Kosovo
Kosovo defends tough COVID-19 rules that sparked complaints from neighbours
Officials from Albania and North Macedonia say Pristina’s new rules requiring booster jab or PCR test for entry to the country hinder freedom of movement in the region.
Omicron brings COVID-19 infections to new peaks across SEE
New records announced daily in several countries, but most governments are reluctant to introduce new restrictions.
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Kosovo’s parliament bans voting in Serbian referendum in Kosovo
Voting underway in Serbian referendum on constitution aimed at boosting independence of the judiciary, but MPs in Pristina vote to ban ethnic Serbs from voting on Kosovan territory.
Heavy EU spending failed to improve rule of law in Western Balkans
Over €700mn spent to little effect in candidate and prospective candidate countries, finds European Court of Auditors.
OUTLOOK: 2022 Kosovo
Power crisis weighs on economic recovery from coronacrisis.
Kosovo bans cryptocurrency mining to tackle power shortages
Cryptocurrency mining was popular in northern Kosovo where residents had received free electricity for years, but the ongoing energy crisis has forced Pristina to seek ways to rein in power use.
New COVID-19 wave looms in under-vaccinated Southeast Europe
Soon after Southeast Europe emerged from the autumn wave of the pandemic, cases are already rising again as the Omicron variant spreads in the region.
Kosovo faces worst energy crisis in a decade
Daily power cuts planned for the next 60 days to save electricity.
Kosovo posts strong economic growth of 14.53% y/y in 3Q21
Rebound in retail and hospitality sectors drives robust growth in Q3 as IMF forecasts 7-8% GDP expansion for full year.
CEE banking: As good as it gets in (post-) crisis times and the challenging geopolitical environment
Western European banks have made double-digit increases in the growth of their credit exposures to the CE/SEE region in the past 12-18 months.
Back to rail at the start of the Western Balkans’ green transition
The Western Balkans states are looking anew at long-neglected rail networks as they embark on the green transition. The EIB’s Matteo Rivellini outlines efforts to develop rail in the region.
Kosovo announces plans to apply for EU membership
Pristina has informed the EU of its intention to apply for EU membership, but its relationship with Belgrade needs to be normalised first.
Kosovo clamps down over omicron fears
Pristina follows governments of Croatia and Slovenia in tightening border restrictions but also introduces stricter rules for people inside the country.
Central and Southeast European economies remain fragile, says Vienna Initiative of banks
Banks may be tested by the withdrawal of government help to companies, particularly as infection rates begin to soar again.
Bulgarian software company Melon signs strategic deal with Kosovo’s Frakton
Bulgaria-based software development services company Melon signs strategic investment deal with Frakton as part of its expansion in the Southeast Europe region.
THE VIEW FROM MITTELEUROPA: German traffic light coalition could worsen frictions with CEE
A new centre-left government in Berlin could help create a two-tier Europe, especially if it promotes rule of law penalties.
Prices of bread and flour products in Kosovo jump by up to 50%
PM Albin Kurti says the sudden hike in prices is linked with developments in the countries from which Kosovo imports products.
bneGREEN: Energy crisis sends Western Balkans back to coal
Serbia and North Macedonia are raising coal power generation in response to the energy crisis that has seen electricity prices soar.
