri, a journalism graduate, exemplifies this exodus by working in construction in Croatia with hopes of moving to Germany. High unemployment rates and poor working conditions in Kosovo are driving factors. The recent victory of the anti-establishment party Vetëvendosje has raised hopes, but experts like Artan Mustafa and the experiences of individuals like Rronë Kryeziu, a dentistry student, suggest that significant reforms are needed to address social insurance, housing, job creation, and wealth redistribution to slow migration. The article also touches on the economic reliance of Kosovo on remittances from its diaspora.

The article discusses the rise of gated communities in Kosovo, highlighting Marigona Residence as a prime example of this trend. These luxury neighborhoods, such as Marigona, are becoming symbols of social inequality, with homes priced between 200,000 and 500,000 euros, far beyond the reach of average citizens. The article features interviews with residents and developers, including Leart*, who moved to Marigona, and Erolld Belegu, one of the initiators of the project. It also touches on the amenities offered within these communities and the sense of security they provide. The article explores the broader implications of this trend, with social policy researcher Artan Mustafa commenting on the societal changes and the growing gap between the privileged class and the majority. The article suggests that the rise of gated communities is a reflection of a desire for luxury and status, and it is a sign of deepening social divisions in Kosovo.

The article discusses the increasing pressure from Turkey on various Balkan countries to extradite individuals associated with the Gulen movement, which Turkey labels as a terrorist organization. North Macedonia received 17 extradition requests from Turkey last year, with one person extradited. In Moldova, seven alleged Gulenists were abducted and sent to Turkey. The article highlights the case of Ahmet, a Gulenist who fears abduction despite a court rejecting his extradition. Turkey's influence is also seen in Bulgaria, where the number of asylum applications and extradition requests has risen since the 2016 coup attempt. Notably, Turkish businessman Abdullah Buyuk was deported from Bulgaria despite court rulings against his extradition. Bosnia has resisted extraditing Turks on a Turkish 'blacklist', with Bosnian courts rejecting requests as the EU, UN, and individual European states do not recognize the Gulen movement as a terrorist group. The article underscores the legal and political challenges faced by those targeted by Turkey and the countries handling their cases.

The left-wing Vetevendosje party won the snap elections in Kosovo with 25 percent of the vote, marking a significant shift from the past as it breaks the long-standing rule of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). Vetevendosje's leader, Albin Kurti, aims to form a government with the LDK to implement economic reforms and combat corruption. Kosovo faces high unemployment rates and has been plagued by corruption, which has led to significant emigration. The new government also faces the challenge of re-engaging in dialogue with Serbia, which does not recognize Kosovo's independence. International relations expert Aidan Hehir and NGO leader Donika Emini comment on the challenges ahead, including the fight against corruption and the complex relationship with Serbia.

The left-wing Vetevendosje party won the snap elections in Kosovo with 25 percent of the vote, marking a significant shift from the past as it breaks the long-standing rule of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). Vetevendosje's leader, Albin Kurti, aims to form a government with the LDK to implement economic reforms and combat corruption. Kosovo faces high unemployment rates and has been plagued by corruption, which has led to significant emigration. The new government also faces the challenge of re-engaging in dialogue with Serbia, which does not recognize Kosovo's independence. International relations expert Aidan Hehir and NGO leader Donika Emini comment on the challenges ahead, including the fight against corruption and the complex relationship with Serbia.

The article discusses the ongoing search for missing persons in Kosovo, decades after the war ended in 1999. Nesrete Kumnova, a 67-year-old activist, continues to seek answers about her son Albion, who was kidnapped by Serb forces. Despite the discovery of mass graves and the identification of some victims, over 1,600 people remain missing. The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and Kosovo's Institute of Forensic Medicine have been working on identifying remains, but the process is complicated by the lack of matching DNA from families. The article highlights the emotional toll on families and the reluctance of some, like Ajet Emrullahu, to reopen graves for further DNA testing. The story underscores the persistent hope among families like Kumnova's that their loved ones will be found and the challenges of moving forward in a post-war society.

The article discusses the ongoing search for missing persons in Kosovo, decades after the war ended in 1999. Nesrete Kumnova, a 67-year-old activist, continues to seek answers about her son Albion, who was kidnapped by Serb forces. Despite the discovery of mass graves and the identification of some victims, over 1,600 people remain missing. The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and Kosovo's Institute of Forensic Medicine have been working on identifying remains, but the process is complicated by the lack of matching DNA from families. The article highlights the emotional toll on families and the reluctance of some, like Ajet Emrullahu, to reopen graves for further DNA testing. The story underscores the persistent hope among families like Kumnova's that their loved ones will be found and the challenges of moving forward in a post-war society.

One week after resigning, former Prime Minister of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, sought legal guidance from the Constitutional Court regarding the decision-making powers of his now-caretaker government. Haradinaj's resignation was prompted by a summons from the Specialist Prosecutors’ Office in The Hague. The political situation has led to confusion about the executive's role, with Deputy Prime Minister Enver Hoxhaj suggesting that some decisions could still be made. Opposition party Vetevendosje, through MP Albulena Haxhiu, threatened to challenge any decisions made by Haradinaj's government as unconstitutional. President Hashim Thaci is expected to consult with political parties to appoint a new prime ministerial candidate, as per the Constitution. All parties, including those in the parliamentary majority, have shown support for early elections. This marks the first resignation of a prime minister in independent Kosovo, with no government having completed a full term.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj announced his resignation at a press conference, stating that he has been summoned for an interview by the Kosovo Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in relation to investigations of crimes during the Kosovo war. Haradinaj, a former Kosovo Liberation Army officer, expressed that he cannot continue as prime minister while being a suspect. He assured that the government will continue its duties and anticipated new parliamentary elections, emphasizing Kosovo's sovereignty. The Specialist Chambers in The Hague are set to try former KLA fighters for various war crimes, although no indictments have been publicized yet. Haradinaj had previously resigned in 2005 due to an indictment by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia but was acquitted twice.

Kosovo's Infrastructure Minister Pal Lekaj announced the construction of a new highway named Dukagjini, connecting Prizren and Istog, with an estimated cost of 560 million euros, excluding land expropriation. The project's total cost could reach one billion euros, raising concerns about the economic feasibility and social impact, given Kosovo's high poverty and unemployment rates. The American-Turkish consortium Bechtel-Enka, which has built previous highways in Kosovo, may potentially construct this highway, continuing their monopoly. Critics argue that the government's focus on infrastructure neglects crucial social investments in education and healthcare. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has condemned the project as economically unfeasible. The article also highlights the issue of public tolls and the lack of political opposition to the project.

Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci has announced early local elections for May 19 in four Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo, following the resignation of their mayors from the Serbian List party. The mayors resigned in protest against the Kosovo government's imposition of a 100% tax on imports from Serbia and Bosnia. The tax was a response to Kosovo's failed bid to join Interpol, which was seen as being blocked by Serbia. Despite international pressure, Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj insists the tariffs will stay until Serbia recognizes Kosovo's independence. The Serbian List party has not yet confirmed if it will participate in the elections, and the Serbian government is set to meet with representatives from northern Kosovo to discuss the situation.

Kosovo's negotiating team members, Shpend Ahmeti and Fatmir Limaj, visited Brussels on March 10 to discuss the dialogue with Serbia, without prior public notice. They were invited by Federica Mogherini, the EU’s representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The visit was to discuss the newly approved Kosovo Government platform on the dialogue, which aims for Serbia to recognize Kosovo's sovereignty. The platform has faced opposition within Kosovo's Assembly, particularly from LDK and Vetevendosje. Serbia's President, Aleksandar Vucic, criticized the platform, suggesting it could halt negotiations. The EU and the US have called for a legally binding agreement to facilitate EU integration for both nations. The dialogue is currently stalled due to Kosovo's imposition of 100% tariffs on Serbian and Bosnian goods. BIRN's attempts to contact the involved parties for comments were unsuccessful.

The Kosovo Assembly has voted to expand the mandate of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), effectively transforming it into a regular army. The session was notable for the absence of Serb MPs and the unanimous vote among other parties. The move bypasses the need for a constitutional amendment, which had been blocked by the Serbian deputies. Serbia and some NATO members have expressed concerns, with Serbia's president Aleksandar Vucic criticizing the decision. The international community is divided, with the U.S. showing strong support for the transformation. NATO's General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg has warned of repercussions for Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration. The transformation is expected to take a decade, with the KSF aiming to join NATO and expand its forces.

The Kosovo government has increased customs tariffs on imported products from Serbia and Bosnia from 10 to 100 per cent. This decision was made in a government meeting led by Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, who stated that the measure should be applied immediately. The increase follows Kosovo's unsuccessful attempt to join Interpol and is seen as a response to Serbia's campaign against Kosovo's statehood. The initial 10 per cent tariff was set on November 6, which the European Union criticized as a violation of the Central European Free Trade Agreement. Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Rasim Lajic has indicated that Serbia will not continue dialogue with Kosovo until the tariffs are withdrawn.

The article discusses the European Union's lack of a unified policy on Kosovo despite the creation of the post of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. The position was intended to provide a singular point of contact for foreign affairs matters within the EU, answering Henry Kissinger's rhetorical question about whom to call to speak to Europe. However, the EU's 28 member states have not been able to form a coherent and united policy regarding Kosovo in the decade since the treaty's implementation.

Florian Bieber, a scholar from Luxembourg, has been a prominent academic voice on Western Balkan politics and history for over 25 years. He has held positions at the European Centre for Minority Issues, the University of Sarajevo, Cornell University, and The London School of Economics, and is currently at the University of Graz. Bieber criticizes the international approach to the Balkans, particularly the rise of autocratic leaders. He has written extensively, including a satirical blog for the LSE, and participates in regional policy conferences. In an interview with K2.0, Bieber discusses the decline of democracy in the Western Balkans and Europe, the EU's role in the region, and the influence of external powers like the U.S., Russia, and Turkey. He emphasizes the need for grassroots movements for change and critiques the EU's focus on 'stabilocrats' over genuine democratic reform. Bieber also comments on the EU's internal challenges with illiberal tendencies and the impact on its normative power.

Kosovar survivors of wartime sexual violence are set to receive reparations and recognition for their suffering during the Kosovo war. After years of advocacy and legislative changes, the application process for victim status and monthly compensation of 230 euros will begin in February 2018. The Verification Commission, established in April 2017, will review applications with confidentiality measures in place. Despite the progress, Amnesty International criticizes the legislation for not meeting international standards and excluding post-war victims. NGOs like the Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims and Medica Kosova will assist applicants. The article also discusses societal stigmatization and the potential reluctance of survivors to apply due to existing pensions or family unawareness. The article emphasizes the importance of state recognition in combating stigma and supporting survivors.

The article is an in-depth interview with Cedomir Jovanovic, the leader of Serbia's Liberal Democratic Party, discussing his long-standing political career and his views on various issues. Jovanovic reflects on his experiences, including surviving an assassination attempt and the assassination of his friend, former Prime Minister Zoran Djindic. He speaks candidly about his support for Kosovo's independence, a stance that has cost him politically in Serbia. Jovanovic criticizes the Serbian political landscape for its reluctance to embrace liberal values and the truth about Kosovo's independence. He also touches on the influence of Russia in the Balkans, expressing concern over its support for nationalist forces. Despite the challenges, Jovanovic remains committed to his political beliefs and the pursuit of a more open and democratic society in Serbia.

Albin Kurti, the most voted deputy in Kosovo's June 11 parliamentary elections, discusses the growth and future of his political party Vetevendosje. He reflects on the party's values, the potential for forming coalitions, and the importance of improving and transforming political participants. Kurti emphasizes his commitment to governance, democratization, and development, and critiques other parties for corruption and power bargaining. He also addresses the representation of Kosovo Serbs in government and Vetevendosje's relationship with the international community. Kurti concludes by affirming his dedication to Vetevendosje and its role in Kosovo's political landscape.

The article discusses the plight of refugee children in Serbia, particularly in the Sandzak region, as the new school year begins. Despite primary education being mandatory, only a fraction of the 800 registered refugee children are enrolled in schools. The refugee centers in Tutin and Sjenica are in poor condition, with inadequate facilities and overcrowding. The article highlights the hospitality of local residents towards the refugees, despite the region's economic hardships. It also touches on the challenges faced by refugees in their attempts to reach the European Union, including closed borders and police violence. The article raises concerns about the distribution of donations and allegations of corruption in refugee centers. It concludes with the grim outlook for refugees in Serbia as another winter approaches, with Europe's borders remaining closed to them.

Nine years after declaring independence from Serbia, Kosovo is still grappling with systemic corruption and a high youth unemployment rate. In the recent general elections, the new party Levizja Vetevendosje doubled its votes, reflecting the youth's support for change amidst widespread corruption. Despite this, a coalition of three parties with origins in the Kosovo Liberation Army, led by Ramush Haradinaj, won the most seats. The EU has repeatedly warned Kosovo about the need to combat corruption, which is endemic and hinders the country's progress. The EU's EULEX mission has been criticized for allegedly ignoring corruption to maintain stability. Relations between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense, with Serbia not recognizing Kosovo's statehood. Kosovo's citizens are calling for change and an end to the entrenchment of corruption as the country approaches a decade of independence.

The article discusses the controversial issue of street dog management in Kosovo, highlighting recent incidents where a hunting association, Llapi, was contracted by the Municipality of Podujeva to cull street dogs, leading to public outcry and activist opposition. The article explores the debate between culling and the alternative CNVR method (catch, neuter, vaccinate, release), which is supported by animal rights activists and organizations like StrayCoco and the Kosovo Veterinarian Chamber. Despite the adoption of CNVR in various municipalities, a new draft regulation proposes euthanizing unadopted dogs after 30 days, sparking further controversy and allegations of corruption. The article also touches on the legal aspects of animal welfare in Kosovo, the proposed amendments to strengthen legislation, and the need for education and responsible pet ownership to address the root causes of the street dog problem.

The article recounts the personal experience of the author during the NATO bombing campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1999. The author describes the initial hope that the war would end soon after the bombings began, but this hope was quickly dashed as a new wave of displaced people, including the author's family members, sought refuge in their village. The Serbian forces' brutal reprisals and the fear of sudden attacks kept everyone on edge. The author narrates a tense moment when their family had to evacuate their village due to approaching tanks, including a stressful wait for their elderly grandfather. They found temporary shelter in the nearby village of Vojnoc, where they were hosted by an elderly couple whose sons had emigrated to Germany. The story highlights the mixed feelings of hope and fear experienced by civilians during the conflict.

The article discusses the recent UN Security Council session where Kosovo and Serbia officials exchanged accusations. Kosovo's ambassador to Washington, Vlora Citaku, criticized Serbia for war crimes, a stance inconsistent with Kosovo's foreign policy and the approach of her former party leader, Hashim Thaci. Thaci is preparing to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which is seen by some as a way to avoid prosecution by a new Hague-based court. The article suggests that the Security Council sessions reflect the true state of reconciliation in the Western Balkans and that the EU should reconsider its approach to ensure sustainable peace. It emphasizes the need for both Kosovo and Serbia to address the past, including the fate of over 1,600 missing persons from the war.