Weekly Brief

Albania
The US expects high standards in April elections, foreign trade deficit, and teachers’ fear of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Deputy Assistant Secretary Palmer underlined that the upcoming parliamentary elections should meet the highest international standards. In February, the trade deficit reached €218 million, a 2.7% year-on-year increase, and up by 26.7% compared to January. Teachers have been hesitating to take the vaccine after 13 European countries suspended its use pending an EU regulator’s ruling.

Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Presidency met with President Erdogan in Turkey, the Croat Presidency member Komsic on Russian anti-NATO warning, and the EU on needed constitutional changes. Presidency Chairman Dodik said the meeting was a success while wishing that Russia joins the next one between Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, and Serbia. Komsic stated that the Russian threat on the country’s NATO membership would not stop Euro-Atlantic integrations. Enlargement Commissioner Varhely emphasized that equal representation to all, state institutions’ functionality, and fully enforced EU Acquis is required before joining the EU.

Croatia
Prerequisites to join the border-control-free Schengen Area fulfilled, unemployment risk mitigation funds received, and one million COVID-19 vaccine doses should arrive by May 1st. The Chairman of the Council of the EU, Eduardo Cabrita, supports Schengen enlargement as the country met 281 recommendations in eight Schengen Acquis areas. The EU designated €510 million to fight the coronavirus outbreak’s negative economic and social consequences. Prime Minister Plenkovic has ordered 6.8 million vaccine doses for a population of 4.1 million and has received about 430,000 thus far.

Kosovo
The country opened its embassy in Jerusalem, the parliament about to hold its first session, and Acting President Osmani outlined future priorities. Turkey condemned the embassy’s opening in Jerusalem, urging the country to reverse this decision as the first European, Muslim-majority country to make this move. Osmani decided to summon the new parliament on March 22nd, nominating the new Prime Minister. Osmani said jobs and education for the youth, meritocracy, economy, and fight against crime and corruption will be priorities over dialogue with Serbia.

Montenegro
The new coalition won elections in President Djukanovic’s hometown, EU Enlargement Commissioner Varhely emphasized the importance of progress in the rule of law, and no more Citizenship-for-Investment Program. The new coalition has won 23 of the 41 seats in the local assembly. Varhely warned that official Podgorica could not count on closing the EU accession negotiations before meeting all transitional arrangements related to the rule of law. The program designed for those who invest at least €250,000 ($300,000), make a €100,000 deposit, and pay application fees, will end by the end of this year as it does not have EU approval.

North Macedonia
Many new COVID-19 cases, corruption probe in the vaccine-procurement case, and Stryker light armored vehicles purchase. The country reported a record of 1,200 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s Head Ivanovska said the Agency launched a probe into troubles with Health Minister Filipce accused of procuring Chinese vaccines through a questionable intermediary firm. The US State Department has approved a potential sale of 54 Stryker light armored vehicles and related equipment for €176.3 million ($210 million).

Serbia
The country is about to build a modern railway system, more China’s Sinopharm vaccines are coming, and state-owned Srbijagas signed a deal with Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Gas-Res. The World Bank and the French Development Agency provide an initial $62.5 million of $400 million to upgrade 3,735 km of the railway network. The government has signed an agreement for the delivery of an additional two million doses of the vaccine. Srbijagas had signed a contract with natural gas distributor Gas-Res to construct a 410 km long gas pipeline connecting Indjija in northern Serbia to Novi Grad on the Bosnia-Herzegovina’s northwestern border with Croatia.