Kosovo
Western Balkans countries struggle to reverse demographic decline
Governments turn to short-term fixes and immigration push to tackle deepening demographic crisis but shy away from deeper reforms, says OSW report.
Deadlock in Kosovo as opposition rejects parliament speaker candidate
PM Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje remains short of the majority needed to elect a speaker and form a government.
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Serbs from Kosovo march to Belgrade for pro-government rally
While pro-government Serbs march to the capital Belgrade, a group of 80 students are cycling in the other direction to Strasbourg, to demand EU support for the ongoing protests against the government.
COMMENT: Reforms and enlargement must go together for the Western Balkans
If the EU cannot deliver progress in accession, it risks undermining the incentive for countries to continue reforming.
The rise of war-hardened Balkan crime groups in South America’s cocaine market
Global Initiative report reveals organised crime groups from the Western Balkans have firmly embedded themselves in South America’s cocaine trade.
Albania and Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by 2026-27, enlargement commissioner says
But Marta Kos warns "external forces" actively seeking to block certain countries from EU accession.
Russian pranksters trick Kosovo PM Kurti in fake call
Kurti told prankster posing as Latvian president he was victim of hybrid war by Russia and said US special envoy Richard Grenell brought down his last government.
Kosovo’s trade gap up 13.6% y/y in February
Exports dropped by 4.3% y/y to €67.3mn in February, while imports were up 10.9% to €518.6mn.
Serbian president has dinner with Nato chief in Brussels
Meeting comes at a time of rising political tensions in the Balkans, particularly in Bosnia.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
Albania, Croatia and Kosovo sign trilateral military alliance declaration
Declaration angers Serbia, where foreign ministry calls it a "provocation" and accuses signatories of undermining regional stability.
Kosovo’s economy expands by annual 4.08% in 4Q24
Strong growth reported in Kosovo's manufacturing sector, which expanded by 4.35%.
Can Emerging European countries afford to rearm?
As European countries face a pressing need to rearm amid fears the US may pull back from its security commitments, an EBRD report shows higher defence spending is already putting pressure on public finances.
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.