Montenegro
Tensions between Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia rise over closed borders
After declaring itself coronavirus free, Montenegro plans to open its borders — but not to neighbours Serbia or Bosnia, which claim the decision is linked to the dispute between the government in Podgorica and the Serbian Orthodox church.
Montenegro declares itself a coronavirus-free state
Just 324 cases reported in tiny Balkan state during pandemic, as Podgorica imposed strict preemptive lockdown. New economic support package now planned.
Priests' arrests cause clashes in Montenegro
Arrests made after thousands of Montenegrins attended a religious procession in violation of a ban on gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Illegal border crossings to EU via Western Balkans increase 60% in January-April
More migrants risked the Balkan route in January-March, but almost no illegal border crossings during coronavirus lockdowns in April, says Frontex.
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Retail sales under lockdown across Central and Eastern Europe are sinking
A worldwide lockdown has created havoc for retailers as their customers are forced to stay at home. There has been a little respite as sales in March surged due to panic buying but that has given way to a lockdown that keeps stores closed
Southeast Europe looks to near abroad tourists to save 2020 summer season
Holidaymakers from nearby countries that have managed to get their coronavirus outbreaks under control could provide a lifeline to Adriatic and Black Sea tourist destinations.
New daily coronavirus cases in Russia top 10,000 again, down to single figures in much of CEE
Russia now has the world’s second-fasted growth of COVID-19 cases after the US, with Moscow at the epicentre of the outbreak.
Western Balkans’ regional GDP to slump by as much as 5.6% this year
World Bank forecasts all six Western Balkan countries will experience negative growth this year as they grapple with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.