Serbia
Splits apparent in EU over enlargement
European Commission recommends start of accession negotiations for Albania and Macedonia, but French President Macron says Paris will oppose any enlargement until the EU reconfigures post-Brexit.
BALKAN BLOG: Divided, weak and doomed to fail
Balkan opposition parties are increasingly resorting to violence in their hopeless struggle to dislodge entrenched ruling elites.
Macedonia defies illiberal trend in otherwise gloomy Freedom House report
Macedonia described as the "most promising chance for a democratic breakthrough" in Europe, as prospects for democracy look bleak in majority of post-communist states.
Growth slows in Western Balkans despite job creation
A harsh winter and a decline in investments slowed growth in the Western Balkans in 2017 even though 190,000 new jobs were created, says a report from the World Bank which has called for structural reforms in the region.
Serbian government's takeover of Nis airport sparks local fury
Vote on transfer of ownership to central government that will pave the way for more investment in former "airport with no passengers" delayed amid protests in Serbia's second city.
COMMENT: Does Germany hold the key for Albania’s accession to the EU?
The European Commission's new progress reports for the six Western Balkan countries, including Albania, are expected next week. Crucially, they will evaluate performance against delivery of the required reforms as part of the EU accession process
COMMENT: Guest-workers won’t solve CEE labour shortage woes
Central Europe is facing a growing labour shortage crisis that could limit growth if solutions are not found. Ukraine has already been a big winner but cannot solve the problem by itsself.
Kosovo on the brink of political chaos as Serb List quits government
Arrest of senior Serb official who claims he was "dragged along the ground like a dog" by Kosovan police has inflamed tensions in northern Kosovo and led Serb ministers to resign from the government.