Albania
The Energy Regulatory Body increased energy prices, the Government purchased two satellites for $6 million (6 million euros) from Satellogic USA Inc. of North Carolina, and Türkiye drones are about to get operational. The decision would affect up to 72,000 homes that use more than 800kwh per month. Prime Minister Rama said the new satellites would help fight “terrorism or a potential enemy.” Rama added that the drones “have many complementary functions in harmony with satellites.”
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Jelena Trivic is highly likely to become the new President of Republika Srpska, the Croat Presidency member Borjana Kristo is confident in her election, and the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the state-level prosecutor Diana Kajmakovic. Milorad Dodik’s opponent, Trivic, promised to crack down on corruption if elected. Kristo’s opponent Zeljko Komsic stated, “It will take patience and wisdom, and if you want, mutual tolerance and respect to reach a solution that will satisfy the largest number of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” OFAC sanctioned Kajmakovic as she “helped hide evidence, prevent prosecution, and otherwise assist criminal activity in exchange for personal gain.”
Croatia
The country would host the Crimea Platform on October 25th, the budget deficit lowered to 465 million euros, and the Defense Minister Banozic should propose the new head of the Military Security Intelligence Agency. The Platform would bring together delegations from 50 countries and institutions, including the US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Prime Minister Plenkovic noted, “You need to find people from the Armed Forces who are competent, who will professionally perform these duties.”
Kosovo
Prime Minister Kurti was reelected as leader of the Vetevendosje Movement, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský confirmed that the discussion on visa liberalization would reopen, and the License Plates probation period is over. Kurti won 98.6% of the votes in the party’s elections. Lipavský stated that “the Czech Presidency is counting on the fact that if the so-called technical update of the report on Kosovo’s readiness for visa liberalization, which the European Commission is currently finalizing, is successful, the matter will be taken up again by the Member States during the autumn.” Kurti offered tax- and registration-free Pristina-issued plates for ethical Serbs as the Law came into force.
Montenegro
Prime Minister Abazovic met the Open Society Fund founder George Soros, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) predicted economic growth of 3.7% in 2022, and the Interior Ministry conducted a raid against a Russian spying ring. Abazovic said, “An inspiring conversation with George Soros. We promote ideas and initiatives that lead to peace, stabilization, and economic progress in the Western Balkans. Montenegro can do it.” The Government expelled six Russian diplomats, revoked residence permits, and banned entry to 28 foreign citizens accused of spreading “malign influence.”
North Macedonia
President Pendarovski wants the country to join the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) network, EBRD forecasted economic growth of 2.7% in 2022, and the Opposition blocked the Open Balkans Initiative laws adoption. Pendarovski noted, “To ensure sustainable development and meet the needs of businesses and households, North Macedonia must become part of this natural gas network.” VMRO DPMNE Party leader Mickoski asked for the Initiatives goals explanation before approving the Laws.
Serbia
Foreign Minister Selakovic signed a Consultations Plan with the Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, President Vucic participated in the Bulgaria-Greece gas Interconnector commission ceremony, and the Government would not recognize the separatist referendum in Ukraine. The US Ambassador Christopher Hill noted that he expects an explanation about what kind of cooperation document was signed with Russia. Vucic thanked European Commission President von der Leyen for “helping a lot by talking about the interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria.” Selakovic said that “it would be completely contrary to our state and national interests” to recognize the referendum.