LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic, Fabrizi: Only together can we overcome challenging times (RTS/Tanjug)
Dacic: UN and SC are precisely the ones that should have a final say in resolving the issue of Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
Botsan-Kharchenko: New SC resolution to solve issue of Kosovo (Politika/Beta)
MP Sevarlic: I am going on hunger strike over high treason and impossibility to discuss in parliament violations of territorial integrity of Serbia and Resolution 1244 (FoNet)
First hunger striking Serbian MP gives up protest (N1)
Serbian Foreign Ministry submits diplomatic note to North Macedonian Embassy (Beta/Tanjug)
Serbia's diplomatic protest note to EU over Nikola Tesla (TV Pink/Beta)
RIK adopts decision on continuation of election activities (Beta)
Another 62 cases in Serbia (B92)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Inzko: It is real miracle that IC still has time for B&H (Face TV)
Dodik: I do not have adequate replacement for Kosarac in B&H CoM, he will suffer political consequences within SNSD (N1)
SDA and HDZ comment failure to call elections for Mostar (Dnevni avaz)
Radoncic: Dzaferovic’s opposing to deportation is encouraging illegal migrants (BHRT)
Sattler: There must be political will for steps forward on the European path (Dnevni list)
Politicians, analysts argue neither B&H politicians nor EU truly want B&H to become EU member (EuroBlic)
Day of Victory over Fascism in World War II and Europe Day marked throughout B&H (O kanal)
Announced mass for Bleiburg victims spark reactions (FTV)
Israeli Embassy condemns the Mass for Bleiburg killings in Sarajevo (N1)
N. Macedonia pulls controversial NDH postage stamp, PM dismisses those responsible (N1)
FB&H Ministry of Health Crisis HQ announces new phase of lifting of measures imposed in fight against coronavirus pandemic as of Thursday (O kanal)
Dodik: State of emergency will be abolished by 20 May (ATV)
Cvijanovic: Numerous interventions in favor of workers (Srna)
Coffee bars, restaurants, hair and beauty salons, gyms and fitness centers in open in the RS to reopen as of Monday (BHT1)
Commercial tests for COVID-19 to be available at RS Public Healthcare Institute at price of 100€ (RTRS)
B&H Covid-19 stats: Country's total at 2,141, more than half has recovered (N1)
Croatia

Croatia transfers 86 tons of medical supplies from China (Hina)
Phase 3 of easing restrictions: what to expect? (HRT)
Coronavirus: Mass serological testing of Croatian population begins (TMN/Jutarnji list)
Slovenian FM describes ‘fresh start’ in relations with Croatia (Hina)
One needs to stop telling fairytales about EU enlargement (Slobodna Dalmacija)
Recommendations for Croatian and foreign citizens entering the Republic of Croatia (HRT)
Croatia confirms 9 new coronavirus cases, 1 death in last 24 hours (N1)
Montenegro

Coronavirus measures to be in place as of Monday (CDM)
Markovic: Montenegro set to become coronavirus-free destination (CDM)
No new cases of coronavirus in Montenegro (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia

SDSM-led coalition takes a stand for mid-June election (MIA)
Mickoski: We’re in favor of election that won’t put people’s health at risk (MIA/Telma TV)
MFA offers apology to Serbia, B&H, Montenegro and Croatia over postage stamp gaffe (MIA)
Islamic Community of Macedonia determined to reopen all mosques tomorrow (Republika)
In North Macedonia 22 new COVID-19 cases, 64 patients recover (MIA)
Albania

Rama-Soreca press conference/ Rama: Ready to sit down with Meta and Basha to send a message of national unity to Brussels (Radio Tirana)
Opposition getting ready for 'all-out war' (ADN)
Albania records lowest number of new Covid-19 Cases (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 8 May 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic on the incident in front of the parliament: We'll protect democratic values (Tanjug/B92)
Obradovic again makes chaos in front of the parliament, provoking Minister Loncar (Tanjug/B92)
Police detain 15 people for attacking Serbia’s MPs (N1)
Vucic: I won't run for SNS head again, perhaps not for head of state either (TV Happy/FoNet/Beta)
Dacic, Godfrey: Cooperation and solidarity during pandemic are indicators of friendship (Beta)
Instead of membership date, they offer ‘European perspective (Novosti)
Trifunovic: PSG made the decision to go to the polls (B92)
SzS says boycott decision is final (N1)
Another 95 cases, 2,453 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

B&H CEC calls elections for 4 October (N1)
Reactions of parties to CEC’s decision to call local elections (N1)
Mostar again to be bystander during 2020 local elections (BHT1)
Inzko: I received explicit support from US Administration (Dnevni avaz)
Nebenzya: Inzko is looking for fabricated reasons to justify outdated protectorate over independent and sovereign state, OHR should be closed down (Nezavisne)
RS government’s report to UN SC (ATV)
IMF does not understand what the problem is with distribution of money (Nezavisne)
Softic: We are still waiting for CoM decision (Dnevni avaz)
Tegeltija meets with Viskovic and Novalic, says it is important to define measures to mitigate consequences of coronavirus pandemic at all levels (ATV/RTRS)
Azerbaijan donates more than half a million Euros for the fight against coronavirus epidemic in B&H (Nezavisne)
US Embassy, USAID hand over valuable donations (Dnevni avaz)
B&H's coronavirus death toll nears 100, 42 new patients reported (N1)
Croatia

Vucic wants Schengen agreement with Hungary, Croatia and Bulgaria (Jutarnji list)
Region is disappointed with EU’s policy, but commend Croatia’s behavior (Vecernji list)
Croatia: Territorial claims in EU unthinkable (Hina)
Defense Minister Krsticevic resigns following second aircraft crash in three months (HRT)
Croatia to re-open railway lines and domestic air travel on Monday (Hina)
In Croatia, 36 newly infected, a total of 2161 (N1)
Montenegro

Return of 13,389 citizens to Montenegro (RTCG)
Institute for Public Health reports no new cases of COVID-19 (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Constitutional Court: Pendarovski’s first state of emergency decision won’t be appraised (MIA)
Xhaferi: SEC to start preparations for elections once state of emergency expires (MIA)
Zaev: June most appropriate for elections, we need credible and functional institutions (MIA/Alsat TV)
Election hasn’t been discussed by infectious diseases committee, says Filipche (MIA)
Zaev expects Bulgaria to continue to be North Macedonia’s sincere friend (MIA)
FM Dimitrov calls Croatia’s EU presidency ‘substantial’ for North Macedonia (MIA)
Government acknowledges all democratic stakeholders for country’s progress in Freedom House report (MIA)
In North Macedonia 14 new infections, 20 recovered, 1 deceased (Libertas)
Albania

New measures in Albania announced, lockdown not over for six cities (ADN)
Travel restrictions in Albania to be eased from 18 May (ADN)
In Albania 8 new coronavirus cases (ADN)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

‘Coronavirus Diplomacy’ Won’t Change Serbia’s Path (US News and World Report)
Against all odds, the COVID-19 pandemic cemented EU ties with the Western Balkans (EWB)

LOCAL PRESS

Serbia lifts state of emergency (Tanjug/Beta/RTS)
Vucic congratulates Victory Day to Putin (RTS)
Vucic: Less talk about perspective and more about enlargement (RTS)
Serbia is part of the 'Europe team' (B92/Tanjug)
Djilas at PES meeting ahead of EU-Western Balkans Summit: No conditions for fair elections, Serbia is a dictatorship (Beta)
Another 57 cases, 2,160 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

HR Inzko presents regular semiannual report to UN SC (O kanal)
Russia’s UN SC representative accuses Inzko of ‘demonizing Serbs’ (O kanal)
Leaders of 27 EU member states, six Western Balkan countries pass Zagreb Declaration (BHT1)
Dzaferovic and European Council President Michel discuss B&H’s EU path (O kanal)
Croat officials stress importance of European path of B&H and necessity to change Law on Elections (Vecernji list)
Prosecutor’s Office of B&H announces new steps in investigation in case of procurement of 100 respirators for FB&H health system (BHT1)
SC Office for Fight against Corruption investigates procurement of protective masks ordered from company, owned by son of SBB representative (N1)
Seranic: People will have to learn to live with the virus and get used to certain measures (ATV)
RS Public Health Institute publishes precise instructions and recommendations on gradual easing of measures (ATV)
Kresic: Reaction to Russian experts was caused by those who are allergic because Covic submitted request for Russian assistance (Dnevni avaz)
B&H records 39 new Covid-19 cases and 4 deaths, tally now at 2,026 (N1)
Croatia

Zagreb Declaration adopted at Western Balkans Summit (HRT)
Zovko: Holding the summit is the biggest success of Croatia’s foreign policy; Picula: EU needs to resolve its internal issues before thinking about accession talks (HRT)
In Croatia, 6 new cases of infection, a total of 2125, 1 person died (N1)
Montenegro

Djukanovic: We must not leave Balkans to third parties (CDM)
Greater connection between the Balkans and the EU is needed (RTCG)
Freedom House Report on Montenegro offers plenty of reasons for debate (Dnevne novine)
Number of recovered cases rises to 265, as Institute for Public Health reports no new cases of coronavirus (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

North Macedonia prepared to start negotiations using new methodology, Spasovski tells Zagreb summit (MIA)
Mitsotakis: Good neighborly relations only way to European future of North Macedonia (MIA)
Osmani: Bulgaria not planning to block EU process, supported start of negotiations (MIA)
Constitutional Justices won’t reconsider constitutionality & legality of parliamentary dissolution (MIA)
SDSM push for early elections and rule by decree collides with Venice Commission rules (Republika)
Deskoska insists that government decrees will remain in effect even after the state of emergency has been lifted (Republika)
In Macedonia 33 new Covid-19 cases, patient dies during emergency transport from Veles to Skopje (Republika)
Albania

Albanian Premier's harsh reaction over Freedom House Report (ADN)
Protesters beaten by police during anti-isolation rally in Albania (ADN)
Ten new Coronavirus cases detected in Albania (ADN)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

4 takeaways from the EU’s virtual Balkan summit (Politico)
EU-Western Balkans Zagreb Summit held via video link (Al Jazeera Balkans)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 6 May 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic spoke with Charles Michel (Tanjug/B92)
Gratitude to Georgia on non-recognition of Kosovo (Politika)
Brnabic: There are no longer grounds for state of emergency (Tanjug/RTS)
Dacic: Opening state borders complicated process (Tanjug)
Borell concerned over political situation prior to Serbian elections (N1)
Borrell: Belgrade, Pristina need to find their own solution to normalizing relations (Beta)
Lajcak: Slovakia can pass on its experience of joining EU to Western Balkan countries (Tanjug/TASR/B92)
Grubjesic: Zagreb Summit to confirm region's EU integration, enlargement not on agenda (Beta/Euraktiv)
Increase in number of certifying officers for electoral rolls (Tanjug)
Another 114 cases, 1,971 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

EP: Summit on Western Balkans is opportunity to deepen ties between the EU and the region (Dnevni list)
Dodik sends letter to EC, as well as to leaders of EU countries and leaders of the Western Balkans countries (RTRS)
Covic: EU will not have understanding for our divisions and conflicts (Vecernji list)
Sattler: B&H citizens want new beginning, not in 20 years but today and Summit in Zagreb is chance for B&H’s new beginning (Oslobodjenje)
Sattler says Covic was leader in process of preparation of B&H’s application for membership in EU but EU has been waiting for B&H authorities to respond to EC’s Opinion for long time (Dnevni list/RFE)
Djonlagic: Covic is promoter of Russian interests in B&H and that is now clear to everyone (Hayat)
Inzko talks to Guterres ahead of his semi-annual address to UN SC (Oslobodjenje)
Cvijanovic: It is hypocritical Inzko says policies could hurt DPA since HRs have ruined capacities for internal agreements (Srna)
New affair called ‘corona party’ in B&H (FTV)
EU approves 250 million Euros worth assistance to B&H (RTRS)
FB&H adopts long awaited 'Corona law' (Hayat)
FB&H prepared a plan of easing of restrictive measures (O kanal)
RS authorities decide to impose new movement restrictions on 6-7 May on occasion of Feast of Saint George, they announce easing of measures as of 11 May (BHT1)
Decision on prohibition of entrance of B&H citizens to Croatia remains in force (O kanal)
B&H sees another 41 Covid-19 cases, 6 more deaths (N1)
Croatia

Croatia's FM: Zagreb summit to confirm European perspective of Western Balkans (Hina)
Croatian MEP calls for solidarity ahead of Western Balkan Summit (HRT/Avaz)
Grlic Radman: All those who want to return to Croatia are welcome! (HRT)
More than 1,600 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Croatia (HRT)
Montenegro

Djukanovic sent telegrams of condolences to Putin and Kovind (CDM)
Montenegro reports no new cases of coronavirus, number of recovered cases amounts to 261 (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

EU-Western Balkans Summit takes place today (MIA)
Dimitrov: EU draft-negotiating framework expected in early June (MIA)
Dimitrov: Impossible to build friendship if challenging neighbor’s identity (MIA/Telma TV)
Zaev: Elections in mid-June if possible (MIA)
Mickoski: Elections in mid-July at the earliest (MIA/TV 24)
Osmani: Start of accession negotiations in 2020 to put European integration in spotlight (MIA)
Macedonia continues to be considered a hybrid regime in transit, according to the latest Freedom House report (Republika)
In Macedonia 13 new COVID-19 cases, 44 patients recover, 2 died (Republika)
Albania

Rama: The justice reform brought the opening of accession negotiations with EU (Radio Tirana)
President deeply concerned by conclusions of 'Freedom House' Report (ADN)
Albania's democracy in decline; Freedom House (ADN)
Latest update on COVID-19 situation in Albania (Radio Tirana)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

EU focuses on Western Balkans despite coronavirus pandemic (DW)

LOCAL PRESS

Elections in Serbia slated for 21 June (Tanjug)
Proposal of decision on abolition of the state of emergency submitted to the parliament (Tanjug/B92)
Another 120 cases, 1,723 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

RS officials express concern over increase of number of infected in RS, they argue that control of protection measures must be strengthened (ATV)
Dodik: RS government ready to propose to RS parliament to lift state of emergency and return to emergency situation in upcoming days (N1)
Chinese President sends letter to Dodik, wishing authorities and citizens in B&H fast victory over pandemic (RTRS)
Russian Embassy dismisses insinuations that Russian medical workers visit B&H for different reasons other than assistance to hospital in Mostar (BHT1)
US Embassy: All assistance needs to be adequately coordinated with relevant authorities (Dnevni avaz)
FB&H House of Peoples adopts Law on Mitigation of Negative Economic Consequences of Coronavirus Pandemic (FTV)
Working group tasked to launch reform process and implementation of 14 priorities from EC’s Opinion holds meeting (BHT1)
B&H's Covid-19 tally nears 2,000, death toll stands at 79 (N1)
Croatia

Coronavirus has turned public’s focus away from upcoming parliamentary election in Croatia (HRT)
EU promises greater assistance to Balkans, but does not mention membership or enlargement (Jutarnji list)
In Croatia, 11 new infections, totaling 2.112, 3 more died (N1)
Montenegro

Around €1,9 million for subsidies, sport activities to resume on Wednesday, competition without audience on 1 June (CDM)
Only one test coronavirus positive in Montenegro (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Sela rejects Pendarovski’s warning that Macedonia may give up its EU integration, claims that the Albanian language is discriminated against (Republika)
Gruevski: You’re naive if you think that the Bulgarian demands will end with the Macedonian language and history (Republika)
Filipche: Elections in North Macedonia to be administered using strict protocol (MIA)
Government plans to reduce the curfew, re-open restaurants and cafes (Republika)
In North Macedonia 8 new cases of Covid-19, 21 recovered, 1 died (Libertas)
Albania

First medical aid from the EU arrives in Albania (Radio Tirana)
In Albania lockdown loosened, COVID-19 cases rise again (ADN)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Zagreb Declaration in shadow of COVID-19: WB has an EU perspective, EU assistance deserves public acknowledgement (EWB)