Albania
The country fell three places in the 2022 Rule of Law Index, the Government commenced consultations on a new 5G draft law, and Prime Minister Rama accused the UK politicians of spreading xenophobia towards Albanian citizens. The World Justice Project ranked Albania in 87th place among 140 countries. The draft law aims to improve the general regulatory electronic communications framework and attract investments. Rama stated, “It’s not about one person. It’s about the climate that has been created, and it’s about finding scapegoats and blaming others.”
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Republika Srpska (RS) opposition candidate Jelena Trivic still accuses SNSD’s leader Dodik of stealing the election results, the UN Security Council extended EUFOR’s mandate, and reached a visa-free agreement with Kosovo in Berlin. Trivic has been hoping the State Constitution Court would nullify the election results after the Central Election Commission confirmed Dodik as the new RS President. High Representative Schmidt defined the decision as vital in preserving peace and security in the country. The citizens can enter Kosovo using only identity cards.
Croatia
Prime Minister Plenkovic accused Croat Presidency member Zeljko Komsic of a policy against Croatia, wants to see the regional neighbors join the EU, and signed an addendum to the Basic Collective Agreement for public services. Plenkovic stated, “Mr. Komsic has a constant anti-Croatian narrative, which leads to a rather absurd situation that someone who supposedly represents Croats in BiH is constantly leading a policy against Croatia.” He also noted that” [The EU accession process] is good for their stability, economic and social situation and for preventing illegal migration.” Finally, Plenkovic said that, during his mandate, wages grew 33 percent.
Kosovo
Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla suspended regional Serb police commander Nenad Djuric, the Government issued warnings for cars with Serbian license plates, and the Serb List decided to leave the Kosovo institutions. Svecla stated that Djuric’s “refusal to implement legitimate decisions of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo is above all a serious violation of the security and stability of our country,” while Djuric stated that he wants “a clear face before God’s court.” Drivers with old Serbian plates were also invited to report to the reregistration center to get new Kosovo plates. Prime Minister Kurti accused the Serb List of “preparations for the destabilization of Kosovo.”
Montenegro
Parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Election of President of Montenegro, industrial output declined 6.8% year-on-year in Q3, and outgoing Prime Minister Abazovic asked the parties to unblock the Constitutional Court’s work by November 20th. The amendments force President Djukanovic to propose a prime minister-designate or exclude him from that procedure. The Members of Parliament need to elect at least one judge to unblock the work of the highest judicial institution.
North Macedonia
The Government banned organizations with names linked to fascism, began 200 million euros worth of link construction to the Bulgarian border, and allowed the Eastern European Missions (EEM) to donate over 225,000 children’s Bibles in July. Existing organizations must also change their controversial names within three months or will be removed from the central register. The 31km line from Kumanovo to Beljakovce will be repaired for 40 million euros as a new 34km section will be built from Beljakovce to Kriva Palanka at the cost of 155 million euros. EEM’s leader Burckle added that EEM will deliver another 225,000 bibles in 2023 at the country leaders’ request.
Serbia
The Army was on high alert amid tensions with Kosovo, the Government reached a 2.4 billion euros stand-by arrangement with the International Monetary Fund, and Germany warned President Vucic to choose between the EU and Russia. The troops were highly likely deployed to the border with Kosovo as the Army shot down a drone moving from Kopaonik to Raska. A 24-month stand-by arrangement would replace the existing non-financial 30-month Policy Coordination Instrument. A German official stated, “Should he choose the other path, it will have ensuing consequences.”