Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Republika Srpska has introduced two new undemocratic laws

Recently, not one but two laws were proposed by the Republika Srpska government that would significantly limit the space for civic engagement in the entity. If the laws were adopted, the entity would designate NGOs as foreign agents, and journalists would be subject to a fine for their work.

The first law on March 2 introduced fines for defamation up to 100.000 BAM (approx 50.000 EUR). According to the revisions, it appears that it will not be possible to write anything about a public figure’s personal or family life, whether it is about criminal conduct or morally dubious behavior. Since politicians are public figures, it will severely endanger the right of society to know what kind of person runs their state. Bosnia and Herzegovina was the first country in the region to decriminalize defamation. Thus, this proposal was perceived as a step backward in the media freedom climate as it would criminalize criticism, increase censorship, and prevent the work of journalists.

The law allowing the Republika Srpska to mark non-governmental organizations as “foreign agents” was proposed on March 8, just days after a similar law provoked mass protests in Georgia. Milorad Dodik, the entity’s president, claims that this law only copies the US legislation: “In their law, the US refers to foreign non-governmental organizations or those financed by foreigners as foreign agents on US territory.” However, the US embassy dismissed the comparison using a Russian parallel, where the same law and argument were used, and it eventually led to democracy’s repression.

Together with the US, the EU and OSCE also voiced their opposition to both legislative proposals. EU called it unacceptable and accused Republika of being afraid of civil society. OSCE marked such actions as contrary to international standards and emphasized that the OSCE will closely monitor the further development of the entity.

Sources:

• Azem Kurtic, BalkanInsight, ,,US, EU, Slate Bosnian Serb Push to Designate NGOs as ‘Foreign Agents’”,https://balkaninsight.com/2023/03/13/us-eu-slate-bosnian-serb-push-to-designate-ngos-as-foreign-agents/

• SarajevoTimes, ,,RS introduces Fines for Defamation up to 100.000 BAM”, https://sarajevotimes.com/rs-introduces-fines-for-defamation-up-to-100-000-bam/

• Denitsa Koseva, Intellinews, ,,Bosnian Serb leader to copy law on foreign agents that sparked mass protests in Georgia”,https://www.intellinews.com/bosnian-serb-leader-to-copy-law-on-foreign-agents-that-sparked-mass-protests-in-georgia-272579/

Kosovo

Problems with the implementation of the agreement on the normalisation of relations

Only a few hours after accepting an EU-backed deal to normalise relations between Kosovo and Serbia, the implementation process ran into an obstacle.

Interpretation of an EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is quite optimistic. After long talks on Saturday, March 18, Borell stated: “Kosovo and Serbia have agreed on the implementation annexe of the agreement on the path to normalisation of relations. The parties have fully committed to honour all articles of the agreement and implement their respective obligations expediently and in good faith.”  Notwithstanding Borrell’s declaration, the two parties decided against signing the agreement. The Serbian president Vucic claimed that not all issues have been resolved by the parties. “We will not implement anything related to Kosovo’s membership of the UN or any kind of actual or de jure recognition of Kosovo,” said Vucic on Sunday.

It seems that the second most problematic point is the creation of an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities with the authority to represent the Serb minority in Kosovo. On the other hand, US Special Envoy for the Western Balkan Gabriel Escobar told the media in Brussels on Monday, March 20, that the agreement is legally binding and signing it has no legal effect. The purpose of the agreement is not the mutual recognition of Serbia and Kosovo but the normalisation of their relations, and the third side will monitor how, what has been agreed, is implemented.

The EU will now closely monitor whether or not the deal is respected, according to Olivier Guerot, the French ambassador to Pristina, whose country co-authored the normalisation plan with Germany. He also threatened “consequences” to the side that does not uphold its duties.

Sources:

• Aktuality, “Americký vyslanec: Dohoda, ktorú Kosovo a Srbsko akceptovali, je právne záväzná” https://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/GwSQWxQ/americky-vyslanec-dohoda-ktoru-kosovo-a-srbsko-akceptovali-je-pravne-zavazna/

• Hayden, Jones, Politico, “Serbia, Kosovo reach pact on implementing peace plan, EU’s Borrell says” https://www.politico.eu/article/serbia-kosovo-reach-pact-on-implementing-peace-plan-eus-borrell-says
• Isufi, Perparim, Balkan Insight, “After Agreement, Kosovo and Serbia Argue Over Implementation” https://balkaninsight.com/2023/03/21/after-agreement-kosovo-and-serbia-argue-over-implementation/

North Macedonia

The first stabilization and association council in Skopje

On March 17, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi attended the 16th Council for Stabilisation and Association, which was chaired by Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski. This Council meeting was for the first time held in Skopje, North Macedonia.

After the meeting, a press conference was held with Kovachevski, Borell and Varhelyi. At this press conference, all the representatives agreed that the future of North Macedonia lies in the European Union.

For the country to achieve successful EU membership, North Macedonia must implement several reforms. Among the most crucial are reforms in the areas of the rule of law, the judiciary, and the fight against corruption.

Relations with neighbors represent a particular component. Currently, this concerns relations with Bulgaria, which are to be facilitated by amendments in the Macedonian constitution. Borell stated that: „The constitutional changes will only further improve the rights of the citizens and solidify the Macedonian identity at the same time. It is already clear what you need to do…“. Kovachevski said the country is making progress and reforms in the political, social, and cultural areas.

The key year for North Macedonia’s EU accession process is to be 2030. According to Borell, the country should become a full member of the European Union by this year if it meets all the conditions.

At the press conference, European leaders also stressed the importance of North Macedonia for the stability of the entire Western Balkans region. They pointed to the positive example of its presidency in OSCE. At the same time, the leaders reaffirmed that they continue to consider the enlargement of the European Union as a foreign policy priority of the EU.

Sources:

• Lidija Velkovska, Media Information Agency, „Прес-конференција на Ковачевски, Борел и Вархеји (во живо)“, Прес-конференција на Ковачевски, Борел и Вархеји (во живо) (mia.mk)