Kosovo
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Potential US troop withdrawal from Europe to leave Kosovo exposed
Fears US may consider withdrawing its troops from Europe, including Kosovo, if Trump and Putin reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
European Parliament report calls for removal of EU measures against Kosovo
The measures introduced in response to tensions in Serb-majority north Kosovo included freezing EU funds and suspension of high-level meetings with Kosovo officials.
BALKAN BLOG: Upended world order enables Russia’s return to Southeast Europe
The US’s distancing from its traditional democratic allies and embrace of the far right paves the way for the return of Russian influence to a region from which it has long been in retreat.
Serbia accused of interfering in Kosovo's general election
Head of the EU Election Observation Mission claims Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and other Belgrade officials put pressure on voters in Kosovo.
Ruling Vetevendosje wins Kosovo election but falls short of majority
Combined seats for Kosovo's main opposition parties set to outnumber those for PM Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje in the next parliament.
London to name Karen Pierce special envoy to the Western Balkans
Former British ambassador in Washington appointed as UK seeks to deepen its engagement with the Western Balkans, a region of growing geopolitical interest.
BALKAN BLOG: Kosovan PM’s likely re-election challenges Trump administration’s Balkan ambitions
Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s reluctance to compromise for the sake of diplomatic expediency is likely to be as irksome to the new Trump administration as his left-wing politics.
Four candidates compete for Kosovo’s premiership in February 9 election
Kosovo's incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti is fighting off challenges from three main rivals.
“Unchained” Trump is main risk to broadly positive Emerging Europe growth prospects
Steep US tariffs on the EU or a sudden cut in support for Ukraine are the major downside risks for the region, says new wiiw report.
US envoy Grenell criticises Kosovo’s PM Kurti, questions Pristina's relations with Washington
Richard Grenell slams Albin Kurti as "not trustworthy" days before Kosovo's general election.
Analysts and diplomats accuse Serbia of hybrid warfare ahead of Kosovo's general election
Finnish ambassador and Pristina-based experts claim Serbia is using disinformation campaigns designed to create ethnic divisions and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
Lack of megadeals drags down M&A volume in Emerging Europe
The number of deals in Central and Southeast Europe rose in 2024 but aggregate deal value fell by 31%, finds law firm CMS.
OUTLOOK Southeastern Europe 2025
What is in store for Southeastern Europe in 2025? bne IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Southeastern Europe 2025
Sanctions stepped up in the Western Balkans, but with mixed results
The number of individuals and companies in the Western Balkans sanctioned by the US and other Western countries has sharply increased, says a report from the Global Initiative for Transnational Organized Crime.
Emerging Europe split between eager anticipation and wary acceptance ahead of Trump inauguration
For some leaders in Central and Southeast Europe, the new Trump presidency is seen as a opportunity; for others it’s a challenge to navigate carefully.
Kosovo shuts down Serbian parallel institutions, escalating tensions with Belgrade ahead of elections
Minister of Interior Xhelal Svecla announced the closure of Serbian municipal offices and parallel institutions, as well as post and tax offices.
Nato chief warns of destabilisation risk around Kosovo's February general election
Tensions have been high in Serb-majority northern Kosovo for the past two years, raising fears of potential unrest during the upcoming elections.
BALKAN BLOG: Trump’s annexation remarks risk reigniting Balkan border disputes
Talk of the US annexing Greenland and Panama have already encouraged one far-right leader to propose that Bulgaria annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine.
BALKAN BLOG: Mass shootings become a powerful impetus for protest in the Western Balkans
Civic activists and protesters are calling for stricter gun control and broader societal changes to combat what they describe as a culture of violence.