Montenegro
Nato agrees 'fundamental shift' to counter Russia
Security alliance’s leaders agree a big increase in troop deployments on its Eastern Flank, more help for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression, and a new Strategic Concept.
Albania and North Macedonia remain stuck in EU accession process
Longtime candidate countries North Macedonia and Albania are still unable to begin accession talks because of a Bulgarian veto, while Montenegro and Serbia are no closer to joining, and Bosnia-Herzegovina has not yet been granted candidate status.
COMMENT: Towards sustainable, safe and smart roads in the Western Balkans
The lack of adequate road infrastructure, as well as road maintenance, has been a persistent impediment to growth in the Western Balkans, but infrastructure bottlenecks are now being addressed.
Prime minsters of Albania and Montenegro visit Kyiv in show of support
With a critical EU Council meeting coming up next week, much of the discussion centred on the three countries’ prospects for EU accession.
Macron wants ‘accelerated co-operation’ for Moldova as details of EU ‘political community’ proposal leak
On Ukraine's border and with part of its territory controlled by Russia-backed separatists, Moldova is hoping for a positive answer to its application for EU candidate status.
BALKAN BLOG: How to keep the EU accession dream alive
With accession bogged down in political disputes, alternatives to the current EU enlargement process are being considered.
Bosnia and Montenegro attend Open Balkan summit but Kosovo shuns event
North Macedonia's PM Dimitar Kovacevski says doors to Open Balkan, founded to improve regional economic co-operation, "remain open" to all Western Balkan states.
CONFERENCE CALL: Globsec basks in Putin's humiliation
In contrast to previous conferences of the Bratislava-based security think-tank, there was a feeling that the West is no longer on the back foot and that now is the time to press home its advantage.
EU’s credibility on the line over enlargement
Austria’s foreign minister calls enlargement the EU’s biggest geopolitical instrument – but will member states use it to encourage candidates and would-be candidates at the upcoming EU Council?
CEE companies weather the COVID-19 crisis
Prompt and decisive government intervention, financial lifelines and firms’ involvement in global value chains have helped minimise insolvencies, says EIB/EBRD report.
Borrell says EU should step up engagement in Western Balkans to counter Russia threat
EU high commissioner warns decision of most candidate countries to align to the EU sanction policy exposes them to threats from Russia.
EBRD expects 30% GDP contraction in Ukraine in 2022, lowers emerging Europe projections
The EBRD has cut its 2022 emerging Europe growth forecasts again, reflecting a sharp downgrade for Ukraine and the regional fallout from the war and sanctions.
Public debt starts to decline in the Western Balkans
Across the region, the average publicly guaranteed debt to GDP ratio fell from 60.8% of GDP in 2020 to 56.5% in 2021, a World Bank report shows.
Western Balkan countries face new economic challenges with growth set to slow to 3.1% this year
The war in Ukraine sends shockwaves across the region and the World Bank warns of "daunting" downside risks to the current outlook.
Where the 11 Southeast European states stand on the Ukraine war
Southeast Europe is split over the issues of sanctions on Russia and military aid to Ukraine, with some states firmly in the western camp, some staying neutral and others internally torn.
Montenegro’s parliament approves new minority government led by Abazovic
Montenegro’s parliament approved the new government led by Dritan Abazovic, whose main goal is to unblock the country’s EU-related reforms.
Emerging Europe growth to fall to an average of 3% this year, says wiiw
Russian GDP forecast to fall by 9-15% this year, while Ukraine's economy could collapse by 38-45%.
Blockchain could reach 30% of Montenegro’s GDP within 3 years, finance minister says
Finance Minister Milojko Spajic says the industry has the potential to employ around 10,000 people and become a cornerstone for the economy along with energy and tourism.
Serbia’s new Chinese anti-aircraft system fuels fears of Balkan arms race
Weaponry arrived at a time of concern over the stability of the Western Balkans following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
VISEGRAD BLOG: Are broad coalitions really the best way to overthrow authoritarian populists?
The Hungarian election has dealt a big blow to the once confident hope that broad opposition pre-electoral coalitions are the best way to remove entrenched authoritarian populists from power.
