Albania
Social Democratic Party’s Doshi wishes to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections; Russia expelled Albanian diplomat; a dozen high profile citizens behind bars. Contrary to US Ambassador Kim’s recommendation, a Department-of-State-designated persona non grata Doshi requested to participate in the April elections. In response to the Albanian expulsion of a Russian diplomat, Russia declared the first secretary Drogu persona non grata. Judge Enkeleida Hoxha, two doctors, a defense lawyer, and others were arrested for connections with criminals.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The World Bank (WB) supports the economy, the country participated in the China-Europe summit, and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) gets a new president. WB’s €56 million loans are released to recover micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises from pandemic effects. Chairman of the Presidency Dodik participated in China’s 17+1 Summit virtually, welcoming China’s initiatives on Covid-19. A newly elected member of the HJPC, Halil Lagumdzija, received support from the EU and US to strengthen the rule of law and restore citizens’ trust.
Croatia
The country bonded with Iran and decided to purchase fighter jets while failing to establish a migrant-related monitoring mechanism. Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Grlic Radman congratulated the 42nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution while calling for enhanced Iran relations. Defense Minister Banozic announced the country will buy American F-16 Block 70s, Swedish Gripen C/Ds, and used French Dassault Rafale. Tasked by the EU in November 2020, an independent border-monitoring mechanism for migrant rights has not been established by the country yet.
Kosovo
UK highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections, the US about to invest more in the country, and Erdogan is disappointed by the Jerusalem embassy plan. British Ambassador Abbott underscored that the EU Kosovo-Serbia dialogue should be the main priority for any incoming government. The US International DFC’s Investment Incentive Agreement has entered into force, deploying its full range of financial products to Kosovo. Turkish president Erdogan said Kosovo had betrayed both him and the Muslim world by becoming the first country with a Muslim majority population planning to inaugurate an embassy in Jerusalem.
Montenegro
The European Parliament’s Draft Report emphasized limited progress in the fight against corruption; the Foreign Minister keeps EU accession in focus; the country strengthens bilateral relations with Germany. EP Rapporteur Picula welcomed Montenegro’s continued engagement in the EU integration process and its overall progress but stressed limited progress in the fight against corruption. Foreign Minister Radulovic is convinced that the country will do all the homework and become an EU member in 2025 or 2026. Prime Minister Krivokapic spoke via video link with Chancellor Merkel and expressed satisfaction with bilateral relations between Montenegro and Germany.
North Macedonia
Vaccine delay creates political tension; EU dispatches additional medical material; 200,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine purchase from China’s Sinopharm. The country’s population of 2.1 million remains deeply frustrated as 840,000 vaccine doses arriving from the World Health Organization this month should ease the situation. The European Union is sending gloves, masks, and other medical necessities to the country. The country has reached an agreement with the Chinese’s Sinopharm to procure 200,000 doses of the vaccines in February.
Serbia
Serbia leads vaccinations among European countries with the vaccinated population driving economic rebound amid China’s vaccines-projected soft power. One of Europe’s fastest coronavirus-vaccination programs is helping Serbia navigate the pandemic without further financial losses. Serbia’s industrial production, retail trade turnover, and exports have already reached pre-crisis levels. Simultaneously, other service sectors are expected to recover as the country continues with the vaccination process. Judging by President Vucic, China is one of Serbia’s most generous friends since the beginning of the pandemic.