Albania
Military drones purchase from Turkey, amendments to the state budget, and Russian and Czech citizens under suspicions of military espionage. The government budget amended on June 22nd allocated 8.2 million euros ($9.7 million) for drone purchase from Baykar Defense. An amendment was proposed by Prime Minister Edi Rama last week for public debt by 92 million euros. The Prosecutor General of Tirana investigated the subjects for obtaining information about the operations of a foreign government, photographing NATO headquarters in Kucova, and the military exercises of US troops in Durres.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Foreign Minister Turkovic called on UN Security Council to support the new High Representative Schmidt, Pope Francis shows solidarity with refugees, and Republika Srpska puts on sale minority stakes in 24 firms. Russia’s representative to the UN Security Council Nebenzya said the election of Schmidt was not legal. The funds will cover the construction of two multi-purpose rooms and dining rooms for families and minors living at the permanent camp of Lipa. RS is selling the stakes worth 2.4 million euros ($2.9 million).
Croatia
Parliament voted against Supreme Court President nominee Djurdjevic, Anti-Corruption Police arrested employees of the former Zagreb administration, and Prime Minister Plenkovic on Hungarian Prime Minister Orban advertising for Serbia’s accession in domestic media. MPs rejected President Milanovic’s recommendation by 81 votes against, 37 for, and five abstentions. New Major Tomasevic said that the new city administration would continue to advocate “transparency of city administration, all city departments, companies, institutions, and related businesses.” Plenkovic said the neighboring countries as Serbia, have to fulfill necessary preconditions first to join the EU.
Kosovo
Prime Minister Kurti on a final agreement with Serbia, NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg in visit, and Intelligence Agency’s Deputy Director Hyseni sacked. Kurti said the final deal must include mutual recognition and UN membership. Stoltenberg reassured local leaders that the International Kosovo Force would remain in place to secure regional peace and stability. Under Article 6 of Law on the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, President Osmani and Kurti dismissed Hyseni.
Montenegro
Supreme State Prosecutor Lidija Vukcevic on war crimes prosecution, Deputy Prime Minister Abazovic reassured the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on strong bilateral relations, and Prime Minister Krivokapic met with Slovenian Ambassador Gregor Presker. Vukcevic warned there is a lack of political will to prosecute war crimes. Krivokapic expressed hope that the Western Balkan countries’ membership in the EU would be discussed at a high level on several occasions during the planned 18 meetings during the Slovenian presidency.
North Macedonia
New EU Presidency about to press Bulgaria on EU Integrations, Prime Minister Zaev on EU accession future, and Bulgarian President Radev vow to uphold North Macedonia veto. Slovenian President Pahor will travel to Bulgaria next week to try and resolve the ongoing dispute. Zaev expects a solution with Bulgaria during the Slovenian Presidency. Bulgaria will not say yes to EU accession until official Skopje formally says its language and ethnicity are Bulgarian.
Serbia
President Vucic on Kurti’s final proposal with Serbia, the Balkan Stream has been completed, and US Ambassador Godfrey on bilateral relations. Vucic said that his answer about the recognition of Kosovo would not change. Serbia and Hungary connected the Balkan Stream gas pipeline through which gas from Turkey will reach Central Europe via Bulgaria and Serbia in the future. Godfrey said Serbia today has no better friend than the United States.