Albania
Citizens are migrating to the West, the country has the highest share of households at risk of poverty in Europe, and German MEP Martin Buschmann accused the Government of systematically killing street dogs. Eurostat estimated 60%-80% of the population wants to leave the country, following some 38,000 citizens granted a first residence permit in the EU and some 350,000 US Green Card and 10,000 asylum applicants in 2020. While other countries are below 40%, Albania is just over 50% risk poverty share. Buschmann stated that as the candidate country, Albania must follow EU regulations on animal protection.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
SNSD leader Dodik announced a “false representation” lawsuit against High Representative Schmidt, SDA leader Izetbegovic informed Turkish President Erdogan of the consequences of Dodik’s actions, and HDZ leader Covic stated that Dodik is far from being the sole source of problems. Dodik said he would sue Schmidt for violating the international law as Russia managed to prevent Schmidt from expressing concerns over the country’s breakup in front of the UN Security Council. Izetbegovic said that current military capacities could quickly put 200.000 men under arms, accompanied by drones and tanks. Covic stated that Schmidt was possibly exaggerating the situation, “but anyone normal should fear any security challenges.”
Croatia
Prime Minister Plenkovic met with the Croat community representatives in Montenegro Andriana Vuksanovic and Zvonimirom Dekovic, President Milanovic commented on the ongoing crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Independent Democratic Serb Party leader Pupovac was willing to attend but not welcomed at the commemoration of the Skabrnja massacre. Plenkovic reassured Vuksanovic and Dekovic the Government would react and protect the Croat community if needed. Milanovic reiterated the idea to mediate with Vucic and Erdogan. At the traditional carnival in Kastel Sucurac near Split, the participants burned a mask of Pupovac.
Kosovo
Prime Minister Kurti said he would “prevent Bosnianization of Kosovo,” the new commander of NATO-led KFOR, Gen. Ferenc Kajari stated that Kosovo security forces must have approval before deploying in Northern Kosovo, and the Government approved €2.8 billion ($3.2 billion) budget. The Association of Serb-majority Municipalities is not acceptable for Kurti. The budget includes €100 million ($115 million) for the country’s forces, foreseeing an increase in military spending of some 8.7% in 2022.
Montenegro
Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia Nedimovic greeted Prime Minister Krivokapic outside the usual protocol, NSD leader Mandic stated the time is up for Government reshuffle, and URA leader Abazovic on Mandic’s statement. Serbian Prime Minister Brnabic apologized for the mistake made in welcoming Krivokapic, welcomed by Nedimovic in jeans and without a tie. Mandic stated that the reshuffle process is over and that the Democratic Front will start with a new initiative and a new government election. Abazovic said one must first overthrow the existing Government to elect a new one.
North Macedonia
Prime Minister Zaev announced resignation over the local election results, the opposition called for parliamentary elections after Zaev vowed to resign, and Economy Minister Bekteshi declared an electricity crisis. Coalition parties urged Zaev to reconsider his resignation as President Pendarovski has not been formally informed of Zaev’s resignation thus far. VMRO-DPMNE leader Mickoski stated that there is a need for immediate elections. The declared crisis would allow Government stability intervention into the energy sector.
Serbia
SNS leader Aleksandar Vucic is highly likely to be nominated for the next presidency of Serbia, opposition Party of Freedom and Justice leader Dragan Djilas met DAS Escobar in Washington, and Russia’s Sberbank withdrew from the country. Vice-president of the SNS, Milos Vucevic, stated that the party’s presidential elections would occur after the election of the President of Serbia. Djilas discussed the fight against crime and corruption and economic cooperation across the region with Escobar. Businessman Miodrag Kostic and his partners purchased the bank’s subsidiaries across the region.