LOCAL PRESS

 

Dacic: New UNSC session on Kosovo and Metohija on 31 October (RTS)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic has told the morning news of Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) that South Africa is presiding over the UN Security Council this month and that it scheduled the regular SC session on Kosovo and Metohija for 31 October. He says that Serbia has agreed, after a lengthy debate with Great Britain, some dynamics of these regular sessions and that now there are no more problems regarding this. He underlined that it is very important for state and national interests that the Serbs take part in a united manner in the elections in Kosovo and Metohija and to vote for the Serb List representatives, because the Serbs need to be protected from somebody else electing their representatives. He says that manipulations have been escalating more and more. “It was agreed that all Serbs are eligible to vote, regardless of whether they have Serbian or Kosovo documents. Through these electoral lists, through the voting right, through the representatives in electoral boards, obviously so that somebody from the guaranteed ten representatives has as many as possible of theirs. Just as Zagreb recognizes legitimacy to Komsic in B&H, because he was elected with the votes of the Muslims. Here as well, it is assumed that such Serbs would serve their interests,” said Dacic. According to him, the OSCE has participated more in the past in the organization of elections. “Now they are heading more and more, from elections to elections, in estranging from international organizations. Without the OSCE there are no fair elections in Kosovo and Metohija. The wish of Pristina authorties is to remove all international missions from Kosovo and Metohija so they could do whatever they wish,” said Dacic. He said this was more of a message for the Serbs.

 

Brnabic: Prerequisite for continuation of dialogue is withdrawal of taxes (Tanjug/Beta)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Pekka Haavisto about bilateral relations of the two countries. The interlocutors agreed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are good, and that there is room for their further improvement, especially in the area of the economy. Brnabic expressed her gratitude to Finland for supporting Serbia in the European integration process and stressed that Serbia is committed to implementing the necessary reforms along the European path. Haavisto stressed that Finland supports EU enlargement and will continue to support Serbia's efforts towards EU membership. Speaking about the continuation of the dialogue with Pristina, Brnabic reiterated that Serbia is committed to the normalization of relations, but that the prerequisite for the continuation of the dialogue is the withdrawal of the taxes imposed by representatives of the provisional self-government institutions in Pristina. The meeting was also attended by Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic.

 

Haavisto: Taxes imposed by Pristina are unacceptable, but also Serbia’s lobbying for withdrawal of recognitions of Kosovo (RTS/Tanjug)

 

Speaking at a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Pekka Haavisto, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic underlined that the economic cooperation between the two countries is relatively low in terms of opportunities, noting that last year's trade amounted to approximately 150 million Euros. He pointed out that Serbia and Finland could have greater trade in goods and investments, and in that sense he stated that Serbia is ready to seek all ways to increase the dynamics of meetings between associations, chambers and business forums. Serbia and Finland could successfully cooperate in other spheres as well, and it is necessary to work on defining common interests, Dacic said, expressing gratitude to Finland for its support to Serbia's European integration and EU enlargement policy. Dacic said that the topics of the meeting with Haavisto were regional cooperation, internal political situation, elections in Kosovo and Metohija and in Serbia and the continuation of dialogue with Pristina. He indicated that Serbia wants dialogue to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for Kosovo and Metohija, and added that our country will fulfil the recommendations given by the ODIHR for the parliamentary elections. Dacic recalled that a Working group for cooperation with the ODIHR has been formed, headed by Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic. Haavisto stressed that Finland is ready to help Belgrade and Pristina in every possible way, adding that the goodwill of all parties is important for that. He estimated that the huge taxes imposed by Pristina are unacceptable, but also that Serbia’s lobbying for withdrawal of the recognition of Kosovo will negatively affect the process of finding a solution to the Kosovo issue. Finland supports EU enlargement and believes that the process should be continued, Haavisto said, noting that it is important for the Western Balkans to be involved in European cooperation, a significant component of which is Serbia.

 

Botsan-Kharchenko: Resolution 1244 is the only one that matters (RTV)

 

Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko has told Radio and Television of Vojvodina (RTV) that Serbia is not the last bastion of Russian influence in the Balkans, as many in the West assess, but Serbia is Russian’s very important stronghold just as Russia is important to Serbia. Looking back at comments that his very arrival in Belgrade at the post of the ambassador is proof how much Serbia is significant to Russia, Kharchenko said: “Serbia is very important for Russia not because of my appointment. This is proved by the intensive dialogue between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past several years, because we didn’t have such intensity of high-level dialogue in the past, while we also have developed parliamentary ties, and great achievements over the past several years.

Responding to the question as to how he sees Russia’s role in the dialogue regarding Kosovo, Kharchenko says that Moscow’s stand is clear and consistent: Resolution 1244 is the only one that matters and Belgrade plays the main role in the negotiations, if they commence. “I don’t see that we have now preconditions for negotiations that would yield result, we think that they can be efficient only if they adhere to Resolution 1244 and the position that Kosovo is part of Serbia. The Kosovo dispute can be resolved only by Belgrade and Pristina, and if Belgrade requests assistance, Russia is prepared to help, but this is only a matter of Serbia,” he underlined.

 

Schieb: Serbia needs agreement on Kosovo for EU integration (TV Prva)

 

The German Ambassador to Serbia Thomas Schieb said on Wednesday that Serbia needs a comprehensive agreement with Kosovo to take what he called a decisive step in its European integration process. “Germany wants to see the comprehensive agreement reached through a dialogue,” he told TV Prva adding that Serbia has to resolve the Kosovo problem to become an EU member and benefit from all the advantages of membership.  The Ambassador said that it’s “sad” that Pristina has not revoked the taxes despite all the efforts by Germany, France and other influential countries. “We hope that the taxes will be revoked after the elections in Kosovo,” Schieb said and added that both Berlin and Paris support the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue in its current format.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Reactions to Dodik’s statement regarding the departure of foreign judges from B&H CC as condition for formation of CoM (ATV)

 

Serb member of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency and leader of SNSD Milorad Dodik stated that now Serbs will also start conditioning formation of authorities at the level of joint institutions as others do. In this regard, Dodik mentioned departure of foreign judges from the B&H Constitutional Court (CC). According to officials of Republika Srpska (RS), fulfilling this condition will certainly be a lot more realistic than the one on access to the NATO, regardless of the declaration of the RS on military neutrality that does not allow this. According to the officials of the RS, the only thing that should be done in this case is to submit the law on the CC into the parliamentary procedure for urgent adoption. Commenting on this issue, SNSD MP Dusanka Majkic stated: “They (Sarajevo) will probably oppose, but they oppose everything anyway and now they can see that we have pretty strong arguments to demand this”. “Two Bosniaks, two Croats and two Serbs in the CC can do all the work related to the issue of constitutionality and the law could be easily adopted in urgent procedure, without formation of commissions”.

According to Head of the Serb Caucus in the B&H House of Representatives and leader of the United Srpska Nenad Stevandic, what Dodik announced is not blackmail. In his opinion, Dodik spoke about the things that are real and based on the B&H Constitution. Dodik’s proposal bothered Croat member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic, who said that departure of foreign judges is a political wish. SNSD Spokesperson Radovan Kovacevic rapidly responded to Komsic by saying that this is not a wish but a will of one people and added that “as the second Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency,” Komsic cannot understand this. RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic said that the formation of authority can be done without any conditioning with issues like the NATO path of B&H. “This political play started because they were advised to do so, I have information about that. They started talking to us and started it very openly, and then they were advised not to do that and to make certain conditions,” said Cvijanovic. MP of HDZ B&H in the B&H Parliament Predrag Kozul said that that the laws which regulate the presence of foreign judges in the B&H CC also state that this is temporary. He added that this is something that needs to be considered in B&H and B&H needs to take over control over its state. Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic reminded that numerous agreements and projects important for the RS are on a hold because the B&H Parliament is not working. President of the Constitutional Court of B&H Zlatko Knezevic said that this is an issue for the Parliament of B&H, to determine another manner of appointment of three judges usually appointed by the President of the European Court of Human Rights. Head of the SDA Caucus in the House of Representatives (HoR) of the Parliament of B&H Adil Osmanovic told daily that Dodik cannot make a decision about foreign judges in the B&H CC, and that issue needs to be resolved in institutions of B&H. According to Osmanovic, SNSD no longer cares about becoming a part of the Council of Ministers and having Zoran Tegeltija as the B&H CoM Chairman, which is why they have decided to set condition which is difficult to implement. Head of DF Caucus in the B&H HoR Dzenan Djonlagic also believes that Dodik is moving SNSD further away from participation in state-level authorities. SBB B&H MP Damir Arnaut said that SNSD and HDZ B&H have already established authorities, which can be seen from the composition of the Collegium of both the B&H HoR and the B&H House of Peoples. Head of SDP B&H Caucus in the B&H HoR Sasa Magazinovic said that the goal of Dodik’s announcement is to further complicate the situation with regards to formation of authorities in B&H. “I would not be surprised if HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic come up with a request of his own,” said Magazinovic, adding that solution might lie in everybody giving up on their demands and in the B&H CoM being formed unconditionally. SDS’ MP Dragan Mektic briefly said that what has been happening over the past several months shows that those who have been chosen to establish authorities at the level of B&H are incapable of doing so. Deputy President of HDZ B&H Borjana Kristo briefly said that the Law on Constitutional Court of B&H should have been passed a long time ago.

 

Dodik: Gendarmerie is most modern form of combating terrorism and other threats to security (Glas Srpske)

 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik said that Gendarmerie Unit, which has been recently established in the RS, is the most modern form of combating terrorism and other threats to security. Dodik revealed that the unit will not be permanently stationed in Banja Luka - like it was the case with some other special units in the past - and it can be deployed to any part of RS depending on the assessment of relevant authorities. He underlined that the RS is trying to stabilize institutions with the goal of preserving internal security and peace and that it has no territorial claims against the Federation of B&H or neighboring countries. “We just want to defend and protect security. That is our constitutional obligation and we are not doing anything else. If someone sees something else in that, it is a case of post-war syndrome, like when it comes to Presidency member Zeljko Komsic,” said Dodik. He reiterated that there will be no new war in B&H, because Serbs will ever allow the Armed Forces of B&H to be used against their own people. “Also, the Constitution says that police forces from one entity cannot enter the territory of the other entity without approval. So, if they do so, that would be an act of aggression against which one is allowed to defend,” said Dodik. He concluded that international factor is the only generator that might deepen the conflict in B&H, “even though I am convinced that it is not going to happen”.

 

Komsic: Decision to deny residence permits to Turkish citizens needs to be reviewed by B&H Presidency (N1)

 

The B&H Service for Foreigners Affairs decided not to renew residence permits for four Turkish citizens who are residing in B&H. This followed the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to B&H, who requested B&H authorities not to renew residence permits for several Turkish citizens under suspicion of working with the FETO organization. Chairman of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic believes that the decision needs to be reviewed by the B&H Presidency. He added that something like the request of Erdogan can never be asked directly. Komsic explained that Erdogan said that there are members of the FETO organization in B&H and that he hopes B&H will not risk its good relations with Turkey because of them. Komsic said that the B&H Presidency does not know on which basis the residence permits for four citizens of Turkey were rejected. “Obviously this is an issue that reaches partially into foreign policy and causes certain dilemmas in the public,” said Komsic. Asked whether B&H is in a compromised position, Komsic said that if everything was done legally, then it is not. He added that if the decision was made based on a political request, then it is in a compromised position. Lawyer of the Turkish citizens Nedim Ademovic said that the decision was of political and not legal nature and he hopes the B&H Court will make a different decision. He added that the decision is made in order to limit the movement of these people in Europe and to force deportation back to Turkey.

 

Komsic: Why is Croatia upset about what I say if I’m irrelevant? (N1)

 

The Chairman of Bosnia’s tripartite Presidency, Zeljko Komsic, told N1 on Tuesday that statements he made at the UN in New York which caused a stir in Croatia represented the truth and he asked why Croatia’s leadership so upset about what he said if Zagreb’s claim that he is not a legitimate representative of Bosnian Croats is true. Komsic told UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adam Dieng, that some individuals in Croatia are denying the crimes committed against Serbs, Jews and Roma in Croatia during WWII. However, Croatia’s news agency reported that he said that Croatia as a state is denying them. Based on this misreporting, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said that Komsic’s unfounded anti-Croatian rhetoric confirmed that he was not only an illegitimate representative of Bosnian Croats but also an irrelevant interlocutor in international relations. Grabar-Kitarovic was referring to allegations by Bosnian Croat politicians, who say Komsic was not elected by Croats to represent them in the tripartite Presidency, but by the numerically superior Bosniaks. “Zeljko Komsic, the Presidency member imposed on Croats, is the personification of the outvoting of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Grabar-Kitarovic said. “I cannot go by whether what I am saying might suit someone or not. They have put words that I have not said or even though into my mouth,” Komsic said. Referring to Grabar-Kitarovic’s comments about him, Komsic asked “if it is like that - then why are they reacting to irrelevant people and statements? What were such strong reactions for?”  “We couldn’t act up some fake political correctness because of which we should, as a state, be closing our eyes. I never mentioned any state by name, it is interesting how they recognized themselves in it,” he said. The Presidency Chairman said his main priority is protecting the dignity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia’s support for Bosnia’s path is nothing more than word of mouth, he said. “It would be good if they stuck to the standards of the EU. People who serve certain offices did not even think about commenting on the internal affairs of Hungary, Italy or Slovenia, and those are their neighboring countries. But they give themselves the right to comment on Bosnia’s internal issues,” he said, arguing that Croatia has “double standards.” Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is behaving more wisely, he said, referring to a meeting between Vucic and political representatives from Republika Srpska (RS). Komsic said that the meeting showed that Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik “cannot dictate everything to the government in Belgrade.” “He (Dodik) is with his actions, by pulling in Serbia, raising the bar for Vucic and I think Vucic understands that,” Komsic said. The Presidency Chairman said that “we are having meetings with Vucic, but with the Republic of Croatia, we cannot achieve that level of cooperation”. Komsic said he met with the Croatian President at a meeting with US President Donald Trump. “It was decent. There was no criticism,” he said. “These are not issues that are resolved at that level. We all try to be decent” he added.

 

President Grabar-Kitarovic formally announces bid for second term in office (Hina)

 

President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic on Wednesday formally announced her bid for a second term in office under the campaign slogan "Because I believe in Croatia", saying that she firmly believed that Croatia could be built to suit the needs of its people. "For five years I have lived face to face with Croatia. I serve as the President of the Republic together with you, responsibly and proudly. Your trust is my strength" Grabar-Kitarovic said, announcing that she would be running for a second term in office. She underscored that she entered into her first term with the belief in the great potential of Croatia as a strong and proud country that can and must autonomously create its development and advance toward the most developed European countries, a country that can make an even greater contribution to resolving common European and global problems. "As the president whom you elected directly and who thus represents you directly, I have highlighted the most important state and social problems, opening public debate on them and offering solutions. Now I ask for your trust for a second term" she underscored. She said she was announcing her decision to run for this honorable and responsible duty in the desire to continue on the path of "unity and a better Croatia."

 

President Djukanovic received the Finnish Foreign Minister (CDM)

 

President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic received Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto who is paying an official visit to Montenegro. President Djukanovic expressed satisfaction with the visit of the Finnish Minister during the country’s presidency over the EU Council, which represents an additional sign of encouragement to the region on its path to integration. If we seriously want to pull the WB out of the backlog, there is no better way than integration, the President said, emphasizing that this is important for the Region, but for the whole Europe as well. He expressed the hope that the new European structures will continue with the enlargement policy and noted that it’s pretty encouraging that Finland, as the presiding country, recognized the importance of that policy. With an incentive to start negotiations with the countries of the region, Djukanovic said that the conditions for the opening of the last chapter of the negotiating agenda of Montenegro were created. In this context, he reiterated that, in line with the EC’s recommendations, we will continue to work hard to improve the rule of law, where we are making serious progress. Haavisto conveyed the greetings of the Finnish President Niinisto and his positive messages concerning the relations between the two countries and Montenegro as a country with a very good reputation. Both sides emphasized the importance of frequent political dialogue between the two countries and continued support of Finland at the political and expert level in the process of overcoming challenges while adopting European standards. The Western Balkans’ membership in the EU is important for both the region and Europe, and the enlargement policy must remain active and real, it was noted at the meeting between Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and Haavisto. “The enlargement policy represents a policy of strategic vision, not only administrative procedures. Montenegro is in the process of reforms in order to strengthen institutions and their ability to manage resources in a quality manner. We want to enter the EU when we are ready because thus we will be an added-value to the Union” Markovic said. Haavisto pointed out to Finland’s support to the further European perspective and integration of Montenegro, as well as the other countries of the Western Balkans. The meeting tackled the importance of continuing reforms in the area of the rule of law, fight against organized crime and corruption, and freedom of the media, where Montenegro achieves good results.

 

Protest in Podgorica: Fighting the same battles with the same poor results (CDM)

 

Members of Democrats, Aleksa Becic, Boris Bogdanovic and Neven Gosovic, attended the protest organized two nights ago by the “Resist’ movement, gathering barely 200 citizens. Members of URA Civic movement were also there, but DF, DEMOS, SDP or Socialist People’s Party members did not come. Present leaders endorsed the protest but only formally. Democrats didn’t organize their pre-protest as they did before. So, how’s the strongest opposition party supporting the protest this time? What’s the goal? They just listened to the speech of the one of “Resist” movement leaders, Dzemal Perovic, and then left the assembly. They claim to be supporting the protests although they didn’t take to the stage to convey some important messages to the citizens. The fact that none of the opposition members approached to make suggestions or proposals when Perovic invited them tells how non-synchronized the protest was. Democrats, being the strongest opposition party, tried to play wisely. They just came to see to what extent citizens supported the protest. If everything goes well, they will take the credit. If not, at least they gave their support. To sum up, the message was clear: there are no mass assemblies without political parties. It is known that protest started to wane when opposition members and “Resist” movement representatives signed the Agreement on Future. That agreement doesn’t exist anymore as those who signed it fell out. When everything was in the preparation phase, Perovic said to Dusko Knezevic to “mind his own business”. On Monday night, Knezevic was the “star of the night”. Video screen on the stage showed Knezevic on the phone with secretary of the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office, Nenad Vujosevic. Turnover, turning points, cries, clutching at straws, last try… All these words describe the strength of this protest. The “Resist” movement – great fighters with no political influence, changed their strategy by inviting opposition leaders to join the protests. And then they drafted an agreement with clearly defined provisions only to deny everything saying that the agreement “isn’t a Bible”.

 

Djukanovic on official visit to North Macedonia (CDM)

 

President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic started today (Wednesday, October 2^nd) a two-day official visit to North Macedonia, upon the invitation of President Stevo Pendarovski. As part of the official ceremony with the highest military and state honors, it is planned to place a wreath on the Goce Delcev monument. The visit will begin with a tete-a-tete meeting of the two presidents, followed by a meeting of the enlarged delegations of Montenegro and North Macedonia. President Djukanovic will also have a working lunch with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, and will meet the Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi as well. The President will also meet with representatives of the Montenegrin community in Skopje.

 

Zaev: The good news for starting EU negotiations will have a positive impact on both the region and the EU (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

I believe that the good news for starting negotiations with the European Union will have a positive impact on the entire region and the European Union and that the progress of the reforms in solving the problems will be acknowledged. The region is changed, it strives and creates conditions for further development and integration, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said at the official opening of The Economist Western Balkans Summit, which takes place today in Skopje.

“The good news for the Republic of North Macedonia,” Zaev said, “will be good news for the EU too, because we are enthusiastic about the important role of EU as global actor and we remind of its core values for partisanship, solidarity and mutual prosperity.” He said that one of the best news of the past was resolution of the long-standing dispute with Greece, which had serious negative bilateral and multilateral implications. “The (Prespa) Agreement is catalyst of changes since it testifies a new transformation process in the Balkans. For my country, this agreement, along with the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness with Bulgaria, has opened the door to achieving the strategic goals: NATO and EU membership. The Republic of North Macedonia has received the good news that it will become NATO’s 30th NATO. Sometimes we quickly forget where we were just two or three years ago and where we are today. My political career is a testimony that you have to take a deep breath when it is most difficult and not forget that in your vision are citizens living better and happier just because of a few bold steps that you are ready to take,” Zaev said. Zaev noted that the region is being an example of unity and by inventive solutions can overcome problems. “Even a small country as North Macedonia can bring message of freshness, change and hope and be good news,” Zaev said referring that Prespa Agreement is a true example of the power of diplomacy and dialogue. “It is a useful example for many other open issues. Every problem is different and specific, but dialogue and diplomacy remain the best approach in addressing them. As leaders in our countries we owe it to the citizens to resolve the problems, maintain peace and create conditions for development and better life for all,” Zaev said. “We are awaiting the good news of bringing the region closer to the EU. We are particularly glad that the German Bundestag voted five days ago in favor of getting a date for the opening of EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania in October. The move is an acknowledgment of the concrete progress the countries have made, but also refers to the EU’s credibility and commitment to its enlargement agenda,” Zaev said, stressing the importance of our neighbors, EU member states that expressed clear support to North Macedonia’s start of EU accession talks during last week’s UN General Assembly in New York. “I believe that the good news for starting negotiations with the EU will have a positive impact on the entire region, a message will be sent that the Western Balkans is an integral part of Europe, the progress of reforms and investment in resolving thorny problems will be recognized thus encouraging the countries to show political courage to overcome their problems,” Zaev added. “A stable Balkan region is in the EU’s interest, especially geopolitically, geoeconomically and in terms of security. Closer cooperation with EU member states helps to address the challenges that are crucial to the EU agenda such as climate change, energy, environment, security and migration. The good news for the Republic of North Macedonia,” Zaev said, “will be good news for the EU too, because we are enthusiastic about the important role of EU as global actor and we remind of its core values for partisanship, solidarity and mutual prosperity.” Zaev said. Today, as Zaev underlined, here through The Economist Western Balkans Summit we want the world to hear the good news that this region has changed and that the region will no longer be trapped in conflicts and a hopeless future. “The era of manipulative nationalist rhetoric is over. Together we strive for a brighter future. The Berlin Process has achieved the goal of raising the interest of the Western Balkans and putting it on the map of EU member states’ cooperation. Implementation of the connectivity agenda of Berlin Process and multi-annual action plan on a regional economic area have important goal to accelerate the development of the region and to improve the quality of life of our citizens. The region is actively talking about digitization, common access to European and global markets, customs facilitation, joint border crossings, funds for innovations,” Zaev said.

 

The Economist Western Balkans Summit sends a strong message: We expect the EU to materialize its promises (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

Date for starting accession negotiations with North Macedonia or the EU will undermine its own credibility – was the common message of all participants at the Economist Western Balkans Summit held in Skopje yesterday. There was a general belief that there was little room for a negative response this time, but German politician and longtime EU insider Martin Schulz warned that “when it comes to the EU, nothing can be foreseen”. Guy Verhofstadt, Wess Mitchell, Dimitrios Papadimoulis as Vice President of the European Parliament gave strong support for starting accession negotiations with North Macedonia, but the support from former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras for the accession negotiations date at the upcoming European Council meeting seemed to be the strongest. “The Prespa Agreement demonstrates the values that the EU is fighting for. Membership to the EU is also a part of it. The agreement reaffirms EU’s ambition to establish peace and stability in the region”. There have been great and bloody conflicts in the Balkans throughout history, some of them due to the wider territory of Macedonia. With the Prespa Agreement, North Macedonia and Greece decided not to remain trapped in the past. The Prespa Agreement symbolizes the win of democracy and cooperation over nationalism and introversion”, Tsipras pointed out. He added that the agreement was concluded because “we were lucky enough” to have progressive governments unburdened by nationalism in Athens and Skopje. “North Macedonia is a country that promotes the enlargement process within the frames of the European legislation. It demonstrates that the country is a credible partner to the EU and the EU should approve a date for start of accession talks at the upcoming meeting of the EU Council”. Former Belgian Prime Minister and current MEP Guy Verhovstadt, at the beginning of his address, illustrates in a specific way how the name dispute was perceived in European circles. “For years, for decades, European leaders (including the late Jacques Chirac) have been asking me how I can explain this name dispute because I come from Belgium, a linguistically and geographically divided country. I didn’t have a good answer, but I know that the Western Balkans is historically, culturally and economically in Europe. Its EU membership is important both politically, economically and in terms of security. It is best for everyone to sit at the same table. All Balkan countries should join the EU as soon as possible. Integrate the Balkans in the Union and all problems are solved,” said MEP Guy Verhofstadt. He said the need for enlargement with the Balkans is of economic, political and geopolitical reasons, namely the region’s stabilization and preventing the return of violence in the area. “There are obstacles in the EU which I believe will be resolved. I hope the European Council takes a positive decision in October and starts negotiations,” he added. Verhofstadt noted there is still resistance regarding enlargement among certain EU member-states due to the fear from migration processes, adding that youth migration should not be seen as a negative phenomenon on the long run, because the accession of new members would solve the future of young people.

Former European Parliament president Martin Schulz also said the European Union should deliver a date for the start of North Macedonia and Albania’s accession negotiations in October.

“This should definitely be the case, I believe that we should keep our promises, especially in politics. I hope the Council will decide to start the accession negotiations in mid-October, as promised. I hope there will be no further delays. However, my experience of working for three decades in the European institutions and in European politics tells me that nothing can be foreseen. Therefore, I do not know what will happen,” Schulz told a discussion during The Economist Western Balkans Summit in Skopje. According to him, EU leaders have started to play games on European issues in their own countries since 2005, referring to the example of former British PM David Cameron and the referendum decision that he promised to the conservatives just to survive. “This is why I am relatively certain of a ‘Yes’ vote on October 15. However, if you want a guarantee, I do not think any member of the EU Council can do that. Considering that the Germans and French are a Yes, I hope this will be affect a positive settlement of the issue” noted Schulz. The West must show that positive examples are rewarded and the Prespa Agreement was such an example. It opened a new chapter in relations between Greece and North Macedonia, gave opportunities for better economic cooperation and opened Skopje’s path towards the European Union. The deal also has an effect on the entire region and its integration, former US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell told The Economist Western Balkans Summit in Skopje. Mitchell also referred to the Bulgaria friendship treaty, the expected start of North Macedonia and Albania’s EU accession negotiations and the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. “These are positive events that were unimaginable a while ago. These are processes that go much deeper. We in the West did not think that the Balkans could overcome the challenges in a political, economic and security sense, but it seems these times are over. The region and the world looked much different compared to the 1990s. Sixteen years have passed since the Western Balkans was promised a European perspective in Thessaloniki. We finally expect this to materialize,” said Mitchell. He issued a caution that if regional countries failed to join the EU, something else would fill that void, be it Russia, China or fresh ethnic conflicts. “We must support the region both economically and politically. The West should see countries in the area as means for peace and prosperity, while these countries should realize that by preventing the path of their neighbors, they prevent their own path,” said Mitchell. North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who opened the conference, warned that unless the European Council does not decide in favor of North Macedonia and the starting of accession negotiations, it will punish the best example for the countries in the region. He mentioned that the country has been in the EU’s waiting room for the past 15 years and that it does not understand how some members oppose enlargement when we only ask for starting accession negotiations and get a chance to transform our society. “Our neighbors that are already part of the EU – Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, as well as Austria, Hungary, Italy have used the opportunity at the UN General Assembly to once again show that they support the whole Western Balkans, especially North Macedonia and the country’s aspiration to become part of the Union” Zaev said referring to the fight against corruption, Zaev said that there were cases that were ongoing and that for the first time the country showed independence in the judiciary and thus, he emphasized, a message has been sent that it was no longer profitable to be a criminal. Asked by the event moderator what would happen to the country if the EU decided not to set a date again, Deputy Prime Minister Bujar Osmani was very pessimistic: “The European Union will undermine its own credibility if it fails to validate North Macedonia’s progress. It would endanger the region’s European perspective and the enlargement process as we know it.” Deputy PM Osmani voiced assurance over a positive outcome for the country, saying the start of accession negotiations would be an excellent opportunity for everyone to create a more stable, safer, more prosperous Europe. “A united EU and a stronger consensus will not be considered a problem but an opportunity for all,” added Osmani. He also referred to current developments related to the EU enlargement in the country and the region, ahead of the Council Summit in October. “The summit is the key foundation for the future of EU’s integration process and the progress achieved thus far is directly linked to the decision Council,” said the deputy prime minister. European Parliament Vice-President Dimitrios Papadimoulis called on the EU Council on Monday to start accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, underlining that the positive momentum in the region is not to be missed. “The government of North Macedonia has proven its commitment to the EU and demonstrated its courage to make progress in important reform areas. You’ve been saying for years that each country should move forward based on its own merits. So, prove your strategy and don’t relate the process of EU integration of one country with that of another” Papadimoulis said in his address to the EU Council. Tsipras reminded that when Foreign Ministers of the two countries at the time, Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias, had signed the agreement, there’d been a hands-on feeling of building history.