LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Serbia will have numerous problems unless Kosovo issue is resolved (Beta/RTS)

Speaking at the EU-West Balkan summit in Sofia on 17 May, Serbian President Aleksandar

Vucic said that he would try his best to ensure a solution to the Kosovo issue, as otherwise Serbia would have countless problems. “I want to believe that in the coming period Serbia will

have enough strength, providing there is will to compromise on the other side, to find a solution to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija that would be acceptable for its citizens. We will do our best and we will fight for it, but whether a solution will be achieved- I hope so. I’m not too optimistic. I will do my best and I’ll invest a lot of effort to make it happen,” Vucic told reporters.

He said that Serbia had to settle relations with ethnic Albanians for its own sake, otherwise Serbia will face countless problems. “The door to the EU will be closed to us, we will not

be able to have economic growth as successful as this year,” the Serbian President said.

Vucic added that he and Kosovo President Hashim Thaci had exchanged several

words after being invited to do so by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, noting that they had not discussed the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. He further said that finding a solution to the Kosovo issue required the will of both sides, instead of situations where “the other side sends platforms,” saying that it was not ready for anything, as it is not realistic to expect from Serbia to give everything and not get anything in return. Vucic said that such a platform had been adopted by the Pristina government, but that, at the request of the international community, it had not been forwarded to the Kosovo assembly for adoption, as it would dramatically tie everyone’s hands. Vucic said he was not afraid of any sanctions imposed by the West in the process of solving the Kosovo issue and he added that Serbia continued the struggle in this field so as to get out of the abyss something for its state and its people. “There will be no sanctions, this is everything I can say. I have not seen any Washington document whatsoever. I heard what some people are offering as their principles and their tenets. Something has been said to me in a semi-official way”, he said and he added this was nothing new. Speaking about the relations in the region, Vucic said that both Serbs and Croats were small nations and that they could survive only if they were united although it is difficult to hear for many on both sides. “All countries are experiencing collapse, these areas are being abandoned and therefore I advocate the macroeconomic union. Without borders, with similar taxes, let us simplify everything, all should be without barriers. In this way, we will have more work and more future for everyone. If people understand this, we will have a chance, if not – then nothing,” he said. Vucic stated that infrastructure projects were also mentioned in Sofia, out of which the most important was the highway that should be constructed between Nis and Pristina. “We expect to essentially start with the construction of that road by the end of the year. We would pay eighty percent of it, and European Investment Bank would aid in the financing with the most favorable interest rates, while 20 percent would be from grants. This would mean a lot for the poorest part of our country,” Vucic said. According to him, the discussion at the summit was very interesting because a new chapter for the future of Western Balkans was opened. “I have talked with Merkel about everything and I am proud of the fact that she wants to listen to us. We discussed all regional issues, Serbian economy and Serbian judiciary, and I told the Chancellor that without the positive assessment from the Venice Commission, we would certainly not go for any enacting or proposing (of changes in Serbian Constitution) in the parliament,” Vucic stated and also mentioned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban who openly requested accession of Serbia to the EU in 2025.

Brnabic: Serbia best presented in Sofia (N1)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Thursday her country was introduced in the best possible way at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia. She told N1 that Serbia got considerable attention and that after the European Council’s President Donald Tusk and the European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, President Aleksandar Vucic was the next to address the summit. “That speaks for itself how much attention Serbia has got,” she said, adding that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron took the floor after Vucic. Brnabic said that at the economic panel she attended the participants agreed that the Western Balkan countries had to better connect, regardless of the fact that those countries would not join the EU as a package, but each one on merit. Brnabic added that Serbia could expect more money from the European funds in the future, but that the country had to build its capacities to compete for that capital.

Borisov: Different views on speed of EU expansion (Beta)

The participants in the EU-Western Balkans summit differed in their views on the speed at which the EU should expand, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said at the closing media conference in Sofia. “Different views were heard at the summit from people who favor different tracks, speeds of expansion,” Borisov said.  He said there were concerns about the combined GDP of the countries of the region, and asked what would be better: negotiating EU membership for the countries of the Western Balkans or letting some other geo-strategic players in to get more influence on Moslems and Christians and the situation in Kosovo.

Tusk: Western Balkans has problems and EU prospects (Beta)

The Western Balkans has more problems than Germany and France combined but it has a European perspective, EU Council President Donald Tusk said at the end of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia. The region’s economy and number of citizens cannot be a problem on the road to the EU but the Western Balkans has more problems per capita than Germany and France combined, he said. Tusk said the region has a clear European perspective but the EU will not break down the process by fast tracking anyone. Europe is strong and capable enough to adopt a plan to bring in new members with all expected problems and consequences, he said adding that the problem of the Western Balkans has to be viewed in the right manner. We have to be consistent, optimistic, tough and cautious about our promises, Tusk said. The summit in Sofia was a very serious and significant step on the European path for the entire region, the EC President said.

Fabrizi: Accession is merit-based (N1)

The EU–Western Balkans Summit in Sofia should be viewed as encouragement but it also sent the message that accession to the EU is based on merit, the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi told N1. “The summit was great for at least three reasons – the leaders of the EU and Western Balkans met to talk about their relations and the future of the region for the first time in 15 years, the second element is the summit declaration which says that there is no doubt about the European perspective of the Western Balkans whose leaders have committed to EU accession and the third reason is the fact that a number of concrete initiatives were announced,” Fabrizi said. The message from the summit is that accession to the EU is merit-based – if a country implements reforms well, the process goes smoothly, he said. “I think that Serbia is very pragmatic and smart when it sees its future in the EU,” the EU delegation chief said. The EU expansion and accession process brings stability to a region was a source of instability for years, Fabrizi said. “If the region continues to integrate, the road to the EU will be easier. The greater the stability in the region, the greater the possibility of the region joining the EU. The normalization of Belgrade-Pristina relations is a key element in all that,” he said. The EU is committed to aiding the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue but it’s up to the two sides to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, Fabrizi said. “We remain optimistic that a solution will be found. No one wants the frozen conflict situation to remain in place,” he said. Fabrizi said that the year 2025 as the possible accession date for Serbia is not an obligation but motivation, adding that no dates were discussed at the summit in Sofia which focused on the goals for accession. The EU encourages Serbia on its European path but warned that there are areas in which the country has shown only moderate progress, he said and recalled that the latest European Commission progress report said there was no progress on freedom of the media. “That is one of the main reasons why we can say that Serbia has to make more progress,” he said and added that bringing the Western Balkans into the EU is a geo-political investment only if the criteria are met.

Djuric to Keefe: Serbs in Kosovo need institutional protection (Beta)

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric informed British

Ambassador in Serbia Denis Keefe of the difficult position of the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija, and said that they needed to be institutionally protected with the formation of a strong Community of Serb Municipalities. Djuric said that 17 May was day 1,854 since Pristina had undertaken to pave the way for the formation of the Community, and that he expected the new deadlines presented by the EU to the Managing Team to enable it to formulate a draft Community statute without pressure. He said that Belgrade was committed to the dialog, and that he expected compromise to usher in the conditions for permanent stability and prosperity in the West Balkans.

REGIONAL PRESS

EU-Western Balkan Summit in Sofia (BHT1)

EU leaders confirmed European perspective of the Western Balkan countries they have promised on several occasions, but they stressed that this process will not be so fast due to the EU’s internal problems. European Council President Donald Tusk said in his address at the summit that the European perspective of the Western Balkans was once again confirmed. He stressed that the time has to be used more wisely from now on so that citizens do not have to wait for improvement of living conditions. “There is no plan B as the Western Balkans is Europe’s composing part and it belongs to our society and community”, Tusk stated. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that there were many fears and talks in the western media about integration of the region, but if one imagines that the Western Balkans is a single state – this state would have the GDP of EUR 96 billion and the lower number of population than Romania for instance. He wondered if this is that big fear and threat to the EU. President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the need to reform Europe prior to further enlargement. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that no decisions on the issue of enlargement which will have a role at the summit in June were made on Thursday. “All these countries have a clear perspective of accession to the EU,” Merkel underlined. B&H Presidency Chairman Bakir Izetbegovic said in his address that B&H belongs to the European family. He signed a joint statement of support to the program of digitalization on behalf of B&H. Commenting on the summit, Izetbegovic told BHT on the sidelines of the event that he was assured during talks with European officials at the summit that European alternative is the only solution for B&H. He said that he was proven once again that B&H has true friends who want to help it, assessing that B&H might become the legitimate EU and NATO member state in the next eight to ten years.

Cvijanovic: Europe is not ready for B&H and vice versa (Dnevni list)

Republika Srpska (RS) Prime Minister (PM) Zeljka Cvijanovic took part in a gathering entitled ‘Strategic Dialogue for Western Balkans’, which was organized by the World Economic Forum in Sofia on Thursday, within the EU-Western Balkans Summit. According to the statement, PM Cvijanovic said that countries in the Western Balkans are facing many political, economic and security challenges, and that unresolved political issues make it difficult to undertake joint activities in area of economic cooperation. The RS PM added it is necessary to strengthen consciousness about the European perspective of the Western Balkans countries and about full EU membership as realistic option. PM Cvijanovic stressed that the Reform Agenda has been defined in B&H with the EU’s support, which is a foundation for coordinated and efficient implementation of reforms at all levels of authorities. Cvijanovic said that Europe is not ready for B&H and vice versa. “We should realize concrete measures in the upcoming period”. Cvijanovic stressed that this summit strengthened the EU perspective for the Western Balkans. She stressed that it seems the EU decided to change its policy and to provide more concrete assistance to countries of the region regarding the EU integration process and regarding improvement of mutual relations between these countries. Cvijanovic praised EU efforts in strengthening of competition of the region by building up its infrastructure. However, Cvijanovic underlined that the summit did not bring them closer to Europe.

DF accuses SDP of wanting to form coalition with HDZ B&H and SNSD (TV1)

SDP and DF have been in conflict lately, namely, DF leader Zeljko Komsic claims that SDP is preparing to be a part of coalition with HDZ Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and SNSD. Komsic stressed that after October elections, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic can find a victim in Sarajevo for political domination, and added that SDP’s policies are treacherous. These allegations emerged after the latest meeting of Dodik and SDP leader Nermin Niksic in Banja Luka. Analysts deem the meeting was not accidental, and claim that SDP changed its course then. On the other hand, member of SDP Presidency Elvir Karajbic stressed that SDP is against the situation in the country, and added that SDP did not discuss such coalition. Analysts claim that leaders of SDP and DF say one thing and do another. Reporter said while the both parties claim they are no enemies, it is visible that a conflict exists. Karajbic stressed that SDP and DF are partners, no enemies. Member of DF Presidency Damir Becirovic said that these issues should be solved by party leaders, if they have their parties under control. Reporter reminded that after winning in elections, SDP acted the same as ethnic-based parties, which was followed by blockade of authorities and removals of officials.

Candidates for the post of a Bosniak member of the Presidency of B&H may be known in the mid of June and the race has never been this uncertain (N1)

Names of all candidates for the post of a Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency may be known in the mid of June and the race has never been this uncertain. SDA is expected to decide about the method of election of the party’s candidate for the aforementioned post on Friday. One of the four candidates who won the highest number of votes of SDA Municipal Boards Denis Zvizdic previously announced that he may give up on the candidacy, if secret voting at the SDA Convention scheduled for 26 May makes the final word. Zvizdic called on SDA Presidency to make the final decision about the candidate and said that the Convention can bring divisions within the party. However, members of SDA Safet Softic and Sefik Dzaferovic, who are also candidates for the race, presented different views on this topic. Dzaferovic stated that he expects from the Presidency to deliver four names to the Convention for a secret voting, while Softic underlined the need to respect the procedure and thus, preserve unity within SDA. According to Softic, media attention probably increased ratings of the fourth potential candidate, Sebija Izetbegovic as a wife of leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic. Leader of SBB B&H Fahrudin Radoncic stated that this party will offer their candidate in case that they establish that there is no person competent to cope with probably other two members of the Presidency Dragan Covic and Milorad Dodik. Radoncic did not exclude the option that he will run for the post and said that the final decision will be known on June 10. N1 reminded that SDP B&H’s referendum scheduled for the end of the month may confirm candidacy of SDP B&H’s Denis Becirovic for the post of a Bosniak member of B&H Presidency. Announcements say that the Independent Bloc is negotiating about the candidate among Elmedin Konakovic or Senad Sepic.

B&H CEC: Deadline for submitting application for verification of participation in general elections expires on May 25 (Hayat)

B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) issued a statement on Thursday informing political parties and potential independent candidates that the deadline for submitting applications for verification of participation in the general elections expires on May 25, at 16:00 hours. According to CEC, 112 political entities have so far shown interest by taking the required application forms. CEC noted that the only one independent candidate has submitted an application, without any supporting documentation.

Unconfirmed information indicate that B&H delegation attended recent opening of US Embassy in Jerusalem (N1/Al Jazeera Balkans)

Al Jazeera Balkans and N1 report that representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Embassy to Israel accepted the invitation of Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attended the ceremony organized to mark opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem. Reporter noted that representatives of 86 embassies were invited to attend this ceremony, while 22 delegations attended this event. Reporter reminded that in December 2017, B&H Presidency decided that B&H will abstain from voting on the UN Resolution condemning the decision of the US to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel. B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Crnadak said that the Ministry does not issue special consents or keeps record regarding presence of B&H diplomats in ceremonies organized for diplomatic representatives in other countries. Crnadak added that the stance of the Ministry regarding this issue will be equal to the stance of the B&H Presidency. Chairman of the B&H Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic said that he is not informed about this case. “They should not have done that without consulting the B&H Presidency,” Izetbegovic underlined, adding that this issue will be discussed by the B&H Presidency. Also, expert for international relations Zlatko Hadzidedic deems that someone should be held accountable for this situation. Hadzidedic underlined that he believes that the B&H Ambassador to Israel acted in line with some private interests, adding that if this is the case, she should be removed by the B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs. “In case the Minister fails to do so, she should be removed by the B&H Presidency. If the Presidency does not have political strength to do this, they should resign,” stressed Hadzidedic. Also, Palestinian community in B&H condemned attendance of B&H representatives at the abovementioned ceremony.

New emails prove Plenkovic met with Agrokor’s “Borg Group” (Hina)

The latest scandal reaches the Prime Minister. Index.hr released new Agrokor emails this morning, proving that Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic was informed that the so-called “Borg group” was writing Lex Agrokor. Indeed, it seems that Plenkovic met with the groups’ members, reports Index.hr. Index says that Prime Minister Plenkovic’s claims that he did not know about all the processes within the Borg group and that he did not participate in its work are not true. Moreover, Plenkovic himself asked the group members to meet with him “related to the topic they are working on,” according to the emails written by now-former Economy Minister Dalic.

Reacting to the latest revelations, the government unofficially said that the emails confirm that the government selected an option which ensured the continuation of Agrokor’s business operations without the state’s financial support. It added that the emails proved that the consultants would be paid by Agrokor and that there would be no cost for the state. The main issue in the scandal is the fact that the same people who wrote the law, the members of the so-called Borg group, later allegedly used its provisions to receive tens of millions in fees as Agrokor’s consultants.

Opposition leader demands Prime Minister’s resignation (Hina)

Social Democratic Party (SDP) President Davor Bernardic said on Thursday the latest emails leaked in the Agrokor email scandal showed that Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic had not only been informed of developments in the ailing Agrokor conglomerate, “but personally headed the Borg group which siphoned over 500 million kuna from Agrokor.” “This is the definitive end of the Prime Minister… I am urging him to stop this agony by calling an election because Croatia mustn’t be hostage to one man,” he told reporters. Bernardic said the government should step down and an election be called because the leaked emails showed that Plenkovic met at least three times with the so-called Borg group and that the group suggested the consultants should work for the government for free and charge their services to Agrokor. Bernardic went on to say that the SDP “loudly and clearly dismisses any possibility of a grand coalition” with Plenkovic’s Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). He reiterated that the SDP was prepared to assume responsibility for Croatia for the third time, “and form a government which will work in the interest of all citizens.”

Prime Minister on Agrokor Affair: “I sleep peacefully” (Hina)

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday called on authorities to shed light on even the smallest detail in the situation concerning the Agrokor conglomerate, saying that he has nothing to hide and that he can sleep peacefully, and proposing that the subcontracted consultants for the restructuring of Agrokor should return their fees to remove any suspicion of profiteering. “As far as what went on after the emergency administration was appointed and the later selection of consultants, the only thing that is problematic, in my opinion, is the choice of subcontracted consultants. I call on all those concerned, and they are people with their business and human integrity, to make a gesture and, apart from the expenses and fees received by Mr Ramljak, return anything they consider to be excessive to the company or Alix Partners so that once and for all we can remove any suspicion of profiteering. This had nothing to do with me, no one asked me nor did I know who the subcontractors would be, much less how much their fees would be,” Plenković said at the end of an EU summit on the Western Balkans in Sofia. “There is no way that I and even less the government or Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) should suffer any political damage or be held responsible for that situation. I want light to be shed on everything as so that we can see how a successful story, for various interests that are political and economical, has come to the situation that the entire process is being brought into question. I wake up peacefully every morning and I peacefully go to bed and I have no problems. I would very much like everything to be explained,” Plenkovic said in a rather emotional statement. Plenkovic once again reiterated the chronology of the law on emergency administration in systemic companies, dubbed Lex Agrokor, saying that it wasn’t ideal but that it had to be passed in a hurry and had more time been taken they would not have managed to adopt the law before Agrokor’s collapse.

Croatia and Serbia present joint flood prevention project (Hina)

A 1.6 million euro joint project of Croatian and Serbian institutions aimed at reducing flood risks was formally launched at the Hrvatske Vode water utility on Thursday. The project is called “Integrated Cross-Border Monitoring and Management Systems for Flood Risks, Environmental and Biodiversity Protection and Forestry through Transboundary Forest Retentions and Other Measures”. The Interreg IPA Cross-border Cooperation Program Croatia – Serbia 2014-2020 finances 85% of the project, while the rest comes from the Croatian and Serbian partners and World Wildlife Fund Adria. Implementation began on 1 September 2017 and lasts until 29 February 2020. The project covers the Sava river basin along the Croatian-Serbian border.

Hahn: Western Balkans immature for the EU (CDM)

None of the Western Balkans countries is “mature enough” for the European Union, but the momentum must be used to keep the discussion of the reforms in the spotlight, said the Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Johannes Hahn. At the EU – Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, Brussels presented six new initiatives, which should help transform the region, its better connection and reconciliation. In the 15 years after the summit in Thessaloniki, where the EU and the countries of the region committed themselves to closer cooperation and implementation of reforms, Croatia is the only country to secure (after Slovenia) a full membership in the “elite club”. Other regional countries have been waiting for a long time, each moving at a different pace towards the Union. Serbia and Montenegro have in the meantime begun membership negotiations, but the date mentioned in the European Commission’s Strategy – year 2025 – still seems farfetched. Commissioner Hahn says that the country to become a full member in 2025 will first have to complete negotiations no later than 2023. The main problems of all aspiring countries, in addition to bilateral relations, remain the rule of law, corruption and organized crime. “Some countries do not take the problem of the rule of law seriously”, Mr. Hahn warned but added all candidate countries have advanced in the recent period.

Djukanovic: Montenegro is a step away from EU membership (MINA)

Montenegro is a step away from membership in the EU, says the newly elected President Milo Djukanovic. “If we want a developed market economy, a developed democracy, an improved rule of law, respect for human and minority rights, the Balkans need deep and comprehensive reforms, and it takes time and a strong will to implement them”, Mr. Djukanovic explained.

“From day one, we unequivocally said this future will be European and Euro-Atlantic. We have achieved the first part by becoming a NATO member, but now it’s time for part two, and we believe Montenegro is just a step away from becoming a full member of the EU”, he said.

Asked if he expects Russia’s pressure on the road to the EU, as was the case during Montenegro’s accession to NATO, President Djukanovic said that with an ongoing intensification of EU-Russian relations, Montenegro’s experience on the path to NATO membership was merely a consequence of this changed relationship on the global stage, between the East and the West. Djukanovic said that this high-profile engagement of Russia in the Balkans is primarily the message to the EU and NATO that they want to regain previous significance and influence on the global stage, in resolving global issues. Of course, he said, Montenegro and other Balkan countries have the right to choose their future. “I believe that the unquestionable future of Western Balkan societies is in European and Euro-Atlantic integration” Djukanovic said. He added that, however, it is realistic to assume that these integration processes will take place in somewhat difficult conditions, as a consequence of this misunderstanding that persists on the global scene.

Tajani: Montenegro could join EU by 2025 (CDM)

President of the European Parliament, Mr. Antonio Tajani, said it is possible to reach an agreement on the accession of Serbia and Montenegro to EU membership by 2025.

“We have a number of candidate countries, but Serbia and Montenegro are in the first place”, Mr. Tajani said ahead of the EU – Western Balkans summit in Sofia. The President of the European Parliament also says the Western Balkans are crucial for the EU which must work on the stability of the region.

General Dakovic at the NATO Military Committee meeting in Brussels (CDM)

The Acting Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro, Brigadier General Ilija Dakovic, participates at the NATO Military Committee meeting in the format of Chief of Staff, which is held at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. NATO Military Committee Chairman, General Petr Pavel, gave a brief introduction to the most important topics of the meeting, which include: key challenges of the Alliance, NATO’s strategy on the southern borders, defense and deterrence policies, as well as the modernization of the NATO alliance, with a focus on NATO’s adaptation Structure and Implementation Plan.

General Dakovic, at the invitation of General Vance of Canada, also participated in a meeting concerning the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP). On the margins of the Military Committee, General Dakovic had a bilateral meeting with General Major Alan Geder of the Army of Slovenia. The leaders exchanged views on the future involvement of the two armies at the NATO TRIDENT JUNCTURE 18, and important exercise to be organized in Norway.

The exercise will involve participation of 35.000 NATO soldiers and members from partner countries. During his stay in Belgium, General Dakovic will also have an official visit to the Allied Command Operations (ACO) at the SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Power Europe) in Mons.

Greece says negotiations with Macedonia over name row at crucial stage (MIA)

Negotiations between Greece and Macedonia on the former Yugoslav republic’s name have reached a crucial point but more needs to be done for a solution, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Thursday. “I believe we have covered a great part of the distance, but we have more to cover” Tsipras told journalists. “We are not yet in a position to speak about a deal.”

Tsipras was speaking after meeting his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev in Sofia, where they attended a summit of EU and Western Balkan leaders. Tsipras said he hoped for a meeting with Zaev next month and Athens hoped for a deal that would “stand the test of time”. Zaev said earlier the two had discussed a specific proposal but that they would ‘need to have further discussions’ in their respective countries.

Hahn optimistic that Macedonia and Greece will solve name dispute (MIA)

European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn voiced optimism in Sofia on Thursday that Macedonia and Greece will reach a solution to the name dispute. He did not want to discuss any time frames, however. “I’ve always been optimistic. And I’ll stay optimistic. The two PMs are on the right track,” European Enlargement Commissioner Hahn said, commenting the meeting between PMs Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras held at the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans Summit earlier on Thursday. Asked if he thought it possible that the name dispute would be solved before the EU Summit in June, Hahn said that it was a month away and anything was possible.

Zaev: Identified option is complete solution to name issue (MIA)

The option for settling the name issue, which could be acceptable for both parties, is a complete solution, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told reporters on Thursday regarding the meeting with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras. Speaking at a joint press conference with his British Prime Minister Theresa May, Zaev said Macedonia and Greece developed irreversible friendship that would advance further. “Citizens, institutions from both countries have been cooperating, the confidence is being restored. I sincerely believe that we are able to find a solution. The option that could be acceptable for both parties is a complete (all-inclusive) solution. Naturally the consultations on the matter are resuming in both countries internally to find out if this solution could be acceptable for the two sides,” Zaev said. British PM May affirmed her country’s fill support of a name issue settlement, saying that it would bring clear benefits to both Macedonia and Greece, and also to the region as a whole. “Just 18 months after Parliamentary elections, we’re already seeing significant changes and a government that is working hard to uphold the rule of law, reach out to its neighbors and make progress in negotiations on the name issue. I know that both Macedonia and Greece are working closely to find a solution and this requires political courage and a willingness to make difficult decisions. Resolution will bring clear benefits to both countries and also to the region as a whole. And you can rely on the UK’s full support in this,” May said. In regard to the Russian influence in the region, May said Britain was familiar with those developments. She mentioned the Salisbury nerve agent attack and underlined the need of joint response to such activities. It is important for all of us to work together on countering the Russian influence in the Western Balkan region, May said, notifying that the support Britain got from Macedonia and other countries (in regard with the nerve agent attack) was rather significant for official London.

Macedonia’s success story needs to continue, Zaev and Merkel agree (MIA)

The citizens’ overwhelming support of Macedonia’s aspirations for EU and NATO membership is proof enough that there is no other alternative for the country. Macedonia’s citizens share the same European values and deserve an individual estimate of the country’s progress according to its achievements. This is what PM Zoran Zaev said during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans in Sofia on Thursday. Vice-premier for European Affairs Bujar Osmani and Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov also attended the meeting. PM Zaev pointed out the extraordinary cooperation and the solid support the Federal Republic of Germany has given the Republic of Macedonia during all political processes. “The Republic of Macedonia has made a quantum leap through the work of progressive political forces in the country. From an ‘enslaved country,’ it has gotten back on track toward democratic state reform processes and toward reinforcing the Euro-Atlantic agenda,” PM Zaev is quoted in the official press release. Zaev said he was confident that Germany would endorse Macedonia’s date for negotiations at the upcoming EU Summit in June. He expressed his hope that Chancellor Merkel would openly support Macedonia during her talks with the PMs of other EU members, the press release says. The Macedonian PM said the Berlin Process diplomatic initiative was crucial for the region, as it has originated a variety of projects to boost connectivity, economic and otherwise, in the Western Balkans. Zaev and Chancellor Merkel also discussed the possible consequences should the region and Macedonia fail to receive their due recognition and should the EU integration processes of the Western Balkan countries slow down. Such a scenario, they concluded, would impede reforms, encourage retrograde political forces, and open up space for third parties to get involved, which may disrupt stability. “To eliminate the possibility of such threats,” the press release says, “Macedonia’s success story needs to continue throughout this year, as well, by brave decisions made by the EU and NATO.”

A stronger parliament means stronger Macedonia, PM May tells Speaker Xhaferi (MIA)

We are committed to restoring the original role of the legislative body, and it seems we are finally on the right track given the European Commission’s progress report, which this year contained a positive and unconditional recommendation, Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said speaking at a reception in honor of UK Prime Minister Theresa May. “To establish a transparent and a fully functional assembly, we have been implementing reforms following the examples of countries where parliamentary democracy have been founded long ago. We are selflessly assisted by our international friends: the Wilton Park Project for building an effective and independent parliament was realized with support of the UK government and the Westminster Foundation in which both the ruling coalition and the opposition played an unreserved role,” stated Xhaferi. The most successful assemblies share two things in common, according to PM May. Firstly, they are places of free access for the citizens to their representatives, and secondly, an assembly should be a place where the lawmakers are in the position to challenge the government and other public institutions with questions about their activities and policies.

I know that last year this building witnessed some hardships, PM May said. But, I am also aware about the changes taking place since then and the willingness for reforms, May stated adding that she was proud of her country for supporting reform implementation through UK’s programs for financing. “When democracy prevails, we all feel the benefits. A stronger Parliament means a stronger Macedonia,” urged UK PM May.

Jean Monnet process kicks off in Ohrid (MIA)

In a working atmosphere and with the assistance of experts a consensus could be reached on some issues, but the solutions will be adopted by Macedonia’s Parliament, MEP Ivo Vajgl said ahead of a working dinner that launched the ‘Jean Monnet’ process Thursday in Ohrid, initiated by MEPs Vajgl, Eduard Kukan and Knut Fleckenstein. The “Jean Monnet” initiative represents an opening of an informal dialogue between Macedonian lawmakers without media presence, in an attempt to find a common ground on certain issues. The key is to bring positions closer on topics related to Macedonia’s EU, NATO integration processes. The talks under this process will also tackle Macedonia’s future, Vajgl said. ‘That’s exactly why we are here. We were engaged in the Przino Agreement, and are now pleased to say that the country has made a substantial progress by obtaining a formal assurance for unconditional start of the EU accession talks. Naturally decisions to that effect are being made by the European Council. I am however an optimist in this respect,’ Vajgl said. During the gathering Macedonian deputies from all parliamentary groups, led by Speaker Talat Xhaferi and the three vice-speakers, will discuss issues mainly related to the Parliament’s Rules of Procedures, the Code of Ethics and budgetary independence. Other issues might also be discussed. The dialogue is to be crowned with a working dinner, which should be also attended by the leaders of parliamentary parties – SDSM – Zoran Zaev; VMRO-DPMNE – Hristijan Mickovski; DUI – Ali Ahmeti; DPA – Menduh Thaci; the Alliance of Albanians – Zijadin Sela and BESA – Bilal Kasami. Sergei Stanishev, President the Party of European Socialists (PES), is set to deliver a speech at the dinner. The gathering under the Jean Monnet process is also considered to be part of the country’s reforms, since issues related to the Parliament are incorporated in the Government’s Plan 3-6-9.  According to Speaker Xhaferi, the meeting in Ohrid should contribute to restoring the political culture in the Macedonian highest legislative body.

Prosecution requires imprisonment for Tahiri (ADN)

Prosecution of Serious Crimes requires the arrest of the former Interior Minister, Saimir Tahiri, while the last wants to be removed the measure ‘house arrest’ against him. Prosecution appealed recently the decision of the court of first instance which gave ‘house arrest’ security measure for Tahiri. This institution believes that the decision of the judge, Liljana Baku must be revoked and Tahiri should be arrested and behind bars. Prosecutors pretend that they have new evidences against the former socialist minister and suspect that he manipulated border’s registers. Tahiri is under investigation for drug trafficking and passive corruption.

Witness speaks against Interior Minister’s brother (ADN)

Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj called the audio registration of DP against Minister’s brother a big lie and montage.  But this Thursday DP unveiled the identity of the person in the audio, who openly denounced Minister’s brother, Agron Xhafaj, as a drug trafficker. He is Albert Veliu, 51, who after suffered 7 years of prison in Italy for drug trafficking tried to return in to the businesses with Xhafaj’s help. The Chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), Lulzim Basha, warned Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj, to not try to touch or threaten the witness Veliu. Veliu is witness X who was part of the audio-registration with Agron Xhafaj, the brother of the Interior Minister. Basha gave a strong warning to Rama and Xhafaj that if the family of Veliu continue to be threatened, they will receive the strongest response from the opposition. “I warn both Rama and Xhafaj before the whole world: Do not try to touch witness Albert Veliu” declared Basha. The reporter for Albania in the German Bundestag, Thorsten Frei, has reacted on Thursday. According to him, Germany is looking the case closely, because everybody should be investigated separately, even if they are family members. “I do not have a final opinion on this. It is clear that people can not be blamed for a family member, but every individual should be seen separately. Therefore, the behavior of the Interior Minister must be observed and I can not say anything. But we are also observing his case,” said the German official.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

No time soon: EU dashes membership hopes of Balkan states (The Guardian, by Shaun Walker in Sofia, 18 May 2018)

Concerns over rule of law and corruption, plus enlargement fatigue, meant the six countries got little from Sofia summit

Keep waiting in line, but don’t expect the door to open any time soon. That was the message delivered on Thursday to six Balkan states hoping to join the EU. The six had been invited to the EU heads of state summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, as a gesture to reaffirm their path towards EU membership. Instead, the summit was notable for divisions on whether or not the bloc could cope with further enlargement in the foreseeable future. The EU is keen to offer enticements to the six states, given worries about potential instability and the growing role of Russia in the region. Johannes Hahn, the commissioner for enlargement, has said on a number of occasions that the EU should “export stability” to the region to avoid “importing instability”. But many member states are uneasy about giving concrete commitments. Emmanuel Macron has emerged as the leading opponent of further EU expansion. “I think we need to look at any new enlargement with a lot of prudence and rigour,” the French president told journalists in Sofia. “The last 15 years have shown a path that has weakened Europe by thinking all the time that it should be enlarged.”

A declaration was adopted at the summit that offered support for the “European perspective” of the six Balkan countries but was noticeably lacking words about “accession” or “enlargement”.

Montenegro and Serbia have progressed furthest down the path to accession, with a potential joining date of 2025 mooted, though many view that as hopelessly optimistic. Next month, a decision is due to be taken on whether to open talks that could lead to accession with Albania and Macedonia. The “European perspective” for the other two nations, Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina, is extremely vague and unlikely to be realised in the near future. “The elephant was in the room, so we had to talk about it,” Edi Rama, the Albanian prime minister, said after emerging from a lunch with EU leaders which he described as “very argumentative” and “a fight”.  Rama said he emerged with some positivity that the EU could still open accession negotiations with his country and Macedonia in June, but he also compared the EU’s vague commitments to the communist promise of a bright future that was always just around the corner. “We lived for 50 years with a red horizon which we never reached. We don’t want to live with a blue horizon now,” he said. Russia’s increasingly assertive foreign policy in the western Balkans is on the mind of European politicians and is also used by the political elites in the countries as a warning that they cannot wait for Europe for ever. “The EU is aware that it has strong competitors in the Balkans. There is no vacuum in international relations. If one pulls out or doesn’t want to act, somebody else will,” Srđan Darmanović, Montenegro’s foreign minister, told the Guardian earlier this month. However, enlargement fatigue, plus concerns over rule of law and corruption in the Balkan states, mean that many in the EU are uneasy at the prospect of bringing in new members, especially at a time when the bloc has its own internal debates over how to deal with democratic backsliding in Poland and Hungary. “With Hungary, Poland and Croatia going the way they are going, there is no appetite to import new countries with the same issues,” said a European diplomat working in one of the western Balkan nations. “But if you stop the EU integration process it’s very hard to revive it, and there is a lot to lose if you push the countries towards China and Russia.” The diplomat described the Sofia summit as “an important message to the countries that they had better get their act together”. But the EU appears to be demanding unlikely levels of reform from a group of governments whose leaders have cracked down on the media and are linked with corruption scandals. “They are willing to reform but only as long as it doesn’t touch their core interests,” said Florian Bieber, a political scientist focussing on the western Balkans. There is also the issue of Macedonia’s name, which Athens contests owing to its similarity to northern regions of Greece. The two countries’ leaders met in Sofia and said they were close to agreeing a deal on a new name for Macedonia. Then there is Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but which five EU countries do not recognise.

In most of the six Balkan states, opinion polls show a strong majority in favour of EU integration and the leaders are keen to bring home solid promises from the EU to show to their citizens.

Rama said he accepted that actual accession would not take place any time soon but said the path of integration was important for the hopes of young Albanians. “We need to give them a clear perspective that one day we’ll be in Europe,” he said.

Europe Needs Sway Over Western Balkans to Stem Russian Influence – Macron (Sputnik, 17 May 2018)

The European Union has to further promote its influence in the Western Balkans as otherwise, the regional states would turn to Russia or Turkey, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday. “Given history of the region, given the existing pressures, these [Western Balkan] countries could turn to Russia or to Turkey and this would be a wrong solution both for the region and for Europe. This is the reason why we need to continue to work on our sovereignty, by anchoring the Western Balkans within the European Union,” Macron said on the results of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, which was held in Sofia. The European Union would not be able to increase its influence in the Balkan region unless there is “coherence or unity” within the bloc, the French president noted.

British premier visits Macedonia (Anadolu Agency, by Ahmet Gurhan Kartal, 17 May 2018)

Resolution of ongoing name issue between Greece and Macedonia to ‘bring clear benefits’ to both countries: May

A resolution of the ongoing name issue between Greece and Macedonia “will bring clear benefits to both countries and the region”, Prime Minister Theresa May said Thursday. “And you can rely on the U.K.’s full support in this,” May said during her visit to Macedonian capital Skopje, which is a first by a British premier to the Balkan country in 20 years. “Just 18 months after parliamentary elections, we’re already seeing significant changes and a government that is working hard to uphold the rule of law, reach out to its neighbours and make progress in negotiations on the name issue,” she said. May visited Macedonia following the first EU Summit since 2003 with the Western Balkans in Bulgaria. She said: “Leaders from across Europe and the region were working together to discuss the next steps we could take to help deliver stability, security and prosperity for the Western Balkans. “I know that the conflicts of the past can sometimes seem almost impossible to overcome.” Underlining that “many difficult questions remain unresolved, including internal conflicts in the region, serious and organized crime, illegal migration and extremism”, May urged to be “alive to the challenges of the past, yet remain ambitious in securing the peaceful, prosperous and democratic future that your citizens and communities deserve.” She said “the U.K. has quadrupled the support we give to Macedonia to contribute towards this government’s reform programme.” The prime minister said the U.K. will host the next Western Balkans Summit in London in July as part of the Berlin process.

“Here we will look to strengthen regional security cooperation in the Western Balkans, improve economic stability, and foster greater political cooperation and overcome legacy issues stemming from the struggles of the past 30 years.” May also thanked Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev for the response to the Salisbury chemical attack. Zaev said the next EU-Western Balkans Summit in London will be a positive affirmation of regional cooperation in the area of economy, transport, security and integration of Western Balkans. He said the Western Balkans “deserves” to be part of Europe’s future. The Macedonian premier said Macedonia’s Europe-Atlantic integration is important for both itself and the region. “This means [better] economy and perspective for Macedonian citizens and the region, and it means stability and security for the EU and the world,” he added.