EU: We want elections and results acceptable for everyone (Gazeta Metro)
The Office of the European Union in Kosovo, requests for the election process in Kosovo to by fair and in accordance with the European standards.
“As far as the election process itself is concerned, Kosovo should demonstrate capability to organize fair and free elections in accordance with the European standards,” the EU officials said adding that an acceptable result for everyone should be reached.
Mogherini to meet leaders of Western Balkans (Gazeta Metro)
The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, will meet on 24 May for a working dinner six Western Balkans leaders. Media in Brussels report that the intention of this informal meeting is to discuss the situation in the region.
US to send 130 more soldiers to Kosovo (B92, Blic)
Analysts say the US announcement of sending an additional 130 troops to Kosovo to support KFOR and NATO is a message to warmongering politicians in the region.
The troops in question are members of US special units of the Tupelo-based 1st Battalion, "highly trained for emergency response," the daily Blic is reporting.
Region is "exposed to risks from escalating rhetoric" – EU (B92)
The EU has been repeatedly "called out" by Belgrade for failing to react to statements made by Ramush Haradinaj.
This topic has now been addressed by Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman.
Maja Kocijancic assessed that "statements that can be interpreted as political interference in neighboring countries are not helpful in building good neighborly relations in the Western Balkans."
Analyst: EU sees Vucic as politician who will deliver Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo (InSerbia)
Struggling against Euroscepticism in Western Europe, the EU is seeking to reinvent itself with expansion to the East that threatens the stability of the Balkans, analyst Igor Pshenichnikov warns.
Amid rising Euroscepticism in Western Europe, the EU is focused on eastern enlargement, but its desire to “relaunch” the European project depends on pressuring eastern European countries into making painful concessions, such as the demand on Serbia to give up sovereignty over Kosovo.
Apostolova, Head of EU Office in Kosovo: Let’s celebrate our common values together (European Western Balkans)
Serbia delivers non-paper to EU with four requests (Večernje Novosti)
Minister without Portfolio in charge of EU integration Jadranka Joksimović and Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Đurić met with ambassadors of EU member-states in Belgrade on Thursday. The ambassadors were informed about the current situation in the region, positions of Belgrade regarding the open threats and negative reactions towards Serbia as well as the concerns of the Serbian government that the EU and its members turn a blind eye on all that.
Belgrade expects EU's "greater engagement" in region (media)
Minister without Portfolio in charge of EU integration Jadranka Joksimovic and Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric met with ambassadors of EU member-states in Belgrade on Thursday.
We Need to Putin-Proof the Balkans Now (Observer)
Southeastern Europe is entering renewed crisis—and Moscow is fomenting more chaos at a dangerous time