LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Pristina to halt implementation of Washington agreement (RTS/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday he was concerned by the fact Pristina was set to launch a new campaign for further recognitions of the so-called Kosovo and admissions to international organizations. “We have received information from intelligence sources that Pristina will completely halt further implementation of the Washington Agreement from 4 September,” Vucic told reporters at Bled, Slovenia, after meeting with EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak. Vucic said Pristina was set to launch a new lobbying campaign for more recognitions of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo as well as admissions to international organizations ranging from Interpol to UNESCO. He said this would bring further instability to the region but that Serbia’s job was to prepare for that.

Serbia’s EU integration tied to Kosovo issue

Vucic said on Wednesday Serbia’s European integration was unequivocally tied to the Kosovo issue. “We cannot be a part of the EU until we resolve the relations with Pristina, and that is clear to everyone and there is no need to lie to ourselves,” Vucic explained in a statement to reporters after a meeting with Lajcak. Vucic noted that discussions with Pristina would be continued at technical level and added that he expected Lajcak to visit Belgrade and Pristina soon.

Vucic: EU has no sufficient will for enlargement (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday the EU had no sufficient will for enlargement and that, outside the official agenda and the issue of the Western Balkans, all participants of the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia had been talking about China. “As soon as they move away from the cameras – and in front of the cameras, their topics are the green agenda and climate change – all that is left is China. The Europeans and Americans are preoccupied with China,” Vucic told reporters at Bled. He also said the situation was complicated, with elections looming in Germany and France. Vucic said that he had told European Council President Charles Michel that Serbia had delivered on a promise to raise the level of its alignment with the EU policies, but added that it had done so while protecting its own national and state interests. He said the issues discussed with Michel had included Serbia’s European perspective and tasks, as well as the political situation in southeastern Europe and Serbia’s role in Europe. Vucic said they had also talked about the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and about rule of law in Serbia and all further efforts Serbia must make on its European path. The Serbian President said he had also met with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor and added that the relations with Slovenia were good and that bilateral trade with the country was growing. “I believe we will have an opportunity to welcome the president of Slovenia by the end of the year,” Vucic also said.

Two or three countries not looking forward to Open Balkans

Vucic said on Wednesday he knew of at least two or three EU member states that were not looking forward to the Open Balkans initiative, despite the fact that there was no public opposition to the project from EU institutions. “I know of at least two or three countries that are not looking forward to it because they used to be running processes more easily in the past than they are now, after we have taken everything into our hands,” Vucic told reporters after the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. He was responding to a question whether the EU had something against ties being established among Western Balkan countries. However, he refused to name the countries that opposed the initiative, and said it was important that Open Balkans was backed by the US and France. When asked if the opposition to Open Balkans could have a negative impact on an initiative aimed at Serbia’s admission to the Schengen area, he responded that he was unsure whether that idea, proposed by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, had majority support. “The idea was also discussed today, but I am not sure it can get majority support,” Vucic added.

Vucic: If the Albanians decide to launch an offensive, we won’t hesitate (RTS/B92)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the media from Slovenia, where he met with the President of the European Council Charles Michel. European perspective of Serbia, our tasks, but also about the situation in Southeast Europe was being discussed. “We have fulfilled the promise that we will raise the level of compliance with the foreign policy decisions of the European Union, from 46.28 we have raised it to over 62 percent,” Vucic said. “There is not enough desire for enlargement until the EU takes care of its own problems. Elections are awaited in Germany, France, it is complicated, and what I can say is that only China is being talked about off camera. It is clear what the preoccupation of Europeans and Americans is. However, we must get closer to everyone in the region and I am proud of the Open Balkans initiative,” said Vucic.

He said about the Open Balkans that this initiative is in the interest of Serbia and that Serbia should stand up for it, without expecting support at any time. He said that Borut Pahor did not criticize the initiative, but that he was not thrilled either. Vucic, as he says, does not see anything strange in that. “It is important for us to understand that interests always rule, because their interest would be for Serbia to grow and develop,” he said. “The question is who would be happy about that. Of course, there are more dissatisfied than those who are happy. We are here to understand that. These are our interests and we ourselves need to understand that we can help ourselves,” Vucic added. Vucic warned that the false state of Kosovo will launch a campaign to join various international organizations. He said that he had talked to Charles Michel. According to Vucic, Serbia is trying to protect and preserve its national interests, and the meeting focused on dialogue, the rule of law in Serbia and further efforts that Serbia should undertake on the road to the EU. Vucic stated that he did not know the exact date of the meeting with Schmidt, but that it was very important for Serbia.

France supports Open Balkans initiative

Asked whether Open Balkans finds support, Vucic said that many countries support that idea.

“European institutions do not support this initiative at all. It’s not just the United States, but France also supports that initiative,” he said. He said that he did not have much to say on the topic about the situation in Afghanistan. When asked about the words of Viktor Orban and his position that Serbia needs the EU more than the other way around, Vucic thanked him and said that he understood the importance of Serbia and showed it respect. “We need the EU and it is important, and in the meantime we have to live, survive and improve the economy. That is important to us, and at the same time we have to solve the Kosovo issue, and it is difficult to play tango with someone running around the hall. We can play hide and seek, but not tango,” Vucic concluded.

Orban: European countries need Serbia more than Serbia needs EU (RTS)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that geopolitical interest is membership of Serbia in the EU, adding that without this one cannot talk about European security and European identity. Orban stated unless Serbia is accepted as the EU member, it is pointless to talk about European security and European identity, adding that Serbia is of key importance for the EU. He went on to saying that European countries need Serbia more than Serbia needs the EU membership. Vucic said that countries of the Western Balkans region want to cooperate without borders, adding that example of this is Open Balkans initiative. Vucic explained that the EU enthusiasm in entire region is not as strong as it used to be, adding that countries of this region started finding their methods to incite economic growth.

Veterans of the so-called KLA came up with a secret list (RTS/B92)

In 2020, an anonymous person submitted packages with confidential files of the Hague Prosecutor’s Office to former KLA War Veterans’ Association on three occasions. Due to their publication, officials of the Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans’ Association Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj were arrested and accused of undermining the work of the court. The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague revealed that the first package of files contains confidential requests for assistance in criminal investigations sent by the Special Investigation Working Group to the Serbian authorities, a document from the Serbian authorities, answers, most of which are confidential and include the names of witnesses. Furthermore, it is stated that the same package contained detailed information on serious crimes, reports the press in Pristina.

In the second package, there are pages identical to the first, with six pages with the names of witnesses, classified as confidential, RTS reports. 931 pages contain copies of trials and related documents held in Kosovo and by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in connection with war crimes cases. The third package includes the names of witnesses, statements, documents and confidential information received by the Specialized Chamber from international organizations. The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague assessed that the evidence published during 19 days on conferences and television programs and on social networks, damaged the trial.

REGIONAL PRESS

Bled Strategic Forum starts, B&H assessed as one of specific challenges when it comes to EU enlargement (BNTV/N1)

One of the topics discussed at the Bled Strategic Forum that started on Wednesday, was the political situation in B&H. BNTV reports that High Representative (HR) in B&H Christian Schmidt pointed to Vucic’s statements during the ‘Future of Europe – Enlargement’ panel, that Chairman of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic and Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic participated in. BNTV reports that all participants in the Forum agreed that European future is impossible without the Western Balkans countries. President of the European Council Charles Michel said: “We know that the EU is important to the Western Balkans, but the Western Balkans is equally necessary for the EU. Together, we can dream and create a better future of the EU.” Schmidt said: “There are three peoples and three Presidency members in B&H, and two are present. We are sitting here and exchanging arguments and trying to find solutions for the development. Thus, all invited should be present. Blockades cannot be a part of policies, but they actually show weakness.”  Schmidt stated that a conclusion that needs to be drawn is that conditions for the EU membership should not be made easier. “We know there are conditions that need to be fulfilled – from the rule of law to the economic reforms. That should be the job that needs to be done. Among other things, it is necessary to highlight the progress when it is made,” the HR stressed. In the introductory speech, as host of the event, Slovenian President Borut Pahor stated that the EU should approach B&H in a different manner, noting that this is a geopolitical issue. Pahor stressed that the Balkan countries need to show more interest in reforms and European values, while the EU needs to show more interest in the enlargement process. Pahor remarked that this particularly applies to the paths of North Macedonia and Albania. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa said that all peoples of Europe should be a part of the EU. Participants of the session agreed that B&H represents one of the specific challenges for the EU when it comes to the EU enlargement. Komsic said that B&H can give up on the constituent status of peoples. Komsic assessed that, if that happened, no citizen of B&H would be “any less of a Bosniak, Croat, Serb, Jew, or Roma”. However, Komsic stressed that, in order to achieve this, BiH should turn towards European values. The B&H Presidency Chairman believes that the European values can be promoted by voters in the elections. “Us, who lived in former Yugoslavia, know that the idea of national organization of the state and functioning of the society was almost automatically assumed by the Association of Communist i.e. the Communist Party of Yugoslavia from the Soviet Union,” he concluded. Dzaferovic presented an opinion that the EU membership would help reduce “that Balkan spite” present in the Balkan countries and all related problems would become more relative. Dzaferovic asserted that B&H has the same reasons as any other country for aspiring to join the EU.

They discussed European path of B&H as tourists (Glas Srpske)

The daily carried Radovan Kovacevic, who is advisor to member of the Presidency of B&H Milorad Dodik, and who said that members of the Presidency of B&H Zeljko Komsic and Sefik Dzaferovic went to the Bled Forum not on behalf of the B&H Presidency and not on behalf of B&H, instead it is a private visit of citizens of B&H where they present their private views since there is no corresponding decision of the Presidency of B&H (regarding participation at the Forum). According to Kovacevic, citizen Komsic and citizen Dzaferovic have gone to the forum in order to meet citizen (Christian) Schmidt.

Dodik reacts to Dzaferovic’s request to HR to remove Dodik: it is obvious that they expect that Schmidt does what they want, which did happen in previous years (ATV)

Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic requested from Christian Schmidt to dismiss the Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik. Dodik replied to Dzaferovic that he is not happy to see him, but that Dzaferovic will be seeing him for a long time. Dodik claimed that it is obvious that they expect that Schmidt does what they want, which did happen in previous years. According to Dodik, all the decisions made by the previous HRs were against the RS. Dodik stated: “Muslims expect the HR to do only what they want, and so far it has happened that the High Representative has only done what the Muslims demanded. There has not been a single act of the High Representative in all these years, since 1995, when he was introduced here, that was in the interest of the RS. Everything was against us”. Dodik pointed out that there can be talks with Schmidt but not in his position as HR. Dodik claimed that it is injustice to send a man without the UN Security Council Resolution. Dodik commented: “If he identifies himself as a representative of the Quint or a group of countries that elected him, we can (talk). If he introduces himself as an envoy of Germany that can (work) too, but if he is a HR, that cannot (work). He is not a HR. The RS will not succumb to pressure. I think this is a question for us, to be or not to be”. ATV carries that Schmidt avoided to give a clear answer to the media when asked to comment on Dzaferovic’s request. Schmidt was quoted as saying: “I am very optimistic that we will all sit to talk and that we will find a way to solve these problems, as well as other issues such as economic issues and EU integration”.

RS politicians react to Dzaferovic’s call for removal of Dodik (RTRS)

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic assessed that Dzaferovic’s call for Dodik’s removal points to how powerless B&H is. Cvijanovic underlined that Dodik represents the RS in the B&H institutions and she believes that neither Dzaferovic nor Schmidt would gain anything from Dodik’s removal. “Poor is the state in which there is a lack of dialogue and in which it is impossible to sit down and discuss in which political manner to define certain things for the sake of living in better understanding”. Cvijanovic also said that the people are those who hold the mandate in their hands and not the High Representative nor anyone else from the FB&H. “Dodik is the voice of the RS in an institution which is a joint institution. There are two other men there who have nothing to do with Dodik, nor are they relevant to ask for the removal,” said Cvijanovic. Head of the Serb Caucus in the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Nenad Stevandic briefly noted that he would like to remind that Dzaferovic has a wartime past of bringing members of ‘El Mujahideen’ into B&H with the intent to eliminate Serbs. Dzaferovic’s statement sparked reactions in the region, too. SDS leader Mirko Sarovic said there is nothing good in calling on Schmidt to dismiss anyone and would only complicate the situation more.

Milanovic: Komsic and Dzaferovic are not people of honest intentions (Al Jazeera Balkans)

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic said that Chairman and Croat member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic and Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic are not people of honest intentions. Milanovic rejected Dzaferovic and Komsic’s criticism that he agrees with policies of Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Milanovic said that Dodik’s invitation to the presidents of Croatia, Serbia and Turkey to be involved in negotiations of B&H as well-intentioned, because, according to Milanovic, the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) is practically dead. Milanovic stated: “I will not tell them that they are fascists or chauvinists, which is what they are telling me. Nothing personal, I am here – attack, hit, spit – they do that. I know what I have been doing in the last 15 years. I know what kind of faith and hopes I have invested in some people and some concepts of B&H. It just does not work. Back in the time of (former chairperson of the B&H Presidency) Sulejman Tihic, there was a chance. Not now. This is a violent, rude, direct threat that B&H will be what it was not imagined to be. This is not good. Such things lead to serious conflicts”. Milanovic added that he is there to face any of the attacks coming from Komsic and Dzaferovic but he will continue pointing to how “things are simply not working out in B&H”.

Sekulovic: We have information that there are extremists on both sides planning radicalization in Cetinje (Vijesti/CdM)

Montenegrin Interior Minister Sergej Sekulovic has stated on Wednesday that his Ministry has information about extremists on both sides who are planning radicalization in Cetinje, where the enthronement of Metropolitan Joanikije is to take place on 5 September. Sekulovic and the police Director Zoran Brdjanin have stated that they would do everything to make the citizens in Cetinje feel safe on Sunday. Sekulovic has stressed that security assessments in connection with the announced enthronement in Cetinje are made from hour to hour on the basis of the information received. Sekulovic said that the police cannot guarantee absolute security to any citizen or journalist who will be in Cetinje on 5 September, because, if they were to guarantee it, they would have to have one police officer per citizen. He also said that the rally was reported for 3 September, but not for 5 September. The Director of the Police Administration Zoran Brdjanin explained that the police are not there to predict events and that the feeling of security is individual. “It is not a war, it is not a state of emergency, we guarantee people security in objective circumstances,” he said, Vijesti reported. Brdjanin said that the question of whether security could be guaranteed on that day should also be posed to the media, because, as he said, he saw that significant public disturbance was not caused by events, but by the way they were interpreted in the media. “Imagine all the media publishing blank pages from today until 6 September. Would that have any reaction? What are you planning? What is your editorial concept? Will there still be texts that will calm tensions or raise tensions? Have you planned any editorial meetings? Was there any initiative for all of you to meet, hug and go together to Cetinje and show that each of you came to express some of your convictions,” he asked. State Secretary in the Interior Ministry Zoran Miljanic said that the police in Cetinje would be the guarantor of peace for all citizens, regardless of their religious or party affiliation. He also said that all politicians who come to Cetinje uninvited on 5 September, no matter which gathering they would attend, bear a special responsibility.

Bugajski: Balkans at another historical crossroads (CdM)

At the opening of the Cetinje Philological Days, the American analyst Janusz Bugajski stressed that the Balkans was facing at another historical crossroads. “My topic is the Balkans at another historical crossroads. One could argue that the peninsula has already been at so many crossroads in its long history that it is a wonder that anyone even knows which way it is actually moving. Deepening the analogy with the crossroads, I will refer to traffic lights, especially the flashing red danger lights, the yellow stop lights and the flashing green lights that can ensure the progress of the whole region”, he said. “The most dangerous flashing red light is the renewal of the project of Greater Serbia and the neo-imperial agenda of Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin. The Greater Serbia project was resurrected under the presidency of Aleksandar Vucic. However, unlike the era of Slobodan Milosevic, the project no longer revolves around direct conflicts, ethnically motivated killings, mass devouring and conquest of territories. The campaign now works through three main principles – secrecy, flexibility and patience”, Bugajski pointed out. “Another flashing red light at the Balkan crossroads is Russian neo-imperialism. Putin’s Russia views the Balkans as strategic capital, striving to achieve at least four goals. The first is an attempt to expand Russia’s geopolitical reach (…) The second related goal is to undermine the cohesion of the West and undermine the role of its institutions. Encouraging conflict contributes not only to undermining the stability of the Balkans, but also to the division of international responses. (…) Russia’s third goal is to reduce the American presence. The main reason for the obstruction of NATO enlargement is to prevent the growing American military influence and to prevent any firm guarantees of security in the countries of the region. (…) The Kremlin’s fourth goal is to gain allies or followers. This is the domain in which the economic and energy dimensions are most pronounced in corrupting, blackmailing, bribing or subordinating officials and politicians who can help Moscow, whether by easing sanctions, not condemning Russian actions in the international arena, or calling for a return to normal business,” he stressed. “Another flashing red light is China’s growing influence in the region, based primarily on investment, trade and development aid,” Bugajski said. “The yellow light at the Balkan crossroads is reflected in the EU accession. Namely, the EU is facing a major dilemma. On one hand, blocking the Western Balkans’ access road could result in precisely the problems Brussels seeks to avoid, damaging the EU’s credibility, shattering citizens’ illusions, undermining national reform programs and opening new doors for hostile foreign influences. On the other hand, if the accession process is open primarily for fear of radicalism, then the reform agenda itself may lose value,” he stressed.

“In the end, where are the flashing green lights at the Balkan crossroads? The successful accession of Montenegro and North Macedonia to NATO and the signing of the Prespa Agreement between Skopje and Athens make them hardly visible,” he pointed out. “The more endangered the identity and sovereignty of Montenegro, the more vulnerable the country is to external pressures. The Montenegrin majority committed to independence must become louder and more active, both in the media, on social networks, in civil society organizations, and in the political arena inside and outside parliament. Many patriotic Montenegrins voted for the ruling coalition, believing that the new government will eradicate corruption and enable faster entry into the EU. But their disappointment should not turn into violence or apathy, but into support for those politicians and parties that are committed to Montenegro, its past, present and future,” Bugajski concluded.

Zaev: Hope remains that Bulgaria will form a government, so that a decision can be made to start negotiations by the end of December (Republika)

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev informed today that he talked with the Bulgarian President Rumen Radev within the Bled Forum, where he expressed hope that the political entities will succeed in forming a government, which is important for decision-making. As I said, on June 17 after returning from Bulgaria, we talked, we addressed all the important issues, we created the roadmap, we further confirmed with a note what was important for a short, long name, for not interfering in internal affairs and the like. I think that the expectations to form a political government could be in favor of the quick unblocking of Macedonia’s EU integration process, said Zaev in response to a reporter’s question whether he talked to Radev in Bled and what are the expectations for unblocking the process. Zaev also reminded that a date for the third round of parliamentary elections in Bulgaria has been announced for November 14. Considering their constitutional deadlines of 15 days for obtaining a mandate, our hope remains that they will form a political government so that at the end of December, when the Council of Ministers and the European Council will be held, the decision will be made during the Slovenian presidency, said Zaev.

Varhelyi: EU must not betray the Balkans (Republika)

During the Bled Forum in Slovenia, European Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said that the EU can’t afford to continue betraying the hopes of the Balkan countries. We must be resolute to support the motivation and to assure them that the offer on the table is sincere. That way we can speed things up. Afghanistan taught us a lesson. We have no time to waste, Varhelyi said. The enlargement process is currently stuck, with Macedonia and Albania blocked at the first step – the opening of accession talks, while Serbia and Montenegro also facing delays.

According to Varhelyi, the EU has greater responsibility for the Balkans than it has for Afghanistan, considering how close the Balkan countries are and it requires political, economic, social and security integration of the region.

Jansa and Varhelyi expressed support for Macedonia’s EU accession during their meeting with Zaev (Republika)

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa and the European Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi expressed their support to continue EU enlargement toward the Balkans, during their meeting with Zoran Zaev at the Bled Forum. During the meeting, it was said that enlargement is a priority for the Slovenian Presidency of the EU, and that the countries of the Western Balkans should become EU member states as soon as possible, the Zaev government said in a statement.

Jansa and Varhelyi urged Macedonia and Bulgaria to resolve their differences as soon as possible – Bulgaria blocks Macedonia from opening EU accession talks.

Radev warns that the country is under growing pressure over Macedonia (Republika)

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev called on Macedonia to change history books and monuments and to protect the rights of Bulgarians and to fight “hate speech” in the media against Bulgaria. These are some of the conditions that Bulgaria puts before Macedonia before it will possibly allow the opening of EU accession talks. Radev said that Bulgaria remains interested in seeing Macedonia join the EU, but that the obligations need to be met. He also warned his own countrymen that the pressure on Bulgaria is growing, as foreign countries are asking it to end its veto. Zoran Zaev’s envoy to Bulgaria Vlado Buckovski also said that the pressure on Bulgaria is growing. “We have a agood chance, but it is not wholly up to us. The Bulgarian side also needs to enter into the resolution of this problem with pragmatism and rationality,” Buckovski said.

Bulgaria currently does not have a proper government, and is due to hold its third general elections this year in October – along with the presidential elections.

Census to be launched on Sunday (Republika)

Macedonia is ready for the launch of the census on Sunday, 5 September, government spokesperson Dusko Arsovski told a press conference on Wednesday, adding that in all the commissions of the 50 census districts the trainings of the district instructors and the district census takers have been completed. The census will be conducted by the end of September. Such a statistical operation in the country was last conducted in 2002.

Rama conducts a wide-raging cabinet reshuffle (Radio Tirana)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama presented this Thursday at the General Assembly of the Socialist Party the names of the new government cabinet being at the helm in this 3rd term.

The head of government has confirmed 7 ministers in office. Arben Ahmetaj will continue to be the Minister of Reconstruction, but in addition to this task he will also hold the post of Deputy Prime Minister.  Peleshi is confirmed at the head of the Defense Ministry, Olta Xhacka as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bledi Cuci as Minister of Interior, Belinda Balluku at the head of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ogerta Manastirliu as Minister of Health. The new names in the government cabinet are that of Ulsi Manja who will hold the post of Minister of Justice. In the previous legislature, Manja was chairman of the Law Commission. Frida Krifca previously holding the position of the Chairwoman of ARDA is assigned as the Minister of Agriculture from. Delina Ibrahimaj will be transferred from the Tax Directorate to head the Ministry of Economy. Mirela Kumbaro returns to the government cabinet, holding the position of the Minister of Tourism and Environment.

Full list of the ministers inducted into the cabinet:

The Deputy Prime Minister will be Arben Ahmetaj

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Europe Olta Xhacka

Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi

Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja

Minister of Internal Affairs Bledi Cuci

Minister of Finance Delina Ibrahimi

Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku

Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu

Minister of Education Evis Kushi

Minister of Culture Elva Margariti

Ministry of Agriculture Frida Krifca

Ministry of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro

The new government will have four state ministers:

Elisa Spiropali Minister for Relations with Parliament

Edona Bilali Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Protection

Bora Muzhaqi Minister of State for Youth and Children

Milva Economy Minister of State for Standards and Services

New Legislature / Meta decrees the date (Radio Tirana)

The Assembly with the newly elected deputies of 25 April elections will convene on 10 September. President Ilir Meta has decreed the date, where he has called the convention of the session, for the new legislature. It is learned that the hearing is scheduled to start at 10:00.

Recall that in the elections of 25 April, the SP managed to secure 74 seats, while the DP, 59 and the SMI, 4.

Negotiations, Rama to Bulgaria: Open the way for us to start talks with the EU! Varhelyi: Europe cannot fail with the Balkans as it’s with Afghanistan (Radio Tirana)

At a time when Bulgaria has vetoed North Macedonia in terms of EU integration, holding Albania hostage, Prime Minister Edi Rama has used the Strategic Forum in Slovenia to send a message.  “Please open the way, become more Balkan and not European,” Rama told the Bulgarian Prime Minister, who was by his side, sitting next to him in a chair. “Please, Bulgarians, pave the way. What are you trying to save? Open the way, become more Balkan,” Rama said. The forum focused on the future of the European Union and the head of the Albanian government did not respect the time allotted to him, despite the insistence of the moderator, saying that it is a rare case that this opportunity was given to the countries of the Western Balkans to discuss this topic, as they themselves are the future of this Union. “I am sincerely grateful to the Prime Minister and the President, because we were finally invited to a discussion on the future of the EU. If it is the future of Europe. We are Europe. There is no future for Europe without the Western Balkans,” Rama said. Quite strong was also the statement of the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhely, who said that there is no time to lose and that the EU cannot fail as with Afghanistan. “We cannot fail with the Western Balkans. Integrate them politically, economically and securely. We can not allow ourselves to fail. There must be conviction in the Balkans as well. “We need to be motivated and the offer is real. We need to talk about this and how to accelerate it. Afghanistan teaches us that we have no time to lose,” he said. The Prime Minister of Kosovo was also present at this forum, emphasizing that the EU should reform its decision-making system regarding the process of integration of the Western Balkans into the EU. Rama was present at this forum accompanied by Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka and Minister of State for Reconstruction Arben Ahmetaj. On arrival, Rama was received by the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa and had brief warm meetings with the EU envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue Miroslav Lajcak and the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Before the start of the forum, Rama had a meeting with the Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi. This forum focuses on the future of Europe and the effective response to current challenges, such as the Covid pandemic that has brought the world to its knees.

Sassoli: EU should reconsider Balkan membership approach (Radio Tirana)

The President of the European Parliament David Sassoli said that the EU should review the process of EU membership of the Western Balkan countries. Sassoli made these comments at the opening of the Strategic Forum in Bled, Slovenia, focusing this year on the future of the EU and the Balkans. Sassoli said that the stability of the EU is being challenged not only by the COVID-19 pandemic but also by other dangers, such as fake news and propaganda coming from abroad. Regarding the membership of the Western Balkan countries in the European bloc, Sassoli said that the EU should review the accession approach as soon as possible. Sassoli reiterated that the European Union should not delay the accession process of the Western Balkan states, as he said other states could increase their influence in the region. Speaking at the forum, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was critical of the membership process. Vucic mentioned the case of North Macedonia, which, according to him, everyone in the EU had promised to open membership negotiations in case of resolving the name issue with Greece, but in the end, according to him, the EU did not keep its promise. He said that the same situation is with Albania and the same can happen to Serbia, which he said has made progress in the rule of law. Regarding the membership of the Western Balkan countries, the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban said that Serbia is geostrategically the main country in the region and that efforts for EU membership should be stepped up. During the forum discussion, Sassoli criticized EU countries which he said were unwilling to accept Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban, as did several third countries, including the Western Balkans. Sassoli further said that the European Union can not behave as if the issue of Afghanistan is no longer an issue to be dealt with, as according to him, EU countries have been involved in the war in Afghanistan. This criticism provoked the reaction of some of the leaders of EU countries. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he supported the decision of EU countries not to accept Afghan refugees. He said the 2015 decision to accept refugees from Syria had caused the most trouble to his country, Greece, which, according to Mitsotakis, was a victim of the failure of the EU’s own policies. Kosovo is represented in this forum by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti. This forum is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, which is currently the current chair of the European Union. In addition to the leaders of the Balkans, the forum was also attended by leaders of EU countries and European Union structures.