Bosnia & Herzegovina
Watchdog warns Western Balkan banks are conduits for money laundering
Criminal networks are exploiting banks and other financial institutions across the Western Balkans to move illicit money across borders, says a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
PPF mulling bid for United Group's telecom assets in Southeastern Europe
United Group’s telecoms assets in southeastern Europe have been put up for a potential sale.
Serbian President Vucic optimistic on relations with Trump-led US after first phone call
"Very cordial" phone conversation signals a potential shift in regional dynamics as Trump prepares to take office.
Bosnian Serb leader targeted with new US sanctions as he celebrates Trump win
Speculation that Milorad Dodik may be hoping sanctions on him will be lifted after Donald Trump's return to the White House.
Congratulatory words for Trump mask fears of destabilisation in Western Balkans
Political leaders take to X to congratulate Trump, while speculation mounts about whether his second presidency will enable destabilisation of the situations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Fears a Trump comeback could empower Balkan nationalists
New Trump administration poses risks to stability in volatile region, warns paper published by ECFR.
EBRD, EU to secure €400mn for Western Balkans’ green transition
Programme to provide €120mn of targeted SME financing in the Western Balkans region in its initial phase, scaling up to €400mn over the next few years.
EU enlargement progresses amid geopolitical tensions
Several aspiring EU members make significant progress in 2024, but more reforms needed, says European Commission’s latest enlargement package.
Bosnia probes radical religious motives behind attack on police station
Terror investigation underway after 14-year-old attacked Bosanska Krupa police station, killing one officer and wounding another.
Serbia eyes BRICS partnership as top officials attend summit in Kazan
Serbia has sent a high-profile delegation to the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, as part of its efforts to strengthen ties with the group.
Sarajevo to probe claims pro-Russian activists were trained in Bosnia to destabilise Moldova ahead of referendum
Moldovan intelligence said activists were trained in Bosnia's Republika Srpska and Serbia ahead of presidential election and referendum on EU accession.
Western Balkan countries’ growth paths diverge
Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia are pulling ahead, while Bosnia and North Macedonia are being held back by lower external demand and domestic fiscal pressures, says new World Bank report.
Central and Southeastern Europe defies German economic weakness
The wiiw autumn forecast warns that not all of the recession in the German automotive industry has so far been felt in Central Europe and further difficulties should be expected.
Floods kill at least 18 in Bosnia
Heavy rainfall flooded areas of Bosnia and Montenegro, killing at least 18 people and leaving dozens still missing.
Western Balkans emerges as nearshoring destination
wiiw study reveals FDI soared in recent years, with strong interest from Asian investors.
Top Russian politicians stir tensions in Bosnia with claims West is undermining fragile peace
Letters from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and former president Dmitry Medvedev accuse West of reviving "colonial practices" in Bosnia.
Bosnia’s GDP growth slows to 2.2% y/y in 2Q24
Full year growth is projected at around 2.6% for 2024, faster than the 1.7% in 2023.
EBRD lowers Emerging Europe growth forecasts amid economic challenges
Development bank expects 2.8% growth across its region of operations in 2024, rising to 3.5% in 2025.
Bosnia’s annual CPI inflation slows down to 1.3% y/y in August
Inflation in Bosnia has slowed down significantly, which has boosted the retail trade and tourism.
The Western Balkans' productivity problem
Wages in Western Balkans are increasing faster than productivity, making it harder for the region to attract investment and catch up with Central Europe.