Montenegro
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.
Montenegro probes suspected plot to assassinate President Milatovic
Security stepped up after secret service reveals plot allegedly organised by an ex-army officer from an unnamed neighbouring country.
PPF mulling bid for United Group's telecom assets in Southeastern Europe
United Group’s telecoms assets in southeastern Europe have been put up for a potential sale.
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.
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.
US imposes sanctions on Bulgarian, Montenegrin and Serbian firms over Russia links
The United States expanded sanctions on October 31, targeting almost 400 individuals and companies globally for allegedly aiding Russia's military efforts.
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.
Floods kill at least 18 in Bosnia
Heavy rainfall flooded areas of Bosnia and Montenegro, killing at least 18 people and leaving dozens still missing.
Ship believed to be carrying explosives bound for Israel to unload in Slovenia
MV Kathrin to dock in Koper despite appeal from Amnesty International to deny entry over fears its cargo could contribute to war crimes in the Middle East.
Western Balkans emerges as nearshoring destination
wiiw study reveals FDI soared in recent years, with strong interest from Asian investors.
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.
Montenegro’s ex-interior minister says officials plotted to arrest PM Milojko Spajic before election
Plotters reportedly planned to use alleged connections between Spajic and fugitive crypto entrepreneur Do Kwon as pretext for arrest.
Fast fashion slowly conquers the Balkans
International fashion chains’ expansion in Southeast Europe constrained by small market size and availability of modern retail space.
Monument to late cleric creates new rift in Montenegro’s government
Representative of Albanian and Bosniak minorities walk out of government session, accusing former head of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro of “spreading hatred”.
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.
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.
Enlargement fatigue and the Western Balkan security vacuum
Top politicians from the Western Balkans confronted the question of when countries from the region can realistically hope to join the European Union at the Globsec forum in Prague this weekend.