Albania
Why is EU enlargement to the Western Balkans taking so long?
New Bruegel report says both lack of interest among EU members and slow reform process in Western Balkans contributed to sluggish enlargement.
Albania to set up state weapons company as it seeks to revive arms industry
Defunct communist era factories to be replaced by modern arms industry in Nato member state.
Businessmen linked to Trump explore opportunities in Western Balkans
Interest in Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia revealed ahead of autumn US presidential election.
Neither EU nor Western Balkans ready for accession, says Erste report
Performance of CEE countries shows convergence of Western Balkans with EU will only accelerate post-accession, find Erste analysts.
Albania's trade deficit up 13.4% y/y in June
Exports of food, textiles and construction materials all fell, as high lek takes its toll on Albanian exporters.
Heatwave sparks surge in electricity use in coal-dependent Balkans
Vicious circle as increased use of electricity for air conditioners drives demand from coal-heavy power sector.
Western Balkans can skip gas and move straight to renewables, says Bankwatch
NGO CEE Bankwatch says anticipated solar and wind projects in the region are expected to generate four times more electricity over their lifetimes than prospective gas-fired power plants.
World Bank says Western Balkans must invest $37bn to protect region from climate change impact
Region increasingly plagued by floods, drought, heatwaves and forest fires.
Southeast European countries battle wildfires amid latest heatwave
North Macedonia the latest to appeal for international help to fires in inaccessible mountain areas.
Eight Emerging Europe countries to lose more than half their populations by 2100
Steep population decline projected by the UN in the coming decades, with Ukraine’s population set to contract the most.
World population set to peak decades sooner than previously projected
Latest UN projections indicate global population will peak at 10.3bn by the 2080s then start gradual decline.
wiiw sees brighter growth prospects for ‘resilient’ Emerging Europe
Growth is mainly driven by a strong rise in real wages, leading to higher private consumption, while EU members are showing resilience in the face of Germany's economic downturn.
European Commission to allocate €1.2bn for infrastructure and entrepreneurship in Western Balkans
Latest package to support eight new flagship investments in ares including water, rail transport, innovation and the green transition.
Local, international and regional chains vie for Balkans’ expanding food retail market
Consumer markets in Southeast Europe are booming, in what is largely a catch-up story.
BALKAN BLOG: Hungary’s allies in the Balkans are sabotaging their EU accession hopes
Budapest wants a shift in emphasis from Ukraine to the Western Balkans during its EU Council presidency but its allies in the region have already antagonised other EU member states.
Balkan rivalries mar start of Euro 2024
The football associations of Albania and Serbia are the first to face disciplinary proceedings over fan behaviour during the opening matches of the Euro 2024 championship.
Bosnia and North Macedonia report lowest electric vehicle adoption in Europe
EV adoption has surged in Europe, but under 1% of vehicles are electric in some countries.
Far-right gains in Europe pose challenge for EU enlargement
Analysts warn growing influence of far-right and Eurosceptic parties at EU and national level could complicate efforts to integrate new member states.
Bilateral disputes loom large over EU accession process
Member states using their veto power to demand concessions from candidate countries is a problem the EU has to tackle.
Meloni defends migration deal during visit to Albania
Albania will shelter up to 3,000 migrants rescued from international waters each month while Italy processes their asylum requests under controversial deal.