Summary of the Week 55

Walking, driving, waiting — the past week had a bit of everything. In this week’s Compilation, we look at who has made progress and who is still stuck in place.

Methods sometimes change, as do the pace and the numbers. Arguments are tailored to fit the moment, but the goals and messages — especially those from the United States — largely stay the same.

“There are no exemptions,” says Bojan Stanic from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, commenting on the announcement of Trump’s tariffs. “Everyone has to feel the hit of U.S. sanctions,” he adds.
Intentions, though at times hidden, can be read between the lines — or through what hasn’t been done.

This week, we first analyzed where Kaja Kallas didn’t go, what she didn’t say, before focusing on what she actually said.

“This is her first visit to the Western Balkans, and the choice of countries she visited is definitely telling,” says Djordje Dimitrov from the Center for European Policy.

Some messages require effort to decode. Others are crystal clear — sometimes too loud, or too optimistic.

“It’s not just that the EU wants to welcome us — sometimes it feels like they’re ready to carry us into Brussels themselves,” jokes journalist Milan Sekulovic from Podgorica.

For some, the path will be shorter; for others, it will be a long haul. Few still have patience for subtle hints. The direct ones — coming from the world’s major centers — are easier to grasp.

“The Balkans are treated like Europe’s backyard,” says Stefan Surlic from the Faculty of Political Science. “But also like a geopolitical bargaining chip.”

In this region, who paid more and who still owes is often reexamined. For a better deal and a louder message, alliances matter. Military alliances are now on the table.

“The balance of power in the region has been disrupted and thrown into disarray,” explains Kosovan security expert Nuredin Ibishi, highlighting the need for new partnerships.

The political balance of power in Kosovo also needs to be shaken up for someone to tip the post-election scales. Some campaign messages are now coming due.

“Self-Determination is having a hard time forming a coalition because of the things it said during the campaign,” explains Zoran Savic from the NGO Aktiv.

Still, some analysts don’t believe it will be a problem.

“The chances of Kurti failing to form a government are very low,” says university professor Nexhmedin Spahiu.

As for the new government’s messages — we will soon begin to read and interpret them. The previous ones we understood quite clearly. This week, during the arrests in Prizren, it became clear once again: what is forbidden and punishable remains a category all too easily adapted to circumstances.