Belgrade, 30 January 2025 (MIA) – The US expert on the Balkans Edward Joseph said that the Macedonian model could serve as a solution for overcoming the political crisis in Serbia and that the United States, the European Union, or certain EU member states could be mediators in negotiations between the government and the opposition.

Joseph, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, stated last night on N1 television that there is a relevant example from North Macedonia, where large demonstrations were held ten years ago against then-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

“The opposition put forward demands, which led to negotiations that resulted in the Przhino Agreement, which could serve as a model for Serbia. The Macedonian model could be utilized and adapted in Serbia, for example, by forming a transitional government in which the opposition holds a key role. In this context, there is also a potential mediation by the United States, EU member states or the European Union itself,” Joseph said.

The 2015 Przhino Agreement, reached by Macedonian major political parties with the mediation of the European Union, ended the country’s political and institutional crisis. The agreement provided for the opposition representatives to enter key ministries, early resignation of Prime Minister Gruevski and the formation of a transitional government to lead the country to general elections.

Photo: MIA archive