Albania
Prime Minister Rama expressed dissatisfaction with the EU accession process, citizens protested price hikes, and inflation reached 7.4% in June. Rama stated, “The way the EU works is outdated.” The main opposition Democratic Party called on the Government to resign over corruption and basic food products price increases. INSTAT data has shown that the most significant price increase was in “Transport” with 26.9% and “Food and non-alcoholic beverages” with 12.6%.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Constitutional Court temporarily invalidated the Republika Srpska’s Medicines and Medical Devices Law and the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Administration, SDA’s leader Izetbegovic supported the German Bundestag’s Resolution stating that SNSD’s Dodik and HDZ’s Covic aim to destroy the country, and Covic met the EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Varhelyi in Brussels. Dodik said, “There is no constitutional basis for that because the jurisdiction of the circulation of medicines lies with the entities.” Covic reiterated that the country is on its path to destruction without the Election Law changes.
Croatia
Finance Minister Maric resigned, the Central Bank expects 5% economic growth with inflation close to 10% this year, and the county lost international arbitration against Hungary’s MOL. Maric stated, “I don’t see myself in politics anymore. All political and other targets that we had set as the Government have been fulfilled.” Governor Boris Vujcic said that the situation in the energy market could lead to a recession in 2023. The Washington-based International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ruled that Croatia has to pay $184 million.
Kosovo
EU’s Kosovo Rapporteur Viola von Crammon commented on the country’s EU accession perspective, Police removed surveillance cameras in Strpce municipality, and the Office for Kosovo and Metohija’s Director Petar Petkovic accused official Pristina of invading Serb communities. Von Crammon stated, “An essential element of Kosovo’s integration path is the EU-led dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. Yet without a legally binding normalization agreement, the accession to EU will not occur.” Prosecutor Rasim Maloku stated that the cameras were under Serbia’s control. Petrovic accused Kurti of intimidating the Serbian people and putting pressure on Belgrade.
Montenegro
13 Government members voted in favor of the fundamental agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC), the Central Bank’s data showed that Russians bought properties worth 20 million euros in four months, and President Djukanovic is likely preparing to leave politics. DPS’s Nikolic stated that there was no qualified majority to adopt this decision. The Podgorica Vijesti wrote that “Djukanovic made it known that if he is an obstacle to the faster European integration of Montenegro, he is ready to take a step back and step down from power, but he asked to be allowed to step down from the political scene with dignity and in his own way.”
North Macedonia
Protests against the EU-Bulgaria compromise continued, Parliamentary discussion was postponed over the objections, and there is fear that Russia may exploit protests to boost its regional interests. Protesters injured 47 police officers, two with serious injuries. EU and United States urged Parliament to move forward and accept the French proposal. President Pendarovski stated, “We have several dozen who came from some neighboring states and are trying to provoke incidents at the protests.”
Serbia
The European Parliament Members called the Government again to change its stance on Russia, the Central Bank raised its key rate to 2.75% due to inflationary pressures, and the state energy company EPS could lose 2 billion euros between 2021-2023. The Parliament concluded, “If you want support for EU accession, impose sanctions on Russia and recognize Kosovo’s independence.” Previously, Central Bank increased its key rate to 2.5% from 2% in June. The Fiscal Council said it is urgently necessary to increase the price of electricity, natural gas, and heating by 15%-20%, 65%- 75%, and 10%-40%, respectively.