Albania
A new President has not been elected in the second vote, the Government offered a Soviet-built naval base to NATO, and Greece vowed to abolish the state of war. Prime Minister Rama called on the opposition to propose a candidate. The Pashaliman maritime base, 180 kilometers (110 miles) south of Tirana, was built in the 1950s. The two countries could also start discussing the issue of Cham properties in Greece.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Central Election Commission has set general elections for October 2 amid the 2022 budget adoption’s failure, British Foreign Secretary Truss met the Presidency in Sarajevo, and the Bosniak Presidency member Dzaferovic met NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg in Brussels. The US and EU criticized Croat’s HDZ BiH for blocking the elections financing approval. Truss pledged $100 million for infrastructure and energy projects in the region by 2025. Stoltenberg reiterated strong NATO support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Croatia
European Commission (EC) stated that the country does not face macroeconomic imbalances, should join the Schengen Area, and should accelerate decarbonization. EC’s Dombrovskis noted that “debt ratios have declined significantly over the years and show a strong downward trend.” The State of Schengen Report 2022 emphasized the importance of Croatia joining the area. The EC wants the country “to accelerate decarbonization efforts, including in the industry, reduce energy import dependency from Russia, and take measures to foster integration in the single market.”
Kosovo
The country aims to join NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, German Ambassador Rohde is optimistic about visa-free travel, and the Hague International Criminal Court sentenced Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj to prison for witness intimidation. Ambassador Smith stated that the US “would certainly support Kosovo’s move towards the Partnership for Peace program.” Rodhe said he is optimistic that “liberalization will come this year.” The two war veterans received a 4 1/2 years sentence.
Montenegro
Prime Minister Abazovic met Serbian President Vucic in Davos, a visa-free policy for the Saudi Arabian citizens was introduced, and the Government registered a second Jewish association. Abazovic stated, “relations with Serbia are a priority – we are ready for intensive cooperation in all areas of common interest.” The Government hopes to attract more visitors as the Russia-Ukraine war might reduce tourist numbers. The Jewish Community in Montenegro’s leader Nina Offner Bokan accused the Government of bad faith in registering the former chief rabbi Ari Edelkopf’s Religious Community of Jews.
North Macedonia
Prime Minister Kovacevski met Pope Francis, the Chargé d’affaires Maciej Kaczorowski met Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilus III, and Foreign Affairs Minister Osmani reopened an embassy in Kyiv. Kovacevski had fifteen minutes of private talks with the Pope. Osmani also visited the city of Irpin, where he witnessed the destruction of the Russian forces.
Serbia
The Government signed declaration on the unjustified Russian attack on Ukraine, claimed that the US supports the Open Balkan initiative, and greeted prosecutors’ decision to indict four Croatian pilots for attacking a refugee column during Operation Storm in 1995. The Government joined the states of the Adriatic-Ionian Region’s declaration describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “illegal and unjustified.” Ambassador Hill stated that the US supports “the Open Balkans initiative and is ready to help develop it faster.” Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic pledged protection to the high-ranking Croatian officers.