Albania
Prime Minister Rama met Chinese Foreign Minister Yi, Grand Mufti of Albania Sheikh Boyar Sepahyu met Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, and the EU launched a new communication campaign. Rama stated that his country would firmly adhere to the one-China policy and look forward to strengthening cooperation with China in all fields. Al-Sheikh paid a visit to the Shariah Secondary School in Tirana. “Europe Is Here 2.0” campaign aims to inform citizens about EU financial assistance to health, education, agriculture, and culture sectors.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
SNSD leader Dodik announced the RS Parliament would confirm a resolution on rebuilding the army in November, SDA leader Izetbegovic said that “if people want to live, they must be ready to die, if they want peace, they must be ready for war,” and the European Union Military Committee Chairman General Claudio Graziano visited Sarajevo. Dodik stated that these actions aim to return the RS’s “constitutional position.” Izetbegovic said he does not believe in a new conflict and would have to protect returnees to RS if Dodik declares independence. Graziano stated he brings “a message from all the 27 that there is support for the armed forces.”
Croatia
President Milanovic met Serb Presidency Member Dodik in Zagreb, Defense Minister Banozic sees Milanovic’s accusations over the early retirement of the Honorary Guard Battalion Commander, Colonel Elvis Burcul, as interference, and Prime Minister Plenkovic on Banozic-Milanovic dispute. The President’s Office stated that this was a continuation of the activities for stability and functioning of B&H. Banozic strongly denied that Burcul had been forced into retirement, as claimed by Milanovic. Plenkovic called Milanovic’s behavior a creeping coup d’etat, who did not allow Defense Banozic to address the conscripts at the barracks in Pozega, emphasizing that he had strengthened the position of minister in the Government.
Kosovo
Citizens are concerned about bread and other goods price increase, Prime Minister Kurti stated he does not feel endangered over receiving death threats on social media, and the Government sanctions individuals and companies linked to Hizballah. Kurti noted that Government would soon provide an aid package. Prosecutors and police are investigating the threat, apparently related to rising food prices. The Government placed seven individuals and one company under UN Security Council Resolution 1373 on international sanctions.
Montenegro
European External Action Service (EEAS) Director Makovec expressed concerns over the possibility of the Democratic Front (DF) being part of a new Government, Prime Minister Krivokapic stated he would not sign a basic agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) during his visit to Belgrade, and Deputy Prime Minister Abazovic on recent state prosecutor eavesdropping case and Bulatovic’s suicide. Makovec stated that the entry of the DF could slow down the EU-related reform process. Krivokapic said Government would decide on the agreement after SOC provides feedback on the proposal. Abazovic stated that he believes the two incidents are connected.
North Macedonia
The second round of local election commenced, President Pendarovski on Macedonian minority in Bulgaria, and Prime Minister Zaev accused opposition Skopje Major candidate Arsovska for holding Bulgarian citizenship since 2011. The primary political battle is in the capital, Skopje. Pendarovski vowed not to interfere in Bulgarian internal affairs over the issue of minority rights. Arsovska denied allegations and announced that she would take legal action accordingly.
Serbia
President Vucic met Chinese Foreign Minister Yi, said that he opposes sanctions against anyone in Republika Srpska, and met with the Croat Democratic Union leader in B&H Dragan Covic. Yi noted that 1.4 billion Chinese people regard Serbia at the other end of Eurasia and as an ironclad friend. Vucic asked Dodik to calm the situation down in B&H. Covic discusses the European accession talks and minor changes to the B&H Constitution with Vucic.