LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: Serbia seeking same standards regarding European values (RTS/Beta)

The Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi presented Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic with the Report of the European Commission on Serbia’s progress in the process of EU accession. Brnabic told a joint press conference that this annual report is good and positive for Serbia, that it reflects to a large extent what Serbia is like today with all its advantages and disadvantages and lists the jobs that are still to be done. She said that she is satisfied with the current situation and stated that Serbia will do everything to fulfil the recommendations of the European Commission in order to open as many chapters as possible in the negotiations with the EU. She pointed out that Serbia has made the biggest progress in the field of economy, that the report notes some progress in the field of the rule of law, in the fight against corruption and organized crime. Brnabic expressed her satisfaction with the fact that the European Commission recognized the constructive role of Serbia in regional cooperation. She also pointed out that Serbia has made better progress in the field of rule of law than it is stated in the report.

She added that she is surprised that in the report the European Commission recognized the progress of Pristina in the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), and at the same time it did not recognize that Serbia had adopted a prosecutorial war crime strategy and amendments to the Constitution. This progress of Serbia is not recognized because it was done after the reporting period covered by the European Commission, from the end of 2016 to the beginning of 2018, whereas the efforts of Pristina, which also took place months after the reporting period, on 4 April were recognized. Serbia is asked to adopt and implementing the laws, whereas Pristina has only to express an intention to do something and that it is immediately recognized as progress, the Prime Minister said. Brnabic stressed that Serbia is seeking the same standards regarding European values and will ask why they are not included in the report and the jobs that Serbia did outside the reporting period. Speaking about regional cooperation, she said that Serbia has made a huge effort to keep a cool head in difficult circumstances, among which the most serious was the arrest and kidnapping of the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric and the brutal violence against the Serb population in that province.

I am pleased that this has been recognized in the report, that Serbia is committed to regional stability and will do everything to preserve it despite all the negative things and messages sent to Serbia, we will remain calm and open to dialogue, she noted. Brnabic assessed that it is important for Serbia to continue reforms for its own sake and of its citizens, and not because of the EU. Fabrizi said that this and next year will be crucial if Serbia wants to fulfil its goal of joining the EU, adding that it is important that the government put reforms in the center of its activity. Speaking about the report, he stressed that it was noted that the government was committed to the European path of Serbia, and that some progress was made in the improvement of the judiciary, and that the political influence on the judiciary is an issue that has not yet been solved. Certain progress has been made in the fight against corruption and organized crime, and the report recommends that there be a permanent record of the investigation of the indictments and the judgments that are being implemented, he said, adding that no progress was reported on freedom of expression. Also, as Fabrizi pointed out, Serbia had a positive role in regional cooperation, especially in dialogue with Pristina, and a positive role of the internal dialogue initiated by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was also noted. Serbia must make efforts to implement the existing agreements with Pristina in order to achieve a full normalization of relations, which will be transferred into a legally binding agreement, Fabrizi underlined. Fabrizi said that the EU is Serbia’s number one trading partner and the largest donor. Serbia and the EU are getting closer and closer, and I encourage Serbia to pursue its path to the EU, not because it is something that the EU demands, but because it is in the interest of the country itself and its citizens, Fabrizi concluded. Fabrizi said the EC report did not name deadlines for a legally binding agreement on normalizing relations between Belgrade and Serbia, but only gave an impetus to go further in negotiations and reach a legally binding solution. Asked to comment on a statement by French President Emanuel Macron, who rejected EU enlargement until the EU was reformed, Fabrizi said that he did not see that statement as being totally negative. I think that Macron’s comments were also that the Western Balkans needed to find a firm pillar in the EU, and so I would not take his statement as being that negative, Fabrizi said.

Joksimovic: Arguments for new chapters (RTS/Beta/FoNet)

The European Commission (EC) Progress Report is mostly balanced, measured and good for Serbia in the sense where not one field is assessed as a field where there has been no regression, Serbia’s Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic at a joint news conference with the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi.  “It is very important that Serbia didn’t regress in any field. There is somewhere more progress, somewhere less, somewhere none, but we haven’t regressed, which doesn’t have to be the most important message, but it is good that the pace of positive steps in all fields is mostly acknowledged,” said Joksimovic. “It was acknowledged that there is certain progress in the judiciary reform, there has also been progress in the fight against corruption, but work on this is still needed. It was also acknowledged that there has been progress against organized crime,” she said. There has been no progress in terms of freedom of expression and the media but we will work on that, Joskivmovic said. “There are some activities but no progress. We take everything in the report seriously,” she said. Joksimovic said the report was balanced and good for Serbia, adding that there was no regression in any area. “This report is important because it provides good arguments for the EU member states to lend support to Serbia for the opening of more chapter negotiations,” the Minister said. The Serbian government was surprised by the report’s conclusion that progress had been achieved in the process of forming the ZSO in Kosovo,” Joksimovic said adding that no progress had been achieved. The EC Report shows that Serbia has to do more to implement everything that Belgrade and Pristina agreed in order to achieve a legally binding comprehensive agreement, Fabrizi said. He said the Serbian government has achieved progress in terms of rule of law, combatting corruption, organized crime and in the judiciary but that more progress is needed. Serbia has achieved no progress in the field of freedom of expression but I appreciate that the Minister said the government would tackle the issue because it is important for the EU, Fabrizi said.

Jokismovic has told the morning news of RTS that the EC Report doesn’t contain regression in any field and that some important matters from the rule of law have not been included in the report. “For example, these are constitutional amendments that were sent to the Venice Commission that are important for independence of the judiciary, and the adopted Prosecution Strategy for War Crimes. The EU has promised that it will present these achievements to the member states,” she says. “We have negotiating positions that were sent and I expect that the member state will decide, based on this report, to open at least three chapters. We have always opened two chapters and this was the practice,” explains Joksimovic. “The Report notes that Pristina achieved progress in the formation of the ZSO, this didn’t happen, but it was only announced that it will happen in the next four months. Serbia is not asking for concessions but for same criterion,” said Joksimovic. She believes that Federica Mogherini, who is coming to Belgrade tomorrow, will convey good and positive messages.

Djuric: ZSO needs to be in line with Brussels agreement (RTV)

Marko Djuric has stated that the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija will not give up the formation of the ZSO, and that Pristina doesn’t intend to enable the formation of the ZSO in line with the Brussels agreement. Djuric says that the Management Team has been working on the Draft Statute of the ZSO. “This Statute will not be drafted according to the internal documents and decisions of Pristina, but in line with the Brussels agreement,” Djuric told Radio and Television of Vojvodina (RTV). “The Brussels agreement clearly states that two sides need to prepare a list of regulations that will be amended. Pristina’s obligation is to amend its regulations, because according to the current ones the ZSO is not envisaged, and I think that Pristina doesn’t intend to do this and the question is then why did they negotiate with us,” said Djuric. Answering when will the ZSO be formed and whether this will be according to Kosovo regulations, Djuric reminds that laws adopted by the Assembly in Pristina are valid in Kosovo and Metohija, as provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina, which is in line with UNSCR 1244.

Djuric: Serbia is not offered anything at the moment

During my visit to Moscow, I had the opportunity to conduct talks with several top officials of the Russian Federation, among others, with the First Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko, with whom he discussed the situation in Kosovo and Metohija and the Balkans, as well as the ways of coordinating activities towards opposing unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo, said Djuric. He says that Russia has been helping Serbia very much in international organizations, from the World Customs Organization to Interpol, UNESCO and the UN. “Russian representatives are doing this very often as if they are doing it for themselves, fighting against Kosovo’s attempts to join these bodies past the reached agreements,” says Djuric, adding that Serbia is grateful to Russia for this support.  Asked what does he say when the Russians ask him about Serbia’s state in regard to the Kosovo seat in the UN, Djuric says that Serbia’s position is clear: “The Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija cannot have a seat in the UN under no conditions… We would like to negotiate seriously and to make agreements, but Serbia is not offered anything at the moment,” says Djuric. Djuric denies that a parallel Brussels dialogue is taking place far from the public eye, in which supposedly participate the Americans, Russians, Belgrade and Pristina government representatives, and that the Serbian state leadership is often presenting publicly what is being discussed.

Jeremic: Vucic promised Kosovo in UN, must figure out how to do it (Tanjug)

Opposition NS party leader Vuk Jeremic says President Aleksandar Vucic promised Kosovo to Americans, but has the problem of not knowing how to deliver on it. According to a statement published by the former Serbian foreign minister’s party, the only thing that doesn’t suit Vucic is the US demand to give Kosovo a UN chair. “Americans are demanding that Vucic takes Kosovo into the UN and are pressuring him to, by signing a so-called agreement on comprehensive normalization of relations with Pristina, practically ask Russia not to block that in the UN Security council,” Jeremic told a gathering in Novi Sad.  Jeremic also claims that Vucic tried to offer an exchange of territory, but was turned down. “And he was turned down because he has already promised Kosovo in the UN,” the statement said.

Croatian delegation leaves Belgrade after Seselj’s rampage (B92)

A Croatian delegation visiting Belgrade on Wednesday cut their official two-day visit short after Seselj’s rampage, Croatian media are reporting. The Croatian government announced on Twitter that the entire delegation would return to Croatia, while the Zagreb-based media published a statement from the office of the Croatian parliament speaker Goran Jandrokovic, who was in Serbia today. It said that the visit ended after an incident caused by the leader of the Serbian Radical Party (SRS) and MP Vojislav Seselj. The statement also said that “the Croatian flag was desecrated” during the incident. “Despite the very good start of the official visit, and commitment to do the best to improve relations between the two countries, we have ended the visit due to this act that crudely harmed the dignity of the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian parliament,” the statement said. Earlier on Wednesday, the SRS issued a statement of its own, announcing that Seselj cursed the Croatian delegation in the Assembly, and, along with Filip Stojanovic, attempted to tear up the Croatian flag on display at the entrance to the Assembly, and then trampled on it. “Five security guards were unable to seize the flag from them,” the SRS said. Soon after, Serbian parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic – who earlier in the day met with Jandrokovic – reacted by condemning in the strongest terms the SRS leader’s “brutal attempt to jeopardize the dignity of the Assembly and of the Croatian delegation.”

REGIONAL PRESS

EC adopts EU Enlargement Package 2018; B&H fails to make progress (TV1)

The European Commission (EC) adopted the EU Enlargement Package 2018 on Tuesday. Compared with other countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) failed to achieve progress, due to slow implementation of reforms. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Federica Mogherini stated that each country will be valued based on its merits. Mogherini added that the upcoming months bring challenges, but she is convinced that the upcoming period will be marked with progress on the road to the EU. Mogherini underlined: “For us, the enlargement is an investment in the security, peace and progress”. When it comes to the ‘B&H 2018 Report’, the EU called for urgent adoption of amendments to the Election Law of B&H, implementation of decisions of the Constitutional Court of B&H and socioeconomic reforms, as well as strengthening of the rule of the law.

Commenting on the report on B&H, some of the delegates in the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) assessed that the EC’s criticism is justified because of the standstill in the work of the ruling authorities. B&H HoP Speaker Ognjen Tadic stressed that everyone should face the truth that not all political parties were honest while expressing their commitment to the so-called European agenda, especially when it comes to the fight against crime and corruption or the rule of law. B&H HoP Deputy Speaker Barisa Colak (HDZ B&H) said that the failure in implementation of the decision of the B&H Constitutional Court, which brings into question the implementation of election results, is just enough for such criticism.

B&H HoP Deputy Speaker Safet Softic (SDA) assessed that political parties are mostly focused on their pre-election ratings, rather than implementing the measures referred to in the Reform Agenda.

Minister of Security of B&H Dragan Mektic commented the report and stated for the daily it is very realistic. He also noted that B&H authorities did their best to improve security and continue on the reform road. “We reached an agreement with EUROPOL, but judiciary remains biggest problem,” said Mektic.

The Independent Bloc stated that Mogherini and Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn completely ignored B&H because they had nothing positive to say about it.

Elaborating the report, Head of EU Delegation to B&H Lars-Gunnar Wigemark stated that B&H did not make progress in fundamental rights, freedom of expression and reform of administration. He noted that B&H achieved certain progress in rule of law, but added that there is certain discontent when it comes to fundamental rights in regards with the Law on Criminal Procedure. “We deem that possibility of adequate fight against organized crime is one of international standards. From our side, we express concern due to possible regression,” Wigemark said. When it comes to freedom of expression and reform of administration, he said that B&H achieved no progress. Wigemark noted that B&H Parliament is supposed to discuss several proposals, but added that there are conflicts between different interests. He stressed that current administration can disable citizens from enjoying adequate services they are paying taxes for. Wigemark noted that progress has been noticed in business and economic development of B&H, but added that lack of rule of law deters investors. He said that political pressure and intimidation of journalists is still present, and added that public broadcasters are under political control. Wigemark also mentioned the issue of financing of public broadcasters. He stressed that B&H authorities can ensure their contribution to these analyses. Wigemark noted that detailed analytical report has not been harmonized yet, and added that he has a preliminary memorandum he is not able to show. Hahn sent a video message to citizens of B&H via a You Tube channel, on Tuesday evening. Hahn stated: “However, elections should not be used as an excuse to blackmail the country in its EU efforts. The EU path is a unique chance for the entire country to improve economic opportunities and living standards for all citizens, regardless of whether they are Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats or any other ethnic group. Citizens of B&H should not allow that this opportunity is missed or undermined for personal or party political reasons”.

B&H HoP refuses to discusses Election Law in urgent procedure (FTV)

Delegates in the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) accepted on Tuesday the proposal of the Croat Caucus to postpone voting on the amendments to the B&H Election Law related to prevention of election theft for no later than 26 April. Delegates in the B&H HoP stressed that they expect representatives of the B&H Central Election Commission (CEC), the B&H Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange (IDDEEA), the Personal Data Protection Agency in B&H, the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) and the B&H Public Procurement Agency to forward them their opinions about the proposed amendments to the B&H Election Law by April 26. At the proposal of SDP B&H, proposed amendments to the B&H Election Law were previously adopted in the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) and forwarded to the B&H HoP in urgent procedure. President of the Bosniak Caucus in the B&H HoP Halid Genjac (SDA) said that if these amendments were to be applied, they would ensure integrity of the election process to a significant extent.

SNSD delegate in the B&H HoP Nebojsa Radmanovic stressed that votes are being stolen from big political parties, noting that “SNSD cannot steal votes from Ognjen Tadic‘s party”, i.e. ‘Narodna stranka’ (People’s Party). Speaker of the B&H HoP Ognjen Tadic responded to Radmanovic by saying that no one is stealing from the parties, but from the people. “If someone is stealing votes, they are not stealing from me, but from those who are eligible to vote,” Tadic underlined. B&H HoP on Tuesday did not accept to discuss technical changes to the Election Law, which stipulates introduction of new technologies. The proposal was rejected by delegates from SNDS and HDZ B&H, along with Martin Raguz (HDZ 1990), who’s vote was crucial. SNSD opposed the urgent procedure, claiming that these are not technical changes.

B&H CEC to call general elections between May 7 and 9 (Dnevni list)

The B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) will call the October general elections in B&H in the period of time between May 7 and May 9. B&H CEC told Klix.ba that the exact date of calling the elections is still unknown but it will happen between May 7 and 9. The daily reminded that B&H CEC has the obligation to call the elections latest by 150 days before the date of holding of elections. B&H CEC already announced in past that it will respect the laws and call the general elections at the beginning of May this year.

Zvizdic to withdraw his name from list of possible candidates for Bosniak member of B&H Presidency? (TV1)

Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Council of Ministers (CoM) and member of SDA Denis Zvizdic said in an interview for TV1 that he is close to withdraw his name from the list of possible SDA’s candidates for post of Bosniak member of B&H Presidency in upcoming general elections. Namely, Zvizdic said that he might give up on possible candidacy due to new internal procedures for nomination of SDA’s candidate for the abovementioned post, underlining that in his opinion, these procedures weaken unity within SDA. Reporter explained that according to abovementioned procedures, every municipal board of SDA has the right to propose three names as possible candidates for the member of B&H Presidency. The candidate of this party will be selected at SDA convention scheduled for May 26.  Secretary General of SDA Halid Genjac stressed that he is only surprised with the fact Zvizdic talked about his possible decision in media prior to informing SDA bodies about it. Reporter reminded that leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic announced earlier that besides Zvizdic, Sefik Dzaferovic and Safet Softic are possible candidates of this party for the post of the member of B&H Presidency. Also, new procedures could introduce some new candidates, such as Semsudin Mehmedovic and Sebija Izetbegovic who has great support of Active of SDA Women. In a statement for N1, Softic said that Zvizdic is a referent candidate, adding that he does not agree with Zvizdic’s statement that new procedures on nomination of SDA’s candidates are disputable.

International community: Dangerous Izetbegovic’s threats with weapons (Glas Srpske)

Commenting on Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic’s statements about production of weapons in B&H, international community’s representatives in B&H have warned that threats with weapons are dangerous and should not be a part of the public narrative. Representatives of the US Embassy to B&H stated that having the recent turbulent past of B&H in mind, statements about war are unacceptable. The Office of the High Representative underlined that public officials should be choosing their words more carefully and responsibly.

Prime Minister presents Council of Europe Presidency priorities (Hina)

The fight against corruption, decentralization, the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups as well as the protection of cultural heritage will be the priorities of Croatia’s presidency of the Council of Europe, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Tuesday at a meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland.

The main topic of the talks between Plenkovic and Jagland, who is on an official visit to Croatia, was Croatia’s presidency of the Council of Europe, scheduled for May 18 – November 21.

Plenkovic said the priorities of Croatia’s presidency would be the fight against corruption, decentralization in the context of strengthening the local self-government units, a more efficient protection of the rights of ethnic minorities and most vulnerable groups, as well as the protection of cultural heritage and cultural routes, the Croatian government said in a press release.

A total of 26 events have been planned to be held during Croatia’s CoE presidency. They will be an opportunity to promote the said topics, Croatia, and to strengthen common values, notably in the area of human rights. Plenkovic said Croatia appreciated membership of the Council of Europe and joining this pan-European organization in 1996 was one of the first major successes of Croatia’s foreign policy. The meeting also addressed the existing challenges in Europe, the current state of affairs and the situation within the Council of Europe, as well as the development of convention law, the press release said.

Slovenia not ready to discuss disputed border with Croatia (Hina)

Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec on Tuesday commented on the Croatian government decision to respond to Slovenia’s complaint to the European Commission regarding non-compliance with the arbitration ruling on the Croatia-Slovenia border dispute. According to Slovenian Radio, Erjavec rhetorically asked why Croatia was responding to Slovenia’s announcement that it would sue Croatia for non-compliance with the arbitration ruling on the border dispute, saying that this was not a political issue but a matter of respecting the rule of law. Slovenia is not ruling out the agreement regarding the implementation of the arbitration decision, but it will not negotiate about where the demarcation line in the Piran Bay lies, Erjavec told Slovenian Radio. The Croatian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Croatia would reply to the European Commission regarding Slovenia’s complaint and present arguments showing that Slovenia has severely compromised the arbitration procedure. The European Commission called on Croatia to submit a written opinion by April 17 on Slovenia’s letter asking the Commission for its opinion on whether Croatia was in breach of European and international law and announcing a suit at the European Court of Justice against Croatia unless the decision was implemented. The EC has proposed May 2 for an oral hearing on Slovenia’s motion.

Putin congratulates Djukanovic (CDM)

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Milo Djukanovic, on winning the presidential election this Sunday. “Dear Mr. Djukanovic, I congratulate you on the duty of the President. We believe development of Russian-Montenegrin relations, in the spirit of our traditional friendship, would be in the best interest of the people of both our countries,” Mr. Putin said in his congratulations.

Mogherini: Montenegro exceeded expectations (MINA)

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said the EU community saw Montenegro achieve results in the past three years that were considered impossible. She pointed out that the Western Balkans are part of Europe and will be part of the EU, assessing that Montenegro and Serbia made the biggest progress from all candidate countries. At a press conference in Strasbourg, where she presented the European Commission’s (EC) Progress Report for the Western Balkan countries, Mrs. Mogherini said the enlargement policy for the EU is an investment in the security, peace and prosperity of Europe as a whole. “The countries of the region have carried out important reforms and modernized their economies. Of the six Western Balkans partners, Montenegro and Serbia have made the best progress in the negotiations”, Mrs. Mogherini said. The EC recommends that the Council opens pre-accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia. Mrs. Mogherini also said she would continue to encourage dialogue on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said this is a good day for the Western Balkans. “Albania and Macedonia have done a lot in the past months and this needs to be recognized”, he said adding that there are no shortcuts on the road to the EU. He also stressed that this process is based on results and that quality is more important than speed in this case. Commenting on the statement by French President Emanuel Macron, who said that the EU must first reorganize within itself, and only then receive new members, Mr. Hahn said he does not see any contradiction in that.

Montenegro great with the rule of law vs. freedom of the media, anti-corruption (CDM)

Montenegro has remained a leader in European integration. The state has advanced in the area of ​​rule of law, judicial reform, and strengthened macroeconomic and fiscal stability, but freedom of the media, the fight against corruption, crime, money laundering and human trafficking are still areas in which many countries have to do more and show progress – this is the sum of the European Commission’s Progress Report on Montenegro. Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pazin says Montenegro is a leader on the road to EU and is satisfied with the EC Report. “This is an incentive, but also a responsibility to achieve all the necessary standards. The report is objective. It has a clear cross-section of all areas where Montenegro has progressed, but it also indicates where we need to achieve better results. Montenegro has made progress in the rule of law, without which, we wouldn’t be in a position to open six new chapters and temporarily close one. We also expect to open the remaining three chapters. Thirty open chapters and three temporarily closed ones is a result for appreciation,” said Mr. Pazin. He added EC has also noted progress in judicial reform, and that Montenegro has fully complied with the EU’s security policy. “We see good progress in the reform of public administration, but also in the field of agriculture and rural development. The fight against organized crime primarily means the fight for the safety of every citizen. We achieved progress in the fight against corruption, but the repeated assessment is that there is no progress with the freedom of the media. The government is aware of this and we will prepare amendments to the laws regarding the media and the Public Broadcasting Service with representatives of these institutions”, said Mr. Deputy Prime Minister. Head of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro, Ambassador Aivo Orav, stresses a comprehensive electoral reform is needed. He says that, politically, the previous period has been marked by the boycott of the opposition. The return to parliament, he adds, is the responsibility of all political actors.

“Public administration reform has progressed, primarily through the adoption of new laws. Public administration and the judicial system require more progress, and it is necessary to fully implement all laws. There is progress against corruption, but it does remain a matter of concern. Financial investigations also need to improve, especially in the area of ​​temporary and permanent seizure of property acquired through crime”, Ambassador Orav pointed out. He further detailed that there’s a need to do more in the area of ​​money laundering and trafficking in human beings. As regards to freedom of expression, he believes progress has not been made. “There has been no progress in the investigations into the old cases of assaults on journalists, and recent political interferences in the work of the RTCG Council and the Agency for Electronic Media is a concern,” he said. EU Ambassador also says Montenegro is committed to regional cooperation.

“Montenegro has made some progress in the development of a functioning market economy. Macroeconomic and fiscal stability has been strengthened, but the issue of large public debt needs to be resolved,” he concluded.

Montenegro will be EU member by 2025 (Radio Tivat)

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said the entire region of the Western Balkans is “historically lagging behind the developed world, primarily Europe”, but that Montenegro is “globally recognized as an investment destination”. He recalled that Montenegro has so far opened 30 chapters for the EU accession, temporarily closed three of them, and is needing to open three more to end the accession negotiations, which will hopefully happen by next year, during the Bulgarian and Austrian presidency of the EU. “I am convinced that in three to four years, Montenegro will end the negotiation process, start formalizing its membership in the EU, and finish this process by 2025.. I want to assure you that European integration is going well, that EU enlargement policy is not just for membership, but perhaps more importantly for security and stability, which is very important for a quality business environment”, Prime Minister Markovic said this evening, opening the business forum “European Integration of the Western Balkans, Impact on the Economy and Business Development” organized in Tivat. In his view, 2017 was very successful for Montenegro at the macroeconomic level and level of fiscal policies, and that the economy’s growth which was initially projected at 2.7 percent ended up 4.4 percent at the end of the year. “This is one of the highest growth rates in Europe; at this rate, which was also present in the previous years, our economy doubles faster than the EU economy. Of course, we do not let ourselves get carried away by these facts. We know we must work much harder to achieve the results we desire for our country,” Markovic pointed out, Radio Tivat reports.

He announced a new investment momentum in the energy sector, and said that this will not only mean investments in small hydropower plants and wind power plants, “but also in solar energy and new hydroelectric plants.

The election battle in Podgorica has begun! (CDM)

Local elections in Podgorica, scheduled for May, 27, will show who the winner of the political stage is. Then we will find out whether the outcome of the local elections would be just the same as the outcome of the presidential elections. The battle for the Capital has begun! Judging by the results of the presidential elections, when Milo Djukanovic won 50, 9 % of votes, Democratic Party of Socialists have many reasons to expect its next victory. But the situation isn’t as simple as it may seem. The opposition will also try to consolidate its position. However, if the opposition loses again, Djukanovic’s assertion will be confirmed: Democratic Party of Socialists is a forever-winning machinery. The opposition is now counting the members, reaching agreements, some coalitions have been formed and there will be more of them. Democrats, led by Aleksa Becic and the civil movement URA (United reform Action), whose president is Dritan Abazovic, have already created a “coalition for the 21st century”. On the other side, the deal between the Democratic front and Socialist People’s Party is in the process of negotiation. Remains to be seen who will Socialist Democratic Party (SDP) unite with, probably with DEMOS. Political analyst, Sergej Sekulovic, confirms that the forthcoming elections will be a fierce battle for every vote. “Both the opposition and the Democratic Party of Socialists will draw on all their resources. There’s still chance for the opposing parties to win, if there is an increase in turnout and if their personnel offer is competitive,” says Sekulovic.

Macedonia receives a clear and unconditional recommendation for start of EU talks (Meta)

Macedonia received a clear and unconditional recommendation to start talks regarding the country’s membership with the EU, explained EU Ambassador Samuel Zbogar during a press conference at the EU InfoCentre in Skopje, after a live video link with Brussels of the presentation of the European Commission Progress Report on the Western Balkans and Turkey.

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and European Commissioner Johannes Hahn explained that the EC recommends that the European Council decide to start accession negotiations with Macedonia and Albania, in light of recent progress achieved, while retaining and deepening the current reform trend. For Macedonia, it is crucial that further progress be made with the fulfillment of urgent reform priorities, said Mogherini. “This step forward, made today for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania is a step forward for the entire region of the Western Balkans. Our strategic focus and engagement brings practical progress and benefits all the people in the region. The work surrounding the reforms and modernization must continue, in the interest of partners and the European Union”, said Mogherini at the presentation of the Progress Report. Meanwhile, Hahn said the new report is recognition of the progress made. “Our policy of enlarging continues to be the main engine that drives reforms in the Western Balkans. It modernizes the economies and societies of the region, making it more prosperous and more stable, which is of vital interest to the EU. The recommendations for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania that we are giving today, are in recognition of the progress made. This is an important step forward, but it is clear – and this applies to all Western Balkan countries – there are no shortcuts on the road to the EU. There are several big holes left. We need to be aware that reforms, especially in regards to the rule of law, are being implemented more dynamically and that they provide real results. These reforms are not “for Brussels”, but for an effective judiciary, an effective fight against corruption and organized crime, an efficient public administration, a stronger economy will directly contribute to the region and its citizens, as well as Europe as a whole”, stated Hahn.

Zaev: Macedonia – a step closer to EU membership (MIA)

Today is one of these days when the citizens of Macedonia should be proud as the country is now one step closer to the European Union, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Tuesday at a press conference as the European Commission published the country’s progress report. The EC recommendation for opening of Macedonia’s EU accession talks is crystal clear and unconditional, which leads to opening of the accession talks, Zaev said. “It means that Macedonia is meeting the key political criterion for EU membership, which should enable a start of the accession talks. It also means that the political crisis is behind us and that EU has been monitoring carefully and with due respect the ongoing reform and political processes” Zaev said. This day, he said, should be engraved in the brighter part of Macedonia’s modern history, but now is also the time when ‘we should all join forces to invest in the country’s EU-integration process,’ “The credit for (EC recommendation) and ongoing reforms belong to citizens. The government has been working with strong commitment on reform implementation, but the decision on putting an end to a harmful, destructive policy and open a new reform, progressive page for our future was made by the citizens,’ Zaev said. Moving forward to the EU membership, the PM said, means better business climate, more investment, salary hike that leads in general to higher living standard for all citizens, Zaev said. Therefore, an overwhelming majority of citizens support Macedonia’s accession to the EU and NATO, he added. “Macedonia would have received a recommendation to start the (EU) accession talks even if the opposition failed to return to the Parliament. But they have made the right step, showing that there is indeed a new political climate in Macedonia and that state interests are not forgotten. Hence this is also success of the VMRO-DPMNE-led opposition” the PM said. The government will resume the process of building consensus on all key issues, Zaev said, notifying that an agreement has been reached thus far on several reform laws, such as the ones related to an interception of communications and judicial reforms. The government has demonstrated its commitment to inclusiveness, capacity to accept a different opinion, while the opposition proved to be aware of its own responsibility, Zaev said. He also commended the contribution of BESA, the Alliance for Albanians and the Democratic Party of Albanians. The EC recommendation is a fresh, strong impetus for Macedonia’s future achievements, Zaev said, expressing hope that the ‘problem Greece is having with Macedonia’s name’ would be resolved soon. Efforts are being made for the name dispute to be resolved before the EU summit, scheduled for June, he added.

Dimitrov: EC clear recommendation ‘a great victory’ for Macedonia (MIA)

The unconditional recommendation of the European Commission for Macedonia today is a great victory for its citizens, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said Tuesday in a meeting with a delegation of the Czech Senate, led by its Vice President Jiri Sestak. “Unconditional report is a great victory for all Europeans – the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia – that had raised their voice managing to get the country back on the right track. This is a marvelous day to meet with European friends, especially with friends from the Czech Republic, who are strong supporters of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Macedonia and the region,” stated Dimitrov. Saying he was pleased that Macedonia had finally gotten a confirmation, the Minister thanked for the Czech support in the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The focal point of the meeting was close cooperation between Macedonia and the Czech Republic with an accent on Czech support to Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions and the opening of accession talks with the EU as soon as possible. Talks also focused on ways to further strengthen cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, the Foreign Ministry said. The delegation of the Czech Senate is paying a two-day visit to Macedonia.

Dimitrov: I won’t reply to Dacic’s statement on Macedonia (MIA)

Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov in the interview with N1 television told that he will not comment the statement of Serbian FM Ivica Dacic given last week at the press conference with Greek FM Nikos Kotzias, that it is a mistake that Serbia recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name. “I think that such statements are not very helpful. We are ministers in two governments, we represent two close peoples. We have a common history in Yugoslavia, we will be together again in the EU, hopefully not in a distant future, and nothing can spoil our closeness. It is up to the officials whether there would be “poking” or brotherly relations,” Dimitrov told. Answering question related to Kosovo, Dimitrov said Macedonia could not be a great player in regard to Belgrade-Pristina dispute. “We share the border and it is in our interest this problem to be solved in the best possible way for both sides through the dialogue mediated by the Brussels and Federica Mogherini. We have quite enough of our own problems and I would not like Macedonia to be a collateral damage,” Dimitrov said.

EC recommends the opening of accession talks with Albania (ADN)

EU High Representative Frederica Mogherini officially presented on Tuesday in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg the progress report for the countries which aims to be part of EU. In her speech, Mogherini said that the European Commission decided to open the accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia. “Enlargement increases our stability and security. Every country is evaluated based on its reforms and merits. I will travel to Tirana, Skopje, Podgorica and Belgrade. Balkans is Europe and it will be part of EU in the future. From the six countries, Serbia and Montenegro made big steps, EC recommends the opening of the accession negotiations with Albania and Montenegro, while we are working for Bosnia and Kosovo,” said Mogherini.

Premier thrilled for the opening of accession talks: We deserve it! (ADN)

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama was thrilled at the press conference this Tuesday evening the EU Ambassador Romana Vlahutin submitted the progress report of the European Commission which recommends the opening of accession talks. Premier said that accession talks are recommended to be open without any condition for Albania. “I am too emotional and proud because we did it. We passed a really difficult exam. We gave to Albania a new status to the international arena and come out the crossroad,” said Rama. The next station according to him is the membership of Albania in EU. “I want to thank everyone who make possible this positive report. We deserve it,” underlined Rama.

Bushati: Great day for Albania (ADN)

The Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, has reacted on Tuesday over the decision of European Commission to open the accession talks with Albania, by considering this day as one of the greatest for Albania. According to him, the report means that the reforms undertaken have yielded fruit, and that from now on they should continue the work that needs to be done. “The EU strongly recommends the opening of accession talks. Clear message that the profound and inexhaustible reforms we have undertaken for state building are ultimately yielding fruit, and that the region is an organic part of Europe. This is a day to roll up the sleeves and keep up with the hard work,” declared Bushati.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Déjà vu, Montenegrin style: Milo Đukanović wins Montenegro’s presidential election (London School of Economics, 18 April 2018)

Milo Đukanović was elected President of Montenegro in elections on 15 April. As Jovana Marović explains, the result was far from a surprise given Đukanović and his Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) have dominated Montenegro’s politics since the 1990s. And with the country’s opposition divided, it is hard to imagine that a strong and credible alternative to the DPS will appear in the near future.

In announcing the victory of their leader, Milo Đukanović, in the first round of the 2018 Montenegrin presidential elections, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), the country’s long-standing ruling party, stated that Đukanović had triumphed alone against all. To this we might add that he was able to achieve his victory with a little help from numerous undemocratic mechanisms he has been developing over the last three decades, which have assured his position in power until now. The proverbial weakness of the opposition, with one part of it advocating closer ties with Russia, also played a role in the result, as did the large number of abstainers, who comprised almost a third of the electorate. The cult of personality surrounding Đukanović, though weaker now than it has been in the past, is still ever present in a country with a little more than 620,000 inhabitants. With this, the combination of factors providing Đukanović with his victory was complete. Everything that took place during these elections was expected in advance. The eventual return of Đukanović had been on the cards ever since he last withdrew from public office in 2016. It was next to impossible for the opposition to reach consensus and run a campaign around a mutually backed candidate following their failure to build on a year-long opposition boycott of the country’s parliament. And Montenegro’s shortest election campaign to date, which lasted a little more than three weeks, produced few surprises to say the least. Mladen Bojanić, the candidate representing the largest section of the opposition, was required to balance the conflicting stances of the parties behind him, but at the same time could not rely on these parties to provide his campaign with sufficient organisational support on the day of the election. However, the elections also illustrated some divisions within the DPS as well. The potential for intraparty conflict between Đukanović and Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Duško Marković, has been anticipated for some time. It was also ‘assessed’ that only Đukanović could ensure a secure win for the party, suggesting he lacks trust in his membership. Đukanović’s relentless fight for power could yet put him in a position where he might stand alone against those in his own party. The ‘newly-elected’ President is a master of polarisation, transformation and manipulation. At the core of his campaign, as usual, was a narrative that focused on characterising his opponents as actors who lack support for Montenegro and its European and western path. For Đukanović, the opposition have the role of a Trojan horse, with sections of the media being accused of having Russian funding and of attempting to disprove the coup attempt against Đukanović that was alleged to have taken place in 2016. In doing so, he has further polarised Montenegrin society, which has been divided ever since the split in the DPS that occurred in 1997 over political support for Serbia’s ruling elite, and especially after the 2006 referendum that led to Montenegro’s independence. Moreover, Đukanović has stated that the priority during his time in office will be the strengthening of the country’s identity. This will inevitably bring issues back to the fore which are at the heart of the polarisation that now exists in Montenegrin politics. Since 1991, his role has been an ever-changing one. He has transitioned from being the youngest European Prime Minister, a Communist, a pro-Serbian nationalist, and an ally of Slobodan Milošević, to a champion of Montenegrin independence, and a guarantor of Montenegro’s European orientation and regional stability. Given that the DPS lacks a distinct and consistent ideological platform, one might state that the only clear ideology underpinning the politics of Đukanović is simply the retention of power. His current favourite role, which he has played convincingly, is that of the guarantor of regional stability. However, it should be noted that through six mandates as Prime Minister and one as President, as well as a consistent position as the leader of the ruling party, Đukanović has now had control over the levers of power for almost three decades. He is the actor ultimately responsible for the country’s ties with organised crime and for corruption at all levels of the administration, as well as the entanglement of public and private interests which was recently highlighted in the new EU Western Balkans Strategy. These factors are all risks for regional stability. The picture that has emerged is one in which Đukanović expresses concern that Montenegro may shift from the right path if another party wins, while the EU and US apparently believe in the democratic potential of Đukanović and his ability to keep Russian influence at a decent distance. But the real losers from this game have been ordinary Montenegrin citizens. Indeed, paradoxically given the foundation of his electoral campaign, Đukanović’s victory could jeopardise the framework for Montenegro’s EU accession by 2025. One thing that is certain is that regardless of any constitutional limitations, Đukanović will be far more present in the media than outgoing President Filip Vujanović, just as was the case after Đukanović won his first presidential election in 1997. Analysts are already predicting that Đukanović will remain President for ten years, which the Montenegrin constitution allows. The victory will also put wind in the sails of the DPS ahead of local elections later this year. With part of the opposition still outside parliament, and all of the misunderstandings between opposition parties still present and preventing lasting cooperation, it is hard to imagine that a strong and credible alternative to the DPS will appear in the near future.

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Note: This article gives the views of the author, not the position of EUROPP – European Politics and Policy or the London School of Economics.

Jovana Marović is Executive Director of the Politikon Network, a think tank based in Podgorica.