Kosovo
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.
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.
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.
Western Balkans emerges as nearshoring destination
wiiw study reveals FDI soared in recent years, with strong interest from Asian investors.
Nato deploys additional 200 troops to bolster KFOR readiness in Kosovo
KFOR warned ongoing tensions and uncoordinated actions in the area raise concerns about security in Kosovo and the overall stability of the region.
Nearshoring security
As European countries look for external solutions to immigration and prison overcrowding, Albania and Kosovo have struck controversial deals with Italy and Denmark.
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.
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.
Kosovo's PM accuses Serbia of responsibility for Banjska attack
Serb militants launched an assault in the village of Banjska in northern Kosovo one year ago.
Kosovo posts annual GDP growth of 4.27% in 2Q24 led by industry and services
Growth slowed compared to Q1 but was stronger than in 2Q23.
Fast fashion slowly conquers the Balkans
International fashion chains’ expansion in Southeast Europe constrained by small market size and availability of modern retail space.
Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro among countries least likely to separate waste
Western Balkans struggles with waste management as infrastructure fails to keep up with increased volume.
Belgrade-Pristina dialogue fails to progress in Brussels
EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak held separate talks with envoys from Serbia and Kosovo, but a planned trilateral meeting did not take place.
Western Balkans coal power plants still pumping out toxic emissions
Bankwatch report finds little being done to phase out coal in region despite commitments to reduce emissions.
AmCham warns Kosovo risks being kicked out of CEFTA trade bloc
American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo urged Pristina to stop blocking imports from Serbia.
Kosovo's special prosecutors indict 45 in Banjska terrorist attack case
Serb militants launched an armed attack in northern Kosovo in September 2023, killing one police officer.