Albania
US signals shift from nation building to economic engagement in Western Balkans
State Department report highlights “partnership-based” policy in Western Balkans, while flagging Russian and Chinese influence.
Western Balkans face rising trade barriers despite deeper EU integration, Bruegel says
Businesses operating in the Western Balkans say the practical costs of accessing EU markets remain high.
EU disburses Western Balkans funds, Serbia left out on unmet criteria
European Commission said Serbia and Bosnia did not qualify for latest Growth Plan tranche, as they have yet to fully implement policies set out in their reform agendas.
Albania weathers Middle East shock as hydropower shields economy from energy crisis
Central bank expects only "mild and transitory" impact from Middle East conflict on Albania's economy.
Bank of Albania holds rates steady, warns oil price shock may lift inflation
Central bank says rising oil and energy prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are expected to push inflation temporarily above target while only marginally slowing economic growth.
Iran-linked shock’s impact on Emerging Europe seen milder than 2022 crisis, says wiiw economist
Severity of current shock in Emerging Europe linked to Iran war unlikely to match the 2022 crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
BALKAN BLOG: Wave of Trump-linked Balkan investments sparks transparency concerns
Mega deals announced by Trump-linked companies brings up concerns over corruption and environmental impact similar to those raised over Chinese and Middle Eastern investments in the past.
Albania, US firms sign $6bn LNG deal to boost Balkan energy security
Albania signed a 20-year agreement with AKTOR Group’s US subsidiary to import liquefied natural gas.
Emerging Europe weathers Iran war shock, but risks mount, wiiw says
Higher energy prices, weaker trade and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on the region’s outlook, according to new forecasts from the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies.
Middle East war shakes tourism in the Western Balkans
From canceled travel arrangements to a decline in bookings, events in the Middle East are impacting the Western Balkan tourism sector, industry representatives tell IntelliNews.
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NGOs urge Western Balkans to avoid ‘gas lock-in’
47 civil society organisations call on Western Balkan governments to abandon plans for new gas infrastructure, warning the region risks becoming locked into costly fossil fuel dependence.
Western Balkans risk losing €700mn in EU funds over delayed reforms
The European Union has warned Western Balkan countries they risk losing more than €700mn in growth package funding unless stalled reforms are accelerated.
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Russian sabotage operations in Europe almost quadrupled in 2024, IISS says
Russian sabotage operations in Europe almost quadrupled from 2023 to 2024 according to IISS research, with submarine cables, legacy IT systems and underinvestment in critical infrastructure identified as key vulnerabilities.
Montenegro and Albania urged to make the case for EU membership as 2030 target looms
Western Balkan frontrunners Montenegro and Albania must do more to convince sceptical EU member states of their value or risk delays to their 2030 accession ambitions, a Carnegie Europe paper says.
Albania on alert after US warning of potential Iran-linked threats
US Embassy said groups associated with Iran may "seek to target entities associated with the US or Iranian opposition elements in Albania".
Albanian lek hits record high against euro
The Albanian lek strengthened to ALL95.8 to the euro on March 31, the strongest rate on record against the European single currency.
EU enlargement rethink as divisions emerge among key member states
Ukraine has dominated recent discussions, but a new DGAP paper argues Montenegro and Albania are closest to membership and should receive greater attention.
Middle East conflict fallout to slow growth, push up inflation in Emerging Europe and Mediterranean region, EBRD says
Development bank says economic fallout is already spreading, through higher energy and fertiliser costs, damage to tourism and higher debt-servicing costs.
Albania prepares to launch its first digital-only bank
Albania is going through major digitalisation, says Dimitris Petrilis of Backbase, which is partnering with Jet Bank to deliver a fully app-based banking experience.
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding, says V-Dem Institute Democracy Report.