Serbia
Thousands protest against Serbia's "autocratic" regime
Demonstrators defy heavy snowfall to express their anger at President Aleksander Vucic in second mass protest, but president says he will not meet any of their demands.
Kosovan parliament gives nod to formation of army
The transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into a regular army is fiercely opposed by Serbia, which has never recognised Kosovo as an independent state.
Srbijagas to borrow €70mn for TurkStream, as Bulgarian opposition seeks to halt project
The second line of the Turkish Stream pipeline that will deliver Russian gas via Turkey to Europe, bypassing Ukraine, will span Bulgaria and Serbia starting from 2020.
COMMENT: The state is back in the banking business in Central and Eastern Europe
For a few years now, foreign banks have been constantly losing market share in many of the larger Central-, Southeastern and Eastern European markets, but there is a shift in the game as state banks are proudly increasing their share in many markets
Kosovo’s imminent decision to create army pushes relations with Belgrade to the brink
Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg appeals for restraint after Serbian PM Ana Brnabic warns formation of Kosovan army could lead to a military intervention.
Western Balkans need to diversify energy mix with renewables, EBRD says
Coal-fired power plants account for a significant share of the region’s power generation, with most burning highly polluting lignite.
Kosovan PM conditions lifting import tariffs on recognition from Serbia
No sign of an end to regional crisis caused by Kosovo's 100% import tariffs on products from Serbia and Bosnia, as Serbian president warns failure to resolve situation could lead to an escalation of violence.
European Parliament backs 2025 as Montenegro’s possible accession date
Serbia, the region's other frontrunner in the EU accession race, is being held back by unresolved issues with Kosovo, while Montenegro was praised for making good progress.
Kosovo slaps 100% tariffs on imports from Serbia and Bosnia
Politically motivated tariffs introduced after Pristina's bid to join Interpol failed due to Serbian pressure on member countries to vote against Kosovo's membership.