LOCAL PRESS

Selakovic with Giaufret, EU ambassadors: Pristina persistently avoids fulfilling its own obligations (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic met on Thursday with the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret and the ambassadors of EU Member States accredited in Serbia.

Selakovic underlined that membership in the EU is an absolute priority of our foreign policy and strategic commitment and added that we are fully dedicated to the reform process and the improvement of all segments of our society. He assessed that the dynamics of accession negotiations should be in line with our reform efforts, but that it is encouraging that this year’s report of the European Commission on Serbia’s progress has a more positive tone compared to the previous one. In that sense, we expect that an intergovernmental conference will be held by the end of the Slovenian presidency of the EU Council, at which two clusters will be opened, Selakovic said. Selakovic emphasized that the EU is Serbia’s most important foreign trade partner, stating that the trade exchange between Serbia and the EU has increased by 52 percent in the last seven years, and the export of Serbian products to the EU by 64 percent, which is a joint result. He stated that Serbia is fully committed to preserving peace and stability in the region through cooperation and open dialogue, pointing to the Open Balkans initiative as a way to connect the region economically. When it comes to the process of normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, Selakovic said that our side is fully committed to dialogue, and that we have fulfilled our commitments, but that Pristina persistently avoids fulfilling its own obligations and has not done anything for eight and a half years regarding the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities. Selakovic said that, through unilateral moves on the ground – four in the past eight months – Pristina was further threatening peace and stability. The Minister informed the heads of missions about the fight against the pandemic in Serbia, expressing readiness for further cooperation with partners from Europe and the world in the joint fight against the coronavirus. Giaufret praised the current level of cooperation between the EU and Serbia in the field of common security and defense policy, as well as the important contribution of Serbia to EU missions and operations. There is broad support in the Foreign Affairs Council for the EU’s strong engagement in the region and the region’s further involvement in our foreign policy efforts. We had a good exchange of opinions on that matter today and we will work on further integration of Serbia and the region at all levels, concluded Giaufret.

Dacic and Nderitu discuss situation in region (Beta/RTS)

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic met on Thursday with the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu and discussed the situation in the region. Dacic said that regional cooperation was a priority for Serbia and that Belgrade was deeply committed to the preservation of peace and stability in the region. He added that serious and dire problems were inherited from the past and that they should be overcome, the Serbian parliament has stated. “All those who committed crimes must be identified and brought to justice and crimes should not be divided into ‘ours’ and ‘theirs’,” Dacic stated, adding that the politicizing of crimes was creating additional divisions and not contributing to the overcoming of problems. Nderitu informed Dacic about her authorizations, activities on the prevention of genocide and about her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina this year. The mandate of the UN Secretary General’s special advisor for the prevention of genocide includes fighting hate speech, and Nderitu pointed out that she cooperated with many parliaments in that field, declaring readiness for this form of cooperation to be realized with the Serbian parliament.

Matic: New measures announced by Pristina gross violation of CEFTA agreement (RTS/Tanjug)

Serbian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Tatjana Matic stated on Thursday, regarding the announcements from Pristina that they would introduce new measures on confectionery products from Serbia, that this decision has to do with politics rather than with the economy or commerce. Matic said that the Serbian Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications will turn to institutions in Brussels, CEFTA Secretariat and the embassies of the member states of NATO Quint regarding these announcements. CEFTA is the largest trade community that exists, and the announcement of such measures does not contribute to either the development of trade relations, nor to political dialogue in the Western Balkans, which Serbia stands for. We hope that this decision will not be made eventually, she stated. However, if this decision is implemented, the mentioned trade barrier would be another in a series of examples of violations of the CEFTA Agreement and the obligations undertaken during the Brussels dialogue, according to Matic.

Petkovic: Pristina not interested in normalization (Tanjug/RTV)

Commenting on Pristina’s announcement of potential measures targeting confectionery products from Serbia proper, the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic on Thursday said Pristina had demonstrated it was not interested in normalization of relations. In a Twitter post, Petkovic said the move was a violation of CEFTA and that it undermined the Brussels agreement. “Following Pristina’s refusal to take part in constructive dialogue in Brussels, there are new unilateral moves by Albin Kurti, whose aides are announcing a new barrier to Serbian products. In that way, they are violating the Brussels agreement and demonstrating that they are not interested in normalization,” Petkovic wrote. While Belgrade is pushing for the Open Balkans initiative, Pristina is introducing new barriers, showing its true face, Petkovic added. Earlier in the day, Pristina’s minister of industry, entrepreneurship and trade said measures against confectionery products from central Serbia could be introduced to protect local producers from imports.

Lajcak: Second meeting held of Working Group on License Plates between Belgrade and Pristina (RTS)

EU Special Envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajck wrote on Tweeter that the expert delegations held the second meeting on Thursday. “Today, the expert delegations of Kosovo and Serbia met for the second meeting of the Working Group on License Plates in Brussels. Delegations engaged constructively and continued their exchange of views. I encourage them to find a permanent solution for the sake of their citizens.”

REGIONAL PRESS

Field: Sanctions are relevant and on the table; Best sanctions are actually domestic sanctions coming on the day of the elections and from local courts (AJB) 

Diplomatic activities to resolve the current political crisis in B&H continues. The UK Embassy to B&H commented on Thursday on possible solutions and methods how to end the crisis. UK Ambassador to B&H Matthew Field stated that there is a possibility to impose international sanctions against B&H politicians, but that they can also be sanctioned by local institutions in B&H. He stressed that sanctions are relevant and, on the table, and that best sanctions are actually domestic sanctions coming on the day of the elections and from local courts.

Szijjarto says Hungary will not oppose any concrete position, but does not think sanctions by EU are number one tool to achieve desired results (BHT1) 

After the media reported about Germany requesting sanctions against Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik at the session of the Political and Security Committee (PSG) of the European Union, which was opposed by Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Hungary was of the view that sanctions were not the “number one tool” taking into account that all past sanctions by the EU had not achieved the desired results. Asked to comment on his opposing the sanctions, Szijjarto said: “Generally speaking, I do not like the direction the EU foreign policy is taking. What I see now is that sanctions are becoming the only tool of the EU foreign policy.” Szijjarto reminded that none of the past sanctions imposed by the EU “contributed to achieving the goal that was meant to be achieved with sanctions. On the contrary, different results have been achieved from those expected”. Asked if Hungary would oppose sanctions in the upcoming period, taking into account that a number of the EU Member States view Dodik as the main person responsible for the current political situation in B&H, due to unconstitutional withdrawal from the state institutions, and the consensus within the EU being necessary for such decision, Szijjarto said that potential sanctions against Dodik had only been mentioned in relation to political challenges, without any formal proposal or draft being submitted. “There is no concrete position we will oppose. We only said that we do not think that the sanctions are the number one tool,” said Szijjarto.

Tegeltija discusses cooperation and European integration with Szijjarto: Tegeltija: B&H political crisis should be resolved through internal dialogue rather than imposed solutions (FTV) 

Chairman of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Zoran Tegeltija met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto in Sarajevo on Thursday. On this occasion, Tegeltija and Szijjarto discussed strengthening of cooperation of B&H and Hungary and the European integration of B&H. Tegeltija stated that the two friendly countries have no open issues, and thanked Hungary for the assistance it has provided in the fight against the Coronavirus. The CoM Chairman also informed the Hungarian Minister about the current political situation in B&H. Tegeltija emphasized the need for the political crisis in B&H to be resolved through internal dialogue, without the imposition of solutions from outside, while respecting constitutional jurisdictions of all government levels in B&H and the Dayton Peace Accords.

Cvijanovic meets Sattler; Cvijanovic: RS is committed to resolving open political issues in B&H through dialogue and without threats and imposition of solutions (ATV) 

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic met with the Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H and EU Special Representative (EUSR) Johann Sattler in Banja Luka on Thursday. They exchanged stances on the current political challenges in B&H and their implications on the EU integration process and meeting 14 key priorities set out in the EC’s Opinion. Cvijanovic has pointed out the need for a rational and balanced approach of European partners and other international actors to B&H, as well as the need for respecting legitimate interests of both entities and all the three constituent peoples. It was emphasized at the meeting in Banja Luka that the RS is committed to consistently respecting the Dayton Peace Agreement, preserving peace and stability and resolving open political issues in B&H through dialogue, without threats and imposition of solutions.

Cubrilovic meets Sattler; Cubrilovic: Agreement should be reached by domestic political leaders who can make enforceable decisions (BN TV) 

RS parliament speaker Nedeljko Cubrilovic met with the Head of the EUD to B&H Johann Sattler in Banja Luka, pointing out that it is necessary to achieve constructive dialogue and find compromise solutions among the leading legitimate representatives of the Bosniak, Serb and Croat people in B&H. Cubrilovic stated that an agreement should be reached by domestic political leaders who can make enforceable decisions. During the meeting, it was emphasized that all political subjects should make additional efforts to find solutions that would be acceptable to all peoples in B&H.

Cubrilovic, Uebber discuss current situation in B&H; Cubrilovic: Solution for political situation in B&H can be achieved only by respecting all three constituent peoples (RTRS) 

RS parliament speaker Nedeljko Cubrilovic met with German Ambassador to B&H Margret Uebber in Banja Luka on Thursday with whom he discussed current political topics. Cubrilovic pointed out that the solution of the political situation in B&H can be achieved only by respecting all three constituent peoples. “Many years of support from part of the international community exclusively to the Bosniak side and their efforts to unitarize B&H, contrary to the Dayton Peace Agreement, have led to the RS being forced to defend its constitutional competencies in every peaceful and legal way” reads the statement issued from Cubrilovic’s Office. Cubrilovic said that the biggest problem in B&H is the mutual distrust of the three constituent peoples, as well as the unprincipled attitude and interference of part of the international community in internal affairs in B&H. He pointed out that progress can be achieved only through dialogue and agreement of the most important Bosniak, Serb and Croat political representatives.

Law on Medicines and Medical Devices of RS not endorsed in RS CoP, Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP invokes mechanism for protection of VNI (FTV) 

At a session on Thursday, the RS Council of Peoples (HoP) did not endorse the Law on Medicines and Medical Devices of the RS, which was recently adopted by the RS parliament in urgent procedure. Namely, the law was adopted by the RS parliament and it defined a possibility of establishing the RS Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices. SNSD leader and Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated after the RS parliament’s adoption that this law is the first step within the initiative to restore the RS’ competences that were transferred onto the state level. At the RS CoP, the Bosniak Caucus invoked the mechanism for protection of vital national interest (VNI), while the law was also not endorsed by the Croat Caucus. The law will be sent for harmonization to the joint commission of the RS CoP and the RS parliament. Speaker of the RS CoP Nada Tesanovic explained that the Bosniak Caucus disputed the whole law and did not submit amendments. “Four Croat delegates abstained from voting. One voted in favor. So, the Croat Caucus did not support the law, either,” Tesanovic noted. Tesanovic said for the media: “We are going with the harmonization at the Joint Commission of the Council of Peoples and the RS parliament, and then we will see if we can agree there. But, the fact is that the whole text has been disputed, and there are no amendments, so, basically, we have nothing to agree on”. Bosniak delegate in the RS CoP Mihnet Okic explained that the Bosniak Caucus finds it disputable that this law could bring confusion into the healthcare system, since there is already a state-level Law on Medicines and Medical Devices. Okic considers that this law also aims to cover up the affair related to irregularities in oxygen supplying of the healthcare institutions and to undermine B&H as a state. Okic said: “The said Law, they tried to adopt it due to ‘Oxygen’ scandal and concealing those things, in addition to winning combination of continuous disrespecting B&H as a state. We are of view it cannot be, and it will not be accepted.”

RTRS investigates who intimidates population by talking about possible consequences of regaining competencies (RTRS) 

Disagreements between the authorities and the opposition on the return of Dayton competencies to the RS culminated before the special session of the RS parliament. SDS members say that the RS does not have the strength to bear the possible consequences. Although the legal process will take place in a legitimate institution – the National Assembly, the opposition finds it disputable that this issue was initiated by the Executive Committee of the SNSD. They doubt the strength of RS and its leadership. The SNSD members say to the opposition that they should not “bother those who are on the way to achieve a great political victory for the RS”. RTRS reminds that the RS MPs should consider four information on the transfer of competencies and the Declaration on Constitutional Principles at a special session, which, among other things, envisages declaring all laws imposed by the Office of the High Representative (OHR) unconstitutional. RTRS also noted that RS ruling majority was threatened with sanctions if they try and return RS competencies. RS Minister of Interior Dragan Lukac stated that many threats and pressures have been directed at the RS in recent days, and that Bosniak politicians are doing everything with the aim of destabilizing and creating a war-inciting atmosphere. Lukac strongly condemned any statements, primarily of Bosniak politicians who “call” the international community (IC) to react, EUFOR to send military troops, talk about readiness, weapons, spreading various misinformation through the media, all for the sake of destabilizing and creating a war-inciting atmosphere. “Judging by at least their statements, these people are ready for the escalation of the conflict, so that it would be as they think it should be in B&H. That is not democracy, and it is neither independence nor stability,” Lukac pointed out and assessed that “these people, whether they are Serbs, Croats or Bosniaks, do not deserve it”. When it comes to return of competencies, the RS opposition parties say this is not the issue, but the issue is the possible consequences that might come after that. SDS leader Mirko Sarovic said that those matters are so important, that they even “shook some global political centers”. Sarovic says that that the shoulders of Serb member of the B&H Presidency, Milorad Dodik, and the RS are too weak to raise the issue of the return of competencies on their own. “We tell him that at any given opportunity,” Sarovic added. The SDS leader wants to know if the RS can pull this off, if it has international friends on its side, if the entity is financially stable to go through with it, and what consequences might be suffered after that decision is made. SNSD RS MP Srdjan Mazalica told Sarovic that he should not scare people in RS with talk on “serious consequences”. Mazalica reminds that a diplomatic offensive is being conducted, and that the RS has strong international support for important historic decisions. Mazalica emphasized that Sarovic must be aware of the fact that times when he was in power, and afraid, are gone. He said Sarovic is still afraid, and he is unable to convey his true opinion due to being “blackmailed with many things”. Mazalica asked Sarovic not to be in the way of those that are trying to achieve a great political victory for the RS.

Ljubic writes to EU and USA: B&H is threatened with ‘Cyprian scenario, Law on Elections prevents that (Vecernji list) 

Chairman of the Main Council of the Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) Bozo Ljubic has sent senior officials of the EU and the US, representatives of the international community in B&H an open letter in which he said, among other issues, that changes to the Law on Elections of B&H, which would guarantee legitimate political representation of constituent peoples, would significantly relax relations in B&H and decrease negative impact of the Bosniak Unitarianism policy and the policy of Serb secessionism that could result in a ‘Syrian’ scenario. Ljubis argued that B&H is a deeply divided, post-conflict society, which could be stable and functional only as consociation democracy based on equal decision-making by its three peoples. Ljubic argued the first step is to adopt changes to the Law on Elections, which would allow all three constituent peoples to elect their legitimate political representatives. The daily further writes that the open letter has been sent to, among others, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar, US Special Envoy for Electoral Reform Matthew Palmer, EC Vice President Josep Borrell, Director for Western Balkans and Turkey of European External Action Service Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Johann Sattler, High Representative Christian Schmidt. The letter also reads that in case policies of Unitarianism and separatism are not stopped, there would be radicalization of the situation. Namely, there could be ‘Cyprian’ scenario and even ‘Syrian’ scenario in case of extremely negative geo-political circumstances.

Slovenian Minister says Croatia should join Schengen, supports border fences (Hina) 

Croatia’s admission to the Schengen Area will significantly contribute to the control of illegal migration in the region, and Slovenia continues to firmly support that goal, Slovenian Interior Minister Ales Hojs said on Thursday. The minister is convinced that the problem of illegal migration should be addressed with all resources, including border fences. “We are a strong advocate of Croatia joining the Schengen Area, all technical conditions have mostly been met and we are waiting for a political decision,” Hojs told reporters in Sarajevo at an international conference on illegal migration management. The decision on Croatia’s Schengen Area membership is expected to be made by summer 2022. I don’t think the final decision will be made before June or July next year, said Hojs. According to him, shifting the external Schengen border to the south will contribute to better control of illegal migration, and it would be best if an effective control mechanism were established on the Greek borders to shut the Western Balkans route. Hojs stressed that the situation had deteriorated with the hybrid war of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko against the European Union and the collapse of the Afghan government. All of that is an additional reason why a large number of irregular migrants are again directed towards Europe and thus destabilize the entire EU, said Hojs, warning that the situation was considerably different than in 2015 because they were no longer welcome in the EU. He pointed out that everything Lukashenko was doing by pushing migrants toward Poland was undoubtedly a hybrid war and he believes that the EU will not allow the use of migrants as a political tool or weapon. Hojs warns that a political agreement with Belarus is not working. Although he believes there is still plenty of room for talks, he considers that EU borders must be secured at all costs, even if it is necessary to raise fences.

Croatian Ambassador called to Austrian foreign ministry over Milanovic’s comment (Hina) 

Croatia’s Ambassador to Austria Danijel Gluncic was called to the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday over Croatian President Zoran Milanovic‘s comments on the Austrian coronavirus policy, the Croatian Embassy has confirmed to the Croatian state news agency Hina. “I can confirm that I was called to the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Ambassador Gluncic told Hina. He declined to reveal details of the discussion. According to a statement from the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gluncic was called over “highly unusual statements by the Croatian President” which were “strongly rejected”. Milanovic commented on the latest COVID restrictions in Austria on Monday, after meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican. On the same day, Austria imposed restrictions on the freedom of movement for people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who have not recovered from the disease. These people are allowed to leave their home only to buy food, visit a doctor or a pharmacy, and go to work. Failure to comply with this measure is subject to a fine of up to €1,450. “Today, unvaccinated people in Austria are banned from leaving their homes. What is that, science or methods that remind you of 1930s,” Milanovic said. “Comparing measures against the coronavirus pandemic to fascism is unacceptable. It is our responsibility to protect the citizens of Austria and we are acting accordingly,” the Austrian ministry said, as quoted by APA news agency. “We clearly conveyed our surprise at these statements to the Croatian ambassador in Austria,” said Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Montenegrin statehood can’t be questioned while striving for EU membership (Dnevne novine) 

Montenegro’s key priority should continue to be full membership in the EU, and that will not be possible if the foundations of Montenegrin statehood are in question, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Montenegro Tonino Picula has told Dnevne Novine. “The European Commission’s report clearly emphasizes that tensions between the executive power and the legislature have slowed reform work. Recommendations should be implemented, but such a thing requires an executive power with cohesion and clear parliamentary support. Such a government would not waste time on internal disputes over different understandings of what the government should look like and what its priorities should be,” says Picula. He is worried about the events in Montenegro. “I am worried, because I believe that this status quo is unsustainable, with the hitherto unsuccessful negotiations on government reshuffle and generally unequivocal stagnation due to the undefined future of the ruling coalition. Obviously, there is a serious polarization within the ruling coalition, expressed during the first talks on the government reshuffle, where there is a different view not only of the composition of that government, but also of the strategic commitment,” says Picula. In such circumstances, Picula believes, the only way out would be to form a stable parliamentary majority.

DF: Djukanovic violated the Constitution; DPS: Attempt to compromise (RTCG) 

The parliament of Montenegro is discussing the Proposal for initiating the procedure for determining whether the President of Montenegro has violated the Constitution. The final decision on a possible violation of the Constitution is made by the Constitutional Court.

The proposal was submitted by the SNP and supported by 36 deputies. The proposal was supported by the Constitutional Committee of the Parliament of Montenegro. The rapporteur of the Committee Simonida Kordic (DF) said that these were the actions of President Milo Djukanovic related to the events of 5 September, that is, the enthronement of Metropolitan Joanikije. Kordic said that the president then violated the principle of the Constitution on the separation of the state from the church, and that he also violated his powers provided by the Constitution. Kordic also said that Djukanovic violated the Criminal Code, calling for the prevention of religious rites. “In this way, the president of the state marked certain citizens of Montenegro as those who are acceptable and tried to determine where and in what way religious rites will be held,” Kordic explained. DF MP Dragan Bojovic said that Djukanovic could not face the truth that his political time had expired. “It is clear that Djukanovic violated the Constitution and in many respects violated the basic principle of separation of state and religious communities, violating the basis of human rights and freedoms, causing religious, national and other intolerance,” Bojovic said, adding that Djukanovic divided and incited citizens to quarrel, and incited hate speech. “Djukanovic should not only be dismissed, but also be held accountable for illegal actions,” Bojovic said.

Krivokapic meets with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric (Gov. Press service) 

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric in Strasbourg. The meeting noted that Montenegro and the Council of Europe share the same priorities in the field of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and that they remain reliable partners in preserving these values. All efforts towards these goals, with the wholehearted support of the Council of Europe, contribute to the strengthening of democratic processes and institutions and Montenegro’s fulfillment of obligations – both those arising from membership in the Council of Europe and progress towards membership in the European Union, which is our strategic goal, the Prime Minister said. Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric expressed her satisfaction with the meeting with the Montenegrin delegation led by Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic and expressed the expectation that the Government of Montenegro will continue constructive cooperation with numerous expert bodies of the Council of Europe in order to contribute to the achievement of basic goals. The Secretary General expressed satisfaction with the intention of the Government of Montenegro to sign Protocol 16 to the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which will strengthen the dialogue between national courts and the European Court of Human Rights. The officials agreed that the protocol will contribute to strengthening the authority of national courts, strengthening citizens’ trust in them, improving the quality of their decisions, and thus strengthening the rule of law. The meeting also emphasized the importance of the achieved results in the fight against organized crime, noting that cases of corruption and organized crime can be fully processed only by decisive action of security structures and by strengthening the independence of the judiciary. Prime Minister Krivokapic pointed out that freedom of the media, freedom of expression and protection of journalists is a pillar of a democratic society, and informed the Secretary General about the planned changes in criminal legislation. Secretary General Pejcinovic Buric added that assistance mechanisms of the Council of Europe are available to Montenegro, that it encourages the initiation of a constructive dialogue in the parliament, and emphasized the importance of synchronized action of all three branches of government. In that context, the officials expressed the expectation that Montenegro will show consistency with European practice and norms in this area.

Krivokapic, Buquicchio: Prosecutorial and judicial independence must be a priority (Gov. Press service) 

During the official visit to the Council of Europe, Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic met with President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio. The two officials discussed the improvement of the legal framework and the importance of cooperation with the Venice Commission in this area. One of the key tasks of the new Government is to harmonize the legal framework with the acquis communautaire, because that is the path to reaching the values and standards of developed Europe, and consequently the path to full membership in the EU. In that regard, we highly appreciate the support of the Venice Commission and especially your personal contribution to strengthening our overall cooperation, said the Prime Minister. Venice Commission President Buquicchio stressed the importance of prosecutorial and judicial independence, including the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, stressing that the Venice Commission remains open to assisting Montenegro with its advice and recommendations in the EU accession process. Prime Minister Krivokapic pointed out that Montenegro, after the first democratic change of government, is going through a challenging period of democratic maturation, and that the Government has the capacity and determination to carry out the reform process leading to full membership in the European Union. That is, among other things, what our citizens expect from us, the Prime Minister added. President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio also emphasized the importance of the reform of the election legislation, and that Montenegro can count on the help of the Commission in that field as well. The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere, expressing satisfaction over future cooperation.

Krivokapic meets with ECHR President Robert Spano (Gov. Press service) 

Montenegro has not had so far a case that was under increased supervision of execution by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which indicates the readiness and determination of the state to fulfill its obligations to execute judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, it was noted at the meeting between Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic and President of the European Court of Human Rights Robert Spano. PM Krivokapic pointed out that the political will to implement the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in Montenegro will not be brought into questioned, regardless of possible economic or political implications. This is confirmed by the fact that the measures taken by Montenegro on an individual and general level in order to execute judgments in 58 cases were assessed as satisfactory and adequate, said the Prime Minister, praising the actions and results of the representative of Montenegro before the European Court of Human Rights. President of the European Court of Human Rights Robert Spano expressed satisfaction with Montenegro’s intention to sign Protocol no. 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights, considering that it is an important tool for better cooperation and the establishment of a close dialogue between the European Court of Human Rights and national courts. ECHR President Spano recalled the proceedings against Montenegro related to the lack of effective investigation, but also the inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment. Prime Minister Krivokapic added that the new Government will do everything to prevent such cases from recurring, pointing out the importance of implementing the European Convention on Human Rights. The officials assessed that the task of all democratic societies is to be a guarantor of respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, and the obligation of all branches of government is to ensure an environment of respect and security through a common approach. The meeting assessed that the European Convention on Human Rights and the system on which it is based is one of the main values of Europe today, and that Montenegro, like all member states, will continue to make a full contribution to their affirmation and preservation.

Zaev: We do not expect early elections until the regular ones in 2024 (Libertas) 

We do not expect early parliamentary elections, on the contrary – until the regular elections in June 2024, the government will be committed to strong economic development, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev at the meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart, the government’s press service said. “We have a stable parliamentary majority, we expect an increase in the majority, we do not expect early parliamentary elections, on the contrary – until the regular elections in June 2024, the government will commit to strong economic development,” Zaev said at a meeting with Linhart.  At the meeting, as announced by the government, the special contribution of Prime Minister Zaev in the stability of the country and the region was emphasized and welcomed. The strong support of the Republic of Austria for the continuation of the EU enlargement process with the countries of the Western Balkans and specifically for the start of the EU negotiations with the Republic of Northern Macedonia in December this year was also emphasized. The Austrian side also expressed great interest in new investments in the country.

Pendarovski: I did not disappear for Mickoski when he was trying to form a parliamentary majority (Nezavisen vesnik) 

President Stevo Pendarovski called “interesting” the statement of the leader of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE Hristijan Mickoski that he “disappeared” and that he is not in the midst of the energy crisis facing the country. “His statement that I am missing is interesting, for him I was not missing while he was trying to make a parliamentary majority of 61 MPs. Suddenly, according to him, I am disappearing after his attempt to make a majority of 61 MPs failed,” said Pendarovski answering a journalist question on the eve of the Macedonia 2025 Summit in which he participates. “It is perfectly clear to me, but I do not know how clear it is for him that the Republic of Northern Macedonia is a parliamentary democracy, not a presidential system in which the president calls people at his own discretion and gives them advice, lessons, tells them what to do. I know that in the past there were examples of presidents who went beyond their constitutional positions, but I do not intend to do that,” Pendarovski said. Commenting on the energy crisis, he said that the day after the second round of local elections ended, the government declared a state of crisis throughout the territory and that was the only reason why it did not convene a Security Council with the same item on the agenda. Asked whether the crisis is deepening and whether he intends to convene a session of the Security Council, Pendarovski said that in this situation when the government, due to the declared state of crisis, is allowed to quickly reposition budget funds, sees no need to convene a Security Council. “The Security Council is an advisory body that brings recommendations, conclusions and if it adopts those recommendations, it sends them to the Government and the Parliament, so again it is the circle of competent entities,” said Pendarovski.

Bulgaria says it will not support the start of EU negotiations with Macedonia (Republika/BGNES) 

Bulgaria cannot support the holding of the first intergovernmental conference with Macedonia, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry told BGNES, after the winning party in the elections in Bulgaria, “We continue the change” sent positive signals about the possibility of lifting the blockade on the country’s European integration. The current project for the negotiating framework for Macedonia’s entry into the EU does not contain the proposals of the Bulgarian side and it follows that Bulgaria cannot support the conference, says the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, adding that the Interim Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev met with ambassadors of EU member states and informed them about the open issues with our country. There is no progress in the implementation of the Good Neighborly Agreement, Stoev said at the meeting, noting that the Bulgarian side still expects concrete steps from the Macedonian side, such as renouncing territorial and minority claims, halting hate speech against Bulgaria, changing textbooks in Macedonia that will reflect our common history and guarantee the rights of citizens with Bulgarian self-awareness, reads the statement of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry.

In official visit to Italy, Rama seeks renewed bilateral relations, support on EU challenges (Tirana Times) 

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has made an official visit to Italy, focusing on bilateral relations and seeking support for Albania’s arduous EU membership bid.  While in Rome, Albania’s premier met with his counterpart, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and several other key Italian officials. ,Draghi said Italy will continue to give “convincing and full support to Albania” in its EU bid as well as its general development. “Italy is close to Albania on everything, in every inch of its foreign policy in terms of Albania’s integration and accession into the European Union. Italy is following closely and taking notice of the alignment of Albanian standards with those of the European Union, will continue to do so and has done most recently,” Draghi said at a joint press conference. “It is crucial for both Italy and Albania, for stability in the Balkans, because Albania’s EU accession process would not happen alone, but also by considering the accession of other Balkan countries.” Albanian Prime Minister Rama said at the conference that despite the challenges facing all Western Balkan countries, the EU is the only destination. But it is a two-way street, he indicated. “Everything happening in the Western Balkans, be it for better or worse, has an immediate effect on Europe, because it would suffice thinking that the European Union is the only geographical creature with both an internal and external border and six countries practically living at the heart of the European Union are actually outside the bloc’s external border” Rama said at the joint press conference. Answering journalists’ questions, Rama repeated Tirana’s disappointment with individual EU member states holding up the opening of accession negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia. “It is obvious that the process of convening the first intergovernmental conference between Albania and the European Union and North Macedonia and the EU depends neither on Albania nor on North Macedonia. Given the current circumstances, the process hinges on a veto imposed by Bulgaria, and Albania, in this case, is the weirdest collateral damage one can ever imagine” Rama said. He added: “We have delivered on our homework, we haven’t done them for the European Union, but we have done them for ourselves; we will continue to do them for ourselves, not for the EU and as soon as the roadblock will be removed, we will be ready to sit at the table.” Focusing on bilateral relations with Italy and domestic issues, Rama said he hoped there would be further cooperation in areas such as justice, economy and treaty on retirement benefits of those who had worked in both countries. “I was also able to ask the Prime Minister for an accelerated process of pension rights recognition. There are many Albanians, who work and pay their insurance contributions to the Italian state for years,” Rama said. He further expressed Albania’s gratitude for Italy’s role over the recent decades.  “A lot has been done. Italy has played a key role throughout this not-easy transition period from an isolated dictatorial regime to a functioning democracy,” Rama said. “We would never be able to express through words all the gratitude to this country, to all center-left and center-right governments that never changed their attitude toward Albania.” Rama also held a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, and told journalists after the meeting the two had discussed several bilateral issues of shared interest. “We will continue to work with projects, from the railways, which have to do with the maritime economy, to infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, culture and so on, of course without forgetting what we said, about these pillars that have been characterized as important points our cooperation on security and justice,” Rama said.  Rama and Di Maio also signed an agreement on participation in the Joint Albanian-Italian Economic Commission, aimed at furthering economic ties. Italy has been designated as a strategic partner by Albania’s government, with human and economic ties being perhaps stronger than any other country. “We now can do a lot more, because it is not only Albanians living and working in Italy, but also a lot of Italian citizens, from entrepreneurs to students of retired people who now live in Albania. The future will bring us increasingly closer with each other,” Rama said. Italian Prime Minister Draghi echoed that sentiment at the joint press conference. “​​Italian-Albanian relations do not need many words. It is a long-standing, very strong and very successful relationship. Italy’s Albanian community is a very large community and obviously very well integrated,” Draghi said. “A large number of Albanian students attend and benefit a lot from our universities. Italian enterprises in Albania are really a great number, both under Italian ownership only, as well as those under joint ownership, which means that in this sector too, the categories of entrepreneurs are close to one another.” Although the influence of Italian language has been losing some ground to English in recent years, its presence remains strong in Albania, also indicated by Prime Minister Rama’s choice to speak in fluent Italian during the joint press conference with Draghi at Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government. In March 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Albania sent Italy 90 doctors and nurses to cope with the pressure the Italian health system was experiencing.  The act of solidarity was not forgotten at the press conference between the two prime ministers, with Draghi expressing gratitude.  Italy is among the top trade partners with Albania, with about 42.8 percent of Albanian exports going to Italy and about 33.4 percent of all products imported by Albania coming from Italy.  “Italy and Albania are also cooperating in agriculture, tourism, services and the ecological transition now,” Draghi said.