LOCAL PRESS 

Djuric reiterates that Biden administration will respect Washington agreement (TV Pink/Beta/Politika) 

The Serbian Ambassador to the United States Marko Djuric confirmed on Monday that Joseph Biden‘s administration had undertaken to honor obligations arising from the Washington agreement. “The new US administration has undertaken to honor what they refer to as the obligations from Washington, including respect for and the protection of the Visoki Decani monastery, as well as court judgments related to the Serbian Orthodox Church,” Djuric said in an interview with TV Pink.He also described as important the messages from Washington over the past few weeks that court judgments to protect the monastery and restore the monastic property had to be respected. The diplomat said in the same interview that the fact that the new administration had decided to support the Washington agreement was good news for Serbia.

Selakovic: Serbia dedicated to development of overall relations with African countries (Tanjug/RTS) 

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic wished today a happy Africa Day and prosperity and welfare to all African countries. In his greeting card to his African colleagues, which was distributed to the permanent delegations of African countries at UNESCO by the Permanent Delegation of Serbia to this organization, Selakovic recalled that since 2017, 25 May is celebrated in Serbia as the Friendship Day with the peoples of Africa and that by this act our country has shown a desire to nurture and carefully build cooperation with African countries.

He underlined that Serbia is truly committed to the development of comprehensive relations with African countries, with which it is connected by a traditional friendship, which dates back to the period of the SFRY. According to him, these relations are based on the principles of togetherness, mutual understanding and support, but also cooperation and solidarity. He highlighted Serbia’s commitment to intensifying political, economic, cultural and educational ties with African countries, especially pointing to scholarship program for students from African countries who wish to study at universities in Serbia. The program was launched years ago and continues this year too. Selakovic also pointed to the importance of cooperation with African countries in multilateral forums, particularly in UNESCO. He expressed satisfaction with the fact that the tradition of marking Africa Day under the auspices of UNESCO continues this year, noting that Serbia also financially supported the holding of the “Africa Week” event at UNESCO. He pointed out that Serbia strongly supports the activities of this organization in African countries and that it advocates giving as comprehensive support to Africa as possible.

Linde: Serbia making headway in reforms, quality needs work (Beta) 

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, currently chairing the OSCE said in Belgrade on Monday that Serbia had made headway in reforms, but that their quality still needed work. After meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic, Linde said the OSCE was ready to support this path Serbia had taken. Selakovic said Serbia supported the OSCE’s priorities set during the Swedish chairing period. “It is with great attention that we are following the activities of the Swedish presidency of OSCE and I can say that we support those priorities set by the Swedish presidency,” Selakovic said. The topics at the meeting included reforms being implemented in Serbia, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and bilateral relations. Linde praised Serbia for donating vaccines to neighboring countries. She stressed that bilateral relations between Serbia and Sweden were good.

Mali: Financial assistance available to Kosovo Serbs as of 24 May (Beta)  

Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali said that the Serbs in Kosovo can expect initial tranches of one-off financial aid provided by the Serbian government on May 24, specifically, 100 Euros for every Serb in Kosovo, including children, and 200 Euros for the unemployed. “It’s a one-off financial package for the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, letting them know that they are not alone, and that their state is there for them,” Mali said, adding that a budget allocation worth some 1.5 billion Dinars had been provided for that purpose. Mali underlined that the move, carried out within a third financial aid package designed to help businesses and citizens to alleviate the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, had been initiated by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. According to Mali, a 2021 budget rebalancing act set out considerable allocations to support assistance projects for the Serb people in Kosovo. “The funds were earmarked for individual financial aid, as well as capital projects, including new hospitals, kindergartens and educational institutions,” the Minister said.

Patriarch Porfirije: Assembly shows unity (Beta) 

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije said on Monday that the top church body is meeting to show its unity. The Church Assembly began its session on Monday in the crypt of the St Sava Temple in Belgrade with bishops reporting on developments in their bishoprics. They are also expected to name the head of the Montenegro Littoral Bishopric which has been vacant since the death of Bishop Amfilohije. “The Assembly is not like other meetings. Gathering is in the nature of the Church, we gathered around Christ,” Patriarch Porfirije told the assembly following the church service to mark the start of the meeting. According to the Patriarch, “the unity of the church is inviolable but can be jeopardized at times because of some individual willfulness”. “There are a lot of topics that we have to discuss,” he said, adding that any of the bishops can speak about modern day challenges.

REGIONAL PRESS 

Krivokapic visits B&H (O kanal) 

Montenegrin Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic began his first two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) on Monday. After a meeting with Chairman of the B&H Council of Ministers (B&H CoM) Zoran Tegeltija, it was emphasized that main priority is improvement of the economic cooperation, as well as strengthening of the infrastructure in both countries. It was assessed that relations between B&H and Montenegro are friendly, without any disputable issues between the countries. Krivokapic said economic cooperation must be brought to a higher level and Podgorica and Sarajevo must be further connected – which will be achieved through construction of a highway between Foca and Scepan Polje. Acceleration of flow of people and goods over the border crossings should be achieved soon. “Based on the agreement that was signed on 20 May, that these borders of ours, that represent the elements that prevent accelerated passage of people, goods and capital, must be made faster and simpler, as much as we can. The most important thing is to make sure that waiting time is not as long that it irritates people,” Krivokapic told a press conference. Tegeltija agrees that improvement of infrastructure must be one of the top priorities. He hopes that this year an agreement on reconstruction of highway towards Scepan Polje will be signed and which should be completed in the next two to three years. Krivokapic and Tegeltija agreed that the natural path of both countries should lead towards the EU. “I call on the EU to have more understanding, to get to know us better, not for conditions to be set by those that do not understand relations in our country well, so that the Western Balkans becomes part of the EU as soon as possible,” Tegeltija underlined. Krivokapic emphasized that he is glad that B&H was chosen as his first bilateral visit in the region. He recalled his military days, when he first came to B&H – when it was part of Yugoslavia, and he said Monday’s visit should be a good start in building relations between the Montenegrin government and the B&H CoM. He said the relations should return to the way they were in time when he was a young man, when nobody had hatred for anybody and all people in the region felt like they were connected, regardless of their differences. The reporter of ATV comments that the timing of Krivokapic’s visit to Republika Srpska (RS) and B&H is interesting, having in mind that the Montenegrin parliament is scheduled to discuss the Resolution on Srebrenica on Monday. Krivokapic met with members of the B&H Presidency in Sarajevo on Monday. They spoke of improvement of economic cooperation, trade, infrastructure and work in fields of energy, tourism, science and culture. The B&H Presidency members expressed satisfaction with the fact that Krivokapic chose B&H as his first working visit in the region. They say this shows that the two countries are committed to improvement of regional cooperation and good neighborly relations. This meeting was closed for public and no statements were made after it concluded. In a written statement, it was confirmed that Krivokapic and the B&H Presidency members agreed on the need for continuation of implementation of infrastructure projects. Joint message from all the above-mentioned meetings was that both countries need to move forward on their EU paths, and the EU officials were asked to adjust the conditions necessary for accession of the countries to the Union. Krivokapic also held a meeting with the Federation of B&H (FB&H) Prime Minister Fadil Novalic and discussed economic cooperation. Novalic and Krivokapic showed mutual interest in improving economic cooperation, especially in the area of agriculture. In relation to that, they exchanged information on possibility of a joint market placement of agricultural products on the markets across the world. Novalic and Krivokapic agreed that there is great potential in increasing the trade of goods and improving the economy of both B&H and Montenegro. It was stated that improvement needs better infrastructure and road connection.

Krivokapic comments on Resolution on Srebrenica: Worst thing that is happening in this area is that these victims are being used for political purposes (O kanal) 

In his comment on the Resolution on Srebrenica genocide, Prime Minister of Montenegro Zdravko Krivokapic reminded that he initiated the procedure for the dismissal of Montenegrin Minister of Justice and Human and Minority Rights Vladimir Leposavic due to this Resolution. In his past statements, Leposavic denied the Srebrenica genocide, even though he knew this could be perceived as an attempt to overthrow the current government. “The worst thing that is happening in these parts is the fact that those victims that are irreplaceable for the families are being once again used for political purposes,” Krivokapic told the reporters. Krivokapic did not wish to speculate on the Montenegrin parliament’s decision, but warned that the policies that were maybe accomplices of those events, use the talk of genocide not for repentance, but for political purposes. “My stance in regards to Srebrenica is clear. Because of Srebrenica, I began the process of dismissal of one of the ministers. Even though I knew that that could be an attempt to overthrow the government,” Krivokapic emphasized. “That resolution was adopted in 2009 as a Declaration. Do not blame me, but I must say that, the worst thing that is happening in this area is that these victims are being used for political purposes”.

Kalabukhov: Insisting on OHR remaining operational is paradox; NATO membership does not guarantee stability (Glas Srpske) 

Glas Srpske daily carries an interview with Russian Ambassador Igor Kalabukhov. Speaking about the presence of the OHR in B&H, Kalabukhov said that there is no consensus on the matter among the peoples of B&H or the international community. “As far as Russia is concerned, we believe that B&H is ready to start with internal dialogue without mentorship and pressure from the outside. Our colleagues are of the opposite opinion and this reflects a paradox. They say they want B&H in the European Union, but at the same time they emphasize that this will not be possible as long as the OHR exists,” said Kalabukhov. He reminded that there are many in the international community who want the OHR to stay in B&H and they even propose the appointment of a new High Representative. However, he underlined, what really matters is the opinion of B&H citizens. Asked to comment B&H’s relations with NATO, Kalabukhov said that NATO membership is often being represented as a guarantee for stability and prevention of internal conflicts. “However, it is absolutely clear to us that such stance is wrong and does not reflect reality. We believe that it would be fair to inform B&H citizens well about all consequences of accession to NATO, including the negative ones which are usually not mentioned. In fact, we believe that the time of military blocs is over and that it is now necessary to work on establishing a comprehensive system of protection aimed against the growing global challenges,” said Kalabukhov. Asked to comment the claims that Russia represents a disruptive factor in B&H, Kalabukhov said that such claims are simply not true. He underlined that Russia always advocates internal dialogue and compromises to the benefit of all B&H citizens. He underlined that Russia, as a guarantor of the Dayton Peace Agreement, is focusing all of its political efforts towards compromised-based solutions. He concluded that stable Balkan and prosperous B&H represent Russia’s utmost interests. Kalabukhov stated that stances of Russia towards B&H remain unchanged and Russia continues to advocate strict implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and resolving of all issues only through dialogue of constituent peoples without foreign involvement. Kalabukhov noted that the Serb and Russian people have centuries-long tradition of close relations which continue through present cooperation in politics, economy, culture and education. “Our mutual trust and understanding are of special importance. While respecting our own interests and principles, we always support each other on the international scene and in the multilateral international mechanisms. We very much appreciate our honest friendship and partnership,” said Kalabukhov.  Speaking about the construction of the ‘Serb-Russian Spiritual Center’ in Banja Luka, Kalabukhov said that it is an important project, along with several other similar projects. He noted that he is very glad that the Serb and Russian people share the culture of remembrance of World War II, and they fight together against falsification of history. Kalabukhov underlined that it is very important to make a distinction between political relations and relations among people. “It is nice when understanding among politicians matches the one among ordinary people. But this is not always the case, so no matter what happens on the political scene, it is important that our peoples stay close, that they continue to love each other and that they travel with pleasure in order to learn about the cultural characteristics and language, scientific achievements, spiritual warmth of the residents of our cities. This is a rare treasure which we must preserve and protect,” said Kalabukhov.

EU leaders are discussing harmonization of EU and US policies, this will have consequences for B&H (Nezavisne) 

EU leaders have commenced with a two-day summit in Brussels on Monday. They are expected to discuss some of the main challenges of the present, such as COVID-19, distribution of vaccines, as well as Russian influence in Europe. According to the daily, EU leaders will discuss harmonization of EU policies with US policies on Russia. According to many sources, EU does not want an escalation on the European soil, and Germany convinced US President Joseph Biden to suspend sanctions against the ‘North Stream II’ pipeline project. According to the daily, the results of the EU summit will also have consequences for B&H. The harmonization of US and EU policy in B&H could result in appointment of new High Representative already in June. According to daily’s unnamed sources, there is even the proposal according to which the international community will not recognize the results of the 2022 General Election unless B&H Election Law is amended in line with recommendations of the European Commission. However, notes the author, this information could not be confirmed. Analyst Faris Kocan stated that the summit will result in harmonization of EU and US foreign policies, especially with regard to Russia. However, he expects the EU leaders to discuss operational level of relations with Russia, rather than strategies.

Komsic answers Covic: B&H will be civic state sooner or later (Oslobodjenje) 

Member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic commented on his Facebook the statement of HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic, who said that B&H will never be a unitary or civic state, “in a way that someone imagines and wants to carry out through domination over others”. “B&H will be a civic state sooner or later and this demands patient and dedicated work. We all know this cannot happen tomorrow, but we who love this country, have to have this form of consciousness. We must never abandon the idea of civic state, because that would represent a betrayal of all those who laid their lives for B&H,” wrote Komsic on his Facebook.

Dodik tells Palmer to free this region of his presence (Oslobodjenje) 

Chairman of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik conveyed a message to Deputy Assistant Secretary at US Department of State – Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Palmer, telling him to leave and “free this region of his presence”. He said that time will show how much Palmer’s ideas were frauds, which he implemented by supporting undermining of Dayton Agreement and unitarization of B&H. The article noted that judging by everything, this is one in series of Dodik’s reaction to uniting of opposition in the FB&H and the RS.

Plenkovic and Michel: Forced landing of plane unacceptable (Hina) 

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Monday after a meeting with the President of the European Council Charles Michel that the two condemned the forced landing of a Ryanair civil plane in Belarus and demanded an international investigation. Plenkovic met with Michel in Brussels ahead of an EU summit. Croatia’s Prime Minister wrote on Twitter that he had spoken with Michel about “the fight against COVID-19, the vaccination process, Croatia’s entry into the Schengen Area and the euro area and the continuation of enlargement. We condemn the unacceptable move by the Belarusian authorities and demand an international investigation,” Plenkovic said. Plenkovic then spoke with the Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson at the Commission’s headquarters. The two-day summit of the leaders of 27 EU member states starts on Monday evening, and the agenda includes meeting the set goals for climate protection, foreign policy issues, and the COVID-19 situation. EU leaders will also address the unprecedented move by the Belarusian authorities, who on Sunday forced a Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania to land in Minsk and then arrested Roman Protasevich, one of the main opposition activists who were on board. It is expected that there will be a debate on measures the EU could introduce against the Belarusian regime.

Joint Macedonian – Bulgarian celebrations of the day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in several European cities (Republika) 

Several Macedonian embassies in Europe organized joint celebration of the day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius with the Bulgarian embassies. Such joint events were held in Belgrade, Prague, Warsaw and Kiev – all places which received Christianity through the work of the sainted brothers. Bulgaria demands that Macedonia holds joint celebrations of the saints, which Bulgaria considers part of its heritage. President Stevo Pendarovski will travel to Rome for the traditional honoring of St. Cyril together with the Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, in Radev’s plane.

Bulgaria is blocking Macedonia from opening EU accession talks until Macedonian authorities accept the Bulgarian historic narrative – including the Bulgarian heritage of a number of medieval and modern period heroes and that the Macedonian language and nation are derived from the Bulgarian.

Radev insists that Macedonia’s path to the EU goes through Sofia (Republika) 

Bulgarian President Radev insists that Macedonia’s path to the EU goes through Sofia

Days before heading with President Pendarovski for a joint Macedonian – Bulgarian honoring of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Rome, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev warned Macedonia that “its path to the EU leaders through Bulgaria”. Radev said that he is facing increased “interest” from EU countries after Bulgaria decided to block Macedonia’s EU accession talks, but said that he will persevere in the decision because “Bulgaria can’t allow to bring disputes into the EU”.

Suddenly I became very interesting for European leaders. In a day, I have invitations to talk to at least two Prime Ministers, one President and one European Commissioner. So yes, there is a lot of attention toward Bulgaria – I will not use the word pressure. But what is most important is that Bulgaria does not allow the entry of new problems into the Union. I think that the way to open the European path for our brothers from the Republic of (North) Macedonia leads through Sofia, Radev said. Greece also used a similar term during the long dispute it imposed on Macedonia over its name – not bringing new problems into the EU, sometimes ironically pointing to the divided Cyprus as an issue that was admitted to the EU (thanks to Greek demands). In this case, Bulgaria blames Macedonia of harboring anti-Bulgarian sentiments, mainly through nurturing a Macedonian national identity separate from the Bulgarian, and insists that it can’t allow such a country to join the EU.

Zaev calls on Bulgaria to recognize the Macedonian identity and language (Republika) 

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who is currently trying to present a tough position on Macedonian national identity issues as Bulgaria persists in its blockade of Macedonia’s EU accession talks, called on Bulgaria to recognize the Macedonian language and national identity today. Zaev was speaking on the day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, who are honored in both countries, and sometimes feuds spark over their national identity. Our Macedonian language and Macedonian identity are of course carefully protected but they also envelop the Bulgarian side. That is the reality of the existence of the Macedonian language and the Macedonian identity. Of course, they have the right to regulate the issue in accordance with their documents or resolutions and that can be an issue that is debated in the future. That is why I said, and many other politicians have also said, that we expect Bulgaria to recognize our Macedonian language and Macedonian identity as soon as possible, Zaev said. During his years of failed negotiations with Bulgaria, Zaev has hinted that a deal can be made in a way that Bulgaria recognizes the contemporary existence of a Macedonian language and national identity, but at the same time, Macedonia will be asked to accept that they both have a Bulgarian origin, and had it as recently as the Second World War. This would leave Macedonians with the right to declare their identity now but it would be emptied from any historic heritage under that name national heroes, like the medieval saints honored today, would be declared as Bulgarian heroes. Zaev accepted most of the Bulgarian positions, like he did with the Greek demands before, but was unable to put them to paper due to strong resistance within the country and within his own SDSM party. He is currently hoping for help from Portugal, which holds the rotating European Council Presidency, in getting Bulgaria to allow the opening of accession talks while keeping the historic and identity issue open. This, Zaev hopes, would prevent a complete foreign policy humiliation – to see Albania open EU accession talks while Macedonia remains behind.

Iotova says that Bulgaria is looking into ways the historic dispute will be made part of Macedonia’s EU accession talks (Republika) 

Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova made conciliatory comments that announce that Bulgaria might allow Macedonia to finally open its EU accession talks. Iotova spoke of the modalities for how the historic and national identity issues that Bulgaria is raising against Macedonia could be incorporated in the accession talks process – in a separate chapter or in the first chapter. The issue is likely to dominate the talks when they eventually open, with Bulgaria raising it during various portions of the process, driven by its domestic policy considerations at any given moment. Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev actually assured Bulgaria that it can still block Macedonia at any time, as part of his push to get it to allow the opening of accession talks.

I hope that the Foreign Ministry and President Radev will sent out good messages to our European partners, Iotova said, days ahead of the planned joint trip by Radev and President Pendarovski to Rome, to honor Ss. Cyril and Methodius. “With EU efforts, we must find a solution for both countries, to implement the 2017 Friendship Treaty, while not erasing the memory of Bulgaria or of Macedonia,” Iotova told the Bulgarian public radio. She insisted that the accession process with Macedonia will not be concluded until the relationship between the two countries is “cleared up” and said that Macedonia must put an end to “hate speech”, which she said is present in the Macedonian media lately. Radev acknowledged that the country is under some pressure from outside to get it to allow the opening of EU accession talks. Earlier this week an EU delegation made up of Commissioner Varhelyi and Portuguese Foreign Minister Silva were in Skopje and Sofia to present a proposal that Bulgaria quickly rejected, given that it does not have a political Government at the moment.

Putin: We congratulate our fraternal Macedonian people on the day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius (Republika) 

We congratulate our fraternal Macedonian people on the day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, which is celebrated as a national holiday, says the message of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on the occasion of 24 May, the Day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius. “Today in Russia is a solemn day – the Day of Slavic Literacy, and literacy came to us from the Macedonian country,” tweeted the Russian Embassy conveying Putin’s message.

Albania, a major breakthrough in diplomacy/ It is expected to be elected a member of the UN Security Council (Radio Tirana) 

In June, Albania can become a member of the United Nations Security Council, which would be one of the greatest achievements in the Albanian international diplomacy. In New York, the United Nations General Assembly is expected to vote on the 5 new states that will be non-permanent members of the Security Council for the period 2022-2023. The vote will take place on 11 June and Albania is the candidate to represent Southeast Europe in this institution so important for global politics and security. Being the only candidate, Albania moves safely towards the election and receiving confirmation, when it needs 2/3 of the votes of the member countries. Albania has shown its ambition to be part of the Security Council since September 2018. After the OSCE Presidency, this would be an even greater achievement. If confirmed on 11 June, Albania will take office in January 2022.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES 

Picula: Softening of rhetoric necessary in Montenegro, Government should preserve country’s core values (European Western Balkans, by Aleksandar Ivković, 24 May 2021) 

Last week, European Parliament adopted its Resolution on 2019-2020 Commission reports on Montenegro, the first one since the last year’s change of power, which stressed that it was vital not to reverse earlier achievements in the reform process, while also encouraging the acceleration of reforms. The recent controversy with the amendments of the Law on State Prosecution seems to be the primary reason behind this assessment. We spoke with the Rapporteur for Montenegro, Tonino Picula (S&D), about the Law, but also Montenegro’s debt to China, which has also made headlines, political polarisation in the country, and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

European Western Balkans: Which conclusions of your Report would you say are the most important for the citizens of Montenegro?

Tonino Picula: Since the last Report on Montenegro, many things have changed. The plenary debate comes in the special context of the first transition of power. Record turnout in last year’s elections represented a clear message from Montenegrin citizens. Citizens of Montenegro are highly supportive of the EU, almost 80 percent, and their domestic politicians should keep that in mind. I expect Montenegro to fulfill the remaining commitments, as the frontrunner of EU enlargement. Montenegro needs to progress in judicial reforms, fight against corruption and strengthening media freedom. At the same time, I welcome Montenegro’s alignment with EU common foreign policy and its constructive role in the region. From my side, I can say that I will continue to support the citizens of Montenegro in their efforts to achieve the goal of EU accession.

EWB: The newly adopted Law on State Prosecution has raised the attention of the EU. You have stated that some issues with the Law remained. What is your view of the argument of the ruling majority, that the only way to achieve actual results in the fight against corruption is through this form of systematic changes in the judiciary?

TP: Montenegro already has the mechanisms needed to ensure both judicial and prosecutorial independence. Upgrading them should not question the principles of separation of powers. I have closely followed the events of the past week in the Assembly and the vote on the Law on the State Prosecutor’s Office. I support consultation with the Venice Commission, but I expect full, not partial, alignment of the law with both sets of recommendations. Extraordinary procedures and partial solutions may call into question the already limited progress made so far in the area of the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

EWB: The incumbent Government, the first one not led by DPS in 30 years, has now been in power for almost six months. What are your initial assessments of its work in terms of the EU accession of Montenegro?

TP: I welcome the peaceful transition of power in accordance with the laws and constitutional deadlines, as well as the fact that the new representatives of the government have held their first working meetings with partners in Brussels. However, the peaceful transition has unfortunately not turned into constructive dialogue and cooperation with the opposition. I believe it is important to reach out to the opposition, foster dialogue and agree on vital issues. It is essential for speeding up the EU accession process of the country.

EWB: Political polarization remains strong even after the parliamentary and several local elections, including in the media, as your Report notes. Do you see a way out of this political climate?

TP: I want to make it clear that it is crucial to resume dialogue. It is imperative that the Assembly functions as a central place of democratic political action. I would like to remind you that, although almost half of this year has passed, Montenegro is still expected to vote on the budget for the current year, which certainly creates additional political pressure. Speaking from my personal experience, gained from the complex Croatian transition, I want to emphasize that it is necessary to accept the positive elements of the current political heritage, and upgrade it and make it more efficient. Equally, EU membership must not be an alibi for political blockades or political manipulation of any political option. On the contrary, a political agreement or a so-called alliance for EU is crucial to speeding up the EU accession process. I think it is necessary to soften the rhetoric on both sides, but perhaps it is more important to say that in a situation of such polarization of Montenegrin politics, the Government should refrain from moves that the opposition perceives as violating the country’s core values. It is obvious that even within the ruling coalition there is no clear consensus on such issues, much less when it is attempted to generalize through legislative proposals.

EWB: Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi said last year that the goal was for one of the countries in the region to be ready for EU membership by the end of the Commission’s term. Can Montenegro, which has made the most progress in the region, achieve this goal?

TP: In terms of further progress, the biggest challenge is to close open chapters. I support the adoption of the new methodology, but it is clear that overall progress in all chapters or clusters will depend on progress in the rule of law, i.e. Chapters 23 and 24. I would be very happy if that could be achieved until the end of this mandate, but it obviously depends on the will of the Montenegrin government to adopt and implement reforms.

EWB: Recently, the issue of EU assistance to Montenegro in repaying the debt to the Chinese ExIm bank has been raised, and the latest information we have is that the EU is considering its options. Your Report also notes concerns about Montenegrin public debt. Do you expect satisfactory responce from the EU when it comes to this problem?

TP: My report clearly calls for strengthening cooperation with Montenegro in addressing threats to undermine the region’s European perspective and expresses concern at Montenegro’s growing vulnerability to rising public debt, especially in the context of China. Personally, I think we should help Montenegro in negotiations with international financial institutions on loans, so the country can be able to rearrange its external debt to China, which seriously jeopardizes the sustainability of public finances and has significant political and environmental consequences. However, additional assistance from the EU will be of full significance only if it refers to legislative reforms that are in line with European standards and recommendations. A successful partnership is always based on mutual contribution.

EWB: Your Report also notes the strong support of Montenegrin citizens to EU membership. Do you think that the relatively slow delivery of COVID-19 vaccines from the EU to the region will affect the public perception of the Union?

TP: Considering that Montenegro is after the second wave of the pandemic one of the most affected countries in Europe, I support the activities of the European Commission and the continuation of action to help speed up vaccination and improve health systems in the region. Greater sensitivity is needed with regard to Montenegro. Our duty and obligation is to help neighboring countries, especially as the pandemic does not end at our borders. Unfortunately, the EU faced obstacles with the deliverance of vaccines but has exported almost as many vaccines as it has kept for its own use. The EU pledged to deliver through the COVAX scheme vaccines to the Western Balkans and last month the Commission announced that 651,000 Pfizer/BioNTech doses will be distributed until August. I would also remind of the adoption of the 3.3 billion euro financial aid package mobilized by the EU for the benefit of the citizens of the Western Balkans. There is also the Economic and Investment Plan of up to €9 billion to foster long term recovery of the Western Balkans. Support, solidarity and cooperation go far beyond what any other actor has provided to the region and I believe Montenegrin citizens can recognize that.