SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE at a GLANCE” Is a Weekly Review of the Most Significant Current Political, Economic, Energy, Defense, and Security News of Southeastern
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1 NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 03, 2017 – ISSUE 2 SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE AT A GLANCE SOUTHEAST EUROPE DIRECTORATE PROVIDING KNOWLEDGE TO THOSE WHO SHAPE THE FUTURE “SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE AT A GLANCE” is a weekly review of the most significant current political, economic, energy, defense, and security news of Southeastern Europe. It covers 14 countries; Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey. However Greece enjoys its own weekly review for a more detailed presentation of its current affairs (GREECE AT A GLANCE). This ambitious newsletter aspires to become an informative “tool” for anyone who is interested in the region and wishes to have knowledge of the non-stop current developments and challenges. “HERMES” Institute is not a news agency and it is not one of its ambitions to become one but it is strongly believed that today’s events provide the necessary material to understand the future and to analyze situations that may affect in peace, stability, and growth of the region. “HERMES” I.I.A.S.GE “HERMES” Institute of International Affairs, Security & Geoeconomy (“HERMES” I.I.A.S.GE) is an independent, non – governmental, non – profit organization, consisting of scholars dedicated in the research and analysis of international affairs in regional and global level. The Institute aims at providing objective, scientific, and reliable research analysis through a variety of studies contributing effectively and constructively in the public dialogue and the evolution of scientific knowledge. Copyright © 2017 “HERMES” Institute for Foreign Affairs, Security & Geoeconomy All rights reserved 1 ALBANIA: November 27th, the 4th joint B&H and China. Among bilateral agreements signed by the two countries, the abolishment of meeting between governments of Albania and visa requirements for holders of B&H and China Kosovo was held in Korca which concluded with passports definitely stands out, and it was signed 12 agreements; mainly in fields of environment, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of B&H, Igor diaspora, culture, and European integration. Crnadak and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama underlined China, Wang Yi. The second very important that “these meetings are not provocations against document is the Agreement on Agricultural Serba”. However during the meeting it was made Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture absolutely clear by the Albanian side that Kosovo of China and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and citizens will not receive the Albanian citizenship Economic Relations of B&H. Finally China as a solution for them to travel freely in the agreed to offer a loan in B&H regarding for the Schengen Zone. Furthermore, Rama announced Block 7 of the Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Kosovo will soon activate an operational office in Tuzla. According to the Ambassador of People’s Durres Harbor in a way to facilitate collaboration Republic of China in B&H the agreements signed between two countries. According to Rama for a certain number of projects have the value of strategic task is to remove custom barriers almost BAM 4 billion (almost € 2 billion). between Albania and Kosovo. (www.sarajevotimes.com) (www.albaniannews.com) - December 2nd, Chairman of the B&H tripartite - November 29th, Albanian political forces remain Presidency, Dragan Covic met with the Prime divided even in the “Independence Day” of Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic in Banski Albania. Right wing forces celebrated the national Dvori. After the meeting, they noted that they will day of the state on November 28th while the left consider the possibility of a review of the verdict wing forces on November 29th. In other words, pronounced in the case Prlic et al. while they the President of Republic, Ilir Meta, the Prime expressed their regret over Praljak’s suicide. Two Minister, Edi Rama and the government honored men analyzed situation of Croat population in the day on November 29th in the Nation’s Martyrs B&H and Plenkovic announced he will visit the Cemetery while opposition paid homage one day city of Mostar next week. Finally the Croat Prime earlier on November 28th at the same place. Minister underlined his country constant support (www.albaniannews.com) towards B&H. (www.sarajevotimes.com) BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: BULGARIA: November 27th, the head of November 29th, the 6th summit of China and the State Agency for Bulgarians, Petar countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEEC), Haralmpiev said that his country pushes for which is also known as “Cooperation 16+1” was official recognition of the “Gorani” community very productive for B&H. Construction of living in Kosovo as Bulgarian minority. thermal, hydro, and wind power plants, roads and According to Haralampiev this is related to the railways, opening of scientific and cultural recent recognition of a Bulgarian minority by institutions, liberalization of visa regime are Albania and furthermore is “a regular state among the agreements of cooperation between 2 policy”. Haralampiev added “Bulgaria was performance faces challenges related to its small among the first countries to recognize Kosovo as size, relative lack of diversification and high a state. We want Bulgarians in Kosovo to be levels of indebtedness. Moody’s senior Vice recognized as a minority so we can help them live President Sarah Carlson, who authored an annual better and have better opportunities to learn their credit analysis report on Cyprus’ economy, said mother tongue and preserve their culture. “Cyprus’ growth momentum, coupled with strong Bulgaria can help Kosovo with its European fiscal performance, helped to reduce the country’s integration. Kosovo can strongly benefit from debt-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio in Bulgaria’s support”. Last October following 2016 for the first time since 2008. We expect a pressure from Bulgarian politicians and Members decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio to close to 100 of the European Parliament, Albania’s parliament per cent by the end of this year. The country has passed a Law on National Minorities recognizing regained capital market access and has a cash nine minorities, including a Bulgarian one. buffer, which will help to cover financing needs “Gorani” community in Kosovo is also claimed next year”. According to the report (titled by Serbia and F.Y.R.O.M but Bulgaria has the Government of Cyprus – Ba3 Positive, Annual lure of the EU membership. According to Credit Analysis) Cyprus’ economic output, Haralampiev “Gorani” in Kosovo “are brothers, expected to increase 3.5 per cent this year, is sisters, cousins and blood relatives of the ethnic forecast to expand 3.2 per cent in 2018, for the Bulgarians in Albania and deserve the same fourth consecutive year after exiting a prolonged rights”. (www.balkaninsight.com) recession in 2015. However, Cyprus’ debt metrics still remain vulnerable to a negative growth, fiscal CROATIA: November 28th, Under the or a combined shock scenario,” with the island’s Swedish pressure and SAAB’s fighter jet JAS 39 economy being susceptible to every risk” given C/D “GRIPEN” Israel modified its offer in an the vulnerabilities of the banking sector which effort to get the Croat contract. The Israeli still struggles with a non-performing loans ratio of Defense Ministry has offered to Croatia 12 F-16s around 45 per cent. “BARAK” but is now offering F-16 C/D aircrafts (www.cyprusbusinessmail.com) which are still in active service by the Israeli Air - November 27th, Ministers of Defense of Cyprus Force. In fact Israel could offer to Croatia a mixed and Serbia, Christoforos Fokaides and Aleksandar fleet of F-16 C/D and F-16 A/B (retired from the Vulin respectively signed an agreement in Nicosia Israeli Air Force). At the moment Israel has 78 F- for the exchange of classified information. 16C and 48 F-16D while the entire fleet of F-16s Fokaides underlined the mutual bonds of respect “BARAK 2020” completed an upgrade program and solidarity between the two countries noting which included structural changes, new Head-Up- also the presence of 45 Serbian soldiers in the UN Display and installation of a new digital Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus. According to debriefing system. (www.total-croatia-news.com) Fokaides “We are setting the foundation to deepen relations in the defense field…we hope CYPRUS: November 27th, According to the this visit will open a new chapter in the two Moody’s Investors Services despite the Cypriot countries’ relations.” Vulin said “The agreement economy’s robust growth the strong fiscal 3 signed would allow the two countries to exchange position since 2014. (www.mia.mk, information and maintain security.” www.balkans.aljazeera.net) (www.cyprus-mail.com) Cypriot Minister of Defense, Christoforos Fokaides with his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vulin U.S Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for (Photo source: www.mod.gov.cy) European and Eurasian Affairs, Hoyt Brian Yee (Photo source: www.state.gov) - November 28th, Cypriot Defense Ministry announced is interested in buying helicopters and - December 1st, Defense Minister of F.Y.R.O.M; Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) in an effort to Radmila Sekerinska, Bulgaria; Krasimir modernize and restructure of the National Guard Karakachanov, and Deputy Defense Minister of (Cyprus Armed Forces). The Ministry’s Albania; Petro Kochi met in Ohrid discussing spokesperson said “Upgrading the Navy and Air possible ways of fostering defense cooperation. Force is among the priorities of phase one of the Karakachanov claimed “the security and defense restructuring and modernization of the National cooperation between Bulgaria, and Albania Guard.” According to media reports Cypriot Air which are NATO members and F.Y.R.O.M which Force plans to purchase 8 helicopters; 4 from is not yet in place, will convince other NATO France while a tender competition is to be members that F.Y.R.O.M is ready to join the announced for the other 4 next year.