LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic from Brussels: What happened was not fair (B92, RTS)
• Vucic at the Summit: Strong pressure over Russia and Ukraine (N1, Beta)
• Vucic: We will fight for the European future, respecting ourselves (B92)
• EU: The investment plan for the Western Balkans is worth 30 billion euros (RTS)
• Vucic meets Macron, says Macron’s idea on formation of European geopolitical community should be accepted (Vecernje Novosti)
• Vucic meets Nehammer, Nehammer says there must be no double criteria in enlargement process (Politika)
• Vucic says Croatian Prime Minister and Croatian President are not in charge of carrying out policies of Serbia (Vecernje Novosti)
• EU Hypocritical Towards Western Balkans (VIP)
• Tight relations with Russia not helping Serbia on road to EU membership (Beta)
• Borrell: EU not where it should be with western Balkans (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• EU-Western Balkans summit fails to bring any decision for region, no consent within EU to grant status of EU candidate to B&H (AJB)
• Dzaferovic addresses media after EU-Western Balkans Summit: Important thing is that European perspective of Western Balkan countries was reaffirmed and that it is in no way disputable (N1)
• Prior to Summit Dzaferovic asks Michel to grant B&H the EU candidate status (O kanal)
• Brussels: EU officials, Western Balkan leaders discuss relations btw Serbia and Kosovo, start of EU accession negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia, situation in B&H; B&H Presidency Chairman Dzaferovic says pro-Russian forces do not allow meeting EC’s conditions (Hayat)
• Dodik: B&H is unwanted due to international interventionism from within and now, it is unwanted from outside until everyone realizes it does not exist (ATV)
• Croat Member of B&H Presidency Komsic: SNSD and HDZ B&H are stopping B&H from getting the candidacy status (FTV)
• Zvizdic: SNSD and HDZ B&H, which refused to adopt three European laws, are main culprits because of whom B&H will not or has not yet received candidate status (O kanal)
• OHR sends diplomatic note to Croatian Embassy in Sarajevo over Milanovic's statements about HR Schmidt (BHT1)
Croatia
• EU leaders grant Ukraine candidate status while Balkan countries voice their frustration (HRT1)
• President urges EU candidate status for B&H (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: Aggression against Ukraine additionally points out importance of further integration of WB into EU (CDM)
• Djukanovic: It’s time for EU to confirm strategic importance of WB for peace and stability in Europe (CDM)
• Djukanovic after Brussels meeting: We’ll support European political community if it means accelerating towards EU membership (CDM)
• European Parliament adopts report on Montenegro (Vijesti)
• Delegation of “only” 12 members to Serbia (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Bulgarians gave the green light (N1)
• Kovacevski: French proposal in this form is unacceptable (Republika)
• Milososki: French proposal is diplomatic failure of Kovacevski and Osmani, resignation immediately (TV24)
• Michel: On Macedonia, work continues towards swiftly finding a mutually acceptable solution (Republika)
• Borrell: One country blocks the whole enlargement process; the EU must include the Western Balkans in "its world" (Libertas)
• Macron: Zaev is brave, he changed the Constitution and the name of the country – with the “North Macedonians” we will look for a way to reach an agreement! (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Bulgaria gains support to destabilize Macedonia, and that leads to discord (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: The Bulgarian issue is holding 'hostage' two NATO countries (Radio Tirana)
• Former Prime Minister of Bulgaria: We should adopt a resolution to pave way to the integration of Albania and North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)
• Charles Michel: We are discussing with Bulgaria to revive the enlargement process (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Leaders of the region and the EU arrived at the summit (RTS)
• The main topics of the summit in Brussels (RTS)
• Borrell disappointed with lack of progress on Western Balkans (Beta)
• European Integration Minister says Serbia isn’t closing eyes to Ukraine (FoNet)
• Gratitude to Italy for supporting Serbia's European integration (RTS)
• German Special Representative Sarrazin: Promises about enlargement from Thessaloniki are still in force; I am skeptical toward ‘Open Balkan’ (Vecernje Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Cvijanovic criticizes Sarrazin: Is it possible that someone who comes from Germany sees certain competition in ‘Open Balkan’ initiative, compared to the earlier initiative from Germany, the Berlin Process (RTRS)
• B&H Presidency Chairperson Dzaferovic: Offering EU candidate status would be clear signal to pro-Russian forces that their policy has lost its influence in B&H (BHT1)
• B&H Presidency member Dodik: I am ready to respect Brussels agreement and implement it if B&H gets candidate status (RTRS)
• Komsic’s Advisor Kovacevic: Brussels meeting beneficial for B&H; Unlikely for B&H to receive EU candidate status this week; B&H will not joint EU and NATO with current constitution (Hayat)
• Austrian Chancellor Nehammer: There must be no double criteria and first or second class candidates (N1)
• German Chancellor Scholz advocates strengthening EU membership perspective for Western Balkan countries (FTV)
• New European Parliament draft resolution on B&H acknowledges concept of constituent peoples and expresses regret over failure to implement judgement in ‘Ljubic’ case (Vecernji list)
• UN High Commissioner Bachelet meets Joint Commission on Human Rights in B&H Parliament; She calls for dialogue on adoption of Law on Protection of Civilian Victims of War and Torture, amendments to Law on Human Rights Ombudsman (AJB)
• Bachelet and Prosecutor’s Office of B&H officials discuss strengthening rule of law and protection of rights of victims and citizens (AJB)
• SNSD’s Kovacevic meets with Bachelet, warns of poor status of Serbs in FB&H (Glas Srpske)
Croatia
• Croatian PM Plenkovic addresses EP plenary session in Brussels, supports granting Ukraine EU candidate status and EU future of B&H (HRT1)
• Plenkovic meets Metsola: Croatia supports the EU accession of all of its neighboring countries (HRT1)
• PM Phones Zelenskyy to convey Croatia's support to Ukraine's EU membership bid (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic in Brussels (CDM)
• Djukanovic: Aggression against Ukraine additionally points out importance of further integration of WB into EU (CDM)
• Picula: Last year's events in Montenegro were marked by political blockades and stagnation on the European path (RTCG)
• Jokovic: I had an insight into the Fundamental Agreement, there are disputes over the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church (RTNK)
• Ivanovic: The agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church remains a priority, I believe that common sense will prevail (RTCG)
• Kosovo PM says border with Montenegro to be reviewed (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Kosovo should join Open Balkan Initiative (TV 24)
• Mickoski: I would be happy if the French proposal is not accepted (TV Alfa)
• DOM to leave Government if French proposal accepted (Republika)
• People gather in front of government building to protest against the French proposal (Republika)
• Bulgarian government loses no-confidence vote (Republika)
Albania
• The fall of the Bulgarian government seems to delay EU enlargement plans in the Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• Bulgarian opposition to remove the veto on North Macedonia, Pm Rama: We will attend the EU summit (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS
• The delegations of Belgrade and Pristina in Brussels agreed on guidelines for the implementation of the energy agreement (RTS)
• Vucic and Borrell on progress in the Brussels dialogue (RTS)
• Vucic talked with Rama and Kovacevski, tomorrow at noon the decision on participation in the summit in Brussels (RTS)
• Dacic: It seems to suit everyone that Kosovo is not on the agenda (RTS)
• Direct message from Europe: Serbia must decide (Tanjug)
• Vulin: Serbia decides on its own, despite pressure (FoNet)
• Aleksandar Sapic elected mayor of Belgrade: "I want the champion city" (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Slovenia officially submits request to EU Council to grant unconditional EU candidate status to B&H (FTV)
• Slovenian President Pahor: I concluded several Presidents of EU member states about initiative for awarding status of EU candidate to B&H without conditions (Dnevni avaz)
• European Council President Michel announces meeting with Western Balkans leaders: We must re-energize enlargement process and advance integration of our Western Balkan partners (FTV)
• Sattler: B&H has perspective, however, the important thing is to see action from your side because European perspective is two-sided road (N1)
• Dodik: What Ukraine did and B&H did not to get the status of the EU candidate? (N1)
• Representatives of Greens from European Parliament and Bundestag meet with RSNA representatives and opposition leaders in RS; MEP Strik says there are currently many obstacles on B&H's European path (Nova BH)
• RS officials meet Sattler and discusses EU integration of B&H (RTRS)
• RSNA does not endorse B&H Presidency member Dodik’s veto on Trade and Cooperation Agreement between B&H and UK; Dodik: I will again invoke VNI when Agreement with the UK is on the B&H Presidency’s agenda (O kanal)
• RS ruling parties and opposition present opposing stances on Dodik’s veto on Trade and Cooperation Agreement between B&H and UK (RTRS)
• UN’s DiCarlo meets Dzaferovic, Komsic in separate meetings (N1)
• UN’s DiCarlo meets Dodik (ATV)
• Novakovic-Bursac: Support of Turkish FM to the initiative for holding the meeting of leaders of Turkey, Serbia, Croatia and B&H gives hope that this idea will be implemented (Glas Srpske)
Croatia
• Milanovic: It will be very difficult, almost impossible to explain how it is that Ukraine and Moldova can be candidates and B&H cannot (HRT1)
• Covic: B&H could make step forward and obtain EU candidate status if meets basic conditions regarding changes to Election Law and few other criteria that are in front of it (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Montenegro has fully complied with EU policy, including sanctions on Russia (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• French proposal: Macedonian language became “Macedonian language number 2”; Mickoski: French proposal doesn’t mention start of negotiations (Republika)
• Osmani: If we go beyond the Declaration, we will ask for support in Parliament (Telma)
• Pendarovski-Marin: Macedonia a champion of NATO’s open-door policy (Republika)
• Mickoski: Protest summer in coming period, and new steps from fall (TV 24)
Albania
• Rama: Unified ABC book in every country where there are Albanians! Kurti: Intensive cooperation between the two countries (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: Getting closer to strategic partnership between Albania and Kosovo (Radio Tirana)
• PM Rama in Kosovo: "Open Balkan'' neither unites nor divides us (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: Whoever pushes Kosovo to war, pushes Albania as well (Radio Tirana)
• Edi Rama: We are preparing a resolution, I am personally going to Strasbourg (Albanian post)

LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: After the consultations, I will make a decision whether to go to Brussels (Tanjug)
• Brnabic from Ohrid: International law "broken on the back" of Serbia (RTS)
• Putin again mentions so-called Kosovo: And? Did we have the right to recognize it? (Tanjug)
• Bocan Harchenko: The pressure on Serbia is incredible (RTS)
• Former presidential candidate: Serbia should follow EU policy on Russia (N1)
• Serbia’s Interior Minister: Russia is not changing its position on Kosovo (N1)
• EU expects Kosovo and Serbia to reach energy deal this week (Beta)
• EU Official: Not sure whether Serbia will be able to open new cluster (Beta)
• Dodik says B&H has not imposed and will not impose sanctions against Russia, reiterates RS is against admission to NATO (Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H Presidency member Dodik and Russian President Putin meet in Saint Petersburg, discuss RS’ position on sanctions against Russia, future cooperation (ATV)
• Milorad Dodik says Russia is not leaving its friends and that talks with Putin convinced him of that again (RTRS)
• Dzaferovic: Nothing has changed in B&H's position on Russian invasion of Ukraine nor can it change with Dodik's departure to St. Petersburg (Nova BH)
• Sarovic, Borenovic claim that B&H will harmonize again with EU sanctions against Russia (BN TV)
• UK Minister Truss calls for end of Russian influence in B&H (FTV)
• EU FMs to discuss initiative to grant status of EU candidate to B&H; Pahor to demand support to initiative (FTV)
• Message of Pahor is sign of friendship (Dnevni avaz, Hayat)
• MEPs and members of Bundestag meet with B&H activists in Sarajevo; MEP Viola von Cramon-Taubadel says everyone is against accelerated, short negotiations for membership in EU (N1)
• Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu visits B&H, meets B&H officials (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Officials from Western Balkans react to decision to give EU candidate status to Ukraine (HRT1)
• Milanovic: Ukraine’s EU candidate status should be made conditional on Bosnia’s (Hina)
• Cavusoglu meets Grlic-Radman: Both countries support stability, integrity of B&H (HRT1)
• Foreign ministry warns against false info from Russian Defence Ministry (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Montenegro will remain safe haven for all exiled Ukrainians (CDM)
• Abazovic: I’ll invite Serbia’s prime minister to visit Montenegro as soon as appointment happens (Portal Analitika)
• Marovic: Working group on the Open Balkans soon to be formed (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovacevski after meeting with coalition partners: Parliamentary elections to be held in 2024 (Republika)
• Escobar: As long as the Western Balkans meet the conditions, we will continue to provide support (Republika)
• VMRO-DPMNE: The French proposal is blackmail and total fiasco (Republika)
• Dimitrov: French proposal is debacle of Macedonian diplomacy; government puts our fate entirely in Bulgaria’s hands (Republika)
• Mickoski on French proposal: VMRO-DPMNE will not accept any agreement that is detrimental to Macedonian interests (Republika)
• Kovacevski: The Macedonian language must be pure in the negotiation framework (Libertas)
• Serbian Patriarch Porfirij to visit Ohrid (Republika)
Albania
• Rama: Open Balkan is not an instrument for Serbia! The agreement for the Port of Durres was postponed by Kosovo (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Brnabic: Region’s integration into EU necessary for overall progress (RTS/Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Recognition of “Kosovo” not mentioned in negotiating position of EU with Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Intensive political dialogue, economic cooperation with Turkey (Tanjug/Politika)
• Selakovic, Cavusoglu: Excellent relations to be advanced further (Tanjug/Politika)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Serbian-Russian relations essentially not changing despite voting for UN resolution (N1)
• Sapic put forward by SNS as new Belgrade mayor; formation of government waiting for repeat elections in Veliki Trnovac (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Serbian military sends new contingent to UNIFIL (N1)
• Lajcak: Brussels working on Vucic-Kurti meeting (Tanjug/TV21)
• Greece appoints Special Representative for Western Balkans (Politika/Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• St. Petersburg: Dodik meets Lavrov, says B&H did not impose sanctions; Criticizes UK involvement in B&H (ATV)
• Dodik at session of SPIEF: B&H did not join sanctions against Russia because RS did not allow this, B&H still remains unstable, and it is state under protectorate of western world (ATV)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: RS remains one of most important foreign policy goals of Russia (BN TV)
• Officials in B&H comment Dodik’s visit to Russia (Nova BH)
• Dzaferovic addresses Baku Global Forum (BHT1/Hayat)
• France has sent non-paper to EU countries presenting idea of creating European political community, analysts deem this community would be replacement for EU membership (BHT1/Nezavisne)
• Pahor calls for B&H to be granted EU candidate status unconditionally in letter to Michel (Hayat)
• Media carried comment to Pahor’s letter, French non-paper; Dzaferovic: EU owes us in some way (O Kanal)
• Sattler: Brussels agreement paves the way further towards European integration, outlines which are the focuses from 14 key priorities (FTV)
• Cleverly meets Turkovic and B&H CEC reps, confirms UK’s support to continuation of reform processes in B&H (BHT1)
• OHR: Election financing, the functioning of state institutions, as well as payment of salaries to civil servants will never be put in question again (Nova BH)
• SDA and opposition in B&H HoR will not support HDZ B&H’s proposal of amendments to Election Law (BHT1)
• Novakovic-Bursac comments on adoption of amendments to Election Law on election of member of B&H Presidency from Croat ranks (ATV)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman: Things moving towards opening talks with N. Macedonia, Albania (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: I warned earlier about Russia’s actions; Moscow wants USSR’s geopolitical position, but it doesn’t realize that this is an impossible mission (Portal Analitika)
• Abazovic: For me, Open Balkans is Berlin Process’s child; we’ve provided Ukraine with a modest war and financial aid; difficult autumn awaits us (TVCG)
• Konjevic: Our goal is the EU and not the Open Balkans, where some do not recognize Russia's aggression against Ukraine (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• French proposal envisions joining EU only after meeting all Bulgarian requirements (MIA/Bulgarian National Radio)
• Mickoski: If the proposal is to assimilate us and be Bulgarians, then I do not want to join the European Union (TV Kanal 5)
• Pendarovski: Unfinished project of European integration has consequences for Western Balkans (Republika)
• Pendarovski: Words from the EU and Bulgaria are not enough for us; we want guarantees on paper (Republika)
• Michel: Macedonia and Albania to start EU talks as soon as possible (Republika)
• Pendarovski – Pahor: Formal start of accession talks with Macedonia must be an imperative for EU (Republika)
Albania
• As Bulgarian veto entangles region, Albania not hopeful on start of EU talks, PM says (Tirana Times)
• Michel: Good news for Albania and North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)
• Borell: We should urgently move ahead with EU integration process of Albania (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi met with NATO representatives in the headquarters in Brussels (Radio Tirana)
• UN Security Council meeting, Minister Xhacka: We call on Russia to stop the war and get involved in the negotiations (Radio Tirana)