Austria's ski lifts will open on December 24, while hotels, bars and restaurants will remain closed throughout the holiday season, the government announced Wednesday.
A second lockdown has failed to dramatically lower infection rates, which remain at around 5,000 new cases per day, but the Alpine nation will slowly begin re-launching the economy, starting with schools and businesses next week.
Hotels, bars and restaurants, will only re-open on January 7, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said.
The winter ski season has been the subject of wide debate as Germany, France and Italy pushed for a European ban on ski tourism until early January. 
Kurz said that Austria, where more than 2,000 ski lifts are a major driver of the 15-billion-euro winter sports industry, had decided to allow skiing and other individual outdoor sports starting December 24 "so that the Austrian population has the chance to engage in sporting activity over the holidays". 
He emphasised that skiing was an outdoor sport whereas the majority of coronavirus infections can be traced back to private parties and meetings.
In the pandemic's first wave, Austrian ski hotspots -- above all the resort of Ischgl -- were accused of failing to respond quickly enough to outbreaks and allowing thousands of infected tourists to travel home and spread the virus.&nbsp;

Hotels, bars and restaurants will remain closed throughout the holiday season

Sebastian Kurz: Hotels, bars and restaurants, will only re-open on January 7th

Austria allows skiing over Christmas, hotels stay shut

NATO should renew its commitment to the enlargement policy and support the Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Ukraine, the Parliamentary Assembly (PA) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said before the summit of foreign ministers, as „Dnevni Avaz“ finds out.Representatives of the member states of the strongest military-political alliance in the world started a two-day session in Brussels yesterday. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will present to NATO members the recommendations of the expert team for the development of the Alliance until 2030.

NATO should maintain and strengthen the open door policy as a tool for expanding the zone of stability and democratic standards in Europe. The Euro-Atlantic integration of B&amp;H, Georgia and Ukraine should be supported and their resilience to foreign influences should be strengthened - it is stated in the recommendations of the NATO PA to the leaders of this alliance.The agenda of the North Atlantic Council session includes the situation in Afghanistan, Syria, relations with Russia and the Black Sea region, as well as relations with China. Although it is not specified that there will be talks on the enlargement of the Alliance in the Balkans, where B&amp;H is the only of all countries that have started the accession process left outside NATO, it is expected that foreign ministers will support the recommendations of the NATO Assembly.

Stoltenberg spoke about B&amp;H during a meeting with representatives of member states' parliaments.
-We were criticized again for not stopping the atrocities in Bosnia Herzegovina and in not stopping Srebrenica.
&nbsp;So then actually, we decided to start to use military power when we saw the atrocities continued and the fighting in Bosnia Herzegovina continued and NATO was key, NATO troops NATO mission in Bosnia Herzegovina was key to end the war there, and the fighting there stopped the atrocities and lay the foundation for the Dayton Agreement which actually celebrated I think was yesterday,the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement. I'm not saying that everything is fine in Bosnia Herzegovina, but I'm saying that compared to where we were in the 90s when there was a bloody war going on at least NATO has helped, and the use of military power helped in 1990s to stop a terrible war to stop atrocities, and help to create the foundation for this state, which is functioning, with all these challenges with all these problems but much better than where we were before NATO went in with military power – Stoltenber said during discussion.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will hold a final press conference today, at which he will present the results of the summit, which is being held via video link due to the coronavirus pandemic.

<h2>NATO is built on solid foundatins</h2>

-Earlier this year I appointed the group of experts to support my work on NATO's continued adaptation and they finalized it today. Their reports shows that NATO is agile,recognizes that in the recent years we have been able to adapt both militarily and politicaly. The report also demonstartes that the political consultation and decision making work at NATO so we build on solid foundations. – said Stoltenberg.

We reveal the Recommendations to Stoltenberg before the Alliance summit

Stoltenberg in Brussels yesterday during the meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC), which consists of all foreign ministers of member states

NATO leaves the door open for B&H's membership

Britain on Wednesday became the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use as it announced a rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech's drug from next week.&nbsp;-The government has today accepted the recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to approve Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine for use- the department of health said in a statement. 
-The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week- the statement said. Priority groups will include care home residents, health and care staff, the elderly and the clinically extremely vulnerable.&nbsp;
After months of "rigorous" clinical trials and thorough analysis of the data, the MHRA "concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness", the statement added.
-To aid the success of the vaccination programme it is vital everyone continues to play their part and abide by the necessary restrictions in their area so we can further suppress the virus and allow the NHS (National Health Service) to do its work without being overwhelmed.-
Pfizer chairman Albert Bourla said it was a "historic moment in the fight against Covid-19". 
-This authorisation is a goal we have been working toward since we first declared that science will win, and we applaud the MHRA for their ability to conduct a careful assessment and take timely action to help protect the people of the UK- he said.
Pfizer and BioNTech added that they expected further regulatory decisions from other countries "in the coming days and weeks".
The announcement came as England exited a month-long coronavirus lockdown, but most of the country remained under restrictions as a new regional system for cutting infection rates kicked in.
The four-week lockdown, which began in November, was imposed to stop surging rates of infection, ease pressure on health services, and to allow families to gather for Christmas.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a Covid survivor, succeeded in winning a vote on the measures in parliament late Tuesday, despite significant opposition within his own Conservative ranks.
-All we need to do now is to hold our nerve until these vaccines are indeed in our grasp and indeed being injected into our arms- he told lawmakers before the vote.
Until then "we cannot afford to relax, especially during the cold months of winter", he warned.

The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week

Pfizer-BioNTech: historic moment in the fight against Covid-19

UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for rollout from 'next week'

Fahrudin Radončić, the president of SBB, reacted on his Facebook page to the comments of SDA president Bakir Izetbegović. His comments are transferred below.&nbsp; In an interview for Faktor (November 29th, 2020), Bakir Izetbegović continues to claim that he and the SDA had nothing to do with the mounted indictment against me in Kosovo.
More precisely, speaking in the context of failed and unnecessary lawsuits, he says: "Then the trial against Radončić, which was conducted for years in Pristina, was supported. It costed us money, the reputation of the country, the reputation of the people and almost the SDA-SBB coalition. And there was nothing from that process. It failed like the previous two. According to Radončić's reactions, it can be concluded that he was convinced that the SDA and I were behind the process, that Aljoša was just a 'sword in my hands', which is a notorious lie "- said Izetbegović.

Unfortunately, I have too many years, experience and remembrance for someone to easily convince me of something that is not true.
Indeed, I first learned about the montage and the suspected political indictment from Bakir's interview for "Oslobodjenje" published on April 15th, 2013.
Then he literally stated:
"Part of that abnormal situation is the fact that we have a security minister accused of a contract killing a few days ago by an oath witness, and the most influential electronic media in central news program for money laundering through offshore firms in companies co-owned by Balkan criminals...”

I immediately wondered how Izetbegović, as a politician, could and should know the details and the time when the "credible witness" gave an indictment to the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H ("credible" lady is, by the way, Zika Turković's wife, Šejla Jugo-Turković, whose testimonies were completely rejected by the EULEX International court). 
Izetbegović, who was the first to rush to accuse me of ordered murder in a monstrous and false way, and at the same time to judge me easily and with a lot of joy, today claims something completely opposite. 
He even mentions political and other damage done to B&amp;H due to that process. 
So, the only one who convinced me that he was behind it and knew about the mounted process is exactly - Bakir Izetbegović! 
And not only because of this statement given to "Oslobođenje", but also because of the public comments after my second-instance acquittal in Sarajevo.

He then stated that "the courts release those who have towers and money, and judge the poor ...".
Izetbegović also publicly criticized the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina for sentencing in the first instance, former prosecutor Božo Mihajlović to five years in prison for the disappearance of the money and valuables entrusted to him from the depot of the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H.
Let me remind you, it was Mihajlović who signed and led the mounted indictment against me, so it is indicative that Izetbegović, with his statements in Mihajlović's defense, exerts direct pressure on the Court, specifically the second instance process that follows Mihajlović's appeal.
Well, these are just some of the reasons that are easily available to the public (I wouldn't talk about some others) why no one "convinced" me wrong.
In the end, as Izetbegović threatened Denis Zvizdić the other day that he would only now "reveal his real face", I want to believe - when it comes to me - that Bakir's real face is this from the ongoing interview for "Faktor" published two days ago, and not the one from the interview for "Oslobodjenje" published seven years ago.

The entire part of the intelligence and police structures, as well as the judiciary, which mounted the "Radončić case", was under the direct control of the SDA. Not to mention the "relevant media", also controlled by the SDA, which reported more about my trial than on many of the most serious war crime trials together and poisoned the public in the most shameful way to remove me completely politically, mentally and, in the end, by constantly causing stress physically, by a combination of detention, a spectacular way of arrest, disabling treatment and daily media judgments.
Today I am steady, but my political, police, intelligence and prosecutorial persecutors, obviously are not.

<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/FahrudinRadoncic/posts/5032758866735024" data-show-text="true" data-width=""><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/FahrudinRadoncic/posts/5032758866735024" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">NIKO ME NIŠTA NIJE UBIJEDIO, SAMO JE PITANJE KOJE JE PRAVO LICE: U intervjuu za Faktor (29. 11. 2020. godine) Bakir...Objavljuje <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FahrudinRadoncic/">Fahrudin Radončić</a> u <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FahrudinRadoncic/posts/5032758866735024">Utorak, 1. prosinca 2020.</a></blockquote></div>

Unfortunately, I have too many years, experience and remembrance for someone to easily convince me of something that is not true

Fahrudin Radončić and Bakir Izetbegović

Radončić: Nobody convinced me of anything, it's just a question what Bakir's real face is

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, no one opposes the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, and that will certainly happen, although the process of legalization itself is very slow, confirmed the interlocutors of "Avaz". Even more conservative parties and MPs do not oppose this.
On the other hand, there are conflicting views when it comes to potential legalization for so-called recreational purposes, or with the aim of encouraging tourism
.

This topic is ongoing again after the Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, announced this month the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in tourist places, as part of a new package of economic measures to stimulate the economy.
In B&amp;H, obviously, they will wait with such a brave step forward, if it ever happens. But legalization for medical purposes is a very likely option.
- That is the recommendation of the World Health Organization. I am glad that there is no political opponent to the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes, there is no politician or party that is against it. I had the opportunity to talk to the ministers of health in both Republic of Srpska and Federation, with the ministers in the Security Council ... Everyone is in favor of that, but it is extremely slow, as usual in our country - says for "Avaz" Saša Magazinović, Member of Parliament ( SDP)

He points out that the priority for B&amp;H is, first of all, legalization for medical purposes, considering that the citizens of B&amp;H buy cannabis oil on the black market, from drug dealers.
- Isn't it better to buy cannabis oil with a declaration under medical supervision rather than for dealers to make money on it? Or, let's say, people who are in a state of need, and that is people with cancer, people who have multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, go to Slovenia, buy it and transfer it across the border - Magazinović asks.

Well-known actor, showman and TV presenter Dragan Marinković Maca says that he "absolutely advocated" for the legalization of marijuana and thinks that it would be normal.
- When there are shops to buy, it is less forbidden goods. There is a thousand and one benefit of legalization because then all movements are monitored, and there is no black market - says our interlocutor.

Haris Zahiragić, a new member of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly (SDA), told us that, when it comes to legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, he has absolutely nothing against it.
- Of course, if there is relevant scientific evidence that drugs based on marijuana can be used in the fight against certain diseases - Zahiragić points out and adds that it would be necessary to establish a quality system of production control and prescribing.

Ultimately, he points out that we as a society should not deny anyone the right to use something that can make their treatment easier.

- When it comes to the possible general legalization or deincrimination of marijuana, I do not think it should go in that direction, although I am aware of the availability on the black market. Simply put, the state should not encourage vices, especially not for tourism purposes. We have a lot to offer, from history, through culture, to natural beauty - says Zahiragić.

Economist Admir Čavalić says for "Avaz" that the economic profession has a unique position on the legalization of marijuana in B&amp;H, and that is the position in the world: it would violate illegal monopolies, destroy the black market and, probably, improve the quality and price of that product.
- Economically, it is a good thing, there are no dilemmas. Of course, morally, ethically, it can be questionable and there are discussions about that - Čavalić points out.

This topic is ongoing again after the Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, announced the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana earlier this month

The use of marijuana for medical purposes could soon be approved in B&H

In B&H, no one is against the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes

The People's Republic of China plans to finance the re-shooting of the film classics "Walter Defends Sarajevo" and "Bridge" as part of a diplomatic offensive in the region, according to an extensive document of the United States Congress, "Daily Avaz" acknowledges.&nbsp;

Information about a possible remake of famous and very popular films in China was found in a document in which the United States analyzes China's activities in Europe and the region so far and suggests new ways of concrete cooperation in fighting Beijing's growing influence, especially in the Balkans.
- The United States and Europe increasingly agree that China poses a significant political, economic and security challenge. Our next step is to translate this deep agreement into a concrete joint plan by which we will defend our interests and values - it is stated in the document of the American Congress.
Washington is thus proposing to reject malignant influence, protect the integrity of international organizations, combat China's distortions of competition and economic practices, invest in new technologies and prevent the security implications of China's strategic investments in energy, transport and digital infrastructure. The Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington concluded late last year that China's influence in the region is growing and that slow progress towards EU membership makes it possible and encouraging.
- The Western Balkans are fertile ground where due to economic stagnation, weak governments, corruption and high unemployment rates, Chinese state-owned companies can very easily take root - the study of this organization states.
Chinese economic diplomacy has become increasingly active in the region in recent years.
In Croatia, they received a mega-project for the construction of the Pelješac Bridge, and in B&amp;H, a generational project for the construction of Block 7 of the Thermal Power Plant in Tuzla. Also, they penetrated the telecommunications sector, where their company "Huawei" got the job of introducing 4G technology in FB&amp;H. But economic diplomacy, no doubt, is accompanied by political diplomacy. The document of the American Congress cites a number of examples where China, after deploying it, began to use economic power very brutally for political purposes.
In that sense, recently published document of the China-CEE Institute, based in Hungary, concerning the political events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which expresses skepticism about B&amp;H's European path, is very indicative.
As we have learned, the promotion of Euroscepticism is one of the goals of Chinese action in this part of Europe, because the imminent integration of the countries of the region into the EU would prevent the continuation of Chinese breakthrough.

- The core of the diplomatic blockade in the relations between B&amp;H and Kosovo does not lie in a well-defined policy, whatever the policy is, but in the pure impossibility of adopting any policy on that issue. The case of Bosnia and Herzegovina's "aspirations" towards the European Union is very similar in nature. Although, on one hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina seems to strive for "European" standards regarding politics, governance, judicial systems, ethical premises, etc., which undoubtedly sounds appealing when various politicians in the country assess them as goals, but the state does nothing or "almost" nothing as far as the actual movement towards such goals is concerned - the report of the Chinese organization concludes.

United States and Europe are preparing a plan for new security challenge

Huawei: Breakthrough in the telecommunications market

China strengthens its influence in the Balkans and encourages Euroscepticism !?

Germany's BioNTech and its US partner Pfizer said on Tuesday they had applied for EU regulatory approval for their Covid-19 vaccine, raising hopes that the first jabs could be administered in December.
The two companies said they had submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Monday seeking "Conditional Marketing Authorisation (CMA)" for their vaccine.
The move comes after large-scale tests showed their vaccine was 95 percent effective against Covid-19 and triggered no serious side effects.
If approved by the Amsterdam-based EMA, the vaccine could potentially be rolled out "in Europe before the end of 2020", the companies said in a statement.
Pfizer and BioNTech already filed for emergency use authorisation with the US Food and Drug Administration on November 20. 
If US regulators give the green light, Americans could start getting vaccinated around mid-December.
UK regulators are also screening the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine.
-We have known since the beginning of this journey that patients are waiting, and we stand ready to ship Covid-19 vaccine doses as soon as potential authorisations will allow us- Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said.
A fellow frontrunner in the global vaccine race, US biotech company Moderna, said on Monday that it had sought emergency regulatory approval for its Covid-19 shot in both the United States and Europe.
The Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines are both based on a new technology that uses mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) to deliver genetic material to the body that makes human cells create a protein from the virus.
This trains the immune system to be ready to attack if it encounters the novel coronavirus.
But Moderna's vaccine can be kept in long term storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus four degrees Fahrenheit) while Pfizer's requires minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit).
The two vaccines have been developed at breathtaking speed as part of an unprecedented effort to end a pandemic that has infected more than 62 million people worldwide and killed more than 1.4 million.
Pfizer and BioNTech have previously said they expect to manufacture up to 50 million doses of their vaccine globally this year, and up to 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021.

They had submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Monday

BioNTech/Pfizer file for EU approval of Covid-19 vaccine

The global economy may get back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of next year as vaccines help propel recovery, but growth is likely to be uneven, the OECD said Tuesday.
Signs that vaccines could now be weeks away from distribution have injected cautious optimism as the year limps to a close with Covid-19 having claimed some 1.4 million lives.
-For the first time since the pandemic began, there is now hope for a brighter future- OECD Chief Economist Laurence Boone wrote in her introduction to the organisation's latest review of the global economic outlook.
-Progress with vaccines and treatment have lifted expectations and uncertainty has receded- she said, acknowledging that virus containment measures would likely be necessary for some months to come.
-The road ahead is brighter but challenging- Boone added.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development now sees world output dropping by 4.2 percent this year thanks to the months-long lockdowns that slowed the spread of the coronavirus but threw a wrench into the global economy. 
But it forecasts the world economy to snap back with 4.2 percent growth in 2021.
The forecasts for the contraction and the recovery are both more modest than those its September update, despite many countries imposing new restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The OECD, which advises its 37 member nations on stimulating economic progress and world trade, credited the quick recovery to "unprecedented" action by governments and central banks.
-Without massive policy support, the economic and social situation would have been calamitous- Boone said. 
She said that support "will pay off handsomely" in the coming months.
-The rebound will be stronger and faster as more and more activities re-open, limiting the aggregate income loss from the crisis- Boone said.

But that rebound is likely to be uneven and may lead to lasting changes in the world economy, the OECD warned.
China is likely to be the only major economy to escape a contraction this year, with its economy growing by 1.8 percent and then surging by 8.0 percent in 2021.
On the other hand, the US economy will contract by 3.7 percent this year but is only likely to manage 3.2 percent growth in 2021.
The eurozone will make up even less lost ground. After a 7.5 percent contraction in 2020, it is expected to grow just 3.6 percent in 2021.
Japan is expected to fare similarly, with a 5.3 percent contraction in 2020 followed by a 2.3 percent rise in 2021.
Even other major emerging nations are also expected to only slowly recover.
Brazil's 6.0 percent drop this year is likely to be followed by only 2.6 percent growth in 2021.
India is seen as doing better, with its 9.9 percent drop this year to be followed by a 7.9 percent rebound.
Overall, China is expected to account for one-third of global growth next year, while Europe and North America are expected to contribute less than their weight in the global economy.

Despite the expected imminent distribution of vaccines, the global economic outlook remains "exceptionally uncertain" said the OECD given the difficulties of rolling out massive vaccination campaigns, uncertainties about how long the vaccines will provide protection and the need to impose restrictions in the meantime.
The OECD also sounded the alarm about the social impact of the pandemic crisis which has seen many people thrown out of work.
-Despite the huge policy band-aid, and even in an upside scenario, the pandemic will have damaged the -economic fabric of countries worldwide- said Boone.
She urged governments not to let up on support measures as Covid-19 vaccines become available even as public debt levels soar to unprecedented levels.
-Heightened policy activism need not be a concern if deployed to deliver higher and fairer growth- Boone said, noting that the cost of debt is at record lows.
The OECD urged governments to focus their efforts on essential goods and services such as education, health, physical and digital infrastructure that lay the foundations for growth.
It also called for decisive actions to reverse the rise in poverty and income inequality and a return to international cooperation.

Boone: For the first time since the pandemic began, there is now hope for a brighter future

OECD Chief Economist Laurence Boone: The road ahead is brighter but challenging

World economy back to pre-pandemic level in 2021: OECD

The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections "Pod lupom" observed the repeated elections at the polling station in Bosanski Novi yesterday.

Namely, the Central Election Commission (CEC) annulled the elections due to problems and interruptions of voting on election day and established irregularities in the work of the polling station committee.
However, yesterday an observer of the Coalition "Pod lupom" reported that during the determination of the number of ballots received at this polling station, almost 400 ballots for the mayoral race and the Municipal Assembly were pre-marked.
The Municipal Election Commission, the Central Election Commission and the were notified, and the report was made about the observation.
Vehid Šehić, a former member of the CEC of B&amp;H, and today a political analyst of the "Pod lupom" coalition, told "Avaz" that someone abused his position to get ballots.
- The Municipal Election Commission intervened, and later the Federal Election Commission. The elections were interrupted, and only when the new voting material, ie the ballots, were submitted, the elections continued. This is proof that someone does not shy away from something that is absolutely unacceptable. This is a criminal offense, not only a violation of the B&amp;H Election Law, because they will certainly be sanctioned by the CEC, criminal proceedings should be initiated here and the perpetrators who are found to have committed it should receive severe punishment. This must not be allowed - said Šehić.

He added that this has now been discovered, but that many things remain undiscovered.
- This always leads to the question of the integrity and credibility of the election process itself as well as the election results. Corruption, organized crime, nepotism are unacceptable. We almost have corruption that is transparent. This is nothing new that is happening during the elections. Unfortunately, we live in such a system of values where this, it seems, has become normal, that B&amp;H is far from a democratic state and far from the rule of law - said Šehić.

He added that this could not surprise us because we live in a time where laws and procedures are not respected, so, as Šehić says, it is good that it has been discovered and that it is just proof of how important civic non-partisan observers can react in this type of situation.
- Unfortunately, due to abuses and shortcomings in the Election Law, many polling boards were, in fact, composed of representatives of one political party. In the coming period, all shortcomings should be translated into changes to the Election Law, so that we could welcome the next elections with far greater certainty, that the elections will take place in a democratic atmosphere, in accordance with the Election Law and implementing acts adopted by the CEC - concludes Šehić.

- We have next elections in 2022. It is not desirable to change the Election Law in an election year, and that is not the standard that exists in Europe. But the next year is non-election year and it should be used to really bring fundamental change in the B&amp;H Election Law - said Šehić.

We almost have corruption that is transparent

The integrity and credibility of the election process itself have been called into question

Vehid Šehić about the incident at the polling station in Bosanski Novi

The mandate of the High Representative needs to be strengthened, but ultimately the responsibility for the future is in the hands of the leadership and citizens of B&amp;H, said in an exclusive interview for "Dnevni Avaz" prominent American diplomat Thomas Miller. As a former ambassador of the United States of America to B&amp;H, Miller has left a deep mark in our country. Although he does not perform official duties in the American administration today, he closely monitors the situation in our country. He spoke for our paper about the expectations from the new Biden administration.

What can we expect from the new US administration and what will be the role of Tony Blinken as State Secretary?- Biden made it very clear that his highest priorities will be pandemic and the catastrophic effects it had on the United States. He will take over the function at the time when the vaccine is expected to arrive, and that should be the focus of his administration.
Biden and Blinken know the Balkans very well, probably better than any of their predecessors. They are aware of the problems and possible opportunities. The people Biden has presented so far in terms of the foreign policy team have extensive experience, including the Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Although it is too early to speculate on our policy on B&amp;H issues, you can be sure that our efforts will be guided by greater coordination with our allies, a deeper understanding of the region, better information and experience and activities in the better interest of the United States.How do you see the situation in BiH 25 years after Dayton Agreement?Unfortunately, honestly, I think things could have been much better. Dayton stopped the war, but never intended to build a prosperous, successful, and self-sustaining country. This has always been and remains the responsibility of the leadership of B&amp;H and its nations. There is still a lot of work to be done.

What is your opinion about the Office of the High Representative? Should it be reformed, strengthened or abolished?&nbsp;- I know that there are different opinions on this issue. Personally, I believe that the position of the High Representative should be maintained and his mandate strengthened. At some point, of course, it should be abolished, but with all these problems of corruption, bureaucracy, nationalism, division and lack of cooperation among leaders, I think we have not yet come into a position to do so.What do you think what the international community should do, how should they react to this situation?- We must work together and solve the problems I have listed and support those leaders and their efforts to make B&amp;H a normal state, which will be fully integrated into European institutions and NATO.

<h2>The effect could have been much better</h2>

Can the current political leaders solve issues such as constitutional reforms, the Election Law and all the problems you have listed?- Unfortunately, their performance could have been much better. I left B&amp;H almost 20 years ago full of hope and optimism about the future of the country. After all, the problems of B&amp;H are and will always be problems that the leadership and people of B&amp;H must deal with. The international community, including the United States, offers assistance, but the main responsibility for the state's future lies with the people of B&amp;H. And whether current leaders can solve these problems is a question that citizens need to address when deciding who to vote for.

The mandate of the High Representative needs to be strengthened!

Miller: I have left B&H full of optimism, but I think things could have gone much better

Thomas Miller, former US Ambassador to B&H, for "Avaz"

Big drop in income, due to coronavirus pandemic, B&amp;H authorities again want to compensate with credit indebtedness, and new negotiations have been announced with the IMF on indebtedness of as much as one and a half billion marks.&nbsp;

This way of government borrowing, according to the economic expert and former B&amp;H Ambassador Draško Aćimović, without implementing key reforms, is leading B&amp;H and its people to abyss.
- In the statements of the representative of the IMF Mission in B&amp;H, Andrew Juel, we see that even the IMF does not know where the 600 million loans taken in 2016 ended, when only one tranche was withdrawn and the rest stopped because the authorities did not implement promised reforms. Those 600 million were put into the budget, and the IMF does not know where that money ended up. But, it is not only about those 600 million, because this year alone the government is asking the IMF for 1.5 billion marks, last week they decided to borrow another 680 million for roads, they are asking the EU for 500 million, and with commercial banks have meanwhile borrowed several hundred million. This is amazing. In all forms, this level of indebtedness of B&amp;H leads to a total collapse - says Aćimović. 
He points out that the repayment of all loans has been agreed for the period after the elections in 2022, which creates suspicion of one of the biggest manipulations of the government in history.
They constantly use that word - arrangement. The arrangement can be musical or floral, but a loan is a loan - Aćimović explains.

He warned earlier about the danger of financial ruin, due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on the B&amp;H economy.
- It is not a problem to borrow if there is something to return. The reforms are also planned so that there would be something to return that money, but if they are not done, the alternative is a new increase in excise duties and VAT - Aćimović points out.

We are, in essence, choosing between stopping crime, corruption and flattering the politically eligible, and indebtedness that will lead us into deeper poverty and bankruptcy. I think that in this situation, which is in many ways worse than war, we need people who are ready to sacrifice themselves next year because of their historical role and not to work for money, but for the people - he says.

New debts lead to complete collapse!

Economic expert Draško Aćimović against IMF loan

Britain and the European Union cautioned each other on Monday that time was running out for a Brexit trade deal as negotiators sparred over state aid, enforcement and fishing in a bid to avoid a tumultuous exit in just a month’s time.&nbsp;The United Kingdom finally leaves the EU’s orbit on Dec. 31 when a transition period of informal membership ends, though both sides are rushing to hash out a deal that will govern nearly $1 trillion in trade.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is grappling with Europe’s worst official death toll from COVID-19, says a deal would be preferable but that Britain would flourish without a deal when it goes it alone after 48 years of membership.
-We really are now running out of time. This is the crucial week - we need to get a breakthrough- British Environment Secretary George Eustice told Sky, adding that if good progress was made this week then negotiations could be extended.
The EU delivered a similar message.
-We are running out of time here- said Ireland’s Brexit supremo, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney. -The truth of Brexit is now being exposed in terms of the challenges of it.-
After breaking all the deadlines imposed by both sides, the negotiators are still stuck on three main areas: fishing, state aid and how to resolve any future disputes. They have been stuck on those three issues for weeks.
A trade deal on goods would safeguard nearly $1 trillion in annual trade and buttress peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland, though some disruption is almost certain at the busiest EU-UK border points.
Talks between EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and British chief negotiator David Frost continued on Sunday. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was a significant week for Brexit.&nbsp;-David Frost had made clear that we’re continuing the negotiations because we still think there is a prospect that we can get an agreement and while there is we should persevere with those- Eustice said.&nbsp;

Ireland’s Coveney said this was a key week and that a deal could be done if there was give and take on both sides.
But he told Ireland’s Newstalk Radio that a failure to agree on fishing rights could wreck a deal.-If there isn’t an agreement on this, the whole thing could fall on the back of it and that’s the worry- he said.
While fishing alone contributed just 0.03% of British economic output in 2019, it is an emotive subject; many Brexit supporters see it as a symbol of the regained sovereignty they hope leaving the EU will bring. Combined with fish and shellfish processing, the sector makes up 0.1% of UK GDP.
Britain wants “zonal attachment” to agree a total allowable catch for the United Kingdom’s waters - a step that would give it a much larger quota share than if the fish maths were worked out on the EU’s proposals.
-All we’re asking for ... is there to be annual negotiations based on the science and also for there to be a move towards a fairer, more scientific sharing methodology, which is called zonal attachment, which is broadly where the fish are to be found- Eustice told BBC radio.
-Under that analysis we currently only have access to about half of the fish in our own waters. That is profoundly unfair on our fishermen - we’ve been clear throughout that needs to change.-

Negotiators are still stuck on three main areas: fishing, state aid and how to resolve any future disputes

A British Union Jack flag flutters outside the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium January 30, 2020.

Time is running out for Brexit trade deal, Britain and EU say

Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state has long been taken over by corruption and we have been for long period of time classified amongst captive states, said Ivana Korajlić, executive director of Transparency International B&amp;H, in an interview for Avaz.

We are classified amongst countries where all decision-making processes, laws and absolutely all processes take place on the basis of corruption, that is the interests of individuals who have actually captured both institutions and the state. World research ranks B&amp;H among the countries that have declined in recent years. Ten or more years ago, we had even better legislation than it is today - Korajlić explained.&nbsp;She added that all processes in the society are conditioned by corruption, from nominations to the distribution of public funds.&nbsp;Individuals, or better to say political parties, have covered the whole system and run it in the manner of organized crime. We cannot hope for progress as long as we have this situation and not until we show that we are ready to solve this problem. The Report of the European Commission and 14 priorities also speaks about that, where all priorities, more or less, refer to the rule of law and the fight against corruption - Korajlić emphasized.According to her, the adoption of new anti-corruption laws is necessary, but the process has been delayed and obstructed for years.&nbsp;

- Individuals in power are trying to falsely present that they are doing something about this issue, they promise the European Union,and they in fact are blocking the adoption of the law. They are also trying to destroy those mechanisms that we have had so far, at least on paper. Those institutions that are supposed to fight against corruption have actually bitten into corruption and have become interest groups that function in a corrupt way. This was also pointed out by the OSCE in its latest report - Korajlić pointed out.She added that in B&amp;H we have complete resistance to reforms in all sectors, including the judiciary, in order to introduce accountability mechanisms.- Behind everything is money and power, these are the most common motivators of corruption. The need for power is the second most common motivator, because power gives control over the system, and it is known that when that is lost, then responsibility for the acts committed follows - Korajlić emphasized.

&nbsp;- The international community can help, the pressure is being exerted and it is becoming more direct. But the only way to achieve something is financial conditioning. As long as money is still given, it will be understood by the leaders in B&amp;H as a message that they can still do what they want because they do not suffer any consequences. On the other hand, leaders have no interest in European integration and in implementing reforms. So, the only way is financial conditioning - Korajlić thinks.

Individuals, or better to say political parties, have covered the whole system and run it in the manner of organized crime

Korajlić: It is necessary to adopt new anti-corruption laws

B&H has long been a country trapped by corruption!

Negotiations of B&amp;H authorities with the delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a new loan for our country will begin next week, this was confirmed yesterday for "Avaz" by Vjekoslav Bevanda, Minister of Finance and Treasury of B&amp;H.&nbsp;The IMF mission in Washington informed B&amp;H authorities two days ago on the start of negotiations, which are scheduled for next week.In the draft of the Letter of Intent, our state is asking for a 36-month arrangement worth 638.5 million dollars or about 1.5 billion KM.According to Bevanda, he officially received information about the new arrangement and the upcoming meetings with the IMF mission, scheduled for next week, few days ago.&nbsp;As you know, the entities are borrowing and repaying the loan, the obligations from the Letter of Intent, which should be accepted by the Fiscal Council of B&amp;H, we all take on them. So only after these meetings can we give more precise attitudes. I would not like to prejudge anything now, because the decision on the arrangement with the IMF is made by the Fiscal Council of BiH - says Bevanda.

The entities are borrowing and repaying the loan, and we all take on the obligations, says Bevanda

Bevanda: Negotiations will begin next week

The letter of intent must be accepted by the Fiscal Council of B&H

Yesterday in Mostar, the President of HDZ B&amp;H and Deputy Chairman of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of B&amp;H Dragan Čović held a meeting with a delegation of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, including Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, and Nataša Tramišak, Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds.
Together with Čović, the meeting was attended by Darijana Filipović, HDZ vice president, and Slaven Zeljko, president of the HDZ Mostar City Board, and Mario Kordic, holder of the city list in front of the party for the upcoming elections in Mostar who attednded online due to being tested positive for coronavirus.
The meeting was followed by a working conference during which EU funds and opportunities for cross-border cooperation were presented. In the statement for the media, the head of Croatian diplomacy stated that the Republic of Croatia sees Bosnia and Herzegovina as whole, stable and functional at all levels, in which all three constitutive nations, as he stated, will have a harmonious relationship.
Grlić Radman also said that Croatia strongly supports B&amp;H on its path to the European Union and NATO membership, and that he will be a sincere and true advocate in this regard.
- If we want B&amp;H in the EU and NATO, then B&amp;H really needs to achieve those standards of the rule of law and all democratic European rights, and one of them is to make changes in the Election Law, which will eliminate discrimination and guarantee every nation equality and adequate political participation and, of course, to ensure equality in all institutions and bodies - said Grlić Radman.
Čović was asked to comment on the fact that US Ambassador to B&amp;H Eric Nelson stated in his blog that the shortcomings of the Dayton Agreement must and can be corrected, he said that "regarding the 25 years of Dayton and the statements about the Dayton Peace Agreement, we have different views. “.
- But, for 20 years, we have been searching for changes and solutions on how to shape the Constitution of B&amp;H on the trail of the transition from the Dayton to the European phase, and that is something we will continue to do. Unfortunately, I do not feel that we have enough quality in the parliamentary debate, and it should have two-thirds majority in both houses of the State Parliament, and I am not optimistic that we could make a change. However, that is why I am very optimistic that in the first six months of next year we will get changes in the Election Law that will ensure the legitimate representation of all three constitutive nations and make preparations so that we can make a step towards European B&amp;H - Čović said.

Tramišak stated that Croatia expects a generous envelope in the new multi-year financial framework, which is more than 24 billion euros.
- For the territory of B&amp;H, we have the opportunity to use Interreg IPA Croatia – B&amp;H - Montenegro and we can say that already now, in this programming period, there were quality projects and cooperation, and in the context of the new 184 million euros, surely a larger allocation of funds will be directed to this area - said Tramišak

Čović is not optimistic about the changes in Dayton Agreement

Amend the Election Law on the road to the EU and NATO

Austria should expect further heavy restrictions when its current lockdown measures expire in just over a week, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told Austrian paper Kleine Zeitung.
Austria’s nationwide lockdown is due to be lifted on Dec. 7, but it is not yet clear what that will mean for the ski industry - cornerstone of a tourism sector which accounts for some 15% of economic output - or overall life in Austria.
Speaking to Kleine Zeitung, Kurz said Austrians would need to contend with further restrictions for weeks and months, adding new measures to be announced on Wednesday depended on COVID-19 case developments.&nbsp;-The higher the infection numbers, the harder it will be to introduce steps for reopening- Kurz said in the interview published on Sunday. -We will have to live with further massive restrictions after December 7.-

The government aims to begin reopening with trade and schools, he said, while establishing cautious steps towards easing.&nbsp;Asked about the potential for a ski season, Kurz told the paper sports and leisure facilities would not be part of the first easing measures, but the government intended to enable more outdoor and individual sports in the foreseeable future.&nbsp;-Separate from that is the question of tourism- he said.
-What’s already clear, apres-ski will happen at the earliest in one year- he said, referring to the tradition of a post-ski drink in mountain bars and restaurants.
France, Italy, Austria and Germany have all ordered even the high-altitude lifts that could be running this early in the winter to remain closed for now in the hope that all resorts can benefit at peak season, if and when the infection rate slows.

Nationwide lockdown is due to be lifted on Dec. 7

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B&H has long been a country trapped by corruption!

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Amend the Election Law on the road to the EU and NATO

Kurz: Austrians to face further 'massive restrictions' after lockdown

News

Austria allows skiing over Christmas, hotels stay shut

NATO leaves the door open for B&H's membership

UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for rollout from 'next week'

Radončić: Nobody convinced me of anything, it's just a question what Bakir's real face is

In B&H, no one is against the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes

China strengthens its influence in the Balkans and encourages Euroscepticism !?

BioNTech/Pfizer file for EU approval of Covid-19 vaccine

World economy back to pre-pandemic level in 2021: OECD

Vehid Šehić about the incident at the polling station in Bosanski Novi

Thomas Miller, former US Ambassador to B&H, for "Avaz"

Economic expert Draško Aćimović against IMF loan

Time is running out for Brexit trade deal, Britain and EU say

B&H has long been a country trapped by corruption!

The letter of intent must be accepted by the Fiscal Council of B&H

Amend the Election Law on the road to the EU and NATO

Kurz: Austrians to face further 'massive restrictions' after lockdown