Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj notes in his opinion piece that “the European Union and NATO have invested so much energy and attention to the ‘name issue’ that for years they have ignored the real and increasing problems in Macedonia”. According to Palokaj, “NATO and the EU have proved powerless vis-à-vis an irrational Greek blockade, and at the same time they have kept silent over the degradation of democracy and the corruption in Macedonia”. “Now we have the latest case in Kumanovo, and no one knows what has happened exactly.

Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj writes in his opinion piece that the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) came to Kosovo with the executive mandate to investigate corruption and organized crime at the highest levels of Kosovo institutions. “Now we have a situation where investigations on corruption cases are being conducted within EULEX, and, among others, even Kosovo authorities are conducting investigations against EULEX.

Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj argues in an opinion piece that “with their reactions toward the actions of the opposition, with their insulting and paranoid speech against the critical media, with the chronic lack of assuming any responsibility for the problems of society and with tendencies to use the state and public apparatus for their own personal and political gains, from the police to the media, Kosovo’s present leaders are more like leaders that have totalitarian tendencies rather than leaders who prove ‘European values’ which they claim to embrace”.

Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj writes in his opinion piece that in the future the far-right parties and xenophobic and anti-Islamic groups will try to use the terrorist acts in Paris for their own propaganda. “The Europeans do not identify Islam with terrorism, but they do expect Muslims to isolate terrorists and extremists. Europe will certainly no longer tolerate radical preaching or the incitement of hatred and terrorism by some radical clerics. The European values will be protected even by respecting European Muslims,” he writes.

Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj writes that since the Kosovo institutions are created as a result of personal bargaining, behind closed doors, and knowing the low level of trust that has remained in political parties, would be good that at least the Kosovo President is chosen by citizens directly. Only in that way, although with limited powers, the President would be able to play the role of a unifier.

Koha’s Brussels based correspondent, Augustin Palokaj, writes in an opinion piece, that Hashim Thaci, besides being Isa Mustafa’s partner in the power-sharing coalition, seems that he is also his political mentor. Palokaj writes that Thaci should be a phenomenon in Europe, who, gives promises that are not fulfilled and he continues with new promises, while no one asks why.

Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj writes in his opinion piece that the European Commission expressed serious concerns in its last Progress Report on Kosovo over the politicization of public administration and the increase of salaries on the eve of elections. Officials in Brussels notice that Kosovo is not investing in sustainable economic development that would create jobs but is rather increasing public spending. Palokaj argues that based on the circumstances and needs, the government of Kosovo should not have more than 14 members.