Kosovo
Borrell says EU should step up engagement in Western Balkans to counter Russia threat
EU high commissioner warns decision of most candidate countries to align to the EU sanction policy exposes them to threats from Russia.
EBRD 2022: Why Kosovo is one of the fastest growing economies in emerging Europe
Kosovo is set to achieve the third-fastest growth in emerging Europe after gas-rich Eurasian countries Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan this year. Minister of Finance Hekuran Murati explains why.
EBRD 2022: Coal-dependent Kosovo prepares for leap to renewables
Kosovo, which relies heavily on coal power generation, is preparing to leapfrog entirely over natural gas power, straight to renewable energy.
EBRD expects 30% GDP contraction in Ukraine in 2022, lowers emerging Europe projections
The EBRD has cut its 2022 emerging Europe growth forecasts again, reflecting a sharp downgrade for Ukraine and the regional fallout from the war and sanctions.
Public debt starts to decline in the Western Balkans
Across the region, the average publicly guaranteed debt to GDP ratio fell from 60.8% of GDP in 2020 to 56.5% in 2021, a World Bank report shows.
Western Balkan countries face new economic challenges with growth set to slow to 3.1% this year
The war in Ukraine sends shockwaves across the region and the World Bank warns of "daunting" downside risks to the current outlook.
Where the 11 Southeast European states stand on the Ukraine war
Southeast Europe is split over the issues of sanctions on Russia and military aid to Ukraine, with some states firmly in the western camp, some staying neutral and others internally torn.
Serbia’s pro-Russian media turn on Putin
Russia risks losing one of its last remaining European friends after President Vladimir Putin hints Moscow may drop support for Serbia on Kosovo issue.
Emerging Europe growth to fall to an average of 3% this year, says wiiw
Russian GDP forecast to fall by 9-15% this year, while Ukraine's economy could collapse by 38-45%.
Serbia’s new Chinese anti-aircraft system fuels fears of Balkan arms race
Weaponry arrived at a time of concern over the stability of the Western Balkans following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
EBRD slashes 2022 growth forecasts but only nations embroiled in war to enter recession
Ukraine's economy forecast to contract by 20% and projections worsen across emerging Europe — except for Eurasian oil and gas producers Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
Kosovo and Montenegro refuse to open polling stations for Serbian elections
Row erupts over neighbouring countries' decisions not to allow Serbia to open polling stations, raising tensions ahead of April general and presidential elections.
COMMENT: Roma civil society can learn from both mistakes and local successes to make inclusion work
There is deep disappointment over the rate of progress of various Roma inclusion policies of the European Union during the last few decades.
Balkan flashpoints after Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Since the invasion of Ukraine, there have been warnings of Russian efforts to destabilise the Western Balkans.
BALKAN BLOG: The world has changed, it’s time for EU enlargement to change too
Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and most of the Western Balkans states have made a clear choice in favour of Western integration.
Western Balkan countries warn of looming cooking oil shortages
Kosovo only has enough cooking oil for one month, while North Macedonia has banned sunflower oil exports after sudden hike in demand.
Women in emerging Europe have 86% of the economic rights given to men
With the exception of Latvia, women in countries across the region are among the almost 2.4bn worldwide that don’t enjoy the same economic rights as men.
VISEGRAD BLOG: Nato rethinks the security of its Eastern Flank
We may be witnessing the construction of a new Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe, though this time the former Warsaw Pact states of Central Europe will be on the western side.
CONFERENCE CALL: Balkan co-operation in the shadow of war
Political leaders at the EBRD’s Western Balkans Investment Summit stressed the importance of co-operation despite fears the Russia-Ukraine war could elevate tensions in the region.
Kosovo asks for speeded up Nato accession, permanent US military base
Kosovo fears that the Russia-Ukraine conflict may negatively affect the security situation in the Balkan region.
