There has been a lot of activity in the volatile region known as the Balkans as of late. The Serbians have been out protesting by the 10s of thousands to show their unity and dissatisfaction with the way things are run in their country [after a building collapse killed 15 people]. The Hungarians (if we consider them the Balkans for a moment and offend lots of people) have had their own political types trying to disrupt the existing Prime Minister Viktor Orban and North Macedonia and Bulgaria always play childish politics back and forth; too many to list. Moldova is wanting to side with the European Union despite being almost entirely dependent on Russia for energy supplies. Romania has become a dictatorship since not permitting the winning candidate Călin Georgescu to be sworn in as the President despite winning causing an outrage that continues today.
I recall my time in Serbia when they had many movements trying to rally the public to become excited over the fact that Kosovo was theirs, while the Albanians declare Kosovo is in fact theirs. More here:
News
An independence movement within Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Headed by President Milorad of the The Republic of Srpska, there have been recent Constitutional and Legal Changes:
•The right to Self-Determination
•Ability to form Federal Unions with Neighboring States
•Formation of Border Police
•Framework for Independent Military
•Banning Bosnian judicial and law enforcement
•Banja Luka Designated as Capital City
Republika Srpska is one of the two entities within Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Situated in the northern and eastern regions of the country.
In some ways, the place is already independent, but it is moving towards establishing fully autonomy (border enforcement, military, banning Bosnians is a good way to do this!)
On The Surface
I think this is an interesting move given that Bosnia & Herzegovina essentially is a medley of three different states anyway divided along religious lines. However, its to be expected that they’ll be forces wanting to destabilize attempts at a peaceful unification and dissident forces within this territory will be aided by foreign powers no doubt.
However it’s my belief that more decentralization is more easily done when states are of a smaller size, united by commonalities such as language, religion, culture, cuisine and ancestry.
Political Already
Whereas the EU is unpopular in Republika Srpska, Russia has many supporters. On January 9, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik awarded Russian President Vladimir Putin the entity’s highest honor for his “patriotic concern and love for Republika Srpska.
Srpska Flag
Serbia
Russia
What gave that away? In fact, the Bosnian Federation declared the Srpska flag unconstitutional since it too closely resembled the Serbian flag.
It makes sense they’d be Pro Serbia
By the ethnic composition 83.3% of the population are Serbs, 3.5% Hungarians, 2.1% Roma, 2% Bosniaks, 0.8% Croats, 0.7% Slovaks, 0.5% Montenegrians, 0.5 % Vlachs, 0.4% Romanians, 0.3% Yugoslavs, 0.3% Macedonians, 0.3% Muslims and around 5% other
However, all of this change is the cause that leads to the effect–and in the Balkans, that is almost always pissing someone off.
ANOTHER…Balkan War?
I must say that I remain very “bullish” on Serbia due to their ability to secure long-term energy deals with Russia, their country’s pride, their plentiful agricultural lands, their strong military and decent taxes/cost of living–but the news below is not good for Serbia or anybody else
Kosovo, Albania and Croatia have signed a trilateral declaration on a military alliance. The agreement aims to strengthen the defence capabilities of the three countries, increase cooperation in the defence industry and improve military interoperability through joint education, training and exercises, as well as improve military interoperability in the region (moving troops where they deem necessary).
Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said that cooperation will focus primarily on the intelligence system and the development of the defence industry. “Due to the geopolitical situation developing in Southeast Europe and the various risks and threats, primarily related to Ukraine and our not-so-distant past, we have decided to establish joint cooperation between our countries. This will primarily include the intelligence system, as well as the development of the defence industry, the transfer of knowledge and experience that we have accumulated in Croatia during our 35 years of independence, and our membership in NATO and the EU”
Referencing the past, using Ukraine as a cover story and naming the geopolitical situation (which likely involves Srpska or Serbia’s protests) sounds like these three countries are actively on the offence. Of course Croatian’s ministers said that it was about improving stability to the region (cause that has never failed before).
“The three countries will be prepared to meet future security challenges in Southeast Europe and there is a possibility that this trilateral military alliance could expand to include Bulgaria in the future,” said the Croatian minister. The Balkans are taking after Ricky LaFleur
The Kosovo Defense Minister Ejup Makedonci added by saying the following:
“The purpose of this cooperation is not to threaten anyone, but rather to send a message to those who aim to threaten security, peace and stability in the Western Balkans, as well as the security of our countries. Our three countries, which share common values and interests, are united to confront any threat and danger that aims to destabilize the region”–> Who could this be now?
The Serbian Foreign Ministry reacted sharply to the news, announcing that it would send an urgent request to Albania and Croatia, seeking clarifications regarding the trilateral defence cooperation agreement with Kosovo. Interestingly, this cooperation deliberately excluded Belgrade and left them with the question of what the nature and true goals are of this new security cooperation. Since Kosovo involved, it’s likely that Serbia would be implicated–so why are they excluded?
The development increases tensions in the Balkans, as Serbia continues to challenge Kosovo’s international defence partnerships and succession movements continue in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
I hope nothing will come of this and it’ll just be tensions as usual–but I am left with the feeling that this is much more of a preparation towards unfinished business than simply shoring up ones’ defences during volatile times. I will be following this diligently with my International Monthly NewsPaper called WHAT, IN THE WORLD?
It’s only 2 dollars a month and I promise you, you’ll receive headlines that will be new to your eyes and ears! Well worth it
Don’t miss it!
I have to refer you to Knowledgia at the link below. Watch about the 3 Balkan wars
https://www.youtube.com/@Knowledgia/search?query=Balkan%20war
Will we have another??
#StayOnTheBall
