Bosnia & Herzegovina
Western Balkan states increase use of surveillance, censorship to suppress opponents
Use of biometric surveillance and facial recognition technologies is expanding rapidly across the Balkans, according to a new BIRN report.
Trump policies won’t harm Emerging Europe badly – and will actively benefit Russia
Latest wiiw forecasts show little direct impact on Central and Southeast Europe from Trump trade wars.
Montenegro mega beach deal reignites debate over UAE investments in Western Balkans
A plan to develop Montenegro’s Velika Plaza beach has become the latest battleground in a growing backlash against UAE-backed real estate deals across the Western Balkans.
International envoy blocks funding for ruling Bosnian Serb party
Decision follows a series of steps by Republika Srpska towards secession from Bosnia, triggered by the entity’s President Milorad Dodik.
First attempt to arrest Bosnian Republika Srpska President Dodik fails
Representatives of the State Investigation and Police Agency (SIPA) surrounded Republika Srpska’s government building, but were prevented from entering.
Sanctioned Balkan politicians step up lobbying of Trump administration
After the US dropped sanctions on Hungary’s Antal Rogan, politicians from Albania, Bosnia and Bulgaria want similar decisions in their favour.
Bosnia risks air traffic shutdown over unpaid debt
The bank accounts of Bosnia's air navigation body have been frozen and its four airports face closure if a debt to Slovenian company Viadukt remains unpaid.
New study reveals extent of Russian disinformation targeting Emerging Europe
'Pravda network' targeting regions of geopolitical interest for the Kremlin with negative impact on democracy and regional stability.
Western Balkans countries struggle to reverse demographic decline
Governments turn to short-term fixes and immigration push to tackle deepening demographic crisis but shy away from deeper reforms, says OSW report.
COMMENT: Reforms and enlargement must go together for the Western Balkans
If the EU cannot deliver progress in accession, it risks undermining the incentive for countries to continue reforming.
BALKAN BLOG: Putin’s ally pushes Bosnia to the verge of war
The international community will have to step up to prevent new clashes in Bosnia.
Bosnia’s Republika Srpska expels German minister
Anna Lührmann said Republika Srpska’s authorities threatened her and her delegation with violence.
The rise of war-hardened Balkan crime groups in South America’s cocaine market
Global Initiative report reveals organised crime groups from the Western Balkans have firmly embedded themselves in South America’s cocaine trade.
Separatist Bosnian Serb leader Dodik meets with Putin to seek support
Dodik met with allies in Serbia, Israel and now Russia after Bosnian authorities issued a warrant for his arrest.
Bosnia’s GDP growth slows to 2.5% y/y in 4Q24
Growth is expected at 2.5-2.6% in 2025 according to Bosnia's central bank and IFI projections.
Bosnia hit by flooding after heavy rains
Authorities in Banda Luka and Prijedor declared a state of emergency as they tackle the impact of floods and landslides.
Mystery grows over Republika Srpska President Dodik’s location
Suspicions Bosnian Serb leader is in either Russia or Serbia after he defied travel ban to visit Israel.
Albania and Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by 2026-27, enlargement commissioner says
But Marta Kos warns "external forces" actively seeking to block certain countries from EU accession.
Bosnian court asks Interpol to issue arrest warrant for Republika Srpska President Dodik
Request made after top Bosnian Serb officials defied travel bans to leave country.
Ukraine and Balkans ravaged by wildfires in 2024
Wildfires ravaged large swathes of land across Ukraine and the Balkans, with Ukraine suffering the highest recorded damage of any country in the region, said the EU's European Forest Fire Information System.