North Macedonia
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.
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Though he’s busy preparing for his second stint in the White House, his brand is still doing business the world over.
North Macedonia’s central bank cuts GDP growth projections for 2024, 2025
Slower recovery than previously expected, but inflation on track to drop to 3.5% this year and continue downward trend into 2025.
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.
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.
Bird flu outbreak forces closure of Skopje Zoo
Management threatens to sue Food and Veterinary Agency, claiming bird "massacre" was intended to damage zoo's reputation.
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.
Albania opens first chapter of EU accession negotiations
With this step, Albania has joined Montenegro and Serbia as the third Western Balkan country to open negotiation chapters in accession talks with the EU.
Serbia signs MoU with North Macedonia for gas interconnector
Serbia has taken another step to diversify its energy supply by agreeing a plan for a pipeline to link to the liquefied natural gas terminal in Alexandroupolis, Greece.
North Macedonia's foreign minister says Skopje still committed to European values despite EU accession setbacks
North Macedonia has been an EU accession candidate since 2005 but has failed to progress to the negotiation stage.
Western Balkans emerges as nearshoring destination
wiiw study reveals FDI soared in recent years, with strong interest from Asian investors.
Nato deploys additional 200 troops to bolster KFOR readiness in Kosovo
KFOR warned ongoing tensions and uncoordinated actions in the area raise concerns about security in Kosovo and the overall stability of the region.
Hungarian PM Orban says he has a plan to unblock North Macedonia’s EU path
North Macedonia has been an EU candidate country since 2005 but has made little progress towards accession.
EU separates Albania and North Macedonia in EU accession process
PM Hristijan Mickoski says EU’s decision sends a negative message to Macedonian citizens after two decades of little progress.
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.
North Macedonia caps traders' profit margins to tackle rising living costs
Significant rise in living costs reported between December 2023 and August 2024.
Fast fashion slowly conquers the Balkans
International fashion chains’ expansion in Southeast Europe constrained by small market size and availability of modern retail space.