Johannes Hahn stated in Brussels that he completely supports the right of protests and freedom of speech in Western Balkans, however he made it clear that “any kind of violence is unacceptable” and strongly objected.
He added that “political changes can be made only through democratic processes,” including elections.
EU he said will not be an arbiter on who is going to be on power. “Those who request from us to ensure somewhere rule of law, are the same ones who believe that we enter with military force, dismiss the current government and replace it with another one. This is not how we understand the rule of law, democracy and transparency,” Hahn reportedly said.
He pledged on behalf of Brussels institutions that he will continue to support European principals however he rejected violence as political means. Hahn made these comments after the meeting with EU High Representative Frederica Mogherini and Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia Zoran Zaev.
Mogherini said that the example of Northern Macedonia should serve as a motive for the other countries of the region.
Anti-government protests are happening recently in Serbia, Albania and Montenegro.
Protesters entered on Saturday in Belgrade Serbia’s Radio Television, causing reaction of the police and arrests of several people.