Kosovo PM Albin Kurti met NATO Commander Gen. George M. Wikoff, emphasizing that Kosovo’s security begins at its borders. He called Kosovo a success story of NATO’s intervention, liberation and independence. Kurti reaffirmed Kosovo’s commitment to close cooperation with NATO for regional stability

Serbian activist, Natasa Kandić says Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić effectively recognized Kosovo by accepting the Ohrid Agreement. She argues the deal includes key elements of statehood for Kosovo. According to Kandić, formal denial does not change the political reality.

President Vjosa Osmani met NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples commander, George M. Wikoff, stressing Kosovo’s security concerns Osmani cited Serbia’s destabilizing actions, including the Banjska and Ibër-Lepenc attacks. She thanked NATO and the U.S., praising KFOR’s role in ensuring security.

Serbian journalists Tijana Uzelac and Maria Popivić say Serbia’s media misrepresent life in Kosovo. They argue reporting is political and one-sided, misleading the public. This prevents a real understanding of everyday reality in Kosovo.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said Serbia’s de-recognition propaganda has been dismantled after around 20 countries reaffirmed their recognition of Kosovo. She stressed that only one country failed to respond, undermining Serbia’s claims. Kosovo recognized by 121 of 193 UN member states.

Kosovo’s GDP has grown from €5.6 billion in 2015 to €11.1 billion today. The year 2025 ended with 3.9% economic growth. The Central Bank forecasts 4.1% growth for this year. Growth is expected to be driven by private consumption, a gradual recovery in exports and easing inflation.

Albanian-produced “Shota” armored military vehicles will also be manufactured in Kosovo, boosting the country’s defense industry and alignment with NATO standards. The move follows an agreement between Kosovo Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci and Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vengu.

Serbia says it is alarmed by Kosovo’s recent acquisition of new weapons and military equipment. Belgrade claims the build-up increases regional tensions and violates UN Resolution 1244. Kosovo insists the Kosovo Security Force is defensive and developed in line with partners.

Former U.S. official Charles Kupchan says U.S. lawmakers are urging Donald Trump to refocus attention on the Western Balkans Reduced U.S. engagement could increase instability and outside influence in the region. Kupchan calls for stronger U.S. involvement, including in the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue.

The Director of the U.S. Army National Guard, Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, visited Kosovo and met with KSF Commander Lt. Gen. Bashkim Jashari. They reaffirmed close cooperation, joint training, and interoperability. The partnership was highlighted as a key success for Kosovo’s security.

In the autumn of 2027, the first prisoners from Denmark will be received. Training has begun for the first group of staff in accordance with Denmark’s prison system rules. Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom have also submitted requests for agreements to transfer prisoners to Kosovo.

The U.S. is ready to renew strategic dialogue with Kosovo’s next government, expected to be led by Albin Kurti. Washington signaled a possible reset in relations after the December 28 elections. However, progress will depend on concrete steps toward peace, stability, and economic cooperation.

Kosovo Parliamentary Elections – Final Results (100% counted) Vetevendosje 51.11% PDK 20.19% LDK 13.23% AAK 5.50% Seats VV 57 PDK 22 LDK 15 AAK 6 Minority 20 With 57 seats, VV falls just short of an outright majority (61) and will need coalition or minority support to form the next government.

President Vjosa Osmani said Kosovo’s security depends on continuous engagement and close cooperation with reliable international partners. She made the remarks during a meeting with KFOR Commander Özkan Ulutaş. The NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) has around 4,600 troops deployed in Kosovo.

Thirty-nine people were arrested in a Prizren prosecution operation over alleged abuses at the Kosovo Insurance Bureau (KIB). Those detained include former KIB director Sami Mazreku and former finance chief Valon Berisha. Prosecutor Petrit Kryeziu said over €1.3 million in funds were frozen.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić claimed that Tirana, Pristina and Zagreb have formed an offensive military alliance He warned a West–Russia conflict could be used to target former Russian allies, including Serbia Vučić has repeatedly accused Croatia, Albania and Kosovo of acting against Serbia.

Serbian pro-government media aligned with President Aleksandar Vučić are spreading extreme rhetoric about Kosovo PM Albin Kurti. Commentary in these outlets reportedly includes “fantasies” about kidnapping Kurti. The claims raise concerns over escalating hate speech and political intimidation.

The Swiss daily NZZ clarified that Besnik Bislimi and Marko Đurić were present at the Solothurn meetings but did not meet directly. The updated article now states: “However, they never met each other.” Switzerland has hosted discreet talks for years, away from public scrutiny.

Kosovo has received OMTAS anti-tank missile systems from Turkey, Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci said. The delivery is part of ongoing defense cooperation aimed at strengthening Kosovo’s military capabilities. Officials say the systems enhance deterrence and defensive readiness.

Croatia’s Interior Minister Davor Božinović rejected Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s claims about a military alliance with Kosovo and Albania. Defense cooperation is transparent, defensive, and not aimed at any country. Božinović said Croatia supports regional stability, not tensions.

Heavy rainfall has caused serious flooding in several parts of Kosovo. Rivers and streams have overflowed, flooding residential areas and causing significant damage. The Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute warns that rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days.

Dane Peter N. Due, the new Head of UNMIK and UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, has arrived in Kosovo. He was appointed in November 2025, succeeding Caroline Ziadeh. Due brings decades of experience in international peace and security, including previous UN roles in the region.

The Russian Ambassador to Serbia falsely claimed Kosovo is “ethnically cleansing” Serbs. The article says there is no evidence for the claims, highlighting strong Serbian representation in Kosovo’s institutions. It highlights strong Serbian representation in Kosovo’s institutions.

The only Albanian member of Serbia’s Parliament, Shaip Kamberi, says the parliament is a toxic environment with no real democratic debate. He claims Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić is losing political control. Kamberi believes Vučić could lose power in the near future

Kosovo PM Albin Kurti said dialogue with Serbia cannot continue unless Milan Radoičić is handed over. Kurti again called for full implementation and formal signing of the Brussels Agreement and the Ohrid Annex. He stressed Kosovo’s support, while Serbia has refused to sign despite EU mediation.

President Donald Trump shared data showing that 46% of families of Kosovar origin in the U.S. receive social assistance. The aid includes financial support, housing programs, and healthcare services. Kosovo ranks among countries with relatively high participation in these programs.

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić convened the National Security Council after the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, saying international law no longer functions. He warned that Kosovo’s arming breaks UN Resolution 1244. Vučić said Serbia will strengthen its military amid regional threats.

Slovakia’s prime minister condemned the U.S. arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro as a breach of international law. In his remarks, he referenced Kosovo, arguing that major powers often act without UN approval. The statement reflects Slovakia’s continued non-recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosovo fully supports the U.S.-led anti-narcotics operation against Venezuela. They reaffirmed Kosovo’s strong alignment with the United States and NATO in defending democratic values and regional security.

Kosovo is strengthening its defense with modern artillery systems and strategic drones. The upgrades aim to boost deterrence, surveillance, and operational readiness of the Kosovo Security Force. This is part of a broader effort to modernize the army and align with NATO standards.

The EU sees Kosovo not just as a partner, but as an integral part of the European integration process. With over €3.7 billion invested since 1999, the EU shows strong long-term support for Kosovo. Reforms, credible elections, and good governance remain key to EU integration.

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani congratulated Denmark on completing its EU Council Presidency in 2025. She wished Cyprus success as it assumed the Presidency in 2026, reaffirming Kosovo’s EU aspirations.

The Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) says it is at a historic turning point, with investments exceeding €500 million. The funds are being used to modernize existing energy capacities and strengthen sector resilience. KEK’s transformation also includes the development of renewable energy projects.

Former Kosovo Speaker of Parliament Nexhat Daci died at the age of 81. He was a renowned academic, chemist, and professor, with a long career at the University of Prishtina and international institutions. Daci served as Speaker of the Assembly from 2001–2006.

Happy New Year! Wishing for a peaceful and prosperous 2026. May our Republic of Kosovo and our nation continue to rise to ever greater heights.

Olympic champion Nora Gjakova has announced her retirement from competitive judo, ending her career. She said judo has been her entire life and that she leaves fulfilled after 23 years in the sport. Gjakova retires as one of Kosovo’s greatest athletes, crowned Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020.

With about half of the votes counted, no major changes are expected in the new Assembly, with 71 MPs from the previous legislature projected to return. Vetëvendosje is projected to secure 56 seats, followed by PDK with 23 and LDK with 15 seats. AAK is expected to win 6 seats.

Kosovo’s Special Prosecution has filed an indictment against 21 individuals for war crimes related to the 1999 Račak massacre They are accused of killing 42 Albanian civilians during a police and military operation The case is being pursued in absentia, as the suspects are not in Kosovo’s custody.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani says the Trump administration’s interest in Kosovo has increased. Washington’s firm stance strengthens Kosovo’s security and stability. Osmani says cooperation with U.S. officials and the diaspora has increased engagement from the Trump administration.

Four non-Serb minority parties will back Albin Kurti in parliament to form a new government. Support comes from Emilija Rexhepi (Bosniak), Nenad Rašić (Serb), Fikrim Damka (Turkish), and Artan Asllani (Ashkali). Preliminary results: Kurti now has 57 of the 61 MPs needed to form the government.

The European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, said the election results could end the political deadlock. He noted that the stalemate has cost Kosovo millions in EU funds. Terras added that Prime Minister Albin Kurti now has a clear mandate to govern more pragmatically.

The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti said that Kosovo’s future is strongly oriented toward the European Union. He thanked voters and all those who helped ensure free, fair and incident-free elections. Preliminary results show that Vetëvendosje has won 49.33 percent of the vote.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has urged the rapid formation of Kosovo’s new institutions after the elections. She confirmed the EU is moving to lift measures against Kosovo. Kallas stressed that reforms, ratifying the Growth Plan and normalization with Serbia are vital for Kosovo’s EU path.

Nenad Rasic has won one of the seats reserved for Kosovo Serbs in Kosovo’s Assembly, dealing a blow to Aleksandar Vučić, the President of Serbia and his backing of Srpska Lista. His Freedom, Justice and Survival party received around 4600 votes. He thanked citizens for their trust and support.

Preliminary results of the extraordinary parliamentary elections Vetëvendosje (LVV) leads with about 49% of the vote. PDK with around 21%, while LDK ranks third with about 13 5%. AAK passes the threshold with roughly 5.6% of the vote. LVV - 56 seats PDK - 23 seats LDK - 15 seats AAK - 6 seats

The Exit Poll by UBO Consulting shows LVV leading with over 45% of the vote. PDK ranks second with about 22%, followed by LDK with around 15–16%. AAK trails behind with single-digit support. LVV would win 52 seats. PDK is projected to get 25 seats. LDK about 17 seats and AAK around 6 seats.

Citizens of Kosovo have gone to the polls for the fourth time this year. For the Extraordinary Elections of December 28, the Central Election Commission has provided figures on voter turnout. By 3:00 PM, 27.95 percent of citizens had exercised their right to vote, or 558,872 voters.

For the December 28 Extraordinary Elections, the CEC reported that by 13:00, 11.07% of citizens had voted. Ranillug is the municipality with the highest turnout, with 33.28 percent of citizens having voted. It is followed by Shtërpca and then Novobërdë. Gjilan ranks fourth in voter turnout.

From 7:00 a.m., polling stations opened across Kosovo’s municipalities. A total of 1,999,024 people are eligible to vote in these elections. Twenty-four political entities are competing, with 1,180 candidates running for seats in parliament. The ballot boxes will close at 7:00 p.m.

Voting has concluded at 25 of Kosovo’s diplomatic missions abroad, with a turnout of 81.29%. Out of 19,187 registered voters, 15,597 cast their ballots. Voting in four missions in the USA and Canada ends at 1:00 AM Kosovo time, and ballots will be counted in Kosovo.