Southeast Europe / Features
Narrow win for pro-EU camp in Moldovan referendum could be warning sign for Georgia
Both countries face a high level of Russian interference around elections critical for their geopolitical orientation.
Far right the only winners from Bulgaria’s broken political system
Extreme apathy ahead of Bulgaria’s seventh general election since 2021, with little hope of a stable government.
Fethullah Gulen, an alternative obituary
Just who was the Turkish preacher and Erdogan ally-turned-foe who died in Pennsylvania on Sunday October 20?
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.
Moldova’s twin elections to determine its geopolitical future
Russia is using its arsenal of hybrid tools, from disinformation to outright bribery, in a bid to derail Moldova from its EU accession path.
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.
Purcari Wineries unveils new growth strategy as it nears bicentenary
Winemaker plans to hike profits and pursue aggressive expansion in Central and Eastern Europe region.
Five Turkic states give nod to common Latin alphabet
Expect to hear some grumbles from the purveyors of Cyrillic in Moscow.
Western Balkans emerges as nearshoring destination
wiiw study reveals FDI soared in recent years, with strong interest from Asian investors.
Nearshoring security
As European countries look for external solutions to immigration and prison overcrowding, Albania and Kosovo have struck controversial deals with Italy and Denmark.
Southeast European countries increase defence spending amid rising tensions
Southeast European countries including Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia have announced significant increases in defence spending.
LONG READ: Europe has lost its competitive edge
In the first year of the war in Ukraine the lights started to go out across Europe as the consequences of cutting off Russian trade and gas began to kick in. Now the malaise has spread. Europe has fallen behind the US and being caught up by the EMs.
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.
Central Europe needs a revamped industrial policy to escape middle-income trap, says wiiw
Think-tank recommends eastern EU members follow examples set by Ireland and Singapore.
Fast fashion slowly conquers the Balkans
International fashion chains’ expansion in Southeast Europe constrained by small market size and availability of modern retail space.
Turkey will deepen ties with East while facing West, says Erdogan
Ankara always wants to have its cake and eat it, protests analyst. Turks have no place in BRICS given stance Crimea is Ukrainian, objects Russian economist.
Western Balkans coal power plants still pumping out toxic emissions
Bankwatch report finds little being done to phase out coal in region despite commitments to reduce emissions.
Arrests and raids shake fragile peace in northern Kosovo
Protests follow a series of actions by the Kosovan government aimed at asserting control over the north of the country, populated mainly by Serbs.
Romania’s grand coalition to get easy electoral ride, followed by tough choices
After the autumn general and presidential elections, the current ruling parties will no longer be able to put off the urgently needed fiscal consolidation.