LOCAL PRESS

Request for return of Serbian security forces to Kosovo delivered to KFOR (RTS)

At the Merdare administrative crossing, Serbian government’s request for the return of one hundred to one thousand Serbian security forces to the territory of Kosovo and Metohija, according to Resolution 1244, was submitted to KFOR. Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic stated today that he informed Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic that the Commission for implementation of the Kumanovo Military Technical Agreement delivered a written request to KFOR for the return of Serbian security forces to Kosovo and Metohija. During a tour of the River Flotilla in Novi Sad, Vucevic underlined that members of the Serbian Army delivered shortly before 11 am a request to KFOR for the return of up to 1,000 members of the Serbian Army and police to the province. He added that last night, around 1 am, the Serbian Army sent an e-mail to the KFOR Office with the decision of the Serbian government, requests and additional documentation attached. In this way, we have launched formally, legally and technically the procedure in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Kumanovo Military Technical Agreement to use what is defined by international public law, what no one can deny to Serbia in the context of protection of our national and state interests and protection of our people in the territory of the province of Kosovo and Metohija, Vucevic stated.

Serbia requests international law to be respected (RTS/B92)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said last night that the Serbian government has decided that, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, Belgrade should send its request to KFOR for the return of the Serbian army and police to Kosovo and Metohija, in the number from several hundred to 1,000 members. Vucic said in a statement to Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) that a decision was made at the government session that tonight in electronic form, and tomorrow morning at the administrative crossing, the Chief of the General Staff should deliver to the KFOR commander our request that, in accordance with Resolution 1244, a certain number of military and police personnel return to the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. He stated that the decision was made unanimously and that we only ask for international law to be respected and nothing more. That would be important at this moment for the sake of protection of Serb population and control of the administrative crossings, especially at Jarinje and Brnjak, which would dramatically reduce tension. That would be a good decision, the President assessed and added that based on everything that we have heard, we are almost absolutely sure though that this will not be accepted. Vucic said that this is the first time that a Serbian government has adopted such a request. “It was rumored that Mr. Djindjic did it in 2003, but he did not. He sent a letter, but it was not formal and legal,” he said. The President repeated that he expects KFOR not to accept it. “They didn’t even want to hear it, because it’s a finger in the eye of those who want to decide about us without us, without rights, about justice and let’s not talk about it,” said Vucic. “I want to tell the people in Serbia… This is paper number 1 – the UN Charter. This is paper number 2 – Resolution 1244. Paper number 3 – Military-technical agreement. Paper number 4 – Brussels agreement. Paper no. 5 – Agreement from Washington. Paper No. 6 – Thessaloniki Declaration. We are also preparing Paper No. 7,” Vucic pointed out. The President of Serbia informed the public about the response he received from the international community. “When I asked the representatives of the international community, tell me one agreement that you will respect. I got a concrete answer – none. ‘We respect only what suits us,'” said the President of Serbia. President read a part of the Franco-German proposal, which refers to international law, but in relation to respecting the territorial integrity of both sides. “I heard that recently, a few days ago. I was literally told that they do not respect any contract,” said Vucic and said that there was a witness from the international community who attended that meeting. “You want to jump out of your skin when you read that,” said Vucic. In one article, it is said that Serbia will not oppose the membership of the so-called Kosovo in international organizations, in other words, membership of the so-called Kosovo in the UN. “Today they received Kosovo’s candidacy for admission to the EU. And some of our friends in Europe reacted fairly. I want to thank the Cypriot president, the Spanish, the Hungarians, the other non-recognisers and everyone who helped us,” said the Serbian president and thanked other countries that do not recognize the so-called Kosovo, but also to the government of Hungary and Viktor Orban, who, as he says, helped us a lot. “It’s not worth it for us to wait for justice. We have to focus on the interests of our country. The Serbs are not asking for anything special. They are asking for Adzic and Pantic to be released, even if they were under house arrest,” he said. He said that it is the job of the head of EULEX to know where Dejan Pantic is. The second requirement is to respect the agreement that the so-called the Kosovo police cannot go to the north of Kosovo and Metohija when they feel like it. For me, it was surreal to see the Albanian contingent in KFOR participate in the harassment of a Serb family in Velika Hoca,” added Vucic. “America will not change its attitude towards Kosovo, but America is more willing to hear us than Europe. Maybe the Americans fundamentally understand the situation better, they understand well what problems we have,” said Vucic. “We have 4 billion and 95 million direct foreign investments, which is a record. That is the essence, because we have to live. Membership of so-called Kosovo in the UN is out of the question, and we can talk about everything else. First, let them form ZSO (Community of Serb Municipalities), and then let’s start talking about other things. I don’t believe they will ever form it. They will look for a way to blame the Serbs and carry out a false flag operation, like with this fabricated ‘shock bomb’, which is an ordinary pyrotechnic device.” When asked if there is progress regarding the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, Vucic said that he spoke with EU and US representatives the day before and that there are some ideas. “We’ll see whether we will succeed. The situation is complicated, but we will do our best to preserve peace and stability,” said Vucic. He stressed that what some EU countries are doing is a violation of Article 49 of the EU Treaty, because the condition for applying for EU membership is to be a European state. “I don’t know what criteria is used to determine whether something is a state or not. Whether it is that what one, even the biggest member of the EU thinks so, or that they all think so, or if membership in the UN determines it. We’re accustomed to it all. We will have to fight as much as possible and protect our state and national interests,” concluded Vucic.

Vucic: We have taken two steps (B92)

Serbian President spoke with the Hungarian President, and they addressed the public from the Kelebija – Tompa border crossing. Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis is with them.

Aleksandar Vucic first thanked his Hungarian friends for meeting on a weekly basis and solving problems related to illegal migration. “We took two measures. First, we started accepting and cancelling free visas for certain countries where a significant number of migrants came from. We ended up with four countries so far for Tunisia, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau and India and aligning with what is required of us by EU. Another thing we are undertaking, and will undertake, is to strengthen the border towards North Macedonia and Bulgaria,” said Vucic. According to him, this year we have a four-fold increase in the flow of illegal migrants from the territory of North Macedonia and a 3.6-fold increase from the territory of Bulgaria. “We prevented 45,965 illegal entries from the territory of North Macedonia alone. I see that number in Hungary is 261,001 and we have taken another measure, which is a stricter approach towards armed criminal groups. Not far from here towards Subitica, Palic and Horgos, we had in several places our security forces and armed confrontations and arrested more than 600 of those who thought they could carry out certain illegal activities with weapons and participate in illegal migration. I believe that we will continue to take measures to preserve safety and security,” said Vucic. The Hungarian President said that she and her friends from Serbia are trying to solve the problem of illegal migrants and that for this purpose it is necessary to expand cooperation. She is grateful, as she pointed out, for every step that will contribute to solving that big problem for the EU. Babis said that as Czech Prime Minister, he dealt with that issue, which he considers a security issue for the Union. “Europe is like Asterix and Obelix, and we have to defend Europe at sea. I was shocked that Croatia had to wait eight years to be part of the Schengen zone,” he said and expressed regret that Bulgaria and Romania did not get the green light to enter that zone. I think that as many countries as possible should be admitted to that zone and that should also be discussed with Turkey, Babis added. “Serbia should also be part of the Schengen zone, even though it is not part of the EU, because it participates in solving the problem of migrants,” Babis pointed out. “We need Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, the entire Balkans, we don’t need all of them to be members of the EU, we need those countries,” he said and added that the European Council is not dealing with the problem in the right way, but that it is good that the French President is Emmanuel Macron. Babis said that the EU gave millions to the southern countries, that Hungary did not receive anything even though it was happy to take care of refugees from Ukraine, as well as the Czech Republic. “I know that there are 27 ministers, that the negotiations are complicated, but it is about security. We have to take steps,” said Babis and recalled how Zoran Zaev was faced with the problem of illegal migrants and the desire to help Europe for days.

Brnabic thanks Romania for principled stance on Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)

In a telephone conversation with Romanian counterpart Nicolae Ciuca, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic thanked Romania for its principled position on Kosovo and Metohija. Brnabic also underscored Serbia’s permanent commitment to peace and stability across the region. Brnabic and Ciuca also exchanged views on continued strengthening of overall bilateral cooperation and political relations, as well as on the current situation in the Western Balkans. The conversation is a follow-up to Brnabic’s visit to Romania last month and represents a continuation of a dynamic bilateral exchange. Brnabic noted that she hoped Ciuca would visit Serbia soon, the government press office said in a statement.

Dacic: Inadmissibility of Kosovo’s request for CoE membership (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic met with Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade Tobias Flessenkemper to present the views of our country regarding the inadmissibility of Kosovo’s request for membership in the Council of Europe. Bearing in mind the fact that in April 2023, Serbia will mark the 20th anniversary of its accession to the CoE, there was also talk of activities that would be organised on this occasion in Belgrade and Strasbourg. The mutual expectation was expressed that the successful cooperation so far will continue, according to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Using great potential for strengthening cooperation with France (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic underlined yesterday, during the talks with Director of the Directorate for Continental Europe at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Frederic Mondoloni, the importance of strategic partnership for the further improvement of overall bilateral relations. Dacic stated that the bilateral relations of the two countries are excellent and that they are constantly on the upward path, and that a significant segment of them is the political consultation of the two ministries, which will take place tomorrow. Mondoloni confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and pointed to the most significant investments and projects of French companies. During the meeting, opinions were exchanged on the future dynamics of the political dialogue between the two countries, cooperation between Serbia and France in the fields of economy and culture, the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as current international issues.

Vucevic: Transformation of so-called “Kosovo Security Forces” into so-called “Kosovo Armed Forces” unacceptable (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic highlighted yesterday, at a meeting with UK Ambassador to Serbia Sian Macleod, determination to strengthen dialogue at the highest level, which will enable further improvement of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including defence. Vucevic expressed deep concern about the development of the situation in Kosovo and Metohija and pointed out that Serbia remains firmly committed to peace, stability and the preservation of dialogue with the Pristina side, which is supported by the call of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed to the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija during the current crisis to respect KFOR and EULEX. Pointing out that respect for international agreements is a fundamental principle that must be respected, he emphasised that the process of transformation of the so-called “Kosovo Security Forces” into the so-called “Kosovo Armed Forces” is unacceptable for our side, which not only harms the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, but it is affecting the destabilisation of the entire region. Speaking about bilateral military cooperation, Vucevic expressed his gratitude for the donations handed over by the British side to the Serbian Defense Ministry, as well as for the education of members of the Defense Ministry and the Serbian Army in British military educational institutions. He particularly highlighted the importance of joint involvement in the multinational operation UNFICYP in Cyprus, which represents the crown of military cooperation so far and acts as an incentive to further improve the overall relations between the two countries. Macleod agreed with the assessment of the importance of preserving the continuity of dialogue at a high level, and at the same time emphasised the interest of the British side in the further development of cooperation in the field of defence with Serbia.

Petkovic: New arrest of Serb policeman continuation of Kurti’s hunt on Serbs (RTV/TanjugTV Prva)

A former member of the Kosovo police Sladjan Trajkovic was arrested this evening, announced the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic. “The new arrest of ex-Serbian policeman Sladjan Trajkovic in Kosovo and Metohija shows that Kurti continues to hunt the Serbs, does not want to calm tensions and de-escalate the situation! How suddenly evidence appears against Serbs who left the institutions and did not exist while they were part of the Kosovo system,” wrote Petkovic on Twitter. The Serbs spent last night under tents, but they say that they will not give up their peaceful protests. Serbs are even more alarmed after the news that another former member of the Kosovo police Sladjan Trajkovic was arrested last night, TV Prva reporter reports. Trajkovic was arrested in Bosnjacka Mahala in northern Kosovska Mitrovica. He is one of the members of the Kosovo police who left the service.

Hill: Serbia has right to address KFOR, ZSO will be created (Tanjug)

The US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill said yesterday in Nis that he does not see the possibility of a military solution to the situation in the north of Kosovo, as well as that it is necessary to build peace and stability there, which can be achieved by establishing the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), reports Tanjug. “Of course, the government of Serbia has the right to address KFOR, but this remains a political issue and therefore requires a political solution. We need to calm the situation, so that members of the Serb community living in that area can have clear expectations about what their lives will look like in the future,” Hill said. Addressing the media in the city of Nis, where he met with Mayor Dragana Sotirovski, the US Ambassador said that “the creation of the ZSO will happen”. “As Mr. Escobar made clear yesterday, that will happen. The formation of the ZSO will create the conditions for a return to normality, through which peace and stability can be established in the area where these people have been living for centuries, and that is what everyone really wants,” said Ambassador Hill.

Botsan-Kharchenko: Real triumph of democracy by European standards (Sputnik/NSPM)

The Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko said that Kosovo and Metohija had seen “a real triumph of democracy by European standards” in recent days. The announcement of the Russian Ambassador is transmitted in its entirety: “As part of the meetings in Belgrade and Pristina of the Western emissaries, the American Escobar and the EU special representative Lajcak, who are trying, as stated, to find solutions in connection with the current aggravation of the situation in Kosovo, the Pristina “top” openly and brazenly continues to take control of the northern part of the province inhabited by Serbs. And he doesn’t intend to change his mind. The question arises about the real purpose of Westerners. It seems that this is again hand-wringing for Belgrade. Kosovo “prime minister” Kurti arbitrarily installed, accompanied by the police, his protégés in the positions of councilors in the assembly of North Mitrovica, which the Serbs had previously left in protest. We were right when we warned that Pristina’s decision to postpone the relevant local elections was an insidious hoax. That’s what happened: they installed “their” without holding elections. A true triumph of democracy by European standards. And here is one indicative, literally striking fact about the actions of the West in favor of the Kosovo Albanians – their application for membership of an unrecognized quasi-state in the EU. Was it ever possible without the approval of Brussels? Where is the commitment of the European Union to the principles of expansion to the so-called Western Balkans, which, by the way, envisage compliance with Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council? The picture is very ugly, difficult. Although the words of the American special envoy Escobar about the fact that optimism should be sought from every crisis – with all their apparent absurdity – are understandable. In all likelihood, it is precisely the desperate position of the Kosovo Serbs that makes the US optimistic,” announced Botsan-Kharchenko.

Zakharova: Ambassador has instructions from Moscow regarding Kosovo (Sputnik/FoNet)

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday that Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko has instructions to take concrete steps to support the normalization of the situation in Kosovo and that Moscow is awaiting Belgrade’s reaction. “As for the Embassy in Belgrade, the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, who is in close contact with the Serbian leadership, has received instructions from the center to take concrete steps of support, which include normalizing or proposing ways to normalize the situation. We are awaiting Belgrade’s reaction,” Sputnik quoted Zakharova as saying.

REGIONAL PRESS

Leaders of EU countries officially grant B&H status of candidate for membership in EU (N1)

The EU Council passed a decision to approve granting Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) the EU candidate status at a session in Brussels on Thursday, thus confirming the European Commission’s (EC) recommendation issued in October. Reporter reminded that the decision passed by the leaders of the EU member states comes after persistent lobbying activities by Slovenia and Croatia that wanted to help B&H as a neighboring country to get the EU candidate status, regardless of the general assessment by most of the EU leaders that B&H politicians have not done much on the EU path of B&H and that the candidate status is actually an award to B&H citizens – not to politicians whose inefficient work on the necessary reforms to make B&H a fully functional country affects citizens the most. Reporter pointed out that the first step now, that B&H was granted the EU candidate status is to set the date for start of the EU accession negotiations, and then to open the negotiations that are expected to last quite long. The priority task ahead of B&H politicians now is to meet 14 priorities set out in the EC’s Opinion on B&H in 2019, which were mentioned first as a condition for B&H to get the EU candidate status and later as a condition to start the accession negotiations. According to the reporter, the EU leaders believe that they have already done a favor to B&H by granting the country the EU candidate status despite the fact that the required reform processes have not been completed, but that the EU will be insisting on the necessary reforms before launching the accession negotiations. EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varhelyi welcomed the decision of the EU Council to grant the status of the EU candidate to B&H, stressing that this is a historical decision and that B&H’s future is in the European family. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell was quoted as saying: “I strongly support the candidate status of B&H. It is a good signal to B&H authorities to intensify work on reforms”. Borrell said this was a very important step for B&H and for the whole region. US Ambassador to B&H Michael Murphy welcomed the decision of the EU by saying that people of this country deserve this even if politicians and political leaders in the country did little to earn this. The US Embassy to B&H wrote on Twitter that new authorities must show commitment to the European perspective by adoption of laws and reforms. The US Embassy to B&H added that the path to Europe has been opened and it is high time “those in charge of navigation started working”. The Italian Embassy to B&H congratulated the decision and stated that “Italy will be working constantly to enable the result”. “This is not the goal itself, this is a starting point. There is a difficult job ahead of us,” reads Embassy’s statement. Head of the OSCE Mission to B&H, Brian Aggeler issued a statement in light of the decision of the European Council: “Granting the EU candidate status to B&H is a very welcome opportunity and an important milestone along the country’s path toward European integration. We congratulate the people of B&H on this achievement,” stated Aggeler. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was quoted as saying: “For me, it is very important that we continue to make progress in the reception of the countries of the Western Balkans. So far, we have made progress when it comes to B&H. I think that is very important. I think it is a good thing that we need”. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic welcomed the decision to grant candidate status to B&H on his Twitter account. He wrote: “We are proud and happy; the European Council has confirmed the candidate status for BiH, which Croatia strongly advocated for. Our neighbor and friend, B&H, has earned the EU’s support, which is also an incentive for further reforms and agreement on electoral legislation changes. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart”. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob posted on his Twitter stating that decision to award status of candidate to B&H is one of the most important geostrategic and political decisions in the recent period. Head of the EU Delegation Johann Sattler said: “B&H and the EU are based on the same pillars; the principle of the ‘united diversity’ is our joint value, power and wealth. This country is rich with energy and talent. The status of the candidate is our sign that we believe in this country and that we share your hopes for better future. Stronger protection of human rights, more trust, efficient fight against corruption, functional public institutions, stronger economy, better healthcare protection and education. This is encouragement for all citizens who know that the road to the EU is the road towards better B&H. However, this is also a message and a very important one to political leaders to turn a new page and implement the necessary reforms that will bring good to all citizens of B&H. We know that many challenges are ahead of you but the new political progress is here and this is my recommendation. Let’s use it! Let’s use this momentum! I believe in this country.” High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt welcomed the decision. The HR stated that the status of the candidate is the key step towards further harmonization of B&H with standards and regulations of the EU. Schmidt added that this is an opportunity for the political leaders to work for the benefit of people in B&H on making their lives better. Schmidt said that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for B&H. “Candidacy Status is a crucial step in B&H’s continued alignment with EU standards and regulations and further confirmation of the commitment on both sides for B&H’s future as a member of the EU family. This is an opportunity for the political leaders of this country to serve the people in B&H and improve their lives. This will be a tough job and it will require persistence, hard work, and true commitment. But it is necessary. The High Representative will continue to work on ensuring full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The implementation of all aspects of Dayton, including, for example, non-discrimination and the right to return as guaranteed under the Annex VII, along with the 5+2 Agenda, has to be finalized. For this we will need to see the full commitment of local politicians as well as the international community,” reads statement issued by the OHR.

Borrell: EU candidate status is not destination but only beginning of new chapter; B&H needs to accelerate reform processes in order to improve lives of citizens (Nezavisne)

On the occasion of the EU Council granting B&H the status of EU candidate, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell penned an op-ed piece noting that the EU leaders made the decision unanimously, and emphasizing that the decision represents a turning point which reaffirms the country’s European future and responds to the clear demands of citizens to live in dignity, peace and prosperity. According to Borrell, this decision should kick start a new energy for change in B&H. “Political leaders now have a clear task to implement crucial, long-expected reforms in order to turn this ambition into reality”, Borrell emphasized. He added that throughout his tenure as the EU High Representative, he has been working on making sure that B&H can continue counting on the EU’s support. Borrell underlined that the EU has been working intensely to help B&H leaders improve the functionality of institutions, respond to the challenges of migration, and prepare the ambitious project of electoral reform. He reminded that the EU preserved the strong mandate of the EUFOR/Althea mission and provided the necessary financial support for it. “As I stated in Sarajevo earlier this year: Our commitment to preservation of B&H’s security and stability is rock-solid. As before, we remain completely committed to the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of B&H”, Borrell noted. He further elaborated that the illegal and unprovoked aggression of Russia against Ukraine reminded everybody of fragility of peace in Europe. “We cannot be neutral between the aggressor and the victim. The EU and its partners from the Western Balkans share responsibility for building a democratic, stable and peaceful continent. B&H took this responsibility seriously, condemned the aggression and joined the never seen before sanctions of the EU against the Russian leaders. This stance shows that our shared future is based on values and principles we share”, Borrell wrote. Noting that the EU has been collaborating closely with partners across the globe, including B&H, to alleviate the negative impact of the Russian aggression on food supply, inflation and price of energy and commodities. “Actually, nobody helps B&H more than the EU, and we do it without any hidden agenda. The EU mobilized EUR 1 billion to help families, and small and medium enterprises cope with the growing energy prices. On the long run, we invest in green ecological transition in order to end the energy dependence and create good jobs in the region”, Borrell emphasized. He added that he is looking forward to cooperating with the newly elected B&H leaders who will put the EU integration in the focus of their actions. He also noted that there is still a lot of work to do, and that the EU candidate status is not the final destination, but only the beginning of a new chapter. He underlined that in order to open the negotiation process with the EU, it is necessary to seriously accelerate reform processes which are not implemented only for the sake of “Brussels”, but in order to improve the everyday life of all people in B&H. “Although the ultimate responsibility for implementation rests with the elected officials, every citizen has a role to play in the process. Although the road from Dayton to Brussels is still challenging, the destination is now clearly in sight, and the road map determined. Let us engage together on the new path of B&H to the EU”, Borrell concluded.

B&H politicians comment on EU Candidate Status of B&H (Nova, BHT1, RTRS)

B&H received the status of a candidate country – this was confirmed on Thursday at the last meeting of the European Council for this year. SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said he was more optimistic about B&H’s EU path a few years ago than he is now. “Now, I am really indifferent about it. Basically, I believe this is not a part of regular procedures, that are common, or which were announced to us. But, in any case, let us see what becomes of this. I believe it is a delayed reaction to the injustice done this year, in the middle of the year, when they gave (candidate status) to Ukraine and others, and we did not get that”, Dodik assessed. He stressed that Brussels needs to understand that it is a B&H’s partner – not a chief, adding that if the EU and Brussels want to run processes and institutions in B&H then they need to pay for that. Dodik warned that domestic production and capacities need to be preserved in this process. He welcomed the abovementioned decision and he pointed out that he will suggest to all political actors in B&H entities to request financial support of EUR 20 billion until 2027 from the EU. Dodik wrote on Twitter: “This would allow us to, while respecting the Constitution and the Dayton Agreement, align our laws, standards and institutions with those of the EU by 2027. Everything else is a colourful lie”. Deputy speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic said that the decision to grant B&H the status of a candidate for membership in the EU is a technical decision which will mean nothing “if we do not know how to use it.” “We can be in this status for years. Our goal is to get out of this status by the end of next year with these reforms that we are offering. A hand has been extended to us and we have to accept it to the end,” Covic said. SDP B&H leader Nermin Niksic said that he believes that B&H will know how to use the EU candidate status as a chance, stressing that he also believes in promises of the EU representatives in B&H who already announced some important projects of support to B&H, but that it is up to B&H leaders whether they will use this support or continue to maintain conflicts. Niksic also commended the European Commission (EC) for its effort in making this happen. He is sure B&H leaders will use this given opportunity, this status, and they will make sure B&H will progress on its EU path. B&H Presidency Chairwoman Zeljka Cvijanovic said that the news that leaders of the EU countries granted B&H the status of a candidate for membership in the EU is certainly good for B&H and for the citizens of RS and the Federation of B&H (FB&H). “These are some things about which there was unity at the political level when it comes to all parties, both ruling and opposition parties, both at the entity level and at the level of B&H. The European Union has always existed as a strategic goal. I can say that I only regret the fact that it is happening now, and that it did not happen a few years ago. I am convinced that, based on what was done, this could have happened a few years ago, but we also understand that this is a political decision of the European Union, that in some new geopolitical circumstances, globally, it has assessed that this should happen and that B&H should receive this candidate status,” Cvijanovic underlined. Cvijanovic concluded that the EU candidate status is additional obligation for all authorities in B&H, with specific coordinated activities and meeting the obligations of individual levels of authority in B&H in line with their constitutional competences. B&H Presidency member Denis Becirovic said that it is very important to say that the European Council’s decision to grant B&H candidate status is extremely important for B&H. “This is a joint victory for both the state of B&H and the European Union, but it is also important to point out the fact that it is, nevertheless, a return of optimism to B&H society. This decision is also another stamp on the statehood and sovereignty of the state of B&H. Our country is a full member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, a country that is on the verge of joining the NATO alliance, and as of today (Thursday) it is also a candidate for full membership in the European Union,” Becirovic pointed out. Member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic reacted by saying that domestic politicians failed to do anything about the 14 recommendations from the European Commission (EC)’s opinion. According to Komsic, the decision is geopolitical in the context of Russia and the war in Ukraine as the EU should have reacted in a more concrete way towards B&H. NS’ MP in B&H House of Representatives, Predrag Kojovic wrote on his Facebook that Thursday was “a very important day for B&H and all its citizens”. “We are opening a new, European page of our history on which we can write a much prettier story than is the one we live in for a long time,” Kojovic wrote. B&H Council of Ministers Chairman Zoran Tegeltija stated that granting B&H the EU candidate status is a positive signal B&H citizens have waited for a long time, as well as a strong message that the Western Balkans is among the EU priorities and a strong motivation for further implementation of reforms in B&H. RS parliament speaker Nenad Stevandic stated that B&H should have been granted the EU candidate status at the same time as Georgia and Moldova. He noted that the state of human rights and the rule of law in B&H is much better than in Georgia and Moldova, and concluded that the decision to grant B&H the candidate status comes late. Addressing the press conference on Wednesday, PDP leader Branislav Borenovic had said: “I have a feeling it is some sort of award for no work, for failing to undertake activities, and an encouragement to political elites that have done almost nothing on this country’s European path. However, it is still an additional step forward’. Acting SDS leader Milan Milicevic said that granting B&H the candidate status is an excellent news for the citizens, but the authorities have not contributed to that. “Today is an important date, but we have no reason to celebrate. In order to justify the candidate status, we need reform of tax system, judiciary, the (B&H) Election Law and system, combating corruption and crime that also implies political corruption and crime, that is the umbrella for all other forms of corruption. Unfortunately, we have not had that until now, especially over the past four years. Instead, we had political blockades on all issues at all levels, from blocking important energy projects to blocking funds of the European Investment Bank and funds in the B&H Presidency and the B&H Council of Ministers for a series of projects important for the citizens, like water supply and waste water system, energy efficiency and green development”, Milicevic was quoted as saying.

Representatives of ‘The Eight’, HDZ B&H and SNSD sign agreement on formation of authorities at B&H level; Covic announces continuation of talks between HDZ B&H, SNSD and ‘Eight’ regarding distribution of positions in B&H CoM (N1)

Parties gathered around ‘The Eight’ coalition, HDZ B&H and SNSD reached an agreement on the authority formation at the level of B&H, at a meeting in Sarajevo on Thursday. The agreement (titled: ‘Guidelines, Principles and Goals in Executive and Legislative Branches for period 2022-2026’) was signed by SDP B&H leader Nemin Niksic, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik. The agreement stipulates in terms of electoral reform that the amendments to the Election law of B&H and the Constitution of B&H will be drafted within the next six months, in a way not to jeopardize collective and citizens’ rights as stipulated in the ECHR and the Constitutional Court of B&H’s rulings. The agreement also stresses a conclusion reached by the leaders according to which they will be committed not to block the investment projects but to ensure their adoption in institutions at the level of B&H in line with constitutional competences. Jelin-Dizdar reminded that these projects refer to the investments Dodik set as a condition to sign the authority formation agreement, such as the construction of the ‘Buk-Bijela’ thermal-power plant on the Drina River, the airport in Trebinje and a gas pipeline through Republika Srpska (RS), noting that Dodik did not officially confirmed this for the press after the meeting. The agreement also mentions the EU integration and stresses that political leaders as its signatories will do their best for B&H to continue the EU and to accelerate the reform processes in B&H, in cooperation with the international community. Part of the agreement stipulates rapid formation of B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) and start of the reform processes right after the authority formation in B&H. Addressing the press conference after the meeting, Dodik stated that the agreement stipulates a deal between the leaders not to block investments, and to respect procedures and the Constitution of B&H that will be the main stronghold for all future agreements. Covic said that the agreement stipulates that the issues regarding electoral legislation should be resolved within six months from the formation of authorities, stressing that he believes according to previous talks with the coalition leaders that this task will be completed in the next six months. Niksic told the press that the rule of law cannot be expected in BiH immediately after the coalition agreement is signed and it takes time for things to become more functional, but if the agreement’s implementation starts as expected – all its items and conclusions bring hope for the creation of a new better environment in many segments and better living conditions in B&H. The three leaders announced rapid formation of authority and change of political environment in B&H, as well as that they will put aside political differences that caused a number of disputes in B&H in the past years and put in focus the issues on which agreement is possible. They said that it will be priority to work on the rule of law, socio-economic reforms, the EU path of B&H, with full respect of the constitutional structure of B&H, its entities and constituent peoples. Addressing the press conference after the meeting, Dodik said that serious efforts were invested in the authority formation talks which have shown a serious respect of political partners in this process, adding that this process included the signing of several documents that are important for the functioning of B&H in terms of the budget, as well as documents on development projects. Covic stated that signatories of the authority formation agreement will be partners – not members of a forced coalition as it was the case in previous years, expressing belief in the functionality of future authorities. He said that he is sure that the new parliamentary majority will show its strength through the B&H CoM and other authority bodies. Niksic said that differences between the coalition partners that apparently exist can be always stressed, but signatories of the agreement on the authority formation are committed to mutual cooperation on economic measures and investment that are expected to bring benefits to B&H citizens.

SDA VP Colo: HR asked SDA to withdraw and let old-new forces to form authorities (FTV)

In a statement given for BHRT, SDA Vice President (VP) Alma Colo said that High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt asked SDA to withdraw and let old-new forces to form authorities. According to Colo, the HR Schmidt said that SDA must not block because the most important thing now is for B&H to join the EU. Colo also said that representatives of SDA told Schmidt during a meeting that they will use all legal means but they will not block anything. She pointed out that SDA won the highest number of votes. Colo who said SDA has been doing everything for years that B&H joins the EU. “We met the key priorities, law fell in the House of Peoples because HDZ and SNSD did not want laws to be adopted”.

RS Council of Peoples holds inaugural session (RTRS)

RS has finally completed the process of formation of its legislative authorities, after the RS Council of Peoples (CoP) held an inaugural session on Thursday. Srebrenka Golic was elected the Chair of the RS CoP from the rank of the Bosniak People, and the two deputy chairs are Nada Tesanovic from the rank of the Croat People, Vojislav Gligic from the rank of the Serb People and Jovana Carkic from the rank of Others. Heads of caucuses from the rank of the three constituent peoples and Others in the RS CoP and their deputies were also elected. Amir Hurtic was elected the Head of the Bosniak Caucus in the RS CoP, Mijo Perkunic was elected as the Head of the Croat Caucus in the RS CoP, Zivko Marjanac was elected as the Head of the Serb Caucus in the RS CoP and Franc Sosnja was elected as the Head of the Caucus of Others in the RS CoP. Golic said in her address at the inaugural session that the RS CoP now has a special responsibility to protect rights of all constituent peoples and citizens of B&H guaranteed by the Constitution of B&H, given that the EU doors are finally opened for B&H, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation. The Collegium of the RS parliament has scheduled the third special session of the RS parliament for Wednesday, 21 December. The new RS government should be appointed at the upcoming special session of the RS parliament. RS parliament speaker Nenad Stevandic announced that after the end of this session, a fourth special session of the RS parliament will be held at which appointment of the working bodies of the RS parliament will be completed.

Croatian PM welcomes Kosovo’s EU membership application (Hina)

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday welcomed Kosovo’s application for European Union membership and wished the country success on its European path. We will continue to provide support and share Croatia’s experiences, Plenkovic, who was attending an EU summit in Brussels, said on Twitter. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti submitted a request for Kosovo’s membership of the European Union on Thursday in Prague, launching a process that could take years, if not decades, and is dependent on it normalising relations with neighbouring Serbia. Kurti presented the application in Prague to the Czech Republic, which is currently holding the EU’s rotating presidency. With this move by Kosovo, the EU is facing an unprecedented situation. “Any European State which respects the values referred to in Article 2 and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the Union,” according to Article 40 of the Treaty of Lisbon. In all the previous cases, there was a discussion on whether an applicant country fulfilled the conditions for membership, that is, for candidate status. In this case, something else has to be resolved — whether Kosovo is a state. Twenty-two EU members have recognised Kosovo and established diplomatic relations with it. However, it is necessary that all 27 member states reach a consensus, and Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain still do not recognise Kosovo’s independence. Therefore, a clear response should not be expected from the EU until the situation regarding Kosovo’s status becomes clearer. Kosovo is the only country in the Western Balkans that has not submitted an application for EU membership until now. Although the 27 EU member states are not in favour of the further enlargement of the Union, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they have decided to devote more energy to improving the relations with the six Balkan countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

EU leaders grant B&H candidate status; Plenkovic spoke to reporters after the decision (HRT)

European leaders, meeting on Thursday in Brussels to try and resolve some outstanding issues before the end of the year, formalized a decision to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) EU candidate status. The European Council confirmed, without debate, the recommendation agreed two days earlier by EU foreign ministers. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic spoke to reporters in Brussels after the decision. “For more than six and half years since it submitted its application for membership, Croatia has continuously supported B&H on its European path. I am glad that today’s meeting of the European Council coincided with the meeting of political parties in B&H, where an agreement was reached at the state level. This leads to a clear conclusion that the situation after these elections is significantly different than four years ago. Such functionality and ambition for reform will enable B&H to advance faster towards the EU. Croatia, as I have said many times, as a friendly, neighboring country, will sincerely help B&H on this path,” Plenkovic stressed. Among the other issues EU leaders addressed were aid to Ukraine, a ninth package of sanctions against Russia, the energy crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine, and a trade spat with the US.

HDZ confident Ukraine aid proposal will pass with needed 2/3 majority (HRT)

Croatian lawmakers are set to vote on Friday on a proposal to participate in the EU’s military aid mission to Ukraine. Under the government’s proposal, Croatia would agree to train some 100 Ukrainian soldiers in Croatia and send Croatian troops to train Ukrainians in another EU country. The government needs a 2/3 majority, 101, votes for the proposal to pass. The HDZ currently holds a 77 seat-majority with its allies in the chamber but 24 opposition MPs will have to join the. After two weeks of negotiations with the opposition, HDZ leaders are confident they will the votes. “If the MPs I spoke to stick to the position that we discussed with club representatives, then there will be 101 votes. However, I want to be cautious, until tomorrow,” said HDZ MP Branko Bacic. It is crucial for the HDZ to get the votes of the opposition Social Democrats, 18 votes precisely. The Social Democrats are keeping silent, saying they will not reveal their decision until Friday’s vote. “We have arrived at a position but we have agreed not to reveal it until it’s time to push the button,” said Social Democrat Ivana Posavec Krivec. The SDP, the single largest opposition party, said it would not vote at all because their MPs are opposed on procedural grounds. Most, the Green-Leftist Bloc, the Sovereigntists have also voiced their clear opposition to the proposal and the Center Part and GLAS are also leaning against it. This leaves the Social Democrats and the Homeland Movement. The latter has agreed to let its members vote their conscience. The opposition IDS said they will support the proposal.

Djukanovic meets Peach and Sarrazin: Through elections to nationally responsible govt. that will return Montenegro to EU path (CdM)

In Montenegro, there has been a serious ruining of the system as a whole, the functionality of the institutions, and the European path has been stopped, said the President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, stressing that the only way out is to organize early elections in order to reach a nationally responsible government that will return the country to European path. He said this during the meeting with the special envoy of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for the Commonwealth of Nations, Stuart Peach, and the special envoy of the Federal government of Germany for the Commonwealth of Nations, Manuel Sarrazin, who are on a joint visit to Montenegro. President Djukanovic thanked the governments of the UK and Germany for their continued interest in the European future of the region and Montenegro, and personally thanked the two envoys for the zealous performance of their mission, from which we as a country benefit significantly. He introduced them in detail to the current situation in the context of the European future of the region and the internal situation in Montenegro. President Djukanovic also informed the representatives of the British and German governments about the very delicate phase of political life in Montenegro and the consequences of the policy which, as of the last days, has shown that we have a parliamentary majority that ignores and does not want a partnership with Europe. The President thanked the delegates for their expressed views and support, stressing that the solution to the internal and regional situation would be closer with a clearer message from the international community to all those who calculate in relation to the European and Euro-Atlantic course, the President’s cabinet has stated.

Peach & Sarrazin: Consider what message would be sent if PM and government were elected based on dubious law (CdM)

“We strongly recommend political decision-makers to carefully consider the harmful message they will send to Euro-Atlantic partners if they elect a prime minister and, subsequently, form a government based on a law whose compliance with the Constitution is highly questionable and which the Venice Commission advised not to implement”, says a joint statement of the special envoy of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for the Western Balkans Lord Stuart Peach and the special representative of the German federal government for the countries of the Western Balkans Manuel Sarrazin. They have emphasized that the United Kingdom and Germany continue to strongly support the Euro-Atlantic orientation of Montenegro and its efforts to join the European Union. At the same time, they have pointed out that they are worried about the long-term political crisis, blocked institutions, the increasing polarization of society in Montenegro and the apparent inability of political decision-makers to find a way out of this crisis. They also point out that they believe that the best means to “overcome the current political impasse and put the future of Montenegro in the hands of its people again would be parliamentary elections, which should be held as soon as possible, after the Constitutional Court resumes its work.

Escobar: Montenegro must resolve political impasse (CdM)

“Montenegro must resolve the political impasse in which it has found itself and remain committed to the Euro-Atlantic path”, says the special envoy of the United States of America for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar. He stated this after a meeting with the outgoing PM Dritan Abazovic. The government has announced that Abazovic and Escobar discussed numerous current internal, regional security and global political issues and agreed that the two countries had excellent relations, based on a common system of values, partnership interests and alliance within NATO. Discussing internal political issues, Escobar expressed his concern about the consequences of the amendments to the Law on the President, which were adopted contrary to the clear recommendation of the Venice Commission. During the constructive conversation, Escobar pointed out that it was very important for Montenegro to maintain a leadership position in EU integration and that it should be dedicated to unblocking the institutions. “The US remains fully prepared to help its traditional partner”, Escobar stressed. The interlocutors agreed that the priority of all political structures in the coming period should be to reach a consensus on the election of all four members of the Constitutional Court, as a basic prerequisite for resolving the political crisis.

Escobar and Djukanovic worried about state functionality in conditions when Montenegro doesn’t have operational Constitutional Court and government (CdM)

“There was a constructive and very open conversation with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar about the situation in Montenegro. Extreme concern was expressed for the functionality of the state in conditions where we do not have the Constitutional Court and the Government and there is no consensus in the Parliament”, announced the President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, after the meeting with Escobar in Podgorica. “All pro-European and pro-Euro-Atlantic political actors are encouraged to focus on a compromise that will result in the election of Constitutional Court judges and lead to early elections as a credible way out of the crisis. Everything else is manipulation, including the reckless adoption of the Law against the opinion of the Venice Commission. Montenegro must return to a state of normality that belongs to a reliable NATO member and a state that is responsible for carrying out the perspective of EU membership through reforms”, President Djukanovic has tweeted. “Escobar and President Djukanovic met and shared mutual concerns regarding the passage of the Law on the President, discussed the need to unblock the Constitutional Court and exchanged views on critical regional security issues”, US Embassy has tweeted.

Greece is North Macedonia’s closest partner in region (MIA)

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said on 15 December that Greece was North Macedonia’s closest partner in the region “without hidden agendas.” According to the MIA news agency, he said that during a meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, who is paying a working visit to Athens. “You can always count on our friendship and can always count on our support,” Dendias stated. “Excellent bilateral relations in all fields were confirmed” during the meeting between Dendias and Osmani at the Greek Foreign Ministry, the report reads. The two neighboring countries’ foreign ministers also discussed possibilities for further advancing cooperation, while Greece once again declared its support to the European prospects of North Macedonia. “The political intergovernmental conference has sent a clear message, not just for North Macedonia, but also for the European perspective of all countries of the Western Balkans. We fully believe in and strive toward the entire Western Balkans’ future in Europe,” Dendias said, adding that “revisionist aspirations are not allowed in the Western Balkans.”

President Begaj welcomes Kosova’s application for EU membership: A clear European vocation (Radio Tirana)

Albanian President of the Republic Bajram Begaj welcomes the submission of Kosovo’s application to join the European Union, and considers it an important historical act.

“Congratulations to the authorities of Kosovo, much success in fulfilling the obligations of the membership process. All member countries should support the application of Kosovo, as this would not only be in the best geopolitical interest of the European Union, but also a further contribution in support of a country and a people with a clear European and Euro-Atlantic vocation. Congratulations to Kosovo and successes may attend!”, writes Begaj. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti who submitted the application for the EU membership, called this an extraordinary day for democracy in Europe.

Xhacka: Albania will support and help at every step the process of Kosovo’s application for EU membership (Radio Tirana)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Olta Xhacka has congratulated Kosova on the application to become part of the European Union. In a post on Twitter, Xhacka writes that Albania will support and help Kosovo in every step of this process. Xhacka emphasizes that Kosovo place is in the EU, as well as the future of the Western Balkans. “Congratulations to Kosovo for its application for membership in the EU. Albania will support and help Kosovo in every step of this process. The place of Kosovo is in the EU just as the future of the Western Balkans is in the EU”, writes the Minister.

Rama with representatives of diplomatic corps: In spring we are waiting for the Berlin Summit! Tensions in the north, distraction political rhetoric (Radio Tirana)

On the occasion of the end of year holidays, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a dinner with representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, sharing impressions of the events of the year that is closing, and discussing the joint projects to be implemented soon, with friendly and partner countries. Rama considered 2022 a very successful year for Albania, whose voice was heard alongside the US in the UN Security Council regarding the war in Ukraine, as well as holding the EU summit for the first time in a Balkans state. “What an incredible year for our foreign relations and while we are in terms of fortunate events, let’s not forget the opening of talks for the Albania’s EU membership. It’s another key date marked on our calendars, but for me it stands out not simply because of its importance to our foreign relations. More than Albania’s relations with Europe, this has to do more with Albanians’ relations with their future. Thanks to this major achievement, Albania is closer to the future than it was at the beginning of this year”, said Rama. Rama also announced that Germany has asked Albania to host the Berlin Process Summit next spring. “We see it as an expression of appreciation and respect for what Albania is constantly doing to actively promote regional cooperation, peace and dialogue, closer ties with its Western Balkans neighbors, interactions between people and businesses from all our countries. We will do our best to be up to the task and host an unforgettable Summit of the Berlin Process, just as we hosted an EU summit that left a positive impression on all those who came to Tirana”, said Rama. Rama also focused on the tensions in the north of Kosovo, where he said that the only solution for the parties is dialogue and that the political rhetoric about sending Serbian troops to the north is surreal and unacceptable. “It is not a good year-end in terms of the normalization process between Kosovo and Serbia. The increase of tensions in the north of Kosovo is not only useless, but deeply disturbing. It is unbelievable that we have to constantly deal with the emergence of barricades, setbacks in the normalization process, and US and EU fire brigades running to save the machinery of dialogue from the flames of heavy political rhetoric. Recently, we heard about requests made to NATO to send Serbian troops to the north of Kosovo, to protect the ethnic Serbs. I understand that this may be another special piece of political rhetoric, but it is as surreal as it would be if Kosovo asked NATO to send Albanian troops to southern Serbia to protect ethnic Albanians. All this is very far from what we need. We have entered the third decade since Kosovo was freed once and for good from Belgrade. Kosovo will never again be under the law of Belgrade. Only three elements are needed: Dialogue, dialogue, dialogue. The rest is simply bad politics,” said Rama. Regarding the war in Ukraine, Albanian prime Minister made it clear once again that Albania will stand by Kiev’s side until the end. “What an incredible year we are closing! When we met at the end of last year, none of us here, or elsewhere, could have imagined that 2022 would bring war back to Europe. Our thoughts tonight are first and foremost with the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian families for whom this is the worst Christmas since World War II, bringing loneliness more than companionship, gloom more than light, fear more than celebration. Let’s pray for them every time we gather with friends and family under the lights of the New Year’s tree in our cities or in our homes. Albania will stand by Ukraine until the end. We are humbly honored to be given the privilege to support as a non-permanent member of the Security Council the righteous cause of the state of Ukraine. No one would have imagined until a few years ago that Albania would sit up there, with very few others, to debate the most important issues of the United Nations”, said Albanian Prime Minister.