Kosovo
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.
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.
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.
Serbian policeman killed in border shootout, government blames Kosovo
One Serbian police officer was killed and another wounded in a shootout during a routine vehicle check near the Bosnian border.
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.
Kosovan opposition slams government over €21mn payout to Contour Global
As Pristina seeks to promote renewables, the cancelled Kosova e Re coal fired power plant project remains a headache for PM Albin Kurti’s government.
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.
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Severe storms ravage Balkans, leaving two dead and widespread damage
Storms and other extreme weather events have intensified in Southeast Europe as the climate crisis deepens.
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.
Kosovo's PM Kurti refuses to join EU-mediated talks with Serbian President Vucic
Kurti's decision to abandon talks is another blow to normalisation efforts, and is likely to worsen tensions and deepen distrust between the two sides.
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.
Banks in Kosovo post 8.7% y/y higher aggregated profit in 12 months to May
Latest central bank data indicate robust profitability ratios, rising financial intermediation and steady consolidation of the banking system’s capitalisation.
EU's high representative recommends lifting measures against Kosovo
Punitive measures against Pristina were imposed last June as Brussels assessed that Kosovo had not taken necessary steps to ease tensions in its northern region.
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.
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.
Kosovo’s new Tony Blair statue mocked for likeness to ex-Neighbours actor
Statue in Ferizaj intended to honour Blair for his contribution to securing Kosovo's independence but
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.
Opening of iconic Ibar Bridge to cars threatens to spark new crisis in north Kosovo
Kosovo Serb politicians argue that allowing motor traffic across the Ibar Bridge will destabilise the ethnically-divided city.