AGP Executive Report

Entrepreneurship & Finance: Cyprus’ 2024-25 entrepreneurship report shows strong intent—40.2% see good business opportunities and 59.9% feel they have the skills to start—yet structural hurdles still limit new company creation, while Bank of Cyprus moves to early redeem €300m in senior preferred notes. Western Balkans Power Play: A new US approach is being framed as “stability and mutually beneficial partnerships,” landing as Serbia deepens ties with China via a wide security, infrastructure and AI deal—raising EU worries about sanctions workarounds and security influence. Kosovo Travel & Connectivity: Swiss is suspending Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27 due to Airbus A220 parts and engine availability, leaving travelers to reroute. Border Reality Check: Greece’s new EU biometric checks are already causing long queues at key crossings, a reminder that summer travel can hinge on staffing and systems. Tourism Watch: Thailand has ended visa-free entry for Indians, tightening rules that could ripple through regional travel demand.

Serbia–China Pivot: Serbia and China signed a wide package in Beijing covering politics, security, Belt and Road, AI and supply-chain deals—deepening Belgrade’s China tilt as EU worries grow over sanctions-bypass risks and surveillance/industrial dependence. Kosovo Travel Pulse: Kosovo’s tourism is climbing fast, with March hotel visits up nearly 16% year-on-year, adding to the “Balkan bargain” buzz. Border Friction for Visitors: Greece’s new EU biometric border checks are causing long queues at land crossings, with tourism groups warning delays could worsen into summer. Kosovo Defense Watch: Construction has started on Kosovo’s first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with initial 5.56mm and 7.62mm production and plans to expand into drones. EU Health Politics: A “smokefree Europe” push is under fire as Brussels moves to tighten rules on vapes and pouches, arguing it could keep people smoking instead of helping them quit.

Western Balkans Power Play: The US has rolled out a new Western Balkans strategy focused on economic partnerships and pushing back on Chinese and Russian influence, landing right as Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic heads to Beijing—highlighting how Belgrade’s China ties are reshaping regional leverage. Bosnia’s International Role: The US shift comes amid fallout from Bosnia’s high representative Christian Schmidt’s resignation, with Washington signaling a smaller international footprint—raising fresh friction with the EU and UK. Kosovo Travel & Connectivity: Swiss is suspending Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27, while Kosovo’s tourism buzz keeps building (March visitor numbers up). Kosovo Security Industry: Construction has started on Kosovo’s first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with initial production planned for 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds. Regional Travel Headaches: Greece’s new EU biometric border checks are causing long queues at land crossings, a reminder that summer travel plans across the region may still get messy.

Club vs Country Row: Slovenia coach Bostjan Cesar is pushing back on Benjamin Šeško’s latest injury-driven absence from national duty, reigniting the familiar tension between Manchester United’s plans and his call-ups. Border Travel Headache: Greece’s new EU biometric checks are causing long queues at land crossings like Evzones, with tourism groups warning delays could get worse as summer ramps up. Kosovo Travel & Connectivity: Swiss is suspending Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27 due to Airbus A220 supply issues, while Kosovo’s own tourism buzz continues as hotel visits rise. Regional Politics: Bosnia’s election season stays tense as High Representative Christian Schmidt’s resignation plans shake up the political landscape. Kosovo News on the Ground: Construction has started on Kosovo’s first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with production set to begin for 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds. EU Travel Context: Montenegro marks 20 years since independence and is pressing toward EU membership by 2028.

Serbia–China Military Drift: Serbia is deepening ties with Beijing, upgrading its arsenal with Chinese supersonic missiles and hinting at more military purchases as President Vučić heads to China—raising fresh EU membership doubts. Bosnia Election Tension Watch: Bosnia’s election season is heating up, but observers say apathy could decide the outcome, while the resignation of High Representative Christian Schmidt adds uncertainty. Border Travel Headache for Kosovars: Greece’s new EU biometric border checks are triggering long queues at land crossings, with travelers from the region—including Kosovo—feeling the squeeze. Kosovo Travel & Connectivity: Swiss is suspending Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27 due to Airbus A220 supply issues, while Kosovo’s tourism momentum continues and the country is even starting its first ammunition factory in Gjakova. EU Travel Rules Reminder: If you’re planning summer trips, keep an eye on shifting visa/entry policies across Europe and beyond.

Border Stress Test: Greece’s land borders are seeing long queues and growing frustration as the EU rolls out new digital biometric checks for non-EU travelers—reports cite 2–3 km lines at Evzones, with tourism groups warning delays could worsen into summer. Aviation Update: Swiss International Air Lines will suspend Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27, citing Airbus A220 aircraft and engine parts shortages, though passengers can use alternatives. Kosovo Travel & Business Watch: Kosovo’s first ammunition factory is starting in Gjakova, while businessman Behgjet Pacolli says he’s walking away from Albania’s Vlora airport project. Regional Context: Montenegro marks 20 years of independence and pushes for EU membership by 2028. For Travelers Planning Ahead: If you’re heading to Greece this season, build extra buffer time for border processing.

Memorial Day Travel Mood: In the U.S., Memorial Day (May 25) is still the unofficial start of summer—part remembrance, part long-weekend travel rush, with many Americans debating how the meaning has blurred over time. Kosovo Tourism Buzz: Kosovo is being pitched as Europe’s next tourism hotspot, with March hotel visits up nearly 16% year-on-year—proof that the Balkans’ “underrated” moment is getting real. Air Travel Shake-up: Swiss is suspending Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27 due to Airbus A220 parts and engine availability, so travelers will need to reroute. Regional Mobility Deals: Turkish Airlines is running a 30% Miles&Smiles upgrade discount on select routes (including Pristina) for June 1–15 processing. On-the-Ground Development: Kosovo has started construction on its first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with plans to begin producing 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds and expand later.

Memorial Day Travel Mood: In the U.S., Memorial Day (May 25) is still about honoring those who died in service, but coverage notes it’s also become the unofficial start of summer—fueling long-weekend travel and discount shopping. Kosovo Travel & Connectivity: Swiss is suspending Geneva–Pristina flights for winter 2026/27, citing Airbus A220 parts and engine availability—so winter travelers may need detours. Kosovo Tourism Buzz: A recent tourism spotlight claims Kosovo is emerging as a “next hotspot,” with March hotel visits up nearly 16% year-on-year. Regional Movement Rules: Thailand is ending visa-free entry for Indian travelers (and rolling back a wider visa-free scheme), a reminder that entry rules can change fast across the region. Kosovo on the Ground: Construction has started on Kosovo’s first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with plans to begin producing 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammo and expand later to drones.

Aviation Disruption: Swiss is suspending Geneva–Pristina flights for the 2026/27 winter season (from Oct 25), citing Airbus A220 aircraft and engine parts shortages—so winter travelers will need to reroute, and it’s unclear if the route returns in summer. Kosovo Travel & Safety: Kosovo’s first ammunition factory is under construction in Gjakova, with plans to start producing 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds and expand later to drones—an important shift for the country’s security footprint. Regional Roads: A bus crash in Croatia killed 10 and injured at least 45, with the route listed as Germany to Pristina and Kosovo license plates—another reminder to plan carefully on long-distance travel. Kosovo in the Spotlight: Kosovo is also being talked up as a fast-rising tourism pick, with March hotel visits up nearly 16% year-on-year. Culture & Community: Tall ships carrying injured veterans docked in Bangor as part of a UK-wide Invictus Games awareness trip, with a Kosovo connection mentioned by one onboard veteran.

Invictus Games Build-Up: Two tall ships carrying injured veterans, the schooner Spirit of Falmouth and pilot cutter Pellew, sailed into Bangor as part of a UK-wide 2,000-nautical-mile awareness trip ahead of next year’s Invictus Games in Birmingham. Kosovo Defense Industry: Kosovo has started construction of its first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with plans to begin producing 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds and later expand into drones, alongside over €1bn in defence investments. EU Momentum in the Region: Montenegro marked 20 years of independence and is pushing for EU membership by 2028, after already joining NATO. Travel Rules That Matter: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays for 93 countries back to 30 days (from 60), including Kosovo. Kosovo Travel Buzz: A tourism uptick is being reported for Albania in March, with Kosovo among key source markets. Road Safety Alert: A bus crash in Croatia killed 10 and injured at least 45; the bus had Kosovo plates and was traveling from Germany to Pristina.

Kosovo Travel Watch: Kosovo’s tourism momentum is getting a fresh boost from the wider region, with a recent report pointing to Kosovo as Europe’s “next hotspot” and noting hotel visits up sharply in March—good news for travelers looking for less-crowded Balkan experiences. Defense & Infrastructure: In Gjakova, Kosovo has started building its first ammunition factory, with plans to begin producing 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds and later expand into drones. Regional Mobility: Albania’s tourism rose in March, and Kosovo is listed among key visitor markets—so expect more cross-border travel interest. Travel Rules Abroad: Thailand is tightening visa-free stays for 93 countries (including Kosovo), reverting most visitors to a 30-day limit. EU Context: Montenegro marked 20 years of independence and is pushing hard for EU membership by 2028—another sign the Western Balkans race toward Europe is still accelerating.

EU Accession Race: Europe’s second-youngest country is pushing to join the EU by 2028, but fresh political friction could derail the timetable. Kosovo Defense Industry: Construction has started on Kosovo’s first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with initial production of 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds and plans to expand into drones, as officials tout new defence investment. Regional Travel Buzz: Montenegro is celebrating 20 years since independence and now targets EU membership by 2028, while Kosovo’s tourism momentum continues—March saw a jump in accommodation visitors and overnight stays. Travel Deals & Rules: Turkish Airlines is running a 30% Miles&Smiles upgrade discount for select routes, and Thailand is tightening long-stay visa rules for visitors from 93 countries. Culture & Media: The CCD debunked Soviet myths about Ukraine’s vyshyvanka, and Cannes Critics’ Week crowned “La Gradiva.”

Montenegro’s EU push: Marking 20 years since breaking with Serbia, Montenegro is now betting big on EU membership, with President Jakov Milatović aiming for entry by 2028 and even putting the “28 by 28” goal on a national airline plane. Riviera culture buzz: Cannes’ parallel Critics’ Week crowned La Gradiva, while the Fine Art Cannes Biennale keeps the French Riviera’s art scene in the spotlight. Kosovo travel & business headlines: Kosovo businessman Behgjet Pacolli says he’s walking away from Albania’s Vlora airport project, while Kosovo’s first ammunition factory starts construction in Gjakova—both big signals for the region’s investment mood. Air travel deals: Turkish Airlines is running a 30% Miles&Smiles business upgrade discount (June 1–15 for upgrades). Tourism signals: Albania saw a strong March jump in visitors, and Thailand is tightening long-stay visa rules for 93 countries—good to know if you’re planning longer trips.

Cannes Buzz: Marine Atlan’s La Gradiva won the Ami Paris Grand Prize at Cannes Critics’ Week, with Blerta Basholli and Nicole Borgeat taking the best screenplay prize for Dua, a coming-of-age story set on the Kosovo War’s edge. Albania–Kosovo Travel Shock: Kosovo businessman Behgjet Pacolli says he’s walking away from Vlora airport, telling the state to “take the airport” and warning the process is “illegal and unacceptable”—a big tourism project now in limbo. Air Deals for Kosovars: Turkish Airlines is running a 30% Miles&Smiles discount on business-class upgrade miles on select routes to/from Istanbul (June 1–30; upgrades processed June 1–15), including Pristina. Entry Rules Watch: Thailand is tightening visa-free stays for 93 countries, with longer trips now requiring a visa—details may vary by country. Kosovo Tourism Momentum: Albania’s March tourism rose sharply, and Kosovo remains among key source markets; locally, Kosovo’s inflation ticked up too (April HICP +7.5% y/y), with transport and energy leading costs.

Tourism Momentum: Albania’s March tourism jumped—visitors staying in accommodation up 20.8% year-on-year, with foreign tourists rising 23.7% and overnight stays up 12.8%—and coastal areas leading the surge as summer demand ramps up. Kosovo Travel Buzz: Kosovo is being pitched as Europe’s next bargain hotspot, with March hotel visits up nearly 16% year-on-year and 46,649 visitors recorded. Inflation Watch: Kosovo’s inflation accelerated to 7.5% in April, driven mainly by transport (+16.1%) and housing/energy (+15.2%). Regional Safety: A bus crash in Croatia killed 10 and injured at least 45; the bus had Kosovo license plates and was traveling from Germany to Pristina. Defence Industry: Kosovo has started building its first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with production planned for 5.56mm and 7.62mm, and later expansion to drones.

Kosovo Defense Industry: Kosovo has started building its first ammunition factory in Gjakova, with initial production of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm rounds for the Kosovo Security Force, and plans to expand later into drones; the site covers 19 hectares and the government says more than €1bn in defence investment is coming over the next four years. Travel & Connectivity: SWISS International Airlines will launch its first nonstop Zurich–Benguda flights from October 25, 2026 (2–3 days per week), aiming to boost direct Europe–India links to the tech hub. Inflation Watch: Kosovo’s annual inflation hit 7.5% in April, driven mainly by transport and energy-related costs. Regional Travel Safety: A bus crash in Croatia killed 10 people and injured at least 45; the bus had Kosovo license plates and was traveling from Germany to Pristina. EU/Region Context: Western Balkans foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels ahead of the next EU Foreign Affairs Council, with enlargement expected to stay high on the agenda.