The Balkans Today

Following Albanian opposition leader Lulzim Basha statement that the judicial ongoing vetting process is “a mafioso one”, the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn issued a joint statement urging local leaders “to act responsibly.”
 
“The much needed justice reform in Albania has once again come under attack. We call on all parties to complete the formation of the vetting institutions.
 
“Attacking the judicial reform rather than ensuring implementation of vetting, with close monitoring of the International Monitoring Operation, harms Albania's present and future,” the statements reads.
 
Mogherini and Hahn added that they expect MPs “will show […] that they stand by the people of Albania, who continue to demand that the vetting is launched and the judiciary eventually reformed, also as a crucial step for the country to join the European Union.”
 
Referring to the decision of Basha’s main opposition Democratic Party not to register to take part in the June 18 general election and to boycott the work of the parliament, the EU officials said “the political debate should not take place outside, but inside the parliament according to democratic practice.”
 
“Citizens deserve responsible leadership. We once again urge all political leaders to act responsibly, with respect for institutions, and pave the way for democratic elections, in line with international standards,” Mogherini and Hahn wrote.

The Slovenian government approved the proposal of the law for the protection of companies of systematic significance for the economy, made for the sake of its biggest retailer, Mercator.

The law is similar to that passed by the Croatian parliament last week - nicknamed "Lex Agrokor" by the media because of the troubled Croatian private company it was allegedly created for - and was passed in order to prevent Agrokor from using Mercator's financial assets, as their biggest owner.