Albania
State Police IT infrastructure under a new Iranian cyberattack, average salary increased from 480 euros ($480) to 520 euros from January, and Russia previously donated 500.000 euros to the Democratic Party. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Idan Roll met Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka in Berlin and “offered to share Israel’s knowledge and experience in cyber defense.” The Central Elections Commission Head Ilirjan Celibashi noted an urgent need for legislation improvement to investigate foreign donations to political parties.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Serb Presidency member Dodik and Serbian President Vucic celebrated the “Day of Serb Unity” by marking the start of a 20-kilometer motorway section construction from Bijeljina to Raca, SDA’s leader Izetbegovic reflected Dodik’s statement that “Muslim and Christian populations cannot live in harmony,” and the HDZ BiH’s Deputy President Borjana Kristo is a candidate for the Croatian member of the Presidency. Dodik stated, “But today, Serbs must know that we will always strive to fight for unity.” Izetbegovic noted, “Whoever doesn’t like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Muslims, let him go where he likes, but he won’t take a pot of soil with him.” Kristo was a Presidency member candidate in 2010 when Zeljko Komsic won the most significant number of votes.
Croatia
The country is now on Russia’s list of “Unfriendly Nations,” President Milanovic visited SNSD leader Dodik’s private estate near Banja Luka, and banks sent out important info regarding the euro introduction. Croatia stands as a nation that “carry out unfriendly actions towards Russian companies and citizens.” Milanovic had been returning from Jajce and the 27th-anniversary celebration of the military operation “Maestral” against Serb forces during the 1992-1995 conflict. The banks would “automatically and without charge carry out the conversion of funds held in Croatian kuna in bank accounts, deposits, loans and other financial statements of value at a fixed conversion rate of one euro = 7.53450 kuna.”
Kosovo
The Government is to propose a Cybersecurity Agency establishment, Prime Minister Kurti met the EU envoy Lajcak unexpectedly, and the Serb Municipalities Association’s formation is still on hold. Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla said that “a legal basis for the prevention of cybercrime will be created.” Lajcak stated that the purpose of his visit was to “advance” the Belgrade-Pristina negotiation process. Kurti noted that he is against the Association’s formation as it would be “a prelude to the creation of the new Republika Srpska.”
Montenegro
Outgoing Prime Minister Abazovic visited the US, Democratic Front’s leader Andrija Mandic announced that Miodrag Lekic has his support to form a new Government, and the Government might cancel the visa-free regime for Russian citizens. Abazovic discussed the Western Balkans’ Euro-Atlantic integration and regional stability with the US partners. Mandic stated, “There are no obstacles to an agreement.” Foreign Affairs Minister Krivokapic announced that the Government would follow the EU decision to introduce visas for Russian citizens.
North Macedonia
Prime Minister Kovacevski met Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, the country’s gross international reserves rose by 2.8% month-on-month in August to 3.29 billion euros, and President Pendarovski commented on the “Bulgarianization” concerns. Kovacevski and Mitsotakis reviewed bilateral relations and the prospects for cooperation regarding energy infrastructure and connectivity. Pendarovski noted, “Only those Macedonians who have a weak national self-esteem are afraid of Bulgarianization.”
Serbia
President Vucic met his counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Brnabic announced that more countries would withdraw Kosovo recognition, and Members of Parliament (MP) failed to reach a consensus over the Belgrade-Pristina Negotiation Process Report. Vucic signed an agreement under which Serbia would receive $1 billion at a 3% interest rate. Brnabic stated, “It’s a policy based on respect for international law…there are more and more people who cannot ignore the fact that law, justice, and all arguments are absolutely on our side.” 148 MPs accepted, and 57 MPs rejected the Report.