LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Necessity of implementation of ZSO agreement (RTS/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic noted at a meeting with the EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak the necessity of implementation of an agreement on a Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) and respect of the rights and the will of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. “I reviewed with Miroslav Lajcak the latest developments and problems faced by the Serbs due to unilateral and illegitimate moves by Pristina,” Vucic wrote on his Instagram account. “I noted the necessity of implementation of the agreement on the Community of Serb Municipalities and respect of the rights and the will of our people,” Vucic said, adding that Serbia was “committed to continuing constructive dialogue with the aim of maintaining peace and stability and achieving better living conditions for all citizens”.

Vucic: I am going to Tirana, I will fight for the interests of our people (RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he will go to Tirana for the Summit of the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans in order to fight for the interests of the Serbian people. Vucic said that he hopes that there will be some benefit from his departure to Tirana. “Regardless of the fact that the topic is the Western Balkans, and that 20 of them will talk about sanctions against the Russian Federation and the problem of Kosovo in an inadequate way, maybe my colleagues are right when they say that they will hear at least one answer,” said Vucic.

Brnabic accuses Kurti of brutally violating Brussels agreement (TV Pink)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic accused Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of brutally violating the Brussels agreement by generating crises. Speaking live on TV Pink, Brnabic said that the problems with ID cards and vehicle license plates were artificially generated crises by Kurti who, she added, unilaterally violated every signed agreement. She recalled Kurti’s statement in Berlin that the 2013 Brussels agreement does not exist for Pristina and that the Community of Serb Municipalities is out of the question. Brnabic also criticized the appointment of Nenad Rasic to the post of Minister for Communities and Return in Kurti’s cabinet with Rada Trajkovic as his deputy to replace officials of Serb List, saying that they won just 1,500 votes in the Kosovo elections compared to the much higher number of Serb List votes. She said that she does not recognize the Kosovo Constitution and that the Serbs can’t be represented by anyone who won 30 times fewer votes than the Serb List.

Serbia remains committed to European integration process (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke on Friday with European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi. She personally thanked Commissioner Varhelyi and Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret, Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, for the support they provide to Serbia in the process of European integration. Serbia remains committed to reforms on the European path because they are in the interest of our citizens, Brnabic pointed out. The Prime Minister said that the government’s focus is on continuing reforms in the area of the rule of law and above all in the area of the judiciary, in accordance with the constitutional amendments that were adopted in the referendum in January this year. According to her, in coordination with the Venice Commission, the government is working on drafting a set of judicial laws, the goal of which is to make the judiciary more independent and efficient. In addition, as she pointed out, the focus will be on the adoption of a set of media laws that the new Ministry of Information and Telecommunications is working on, as well as the continuation of reforms in the field of energy and environmental protection. Varhelyi expressed his support for the European integration process of Serbia and singled out energy and migration as key topics of importance for both sides. He recalled that the European Commission has allocated €165 million of financial support for the field of energy, and that it will continue to support energy diversification in the Western Balkans. In addition, as he pointed out, it is important to continue cooperation in the fight against illegal migration, in which Serbia can count on the help and support of the EU, as well as further harmonisation of visa policy with the EU. In her conversation with Varhelyi, Brnabic expressed her dissatisfaction with the statement by Peter Stano regarding the appointment of Rasic and said that it contradicts the Brussels agreement and the will of the people that was expressed in the elections. The meeting was attended by Minister for European Integration Tanja Miscevic, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Goran Vesic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications Mihailo Jovanovic, as well as Giaufret.

EU membership Serbia’s strategic commitment (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic underlined, in a conversation with European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, that Serbia’s EU membership is one of the main priorities of our foreign policy and our strategic commitment. In this sense, Dacic emphasised that Serbia remains fully committed to the reform process and the improvement of all spheres of our society and welcomed the three agreements that were signed today. In addition, Dacic expressed gratitude for the financial support that we, as a region, receive from the EU, which is of inestimable importance for the implementation of reforms on the European path. Varhelyi said that great attention is paid to EU-Serbia relations and the enlargement policy because EU membership is the only real, long-term solution for peace and prosperity. The interlocutors agreed that all efforts should be focused on the continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, since the conversation is the only right way to resolve open issues, as well as to reach a sustainable agreement. The European Commissioner pointed out that without the engagement of both sides, the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina cannot be successful. The two officials exchanged opinions on the progressive alignment of Serbia’s visa and foreign policy with the EU, with Dacic underlining that our side is ready to work with European partners on the issue of illegal migration and is gradually harmonising its visa and foreign policy with EU policy.

Gratitude for Iran’s principled stance on territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke today with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian about bilateral cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries. Brnabic noted that this year marks the 85th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and she expressed her gratitude for Iran’s principled stance when it comes to Serbia’s territorial integrity. The Prime Minister underlined that such a position represents support for the basic principles of international law, saying that it is in Serbia’s interest to develop cooperation with Iran in areas where there are real opportunities for this, for example, in the field of agriculture. The head of Iranian diplomacy highlighted the importance of the relationship between the two countries, stressing the active cooperation of the ambassadors in both countries. The meeting in the Serbian government was attended by Serbian Ambassador to Iran Dragan Todorovic and Ambassador of Iran to Serbia Rashid Hassan Pour Baei.

Relations of Serbia, Iran at high level (Politika/Tanjug)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said yesterday that Serbia and Iran are celebrating 85 years of diplomatic relations, and that the relations between the two countries are at a high level. At a press conference at the Foreign Ministry after the meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Dacic pointed out that in the first 10 months of this year, the trade exchange was $55 million, but that it can be improved in the following period.

According to him, cooperation between the two countries can be improved in culture, education and many other areas. This year, Serbia awarded 18 scholarships for students from Iran who want to study in Serbia, said Dacic. He thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran for that country’s principled stance on Serbia’s territorial integrity. Abdollahian pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries is good and expressed the hope that Iran will soon host Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. We believe that Serbia is an eastern country in the West and a western country in the East, Abdollahian underlined. He stated that Iran supports all peaceful measures taken by Serbia regarding Kosovo and Metohija. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran mentioned that Iran is ready to help Serbia when it comes to energy commodities, if Serbia makes such a request.

Stefanovic: Serbia will never recognize Kosovo (Tanjug)

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Borko Stefanovic met today at the parliament with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Martin Dvorak to discuss Serbia and the Western Balkans’ European prospects. Stefanovic said that the Czech Republic is a friendly country and thanked it for its support of Serbia’s European integration. “We belong in Europe and our future is in the EU,” stressed Stefanovic, adding that it is vital for the EU itself to send a positive signal to Serbia, as there have been no concrete positive developments in the integration since 2009, which has led to a decline it support by the citizens who see the EU through s veil of constant conditioning. Stefanovic added that, as the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he had submitted to the parliament a Resolution Proposal on harmonising the foreign policy of Serbia with the EU foreign policy in the form of restrictive measures towards the Russian Federation, so that our country could align its foreign policy with European. He stressed that it is important for Serbia to take the correct position in these circumstances, one which is in our national, economic and political interest. Otherwise, Belgrade’s position on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija will weaken, Stefanovic pointed out, adding that Belgrade is committed to dialogue and finding a compromise solution with Pristina in order to normalise relations, but that it will never recognize the independence, nor membership of so-called Kosovo in the UN. Dvorak agreed that our two countries have historically good relations, adding that he is aware that the issue of Kosovo is the most important issue for Serbia. He emphasised that, despite the difficult circumstances, a way should be found to remedy the situation and reach a compromise, in order to normalise relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Dvorak also said that the events in Ukraine can greatly affect the Western Balkans, which is very important for Europe. The officials agreed that regional cooperation is of great importance and that regional initiatives, such as the Open Balkans, have a positive impact on the European perspectives of the entire region. In the course of the meeting, Stefanovic and Dvorak jointly assessed that bilateral relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic could be further improved by intensifying interparliamentary cooperation, through the exchange of visits by parliamentary delegations.

REGIONAL PRESS

EU: Tirana Summit will be an opportunity to reaffirm significance of key partnership between Union and Western Balkan countries (Nezavisne)

The EU stated that the upcoming Summit of EU and Western Balkan leaders in Tirana represents an opportunity to reaffirm the key significance of the strategic partnership between the Union and the region which has a clear European perspective. The main topic will be joint resolving of consequences of the Russian operation in Ukraine, intensifying of political action based on common principles, strengthening security and improving resilience to foreign interventions, facing challenges of migration, as well as fight against organized crime and terrorism. The leaders will discuss the negative impacts of the Ukraine war on energy and food safety in the Western Balkans, as well as deepening of political engagement with focus on young people. This will also be an opportunity to discuss the achieved progress in the process of integration of the region into a single regional market, and modernization of money transfer systems in line with the EU standards, digitalization and implementation of the EU-Western Balkans green lanes which will facilitate cross-border logistics and flow of goods. The Summit will also be an opportunity to discuss coordinated security and defense activities which became even more important in the context of the Russian operation in Ukraine. The Summit will take place on Tuesday in Tirana.

Dodik says he will decide with Vucic if B&H will take part in Tuesday’s summit in Tirana (RTRS)

RS President Milorad Dodik announced that he will reach a joint stance with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday on the participation in the EU-Western Balkans summit, scheduled to take place in Tirana on Tuesday. Dodik specified that, if the Serbian President decides not to attend that summit, the presence of the RS in the summit will also be questionable. Dodik said that the stance of the Serbian President on going to the summit in Tirana is very clear, but that the real circumstances should also be taken into account i.e. the fact that it is a summit of the EU and the Western Balkans and that Serbia is the most important country in the region. Dodik confirmed that he spoke with Vucic over the phone on Sunday and added that they often exchange opinions and try to reach joint stances. The RS President emphasized that the RS and Serbia have agreed stances on many issues and that it is very important to undertake joint activities and measures. “It is visible and clear from the previous speech of President Vucic that there are many problems, misunderstandings, and the further we go, the more and more Serbia and the RS are wrapped in that cliché of theirs in which we are held responsible, and every time they expect us to deliver their expectations, which as a rule, go to the detriment of the RS and Serbia, not respecting any of the positions we present”, noted the RS President. He added that, in B&H, there are complex procedures in this regard. He concluded: “It is known that B&H has a three-partite Presidency and if one member is unable to attend, then another one goes and that can be a problem, but we will coordinate all this with President Vucic.” Dodik said and reminded that earlier this week, Vucic said he does not want to attend the summit, outraged by the fact that Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, appointed Nenad Rasic as a minister in the Kosovo government, while Rada Trajkovic was appointed to be his adviser.

Becirovic assesses Dodik’s views on B&H’s participation in summit in Tirana as ungrounded (FTV)

B&H Presidency member Denis Becirovic reacted to the views of RS President Milorad Dodik regarding the harmonization of views with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic regarding the participation of the state of B&H in the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana, and assessed them as ungrounded. “B&H is an independent, sovereign state and a full member of the United Nations. Representatives of lower administrative-territorial units in the state of B&H do not have any authority in conducting the foreign policy of the state of B&H”, Becirovic underlined. He also pointed out that the neighboring countries cannot and will never be able to decide on the foreign policy of B&H, but that it is decided by the competent authorities of the state of B&H.

RS PM Viskovic carries out consultations on formation of RS authorities (FTV)

The reporter reminds that Republika Srpska (RS) Prime Minister-designate Radovan Viskovic announced earlier that the new government in the RS should be formed in the first half of December, noting that names of new ministers are still not known but it is almost certain there will be no significant changes. FTV reports that, at the very start of the consultations on new government, Viskovic met with NPS and ‘United Srpska’ representatives. Commenting on the consultations, ‘United Srpska’ leader Nenad Stevandic said that after he was appointed as speaker of the RS parliament, ‘United Srpska’ has the right to one ministerial post. “We did not discuss specific ministry, and after the second round of consultations we will know everything and will inform the media”. NPS leader Darko Banjac said that ministerial posts were not discussed during the consultation meeting, and added “we earlier discussed two ministerial posts for NPS, but we will see because talks are underway”. FTV reports that the ‘Movement for the State’ is also in the authority, because, according to them, that is the only way to contribute to better life of citizens in the RS, primarily Bosniaks, and goes on to say that the ‘Movement for the State’ representative Mirsad Duratovic has been appointed as the RS parliament deputy speaker. The reporter notes that, according to the ‘Movement for the State’, they are entitled to one or two ministries, and although they refuse to discuss which ones, it is speculated that they may get the RS Ministry of Trade and Tourism. Commenting on this, ‘Movement for the State’ representative in the RSNA Sevlid Hurtic (BH Greens) said for FTV: “We expect one or two ministries and agency for return, and of course posts of assistants and deputies in the first round. As the talks progress, we expect governing boards, posts of school principals and jobs that will enable us to help people”. The reporter comments that “a slice of post-election cake” may go to DNS, and goes on to say that although sided with the ruling coalition, DNS leader Nenad Nesic seems to be modest when it comes to desires. Addressing the media, Nesic has stated: “DNS does not care for ministries, we care about the RS”. The reporter notes that, although Nesic says ministries are not important, it is speculated that DNS may get the RS Ministry of Transport and Communications or that Nesic may be reappointed as the Director of the ‘Autoputevi RS’, in which case DEMOS leader Nedeljko Cubrilovic would return to the RS Ministry of Transport and Communications where he was eight years ago. FTV reports that ‘For Justice and Order’ leader Nebojsa Vukanovic said the opposition does not expect anything from the new government. In a statement for FTV, Vukanovic said: “It will be another in a series of puppet government in which a vassal will formally be a prime minister. There is one center of power that creates everything, and it is clear that all ministers, prime minister, government and all institutions will depend on the will of only one man. So, it is absolutely irrelevant if Mr. Viskovic or another vassal from SNSD will be the prime minister”. The reporter notes that Viskovic refused to comment on the issue for FTV, however SNSD leader Milorad Dodik did comment on that for the media focusing more on numbers than on the names. Addressing the media, Dodik has said that SNSD should have ten ministries, noting “we are willing – with some minor corrections – see with our coalition partners and others that would be in government to do that within the quota SNSD has”. The reporter comments that, even in case Dodik decides to give some of the ministries SNSD is entitled to, it is certain that none of them will be the RS Ministry of Finance and it is possible that Zora Vidovic will be reappointed as the RS Minister of Finance. It is also speculated that SNSD’s Alen Seranic, SP leader Petar Djokic, SNSD’s Boris Pasalic and Anton Kasipovic will remain in the new government, but not necessarily in the same ministries. The reporter notes it will be interesting to see who will be the new RS Minister of Interior, because it is difficult to expect that Dragan Lukac will remain in the office. It is speculated that Lukac may be replaced by RS Police Director Sinisa Kostresevic or RS government Secretary General Sinisa Karan.

SPRS Main Board adopts decision on coalition agreement with SNSD, DEMOS, ‘United Srpska’ and NPS (ATV)

The SPRS Main Board adopted a decision on coalition agreement with other parties, primarily with SNSD, DEMOS, ‘United Srpska’ and NPS, at its session on Saturday. SPRS leader Petar Djokic stated that these four parties are the ones that were part of the coalition agreement before the general elections in B&H, stressing that SPRS gave a strong contribution to election success of the SNSD candidates for the RS President and the Serb member of B&H Presidency. He said that the distribution of ministerial posts in new RS Government depends on a decision of RS Prime Minister-Designate Radovan Viskovic, who completed the first round of consultations for the formation of new RS Government on Friday.

Covic says HDZ B&H and eight other parties agreed to form government (N1)

Dragan Covic, the leader of the Croat Democratic Union (HDZ B&H), announced on Friday the names that will represent this party in the Council of Ministers of B&H and in the Federation of B&H (FB&H) entity.  Covic said that an approach has been agreed upon regarding the appointment of certain personnel. “As for the House of Representatives of B&H – it will be Marinko Cavara, when it comes to the FB&H President, when the time comes, we’ll propose Ms. Lidija Bradara, and as for the Croat member and (Chair of the Council of Ministers), it will be Borjana Kristo, for whom I think we will have the majority to initiate the appointment procedure in accordance with regulations and procedures,” Covic explained. Considering that the Democratic Action party (SDA) claims that it will have a majority in the FB&H House of Peoples in the Bosniak Caucus, Covic said that this will not affect the coalition agreement signed with the “Eight,” (eight Bosniak and civic parties united against the SDA).” “We need to wait for several centres where it’s necessary to determine by drawing lots who will be the representative. That number should not affect our agreement in any way,” Covic noted. When it comes to ministerial positions, the HDZ B&H leader said that, as before, the B&H Finance Ministry will be led by personnel from his party.

Dodik: With election of four SNSD delegates to B&H HoP, no one will be able to impose anything on the RS anymore in next four years; Commissioner Varhelyi promised unblocking of EU funds that the RS requires (RTRS)

In a post he published on his Instagram and Twitter social media accounts on Sunday, RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that SNSD’s delegates in the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) will participate in this institution’s work resolutely and constructively. Dodik noted that, through election of four SNSD delegates for the B&H HoP, no one will be able to impose anything on the RS in the next four years. Dodik wrote on his social media: “In the week behind us, the RS parliament elected delegates to the HoP of B&H. The RS Council of Peoples (CoP) was also elected, and with that we have done important work, which created the conditions for the further formation of the government of the RS.” In this regard, Dodik stated that the work program of the future government was discussed at the meeting between RS Prime Minister-designate Radovan Viskovic and the SNSD delegation. “SNSD should have 10 ministries in the future government. The primary task of the future government will be to engage all forces to preserve stability and provide adequate answers to the upcoming economic challenges”, underscored Dodik. The RS President reminded that he recently met with European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varhelyi and that Varhelyi promised that the EU funds, which the RS require, will be unblocked. The RS President noted: “In an open conversation, I received a promise that EU funds to the RS will be unblocked, which is very good news for us. This will enable the continuation of construction on Corridor 5c from Doboj to Vukosavlje.” Dodik also stated that he met with the Ambassador of Turkey to B&H Sadik Babur Girgin, and expressed his hope that the construction of the Belgrade-Sarajevo highway will finally begin.

B&H CC’s decision abolishing and declaring unconstitutional law on medicines and medical devices of RS, amendments to RS law on administration causes reactions in RS (ATV)

The Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H on Friday declared as unconstitutional the Law on Medicines and Medical Devices of RS and the amendments to the RS Law on Administration, which were adopted in the RS parliament in October 2021. B&H CC was passed this ruling deciding upon the motion filed by former Bosniak member of B&H Presidency and B&H Presidency Chairman Sefik Dzaferovic.  B&H CC’s decision caused a number of reactions in the RS. Milan Tegetija, the advisor to RS President Milorad Dodik, assessed that B&H CC’s decision has a political background and it is detrimental to the RS, noting that as many times before B&H CC has overstepped its competence framework. He said that B&H CC did not even mention in explanation of its decision which part of the Constitution of B&H was violated by the Law on Medicines of the RS, stressing that there is not a single provision in the Constitution of B&H which the law violates. Jurists deem that that B&H CC’s decision is not surprising knowing how B&H CC has treated the RS so far, noting that the RS parliament acted in line with the law. Attorney Milan Petkovic stated that the Constitution of B&H does not precisely define that the issue of medicines and medical devices is under the jurisdiction of B&H, reminding that 10 competences that fall under B&H’s rule are clearly stipulated by the Constitution of B&H and they do not include medicines and medical devices. According to Petkovic, the Article 3 of the Constitution of B&H reads that all the competences that were not defined within the Constitution of B&H fall under the rule of entities. SPRS leader Petar Djokic commented that B&H CC’s decision is scandalous and inappropriate, noting that B&H CC is illegitimate as it works with incomplete convocation. He stressed that it is unbelievable that B&H CC succumbed to pressures of political Sarajevo and one part of the international community, and that B&H CC is again focused on the RS wanting to punish it.

Escobar: US will continue to implement sanctions against politicians in B&H (VoA/BN TV)

One of the endemic problems in B&H and the region is corruption, said US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Gabriel Escobar. In an interview for Voice of America, Escobar announced that the US will continue to implement sanctions against politicians in B&H. “Absolutely, the United States will take additional steps to sanction corrupt elements, and the Treasury Department list only shows the depth of corruption. In B&H, as we have seen, individuals and politicians actively cooperated with organized crime groups, and people must know this”, Escobar underlined. Leaders, he says, must take action and remove such individuals from posts and parties. “Sanctions are an important tool, but more importantly and more difficult, we need to pressure local leaders to implement the rule of law reforms required to join the EU. Corruption is the biggest problem for the region and it is a fact, not only our data but also Transparency International’s data, that the parties that are the most nationalistic are also the most corrupt”, Escobar emphasized.

JL op-ed about upcoming Tirana Summit, noting that EU will repeat its promises it is giving since 2000 (Jutarnji list)

Jutarnji list daily comments the upcoming EU- Western Balkans Summit, which will take place in Tirana, and argues that the EU will once again repeat their dedication to Western Balkans countries, but in return they will ask these countries to prove that EU integration is their strategic goal. Reporter noted that since the EU’s similar promise in 2000, only Croatia managed to join the EU, while other countries are in various phases of the EU accession process, while B&H for instance is in the waiting room and Kosovo is not even at the station from which EU train moves. Noting that there are no reasons to be content with the progress in the EU enlargement process, the author noted that the EU carries huge responsibility for this, as they turned enlargement into a farce where everyone is pretending, reminding that an unnamed EU representative once said that the EU pretends to want the enlargement and countries of Western Balkans pretend to want reforms. The author noted that the declaration, which will be adopted, will call for accelerating of the EU enlargement process and noted that Serbia managed to become the star of the Summit with announcement of boycott. While the EU hopes that Serbia will not boycott the Summit, the author noted that Serbia would be rather isolated, being the only country that has not supported sanctions against Russia and their absence would show they do not truly belong to the crowd that will meet in Tirana.

JL carries draft conclusions prepared for upcoming sessions of EU bodies, which will discuss enlargement; Only disagreements regard decision to award status of EU candidate to B&H (Jutarnji list)

Jutarnji list daily reads that on the eve of key discussions on Western Balkans in the Council of the EU, first at ministerial level and then at the meeting of heads of states, the draft conclusion about all countries in the enlargement process has been prepared. The daily noted that these conclusions were discussed at the working groups level and meetings of permanent representatives and the daily, which has a chance to review more than 35 pages of the text, noted that the conclusions are giving the same conclusions about the situation in the Western Balkans countries and Turkey, as were those presented couple of months ago by the European Commission in their progress reports. The reporter noted that the text has been mostly harmonized and the only thing that member states disagree on is whether B&H should be awarded the status of the EU candidate or not. The daily noted that the EC recommended awarding the status of the EU candidate with several conditions, and majority of countries is ready to approve this at the ministerial meeting on 13 December or couple of days later at the session of European Council, but several influential countries, most notably the Netherlands, do not agree with this. These countries use the EC Progress Report as an argument, underlining that awarding the status of the EU candidate would be counter-productive in this moment and would mean that the EU is giving up on the conditioning policy that the EU advocates in the enlargement process. However, the author noted, the EU is under great pressure to award Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) the status of the EU candidate, considering they gave it to Ukraine and Moldova and promised it to Georgia. According to daily’s diplomatic sources, this discussion will last until the last moment and if the decision is not reached at the ministerial meeting on 13 December, it is possible the decision will be transferred to the level of heads of states. The daily noted that the focus of conclusions is on the war in Ukraine and impact on the Western Balkans region, starting with energy crisis to the fact that Russia is trying to have certain countries, most notably Serbia, to continue with spreading of fake news and hybrid war. This is why, the author comments, the main criticism is directed toward Serbia, which as membership candidate in the process of accession talks, shows no intention to join the EU policy toward Russia. The daily noted that the EU practically already froze Serbia’s accession talks even though there is no formal decision on this and according to diplomatic sources in Brussels, no new chapters will be opened before Serbia shows that it wants to belong to the EU family and share their values. The mentioned draft conclusions call on Serbia to objectively and unambiguously join preventing and facing all forms of disinformation and foreign information manipulation in all media outlets. The EU reminds Serbia that harmonization of foreign policy stances with the EU’s is expression of adherence and strategic choice, but also a political obligation which emerges from the accession talks.

Croatia is lobbying for granting B&H status of EU candidate (Vecernji list)

The daily reports that apart from the lobbying in favor of the decision of the EU Council to include Croatia in the Schengen zone, Croatia has also intensified its diplomatic efforts to secure the status of EU candidate for B&H. The outcome of the discussions of EU member states on granting B&H the status of EU candidate is still uncertain. However, underlines the daily, if Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic is successful in fulfilling these two goals, it will be the third major success of Croatia, following the acceptance of Croatia in the Eurozone. The daily reminds that the issue of EU candidate status for B&H was subject to a heated internal political debate earlier this year. Namely, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic insisted that Croatia should block Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO or granting the status of EU candidate to Ukraine until B&H Election Law is reform and B&H granted the status of EU candidate. Plenkovic refused to block the EU candidate status for Ukraine, deeming that it would be counterproductive. However, he managed to include a remark in the conclusions of the last EU Council meeting stating that B&H would be granted the EU candidate status after fulfilling several reform-related conditions. After that, the European Commission recommended granting B&H the EU candidate status if the country fulfills eight conditions. The EU Council is expected to vote on B&H’s status in December. The daily learns that Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Poland and the Baltic states support the decision to grant B&H the status of EU candidate, but the Benelux states, and foremost The Netherlands, emphasize that B&H has not made any significant progress towards fulfilling the eight conditions defined by the EC. However, notes the daily, debates on the matter are ongoing and there is still a chance for B&H to demonstrate progress in the next ten days. Some sources claim that Germany is also in favor of granting B&H the candidate status, but other sources could not confirm this. A third source told the daily that the EU member states are probably not going to reach consensus on status of B&H this time. The daily notes that the candidate status of B&H will probably be discussed in detail at the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana this week. The inclusion of Croatia in the Schengen Zone will be discussed as well. A formal decision on this matter is expected to be made by the EU Council on Thursday.

Milanovic: Croat political parties should decide on who they will cooperate and how, Croatia will not interfere with that (HRT1)

The reporter comments that Croatian President Zoran Milanovic is not among officials who avoid B&H, however, usually when he comes to the country, Milanovic avoids the capital, the state institutions and his colleagues in the B&H Presidency. Milanovic attended on Saturday a ceremony in Citluk on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the ‘Gavran 2’ Special Purpose Unit of the Croat Defense Council (HVO), and decorated members of the Unit for special contribution in the Homeland War. The reporter notes that political messages Milanovic usually conveys during his visits to B&H could not be heard on Saturday. During his visit to Citluk, Milanovic talked about importance of strengthening good neighborly relations between the two countries, saying that B&H and Croatia are one country for him. Milanovic also said that without the participation of the ‘Gavran 2’ Special Purpose Unit and the Croatian Army in the crucial military operation there would be no Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) in B&H. Milanovic also referred to October’s elections, saying Croatian political parties should decide on who they will cooperate with and how, noting that Croatia will not interfere with that. Addressing the attendees, Milanovic said elections are over and representatives of Croat people will decide who they will cooperate with and how. “In my view, my job and the job of the Croatian executive branch simply stops with that, because this is your home and those are issues related to your personal space. Our task – as the Croatian leadership, as the home country – our task is that you can weave from this fabric you won in democratic elections. Our job is only to take care that the warehouse is not empty”, said Milanovic. Milanovic also laid a wreath at the Memorial Cross dedicated to killed soldiers from Citluk, accompanied by HDZ B&H Vice President Borjana Kristo and Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) Main Council President Bozo Ljubic. Milanovic wished the Croats to be an ineradicable people in B&H, saying that the Croats want a normal and healthy coexistence with the Serbs and Bosniaks.

Vujovic: We’re flooded with political immorality, DF’s parliamentary majority tries to avoid elections with constitutional coup (CdM)

In a statement for the CdM portal, the Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party Ivan Vujovic assesses the political situation in the country, noting that it has been flooded with political immorality and that the Democratic Front’s parliamentary majority is avoiding elections with the constitutional coup. Vujovic is clear – with this government, Montenegro won’t join the EU. “Having in mind all the actions of the URA-SNP bloc, not only did they avoid the EU goals and fail to use maybe the unexpected chance which occurred even though we didn’t deserve it, but they also did everything to sabotage the entire process and compromise Montenegro in Brussels. It’s why their priorities were the so-called fundamental agreement and the Open Balkans instead of the EU road. The unconstitutional dismissal of the SDP ministers was just a confirmation of their anti-state behaviour. Their dismissal and the one of Savo Kentera happened only few days after Rasko Konjevic, Ranko Krivokapic and Savo Kentera were proclaimed ‘persona non grata’ in Russia by the Russian regime,” Vujovic said. Asked whether Montenegro would become a member of the Open Balkans if this government kept the mandate, and what that would mean for Montenegro, its economy and the European road, he said that Dritan Abazovic had assumed responsibilities and it was clear that he’d do anything to take revenge on those keeping him as a hostage. “The OB is one of those obligations and he’s almost not hiding that he’s a puppet of the official Belgrade, whereas the Democratic Front has a task to remind him of his obligations and tasks on a daily basis.” He also underlines that the decision on the accession to the OB shouldn’t have any power has it’d made by the interim cabinet backed by 2.8% of citizens. “The previous Deputy Prime Minister and official of URA Jovana Marovic clearly voiced her opinion on the OB through the recently published analysis, sharing the position of our European partners, expressed in the recent EP resolution on the enlargement strategy and the conclusions from the Berlin Process.” He also believes that everyone in the West now knows that a key factor of instability in the region is Vucic’s regime and a recycled Belgrade’s greater-state aspirations.

Taravari: AfA not holding talks to enter gov’t; will still vote for constitutional changes 

(MIA)

The Alliance for Albanians’ acting president Arben Taravari said his party was not negotiating to become part of the government but would nonetheless vote in favor of including the Bulgarian community into the Constitution. “There are no negotiations. If there were, we would appear in front of you and say it,” Taravari told the press at the AfA headquarters in Tetovo where he announced he was officially running for party leader. “We will support the constitutional changes to include the Bulgarians, the Bulgarian ethnic community in Macedonia, in the preamble, regardless of whether we are part of the government or the opposition. We have said that since day one,” he said. “When there are negotiations, we will let you know and we will be as transparent as possible,” he said, adding that the AfA would continue to be constructive while also undergoing “a complete reorganization.” Asked to comment on a statement by an Alternativa member that the AfA would be DUI’s “spare tire” if it were part of the government, Taravari said: “We are not DUI’s spare tire. Of that I can assure you. Someone in the government is the tire, but I’d rather not comment on this further.” In response to a question on whether their support for the constitutional changes would also include a request to remove “the language of the 20 percent” label for the Albanian language, Taravari said he expected the other parties to show respect to the Albanian community. “Our idea was and continues to be that those percentages and numbers should be gone and it should say ‘the Albanian language’ instead. Most political stakeholders, and I’m talking about the bigger Macedonian parties, understand this. They have already said publicly that they did not mind replacing the percentage label with ‘the Albanian language.’ We expect them to show us respect. So let’s see this through and make it part of the Constitution,” he said. Earlier, Taravari said the AfA’s goal was to shake up the Albanian bloc of parties in the next elections. “Our goal regarding the Albanian bloc in the next elections is to make the change we have long been waiting for. Albanians in the country deserve someone to replace DUI after its 20 years in power, and only the AfA can do it. I hope we succeed,” Taravari said.

Osmani: Constitutional changes should be discussed in Parliament as soon as possible (TV Sitel)

The constitutional changes should be discussed in Parliament as soon as possible. I appeal for a state consensus on the European issues calling on all political parties to reach consensus on these matters, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said holding a press briefing. No matter who is in power, they have to accept the EU regulations and directives, according to him. “To believe that we are negotiating with the European Union is wrong. No matter who’s in power, whether it is SDSM or DUI or VMRO, no one can change anything in the negotiations with the EU. The only thing that can be changed is the dynamic of delivering and accepting,” Osmani said. The Minister urged the issue to be left on the side and in the interest of the citizens who want EU membership regardless of their political affiliation. Meanwhile, opposition VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski commenting on this issue stated that solution to both the constitutional amendments and the fight against corruption is early elections. “Early elections are required as soon as possible in order for Macedonia to stop losing and the citizens to endure humiliation from different criminal drug gangs, who travel around Macedonia and the capital, behaving like they possess the state. We are the ones who will fight both against the corrupt in politics and against the ones who are servants to such drug cartels, but also against the latter, who must be eradicated from Macedonia if we want the country to move forward,” said Mickoski, adding that his party’s position on constitutional changes remains the same.

Escobar: North Macedonia’s gov’t is a good partner in implementing EU agenda (Telma/MIA)

North Macedonia has made all the required reforms to open the door to the European Union and its government has the capacity to do what is necessary for the country to become a full member of the Union, according to U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar. Speaking at an event dedicated to the Euro-Atlantic future of the region held at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Escobar said North Macedonia’s government was a good partner in implementing the EU agenda. “They are a good and dedicated partner and will provide benefits for the EU as well,” he said, according to MIA’s Washington correspondent.  Escobar said the EU accession process should be faster, highlighting that the war in Ukraine showed how urgent it was to solve problems in the Western Balkans, such as those between Serbia and Kosovo. He also reiterated the US would introduce additional steps to sanction corrupt officials from the Balkans. He pointed to an example from Bosnia and Herzegovina where politicians had actively coordinated and collaborated with organized criminal groups.

Osmani: EU-W. Balkan Summit in Tirana a message of EU’s commitment to the region (MIA)

The EU-Western Balkans summit, due to take place in Tirana on 6 December, is a major event sending a serious message about the EU’s commitment to the region, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani has said. A government delegation, led by Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, will take part in the summit, where bilateral talks with EU prime ministers will be held in addition to participating in sessions, he revealed. “This summit takes place amid new constellation of the relations given the fact we’d started negotiating. It is already being established that not only the EU, but that also the Western Balkans has no alternative to the process,” Osmani told the press briefing. He recalled that the first EU-Western Balkans Summit took place in 2003, in which the EU championed membership of all Western Balkan countries. Following a 15-year hiatus, Sofia hosted a summit of the EU and the Western Balkans in 2018, Zagreb in 2020 and Tirana in 2022. Asked for a comment on the Netherlands’ veto blocking Bulgaria to join the Schengen zone, Minister Osmani said it is also a message to the citizens that there is ‘no conspiracy towards the Republic of North Macedonia.’ “The matter of consensus in the decision-making process allows every country to have its own position. What we’re doing is to maintain communication with all member countries. We’d managed to overcome the blockade,” he stated.

Rama: EU-Western Balkans Summit to be held in Albania, a well-thought-out way (Radio Tirana)

In a conversation with the citizens, Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about holding the EU summit in Tirana, saying that it is a strategic assessment by the organizers. He also emphasizes that they have never been prevented from being at the European table, although Albania is not yet a member of the EU. “It is the first time that CoE is holding together with the leaders of the Western Balkans in a non-EU country for the summit. A strategic assessment on the part of the organizers to place this station of a journey in Tirana that is becoming an ever more common journey in a world that confronts us with challenges. It is a strategic turn in the history of the EU of the last years, this turn towards a new approach to the Western Balkans, and I must modestly say that we have played our part to come to this turn and have given a number of proofs that we are ready to be evaluated and considered differently. It is a strategic turn prompted by the pandemic as a start and then also by the Russian aggression in Ukraine, but it is also a strategic assessment for Albania. It is not a station chosen at random, but in a well-thought-out way. At the European table, we are sitting among equals, although we know the path we must take to unite as members, we have never been hindered to be direct and tell them as they are”, said Rama.

EU-Western Balkan Summit in Tirana, Rama: A strategic assessment, the most important in international relations (Radio Tirana)

“A strategic assessment”, Prime Minister Edi Rama has considered the holding of the EU-Western Balkans summit on December the 6th in Tirana. During a conversation with citizens through social networks, Rama estimated that this summit is the most important in the history of international relations. “We are 48 hours away from an extraordinary, historic event, the most important in the country’s international relations. All EU leaders are coming to Tirana, for the first time in a non-EU country, for an EU summit. together with the Western Balkans. A strategic assessment by the organizers to place this station in Tirana. It is not a randomly chosen station, it is well thought out,” said Rama. Rama stated that apart from the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, who will not be present as it happens on Spain’s Constitution Day, all other leaders will be participants in the summit. In this case, Rama announces that the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, will also participate in the EU summit that will be held on December the 6th in Tirana.

PM Rama says Vucic has no choice but to attend EU Summit (ADN)

Prime Minister Edi Rama has given a clear message to the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic who earlier said that he will not participate in the Summit between the EU and the Western Balkans. According to Rama, participating is the only way Vucic has, as otherwise it would be disastrous for him and for Serbia. Rama emphasized that the only one who will not be a part is the Prime Minister of Spain because his country celebrates Constitution Day. “Only the prime minister of Spain will not be. He sent me an explanation by means of a letter. Spain has Constitution Day, and it is a day of great importance. You also know the internal tensions in Spain. His letter is supportive and sufficient for the impossibility of participation. Others will be present.  I am not moved by the statements of local or foreign politicians that are made for their own political purposes. Serbia will be at the summit and the president of Serbia has no other way but to come to the summit, I tell you this with conviction. The opposite would be a disaster for Serbia and himself,” said Rama.

Rama: Sunak has expressed his regret for statements against Albanians (Radio Tirana)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama declared that the Prime Minister of Great Britain Rishi Sunak has expressed his regret for the statements in relation to the Albanians, while he is expected to visit Albania. During an online conversation with citizens and the media on Sunday, Mr. Rama said that he had a short phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Great Britain at the latter’s request. According to Mr. Rama, Mr. Sunak ” has expressed his regret for what happened and you know very well what happened because of the thoughtless statements that were made…” The Albanian Prime Minister said that the parties have talked “simply to unite forces more to organize better…”. Mr. Rama has asked his British counterpart to ” make possible an efficient, not propaganda, but efficient war against these traffic networks that exploit people’s need to leave and, on the other hand, connections”. “We know very well that emigration to Great Britain is an emigration, which is very connected with the bases created, by family members who are there before or relatives, neighbors and so on to develop this activity “, Rama said. “Let’s see if the British side will be more active this time and will not be remembered only when there are television and media events that put the government in difficulty in front of public opinion,” said Prime Minister Rama. Rama added that “we talked about strengthening bilateral relations, not in a diplomatic or formal way, but in a specific way and I hope that soon we will have an exchange of visits,” said Albanian Prime Minister.

Kosovo-Albania, cooperation in the field of education and joint military exercises (Radio Tirana)

The Minister of Defense of Kosovo Armend Mehaj announced that he met the Minister of Defense of Albania Niko Peleshi. He emphasizes that Kosovo and Albania will further deepen the fraternal cooperation in the interest of both countries. Bilateral Kosovo-Albania and regional cooperation with partner countries in the field of security and defense, says Mehaj, is in the interest of both countries and in function of regional peace, stability and security and beyond. “Also, in this meeting with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, Niko Peleshi, we shared our satisfaction with the joint successes during this year, pledging to increase cooperation in the field of education and joint military exercises in the coming year as well. with a focus on strengthening readiness for operational interaction according to the “Smart defense” concept. Together we are always stronger!”, said Mehaj in a post on social networks.