North Macedonia
Kosovo defends tough COVID-19 rules that sparked complaints from neighbours
Officials from Albania and North Macedonia say Pristina’s new rules requiring booster jab or PCR test for entry to the country hinder freedom of movement in the region.
Omicron brings COVID-19 infections to new peaks across SEE
New records announced daily in several countries, but most governments are reluctant to introduce new restrictions.
New impetus between Bulgaria and North Macedonia at top-level Skopje meeting
Newly appointed prime ministers of both countries agree to a fresh approach as Skopje seeks to unblock its EU accession process.
OUTLOOK: 2022 North Macedonia
Another year of uncertainty lies ahead as Skopje continues quest to progress on EU accession while also grappling with corona and energy crises.
Old challenges for new government in North Macedonia
Dimitar Kovacevski’s government inherited the challenges of solving divisions with Bulgaria that have blocked Skopje’s EU integration process, as well as dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis and rising inflation.
New faces but no break from the past expected from North Macedonia’s government in waiting
Opposition VMRO-DPMNE calls for snap election despite Dimitar Kovacevski's pledges to tackle energy crisis and solve dispute with Bulgaria to unblock EU accession process.
Heavy EU spending failed to improve rule of law in Western Balkans
Over €700mn spent to little effect in candidate and prospective candidate countries, finds European Court of Auditors.
North Macedonia’s FX reserves increase 8.4% y/y, up 2% m/m at end-December
Annual increase accelerated from the 6% y/y rise the previous month.
Value of online purchases by North Macedonia's citizens up 84.5% in January-September
More people have been shopping online since the pandemic started but the biggest changes is the shift to online purchases from local retailers.
New COVID-19 wave looms in under-vaccinated Southeast Europe
Soon after Southeast Europe emerged from the autumn wave of the pandemic, cases are already rising again as the Omicron variant spreads in the region.
North Macedonia’s president gives mandate to SDSM’s new leader to form government
Dimitar Kovacevski's main challenge will be to find a solution with neighbouring Bulgaria to unblock North Macedonia's EU accession process.
CEE banking: As good as it gets in (post-) crisis times and the challenging geopolitical environment
Western European banks have made double-digit increases in the growth of their credit exposures to the CE/SEE region in the past 12-18 months.
Back to rail at the start of the Western Balkans’ green transition
The Western Balkans states are looking anew at long-neglected rail networks as they embark on the green transition. The EIB’s Matteo Rivellini outlines efforts to develop rail in the region.
North Macedonia a critical part of Instadose’s plans to become world’s largest medical cannabis supplier
Instadose imports cannabis from Africa to North Macedonia for processing, citing its favourable business climate and geographic location to supply the EU.
North Macedonia’s industrial production declines further in October
North Macedonia's manufacturing sector has contracted sharply in the last two months.
Bulgaria’s likely new ruling coalition to make relations with North Macedonia a priority
The progress of both North Macedonia and Albania towards EU accession is stalled because of Bulgaria’s veto on the start of accession negotiations with North Macedonia.
Bulgaria confirms veto on start of EU membership talks with North Macedonia
Bulgarian decision blocks opening of EU accession talks with both North Macedonia and Albania.
At least 46 people from North Macedonia died in bus crash in Bulgaria
Tourist bus returning to North Macedonia from Istanbul caught fire and overturned, killing at least 46 people.
Albania’s EU accession talks still held up by Bulgarian veto on North Macedonia
Progress unlikely at upcoming EU Council meeting as Bulgarian politicians are still trying to reach a coalition deal following latest general election.
Central and Southeast European economies remain fragile, says Vienna Initiative of banks
Banks may be tested by the withdrawal of government help to companies, particularly as infection rates begin to soar again.
