Kosovo
Belgrade and Pristina blame each other for explosions in northern Kosovo
Several explosions and gunshots were reported in two municipalities in northern Kosovo.
EU leaders call for faster enlargement for Western Balkans to counter Russian influence
EU leaders sought to reassure the Western Balkans countries that their future is inside the bloc at Tirana summit.
EU to help Western Balkans curb illegal migration surge
Illegal movements along the Western Balkans routes have significantly increased in 2022.
Kosovans accuse FIFA of double standards after reports of death threats from Serbia fans
Amid heightened tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, the World Cup match between Serbia and Switzerland — which has two key players of Kosovo Albanian origin — became highly politicised.
Foreign investment has transformed Eastern Europe, says wiiw report
Foreign investment will continue to have a vital role to play in the region’s development, particularly now that international companies are rethinking their supply chains.
FIFA to take action against Serbia over controversial political banner in World Cup locker room
Banner showing Kosovo as part of Serbia reignited tensions after a deal was struck to end rift over car number plates that risked starting new conflict.
European Parliament calls for ‘reenergised’ enlargement process – but only for countries that back Russia sanctions
MEPs want accession completed by 2030 and a majority vote to approve new members, but say accession talks with Serbia should be halted if it doesn’t align with EU on sanctions.
Serbia and Kosovo reach agreement to end number plate dispute
Deal to ease tense situation in northern Kosovo, after EU High Commissioner Josep Borrell warned earlier this month of risk of a new conflict.
Ukraine faces one of worst declines in GDP from a war, says EBRD
The contraction in Ukraine’s GDP will be among the worst 10-20% of those in conflicts in the last 200 years, the development bank predicts in its 2022/23 Transition Report.
EBRD warns of risk of 'zombification'
Development bank recommends countries should now gradually dial down help to vulnerable companies, so they can either learn to adapt to the new climate of higher interest rates or exit the market by going into insolvency.
Meeting of Serbia, Kosovo leaders ends without agreement
Fears of escalation in northern Kosovo after leaders fail to reach a deal on dispute over car number plates.
Six dead in widespread flooding across Western Balkans
Floods, caused by heavy rain over the weekend, caused chaos in affected areas, blocking roads and forcing the closure of schools and businesses.
EU foreign policy chief says Serbia and Kosovo are on the edge of conflict
EU High Commissioner Josep Borrell calls for efforts to resolve crisis after Serbs in northern Kosovo quit state institutions.
Kosovan opposition leader accuses PM Kurti of breaking relations with US
PM Albin Kurti rejected Washington's appeals to delay the re-registration of Serbian cars, which has led to mass protests and unrest in the Serb-dominated north.
Nato chief urges Serbia and Kosovo to avoid escalation
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Serbia and Kosovo to refrain from any unilateral actions that would trigger an escalation of the situation in northern Kosovo.
Situation in northern Kosovo tense as Serbs abandon state institutions
Serbs formally resigned from state institutions en masse at a rally in Mitrovica North, in protest against Pristina’s insistence on enforcing new rules on car number plates.
EU announces €1bn in grants for Western Balkans, affirms support for enlargement
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and top EU officials stress commitment to bringing six Western Balkan countries into the EU.
Serbian army shoots down drone near Kopaonik
Unmarked drones were spotted over Serbian territory, entering from the direction of Kosovo.
BALKAN BLOG: Is a long-term deal in sight for Serbia and Kosovo?
Yet another crisis has been temporarily averted in the long-unresolved standoff between Serbia and Kosovo, but can a new deal put forward by France and Germany lead to a permanent fix?
Kosovo delays new rules on car number plates under pressure from EU and US
Pristina’s requirement that Serbian license plates will have to be replaced with the RKS code angered Serbs in northern Kosovo.
