LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Relations with China reach a historical peak (RTS/Beta)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hosted a ceremony in Belgrade yesterday to mark the Lunar New Year, stating that he “believes in the future of Sino-Serbian relations, which have reached a historical peak.” Vucic said on Instagram that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said that Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit Serbia this year, but that it was too early to discuss dates. During the ceremony at the Villa “Mir” (Peace), Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming stated that the “ironclad friendship between Serbia and China will be elevated to an even higher level”, RTS quoted the diplomat as saying. “Economic cooperation is fruitful, with trade exceeding EUR6 billion and cultural exchanges thriving,” the Ambassador said.

Vucic, Sarrazin discuss upcoming Brussels meeting, situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with the German government’s special Western Balkans envoy Manuel Sarrazin on Monday to discuss topics including the upcoming meeting in Brussels, the situation in Kosovo-Metohija and Serbia’s EU integration. “A good meeting with Manuel Sarrazin. We discussed a wide range of topics, from regional and international relations to the upcoming meetings in Brussels and developments in the situation in Kosovo-Metohija,” Vucic wrote on Instagram. He said they had also exchanged views on the cooperation between Serbia and Germany as well as Serbia’s EU integration and challenges facing the country on that path. Vucic added that it had been his special pleasure to present to Sarrazin the vision of a modern Serbia and numerous projects the country was working on, especially as part of hosting EXPO 2027.

EBRD important partner in Serbia’s energy transition (Tanjug/Novosti)

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic signed yesterday in London, in the presence of Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, two documents with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on support for investments in the field of renewable energy sources in Serbia. Djedovic Handanovic signed the Agreement on grants worth €3 million within the project “Renewable energy sources in district heating systems in Serbia”, which the Ministry is implementing in cooperation with the EBRD and cities and municipalities throughout Serbia, as part of the Western Balkans Investment Summit, at the EBRD headquarters in London. The Minister pointed out that the total value of the project is €40.5 million, of which €10.5 million are grants, and that it plans to introduce RES in the district heating sector in ten local governments in Serbia using, among other things, solar collectors, heat pumps and geothermal sources. By implementing the projects we are planning with the EBRD, we would double the production of thermal energy from RES, with a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, the Minister emphasised. Djedovic Handanovic stated that the Letter of Intent was signed today between the Ministry and the EBRD, which ensured the support of that international financial institution in the second round of auctions for the allocation of market premiums for renewable energy sources, which will be implemented in the second half of this year.

More decisive action regarding violations of human rights in Kosovo and Metohija needed (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said yesterday that our country is strongly committed to the protection and promotion of human rights, as one of the foundations of our society, determined to live in an atmosphere of tolerance and solidarity. During the high-level segment of the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, in an online format, Dacic pointed out the tragedy that part of our population in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija has been going through for decades. Our people have been living there for a quarter of a century in an atmosphere of fear of persecution and violence. Serbs are systematically denied many basic human rights, guaranteed by the UN Charter and other fundamental international documents, including the right to freedom of movement, the free expression of will in elections, the right to property, economic development, and even the right to life, Dacic noted. He called on the international community to pay more attention and act more decisively towards this long-term and severe discrimination and violation of basic human rights against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

Petkovic meets with Lajcak in Brussels (Tanjug/RTS)

A tete-a-tete meeting between the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic and the EU Special Envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak began in the European External Action Service (EEAS) building in Brussels shortly after 10 am on Tuesday. A meeting between Belgrade’s delegation and Lajcak and his team is also expected to take place later. The delegation includes representatives of the Finance Ministry and the Postal Savings Bank, a Tanjug correspondent said. At a press briefing on Monday, EEAS spokesperson Nabila Massrali said the meeting would “focus on solutions to many open questions regarding the recent decision on cash operations” by the so-called Kosovo central bank, which effectively banned the Serbian Dinar from 1 February. “It will start in the morning and follow the usual dialogue format and both parties, as far as I know, have confirmed their participation,” she said.

Dacic: Serbia cannot have negative relationships with Russia, China and expect support (TV Prva)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Tuesday Belgrade’s policy was under no one’s influence and that Serbia could not have negative relationships with Russia and China and expect their support in international institutions. Speaking to TV Prva, Dacic said Serbia was conducting “an independent and sovereign policy” that was in line with its interest of safeguarding its territorial integrity and protecting Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. Asked about recent comments by Croatian officials about Serbia’s foreign policy, Dacic said Zagreb’s rhetoric was not due to the upcoming elections in Croatia but that, for years, the atmosphere in the country “reflected an opinion of Croatian officials that Serbia is another world”.

Serb List: Attacks on Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija continue (Tanjug)

After a Serbian Orthodox priest was attacked in Prizren, a series of attacks on Serbs continued when fire was set to a building on Ljubisa Doncic‘s family farm in Klina, which burned to the ground, said the Serb List. Fortunately the fire did not spread to the house itself, because if it had, considering that the family was not there at the time, nobody would have put it out. “Given the fact that the Doncic are farmers and that all the hay bales they had burned down, this act of pyromaniacs endangers their livelihood, and at the same time most directly threatens their survival and physical safety,” a statement said. The Serb List notes that the number of ethnically motivated attacks has been increasing every month since the regime of the prime minister of the provisional Pristina institutions Albin Kurti has been in power, as well as that none of these anti-Serb attacks receives a judicial outcome, meaning that criminals are encouraged to continue oppressing Serbs. “We demand a reaction from international representatives. To stop the climate of lynching to which everything that is Serb is exposed, and prevent Kurti from trying to expel Serbs from their centuries-old homes,” concluded the Serb List.

Tepic: We will not attend consultations with Vucic (N1)

Marinika Tepic, who heads the Serbia Against Violence (SPN) election ticket, said this opposition coalition will not attend consultations on the new government initiated by Serbian President Aleksanda Vucic. Tepic, who is the deputy leader of the opposition Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), told N1 that Vucic has missed the opportunity to do something for his country. She added that the SPN has been invited to consultations on 4 March. “For years we tried to explain, to instruct, to say – fulfill the ODIHR recommendations, more than half of Serbia does not vote for your government, acknowledge their representatives, the opposition is also an institution, we tried in various ways, but they stubbornly stick to their decision that they are irreplaceable, so there is no point in communicating with the institutions or with them, maybe something would be different if the talks were public. He (Vucic) has rendered everything senseless, he has destroyed everything, our institutions have been shattered, and now we are going down another path, the only one that he has left for us to take,” said Tepic.

Grbovic: Excellent meeting with Lajcak, representatives of other EU institutions (N1)

Movement of Free Citizens leader Pavle Grbovic said in a post on X that the Serbian opposition delegation had an excellent meeting with EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak and with other representatives of EU institutions. “Thanks to its unity and results, the opposition succeeded in becoming an active participant in Serbia-EU relations,” said Grbovic. He said it is clear to everyone that elections like the ones held in Serbia on 17 December are absolutely unacceptable, which it why an active role of EU partners is needed.

Lazovic says “We have reason to be optimistic” (N1)

Radomir Lazovic of the opposition Green-Left Front, who is currently in Brussels with his colleagues from the opposition, told N1 that they “have reason to be optimistic”. Lazovic said that Serbian opposition representatives are having talks with representatives of the European Commission, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak, and with some other people who are “know what is happening in Serbia”. “Following our visit to Strasbourg and the European Parliament (EP), the EP Resolution was adopted, I hope we will have the same result today, when we should find out if a mission will be sent to Serbia.” Also expected is the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) final report on the Serbian 17 December elections. “That is another finding that is important. Why is the ODIHR report important – because many EU member states, like France and some others, have said that they will take a position on the Serbian elections precisely after this report is published. Judging by what we know, it is going to be ever harsher on those responsible for the election fraud than the first one,” said Lazovic. He said he expects “the hysterical reactions from the government to continue”. “They are on the defensive, trying to evade these arguments and findings. Following our diplomatic offensive, which continues, we will again be in Berlin, where we will talk again with representatives of the Bundestag, try to seek the support of the EU,” said Lazovic, noting that the opposition wants a different future for Serbia. He said they “have reason to be optimistic”. “We very clearly expect what is written in the EP Resolution, the setting up of a committee that would first investigate everything that happened, look at how serious these manipulations are, all the observers said they had never seen anything like it, and that’s not all. After that, someone has to bear responsibility,” said Lazovic. He said the opposition representatives’ task is to “convince the European partners that this mission must come as soon as possible to start its activities,” so new elections are not held under the same conditions. Lazovic said he hopes their diplomatic initiative will be successful, adding it would be regrettable and devastating for Serbian society if no international investigation were conducted. “This is a join effort of the opposition, not just of the Serbia Against Violence coalition, but of all the people who care about democracy and are fighting for us to move in a democratic rather than in an authoritarian direction,” said Lazovic.

We – The Voice of the People holds future party founding assembly (Beta)

The We – The Voice of the People movement has issued a press release that a founding assembly was held for a future party by that name, including the adoption of a statute and platform. In addition to five founding members — Sinisa Ljepojevic, Jovan Janjic, Dragan Stanojevic, Mitar Kovac and Branko Pavlovic, two MPs from the movement’s ranks — Ana Krstic and Ana Ivanovic, were also at the head of the party assembly. Two of the seven founders — Branimir Nestorovic and Aleksandar Pavic, recently left the We – The Voice of the People movement after alleged misunderstandings about how the party would be run. According to an announcement made at the time, Nestorovic wanted to be president of the future party, while the other founders wanted a seven-member founders’ council to run it.

Vucic continues consultations, meets SVM delegation (Beta)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic continued his consultations on a new government in a meeting with a delegation of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (SVM). SVM acting leader Balint Pasztor told reporters after the meeting that the party wants to be part of the ruling majority. He said that they did not discuss the possible positions the SVM would like to have in the new government. He said that Vucic did not name a possible prime minister designate. The SVM has six seats in the newly-elected Serbian parliament. That party has traditionally been a coalition partner to Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

REGIONAL PRESS

B&H ruling coalition to meet in Mostar on Tuesday in order to try to make progress on reform laws required for B&H to open EU accession talks (O Kanal)

Leaders of the ruling coalition at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) are supposed to hold a new meeting in Mostar on Tuesday, in order to try to make progress on reform laws required for B&H to open the EU accession talks. This will be yet another attempt to reach an agreement prior to the EU Council’s decision on opening the EU accession negotiations with B&H on 21 March. After B&H authorities launched negotiations with Frontex and passed the law on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), there are two more conditions they need to meet to be able to get a positive decision on opening the EU accession negotiations. One of them is to adopt the law on courts and according to stances presented at the last meeting of coalition partners, the only question is where the future appellate division of the Court of B&H will be located. As SNSD insists on Banja Luka as the best location, the parties gathered around ‘The Troika’ coalition insist on Istocno Sarajevo. For months now, the EU Delegation to BiH has been of the same stance as ‘The Troika’, stressing that they do not see any reason for Banja Luka to be the seat instead of Istocno Sarajevo. The EUD has reminded of the opinion of the Venice Commission, which recommends taking in regard nearness of key elements such as prosecutor’s offices, detention facilities and penitentiary units, as well legal aid services. Another condition necessary for B&H to get the positive decision on opening the EU accession negotiations is to adopt the law on prevention of conflict of interest. O Kanal reminded that HDZ B&H has been trying for months now to include the amendments to the Election Law of B&H in the reform laws on the EU path, which they believe would change the method of election of the Croat member of B&H Presidency without changing the Constitution of B&H, as it is impossible to ensure the necessary two-third majority in B&H Parliament for now.

Konakovic: We are very close to opening accession negotiations with EU, it is up to us to finalize last small steps (Klix.ba)

B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs and NiP leader Elmedin Konakovic, speaking about the EU integration process, said that B&H needs to adopt the Law on Courts and the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest within a few days in order to get the green light for opening of accession negotiations with the EU. He expressed hope that this task will be completed. “We are closer than ever, we are very close. We need a few more technical things, I can call them little things, for the official start of negotiations. I hope that the politicians will have this awareness. It is up to us, and we have just reached the water,” he said. Konakovic noted that representatives of the ruling parties will meet in Mostar on Tuesday in order to finalize the agreement on the issues necessary for the opening of negotiations. However, numerous conditions are coming from SNSD and HDZ B&H, said Konakovic. Speaking about the talks on electoral reform and the conditions set by his coalition partners, Konakovic said that ‘The Troika’ has never agreed to electoral reform without fundamental constitutional changes, which would implement the rulings of the international courts on elimination of discrimination, primarily in the process of election of B&H Presidency members. “We do not consider it appropriate to tie that to this package that the EU is asking us to do, and we will not agree to it. We expect that the HDZ B&H and Dragan Covic, and Milorad Dodik from the third party, will be aware of the importance of the process and be aware that what we have agreed on should be implemented to bring great joy to the citizens B&H,” he said. Konakovic underlined that ‘The Troika’ has never engaged in political trade over issues such as the Election Law and the Law on B&H Constitutional Court. “Working groups are working, the atmosphere in them is better than it was before. Through them, some acceptable solutions were offered regarding the Law on Courts in which we need to get that kind of two-tier system. Amendments to the Election Law concerning the integrity and the Central Election Commission on which we have consensus should be implemented because we have an agreement, and I think all other links and conditions would show bad will… We agreed to discuss the Constitutional Court in April”, said Konakovic. He underlined that citizens will not be deprived of the right to fair election, because if political leaders fail to reach an agreement on changes to B&H Election Law improving the transparency of the election process, then High Representative Christian Schmidt will pass necessary changes. He underlined that no agreement on the matter was reached at the last meeting of the ruling coalition in Laktasi. Konakovic said that the issue of election of the Croat member of B&H Presidency is not adequately solved. However, he added, Croats deserve to exercise their rights in state institutions, and they are able to do so in most cases.

Kristo takes part at EBRD Summit in London (BNTV)

The 10th EBRD Western Balkans Investment Summit was held in London on Monday. EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said that the Western Balkans will need between 40 to 70 years to reach the level of the EU, despite EBRD investing over EUR 18 billion in the region in the last three decades. She added that progress is visible, but that all countries need to work on projects that encourage regional cooperation, alongside international financial institutions. EBRD also placed great significance on the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans but emphasized that the intended recipients should be focused on the reforms that they need to complete rather than the funds they will receive. European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi seconded the stance of the EBRD regarding the EU Growth Plan and the importance of the reforms that accompany it, adding that the most important work is not done in London or Brussels, but in each of the countries of the Western Balkans. President of the European Council Charles Michel said that the Summit is taking place during a crucial time for European integration of the countries of the Western Balkans. Michel stressed that the future of the countries of the Western Balkans is the EU, and that regional integration will speed up their integration in the European market, which Michel reminded is very competitive and stated that the Western Balkans must prepare for it. Chairwoman of the B&H Council of Ministers Borjana Kristo attended the Summit (in an online format) and stated that B&H is an open and desirable destination for foreign investment. Kristo underlined that B&H is step away from opening of the accession talks and that B&H achieved impressive progress in improving of the business environment in the last year, through strong reform process. Kristo further stressed that B&H is an open and desirable destination for foreign investment and underlined the benefits that B&H provides, such as favorable geographic position, natural resources, large number of available industrial zones, favorable legislation, low taxes, qualified workers, currency tied to euro, etc. She noted that many foreign companies are successfully operating in B&H, through 283 active investment projects, majority of them being in sectors of agriculture and food production, tourism and energy. Kristo informed participants about B&H’s key priorities in regional projects, regarding the infrastructural connectivity, green transition and developing of rural regions. She underlined that development of infrastructure is of key importance for economic development and connecting with regional and European markets. Kristo stressed that B&H recognizes importance of green transition, as key element of sustainable development and modernization of economy. In the end, Kristo stressed that B&H continues to work on achieving of its priority goals in regional projects, striving toward strengthening of regional connection, sustainable development and stability of the region.

Ministers from the RS vote against changes to Decision on establishment of the Commission for Cooperation with NATO (RTRS)

On Monday, the B&H Council of Ministers (B&H CoM) approved the Proposal for an agreement on mutual recognition of driver’s licenses between B&H and Italy. Citizens of B&H, who live in Italy, will be able to exchange valid driver’s licenses of B&H for the same Italian documents without first passing the theoretical and practical part of the driving test, as well as vice versa. The agreement enters into force after ratification in both countries. During Monday’s session, Ministers from RS voted against changes to the Decision on establishment of the Commission for Cooperation with NATO. “That is no longer a commission for NATO integration, but a commission for cooperation with NATO. We were against in the first round of voting; we want to perform additional consultations in connection to that matter, and we will see, during one of the next sessions, how we will vote,” B&H Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Stasa Kosarac told members of the press.

Croatia backs Covic in B&H gas pipeline dispute (HRT)

Croatia’s government is backing position of Dragan Covic on the need to respect the interests of Bosnian Croats in the construction of a US-backed gas pipeline project. Covic, the leader of the HDZ, the largest Croat party in B&H, met with Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Friday in Zagreb. Croatia is ready to support this project, which would deliver gas from the LNG terminal on Krk to the neighboring country, the Croatian government said in a statement. The two leaders agreed that it was necessary to continue discussions on the specifics of the project in the interest of all parties. US officials have accused Covic of obstructing the project, which aims to diversify the country’s energy suppliers and reduce reliance on Russian imports. Covic insists that the new pipeline connection must be run in Mostar by a yet to be established company instead of the already existing pipeline operator, BH Gas, headquartered in Sarajevo, which is staffed by only Bosniaks. American diplomats, on the other hand, believe that this work should be entrusted to BH Gas. “Croatia supports the position of Dragan Covic on the need to respect the interests of the Croatian people in B&H,” read a press release published on Friday after the meeting between Covic and Plenkovic. At the end of January, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman stood alongside Covic, stressing that the role of Croats in B&H must also be guaranteed in the implementation of the project. The pipeline would connect B&H to the Croatian gas system and the LNG terminal on the island of Krk. It would have two branches, one leading to the central part of the country, and the other to Mostar. Central Bosnia is currently supplied by the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, a joint project of the Russian gas giant Gazprom and Turkey. Plenkovic called on all political sides in B&H to redouble their reform efforts ahead of the EC’s new report on that country in adopting the necessary laws needed for the opening of accession negotiations at a meeting of the European Council in March.

Dizdarevic: Dodik is coming to convey Putin’s messages to his allies in Montenegro (CdM)

The visit of Milorad Dodik, who is coming to Montenegro after Russia, Belarus and Serbia, only confirms that our officials are deceiving international partners with their supposed European agenda, and that Moscow, Minsk, Belgrade and Podgorica have common directions and goals, according to DPS vice president and MP Abaz Dizdarevic. “It is obvious that Dodik, with the reputation of being the president of an entity in B&H that was sanctioned by the USA due to corruption and malicious activities in favor of Russia, comes with the task of conveying Vladimir Putin‘s messages to his allies in Montenegro. The fact that it is not known who invited him to visit and why Andrija Mandic is receiving him in the parliament, and not in his party, is a sign that Montenegro is not moving towards the west and the EU, but in the opposite direction”, announced Dizdarevic. He emphasizes that the image of Montenegro as a satellite of Russian influence, which is the role it has been assigned since 30 August 2020, is additionally complemented by the recent statement of the Russian ambassador who threatens a conflict with Russia if the countries of the Western Balkans insist on becoming members of the EU.  “That statement was ignored by the government of Montenegro, just as the subjects are silent on the eve of Dodik’s arrival. We do not need a more convincing contribution about the so-called European character of the parliamentary majority and the Government. To the smart one, this is enough,” Dizdarevic concluded.

Pendarovski: Outcome of war in Ukraine will shape international relations for years to come (MIA)

The war in Ukraine is the biggest threat to European peace and security; its outcome will shape international relations for years to come, showing whether developing democracy after the Cold War was a wasted effort or whether democracy is strong enough to resist retrograde, authoritarian regimes, President Stevo Pendarovski told the “Ukraine: Two Years of Heroism” conference organized Monday by the Embassy of Ukraine in cooperation with CIVIL Center for Freedom. President Pendarovski said the war would demonstrate whether the use of force would become the underlying principle of relations between countries in the 21st century, as opposed to the United Nations Charter principle of the sovereign equality of all its member states, regardless of whether they are small or large. “The potential triumph of this retrograde principle, looming from the archives of centuries past, would be a recipe for permanent global instability and a return to a not-so-distant past when the large powers’ geopolitical games and interests were far stronger than the free will of the nations,” Pendarovski said. Because of this, the world’s democracy is at stake, he added, noting that Ukraine is defending itself and the consequences of the war reach beyond its borders. On this day last year, the head of state said, we wished we would never gather again to mark the years of fighting for Ukraine’s freedom but to celebrate liberation from Russia’s occupation and the Ukrainian people’s heroism. “Unfortunately,” Pendarovski continued, “the brutal aggression by Putin‘s regime against this friendly country of ours is entering its third year. The loss of human lives, the suffering of millions of people across the country, the devastating consequences and the onslaught of destruction have not abated.” Over these two years, he said, the world had witnessed the inhumanity of a regime cut off from reality, a complete anachronism in the 21st century, as if these were the darkest times of European history. “That personal dictatorship is trying not only to revise history but also to change European borders, violating all international legal agreements that guarantee the continent’s peace, stability and security after World War II,” the President said. That very regime, Pendarovski said, which tramples on justice and human rights in its own country, persecuting, imprisoning and killing its opponents, was trying to force upon the world a vision in which despots would determine the fate of current and future generations. The Ukrainians have resisted these brutal attempts, endured enormous sacrifices and showed perseverance and constant faith that good can defeat evil, the head of state said. “Ukraine’s fight for freedom is for a just cause, in the name of the entire democratic and civilized world, which must continue to help until the complete liberation of Ukraine,” Pendarovski said. North Macedonia has stood in solidarity with Ukraine since the very beginning and was one of the first countries to offer military, technical and humanitarian aid and to vocally oppose the violation of the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. “Our position has not changed in these two years since the start of the aggression,” Pendarovski said. “Together with our NATO allies, we have constantly made efforts so the aid to Ukraine, which it sorely needs, is not delayed over political dynamics inside allied states.” According to him, Ukraine’s liberation depends not only on the Ukrainian army but also on the financial, logistical and military assistance from other countries.  In his speech, Pendarovski said he would participate in the Ukraine–Southeast Europe summit to be held in Tirana on 27 February, when he and his counterparts were set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The aim of the summit, he said, was to reaffirm the countries’ clear position to continue aid to Ukraine, support the reconstruction of the country’s destroyed parts, and bring to justice the perpetrators of war crimes. “We will show full support for Ukraine’s freely choosing the path it will follow in the future. If that path includes the will and readiness to integrate the country into both the EU and NATO, then we need to support Ukraine’s choice,” he said. He said this needed to be reiterated as there were many who thought that by potentially changing the governments in key democratic states and organizations in 2024, Ukraine would be forced to choose to cede the Russian-occupied territories in exchange for peace, demilitarization and military neutrality. Such an outcome, Pendarovski said, would be against the will of the Ukrainian people and would mean legitimizing aggression and the crimes committed over the past years. As proof of this he pointed to “the annexation of Crimea, which happened ten years ago and which, because of the lack of response of the democratic world, did not prevent further conflict but only encouraged Moscow to implement the same aggressive scenario in eastern Ukraine a few years later.” Only by continued support from the democratic world will Ukraine be able to prevent Russia from gaining ground, he said, recalling the recently approved aid of EUR 50 billion by the EU Council and the announcement by the US Congress that would unfreeze USD 90 billion in aid for Ukraine. “In the words of the US Secretary of State, ‘If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends. If Russia stops fighting, the war ends’,” Pendarovski said. In this fight, he said, North Macedonia would continue being on the right side of history until there is peace in Ukraine that will ensure long-term stability and prosperity not only of Ukraine but also of the European continent. Addressing the conference, Ukrainian Ambassador Larysa Dir said the war in Ukraine was not only a war against the country but also against the democratic world and NATO. Other speakers at the conference included Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps.

‘Ukraine: Two Years of Heroism’ conference: War isn’t only against Kiev, but against democratic world and NATO (MIA)

The war isn’t only against Kiev, but also against the democratic world and NATO; the support for Ukraine will continue, and we will cooperate on its path to EU membership, said participants in the “Ukraine: Two Years of Heroism” conference organized Monday by the Embassy of Ukraine in cooperation with CIVIL Center for Freedom. “By opening opportunities for an accelerated integration of North Macedonia and Albania, with the candidate status and beginning of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, by opening the European perspective of Georgia, the EU is showing that it isn’t only an economic alliance or a common market, but an alliance of states and nations who share the same values – values of peace, democracy, solidarity and mutual respect,” said Deputy Prime Minister for European affairs Bojan Marichikj at the conference. “North Macedonia,” said Marichikj, “is one more example of the importance of being in an alliance such as NATO. But at the same time, it is also an example that there are no small or great states, but there are countries and nations that nurture solidarity and unity and demonstrate them through their actions. The Macedonian nation, since the first day, has stood with the Ukrainian nation and with all other allies in NATO and the EU, in the fight against the aggression, war crimes and the violation of human dignity and international law.” The Deputy PM said North Macedonia has a long history of cooperation and friendship with Ukraine, noting that the two countries have similar histories and a similar present from a political and security aspect. “Last year,” he said, “Ukraine became a candidate member for EU membership, an act which we welcome and believe that we will have good cooperation on the European path of our two countries.” “Providing assistance to Ukraine is not a waste, but an investment in the future of a great and brave nation, but also an investment in our own security, stability and peace. Ukraine fights for the freedom and territorial integrity of the country, but also the freedom and peace in the entire world,” said Marichikj.  According to Deputy Prime Minister in charge of good governance policies, Slavica Grkovska, Ukraine’s fight is a far-reaching fight – “a fight for the top principles of humanity, of fairness and justice”. “Everything that is happening on Ukrainian soil is a repetition of an old lesson that humanity seems unable to learn. A regime that kills others and its own to survive, a regime that rests on deep corruption… in which the interests of the few are more important than the lives of millions, such a regime inevitably leads to destruction and suffering. All of this reminds us of the importance of the democratic values of civilization,” said Grkovska in her address at the conference. Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said North Macedonia will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary. “If the Russian Federation wins in Ukraine, the next station is deep within Europe. And who would be next if not the most vulnerable regions such as the Western Balkans? Even the multi-ethnic North Macedonia. This is why we must support Ukraine,” said Osmani. Addressing the conference, Ukrainian Ambassador Larysa Dir said the war in Ukraine was not only a war against the country but also against the democratic world and NATO. Through a video address at the conference, caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi expressed his support for Ukraine. “As North Macedonia, or people who have lived here for centuries, we know exactly what it means to fight for freedom. We know exactly what it means to be on the right side of history. That’s why we joined the sanction and the foreign security policy of the European Union,” said Xhaferi. Xhaferi stressed that Ukraine has a friend and a partner in the country’s current government. The conference is also expected to be addressed by EU Ambassador David Geer and US Ambassador Angela Aggeler, as well as other diplomatic representatives.

Rama appeals to foreign businesses: Invest in Albania, the country has changed a lot (Radio Tirana)

Prime Minister Edi Rama issued a direct invitation on Monday to foreign investors to come and do business in Albania. He made the call during an online participation in the Investment Summit of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development that gathered heads of governments from the Western Balkans in London. Prime Minister Rama emphasized that the country has changed significantly, from being stigmatized as an unsafe country to becoming a destination that welcomed nearly 10 million tourists last year, almost three times the population. “Today we have diversified energy sources and are continuously increasing our energy production from wind. The price of electricity has not changed even during the crisis and remains among the lowest in the region. Our public debt has reached a historic level, at 59.2% at the end of 2023, slightly below the predicted 60%. So the question is, why should serious investors invest in Albania? The simple answer is that if they don’t do it, someone else will,” stated Rama. According to Prime Minister Rama, it is important to absorb as much investment as possible in the region, which, he says, was being coordinated through the “Open Balkans” initiative. However, this initiative has faced political attacks. “We created the Open Balkans precisely because we saw that the Berlin Process had some shortcomings. We made good progress, but unfortunately, the initiative was attacked and abandoned entirely for bad reasons, because, after all, it was like an implementation project. Politics is politics, and when politics is used to vote against these strategic projects, then the strategic projects must wait. We remained imprisoned within some walls that have been established in the past,” said Rama. At the sixth EBRD summit for the Western Balkans, representatives from the governments of six countries were present, while the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, also showed their support.