Bosnia & Herzegovina
Western Balkans set to miss EU transport deadline as projects stall
European Court of Auditors points to project delays, weak oversight and concerns over long-term sustainability.
UK lawmakers warn of growing risks to stability in Bosnia
Separatist rhetoric, foreign influence and uncertainty over international oversight mechanisms prompted warnings about stability from House of Lords.
US-European split over Bosnia envoy deepens
Dispute over the appointment of Bosnia's next international overseer has exposed widening transatlantic divisions over policy in the Western Balkans.
EU seeks to accelerate Western Balkans integration as enlargement returns to centre stage
The European Union used a summit in Montenegro to signal that enlargement remains firmly on the bloc's agenda, even as long-standing disputes slow the accession of some Western Balkan countries
Germany and France propose gradual EU integration model for Western Balkans and Moldova ahead of Tivat summit
Germany and France have circulated a non-paper proposing a new approach to the enlargement process that would accelerate the gradual integration of Southeast European countries and Moldova into the EU.
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances
European Council President Costa urges Western Balkans to seize enlargement momentum
Visit to Western Balkans takes place as Brussels seeks to maintain momentum in its long-stalled expansion policy amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
The EU's enlargement dilemma
Europe debates new shape of enlargement as Ukraine and Western Balkan candidates push EU to rethink membership.
BC Partners faces legal challenge over United Media sale
United Group founder and former CEO have launched legal proceedings against private equity firm BC Partners, seeking to block the planned sale of United's Southeast European media assets.
BALKAN BLOG: Great powers’ competing agendas for the Western Balkans
EU sidelined as Washington warns over China and Russia's influence in new strategy document, while Xi Jinping honours Serbia’s president in Beijing.
US signals shift from nation building to economic engagement in Western Balkans
State Department report highlights “partnership-based” policy in Western Balkans, while flagging Russian and Chinese influence.
Western Balkans face rising trade barriers despite deeper EU integration, Bruegel says
Businesses operating in the Western Balkans say the practical costs of accessing EU markets remain high.
EU disburses Western Balkans funds, Serbia left out on unmet criteria
European Commission said Serbia and Bosnia did not qualify for latest Growth Plan tranche, as they have yet to fully implement policies set out in their reform agendas.
Western allies split over future of peace envoy role in Bosnia
Christian Schmidt's resignation as high representative prompts debate on institution's future with US position edging closer to Russia's.
Bosnia peace overseer to step down after nearly five years
Christian Schmidt, who took office in 2021, has been one of the most controversial figures in Bosnia’s post-war politics.
EU ambassador warns Bosnia risks losing funds without reforms
Bosnia formally opened the path towards EU accession talks in 2024, but progress has stalled amid disputes between the country’s rival political leaders.
Bosnia steel shutdown hits railways, port and regional supply chains
The suspension of steel production at Bosnia’s flagship plant in Zenica is sending shockwaves across the country’s industrial base and into neighbouring Croatia.
Bosnian workers rally to save Zenica steel plant as government weighs takeover
Workers and trade unions in the central Bosnian city of Zenica joined demonstration calling for urgent action to prevent the collapse of the local steel industry, warning that thousands of jobs are at risk.
Iran-linked shock’s impact on Emerging Europe seen milder than 2022 crisis, says wiiw economist
Severity of current shock in Emerging Europe linked to Iran war unlikely to match the 2022 crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
BALKAN BLOG: Wave of Trump-linked Balkan investments sparks transparency concerns
Mega deals announced by Trump-linked companies brings up concerns over corruption and environmental impact similar to those raised over Chinese and Middle Eastern investments in the past.