Agreement on name of Macedonia – welcomed by some, fiercely protested by others

The Foreign Ministers of Macedonia and Greece Nikos Kotzias and Nikola Dimitrov signed an agreement on the new name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - the Republic of North Macedonia. Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras commented that the singing of the agreement closes a chapter of controversy in the region, and paves the way to new policies, based on the Balkans’ shared objectives for the future of the EU. The Prime Minister of Macedonia Zoran Zaev added that signing the agreement gives rise to a new reality in the region. Congratulating Tsipras and Zaev on this “courageous step”, their Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borissov pointed out that now citizens in all countries of the Balkans must come to understand that the agreement does not lead to territorial claims or future problems, but will help them lead a better life in the region together. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the parliaments in Skopje and Athens to ratify the agreement. Meanwhile the signing of the agreement sparked a mass protest in Skopje against the new name with outbursts of violence which called for the intervention of riot police. In Greece, the protests against the signing of the agreement resulted in 14 wounded, among them police officers.

Greece’s government survives vote of no confidence

The government of Alexis Tsipras survived a no confidence vote in parliament, a fact conducive to the signing of the historic agreement on the name of Macedonia. The no confidence motion submitted by the opposition New Democracy party was rejected by 153 to 127 votes. Panos Kammenos, leader of the Independent Greeks party kept his promise that he would not bring down the government even though he is against the agreement.

Turkey offers Russia joint production of S-500 missiles

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that Turkey has offered Russia joint production of S-500 anti-ballistic missile systems. By doing so, Turkey is reaffirming its decision to deploy S-400 missile systems on Turkish soil erven though USA does not agree. Turkey will procure S-400s for reinforcing and extending its anti-aircraft defence capabilities by July 2019. The S-500 missiles will be deployed by 2020.

39 percent of Serbs have a favourable opinion of the EU

According to a Eurobarometer survey, quoted by Serbia’s Tanjug news agency, 39 percent of people in Serbia have a favourable opinion of the EU. Compared to last year, the percentage of people who hold a positive view of the EU is down by 2 percent, with young people aged 15 to 24 accounting for the highest approval rating of the union. 22 percent of respondents hold a negative view of the EU, and 37 percent are neutral. The results of the survey show that people in Serbia do not have confidence in the EU, or in any of the national institutions. Confidence in the government stands at 44 percent, in parliament – at 33 percent. At the same time 49 percent of respondents say they do not have confidence in these institutions.

Montenegrin opposition leader released from prison

Milan Knežević, one of the leaders of the Democratic Front coalition in Montemegro was released after spending 88 days in jail. Knežević was charged with assaulting a police officer during a Democratic Front demonstration and sentenced to imprisonment, but the coalition says he was sentenced for political reasons. The coalition maintains cooperation with Serbia and Russia and is firmly opposed to the pro-Western policy of the authorities in Montenegro.

Compiled by Stoimen Pavlov

English version: Milena Daynova