North Macedonia
North Macedonia risks losing investment edge as EU path stalls and competition intensifies
Deeper integration with the EU Single Market is essential if North Macedonia is to move beyond its traditional role as a low-cost manufacturing hub.
Western Balkans set to miss EU transport deadline as projects stall
European Court of Auditors points to project delays, weak oversight and concerns over long-term sustainability.
EU seeks to accelerate Western Balkans integration as enlargement returns to centre stage
The European Union used a summit in Montenegro to signal that enlargement remains firmly on the bloc's agenda, even as long-standing disputes slow the accession of some Western Balkan countries
Germany and France propose gradual EU integration model for Western Balkans and Moldova ahead of Tivat summit
Germany and France have circulated a non-paper proposing a new approach to the enlargement process that would accelerate the gradual integration of Southeast European countries and Moldova into the EU.
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances
European Council President Costa urges Western Balkans to seize enlargement momentum
Visit to Western Balkans takes place as Brussels seeks to maintain momentum in its long-stalled expansion policy amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
A growing Balkan bloc objects to Ukraine's accelerated EU membership
Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban was the most vocal opponent of Ukraine’s EU accession bid. However, behind the scenes several other EU members have opposed allowing the agricultural superpower to join.
The EU's enlargement dilemma
Europe debates new shape of enlargement as Ukraine and Western Balkan candidates push EU to rethink membership.
North Macedonia retail sales growth slows to 2.1% in April
Data points to continued resilience in household consumption, although the pace of overall retail growth moderated significantly from the previous month.
BALKAN BLOG: Great powers’ competing agendas for the Western Balkans
EU sidelined as Washington warns over China and Russia's influence in new strategy document, while Xi Jinping honours Serbia’s president in Beijing.
US signals shift from nation building to economic engagement in Western Balkans
State Department report highlights “partnership-based” policy in Western Balkans, while flagging Russian and Chinese influence.
Western Balkans face rising trade barriers despite deeper EU integration, Bruegel says
Businesses operating in the Western Balkans say the practical costs of accessing EU markets remain high.
EU disburses Western Balkans funds, Serbia left out on unmet criteria
European Commission said Serbia and Bosnia did not qualify for latest Growth Plan tranche, as they have yet to fully implement policies set out in their reform agendas.
North Macedonia starts preparations for 2026 budget rebalance amid global uncertainty
Government looks to preserve macroeconomic stability and support economic growth as global uncertainty grows, Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kocoska says.
North Macedonia’s antimony project rekindles mining debate
Planned antimony mining project in the Kriva Palanka region becomes new flashpoint.
Renalfa launches battery storage project at Oslomej solar plant in North Macedonia
The Oslomej solar project is part of a broader effort to transform former coal-based energy sites into renewable energy hubs.
Iran-linked shock’s impact on Emerging Europe seen milder than 2022 crisis, says wiiw economist
Severity of current shock in Emerging Europe linked to Iran war unlikely to match the 2022 crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Why global population collapse will keep the wars coming
Demographers warned for decades that ageing, declining states grow more dangerous, not less. The wars now spreading from Eastern Europe to the Gulf to East Asia look increasingly like the opening engagements of a long contest over who outlasts whom.
Emerging Europe weathers Iran war shock, but risks mount, wiiw says
Higher energy prices, weaker trade and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on the region’s outlook, according to new forecasts from the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies.
Middle East war shakes tourism in the Western Balkans
From canceled travel arrangements to a decline in bookings, events in the Middle East are impacting the Western Balkan tourism sector, industry representatives tell IntelliNews.