Montenegro
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’s parliament speaker urged to resign over nephew's shooting spree from official vehicle
Danilo Mandic opened fire from a parliament car in central Podgorica, injuring two people and raising fresh concerns about gun violence in the Western Balkans.
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.
Protesters against UAE beach development deal target Montenegrin parliament
Rally outside parliament in Podgorica as MPs debate tourism and real estate deals critics claim threaten Montenegro's environment and rule of law.
Investment deal with UAE sparks protests in Montenegro
Montenegrins are divided over agreements with the UAE on investments in tourism and real estate development affecting one of Europe's longest beaches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
EU sends more troops to Bosnia to "maintain safety and security"
Growing risk of violent clashes between Republika Srpska and the state-level authorities prompt increase in EUFOR presence.
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Bosnia’s Serb entity rejects authority of state-level institutions
Republika Srpska's parliament takes steps towards secession after the conviction of its president, Milorad Dodik.
BALKAN BLOG: Upended world order enables Russia’s return to Southeast Europe
The US’s distancing from its traditional democratic allies and embrace of the far right paves the way for the return of Russian influence to a region from which it has long been in retreat.
London to name Karen Pierce special envoy to the Western Balkans
Former British ambassador in Washington appointed as UK seeks to deepen its engagement with the Western Balkans, a region of growing geopolitical interest.
“Unchained” Trump is main risk to broadly positive Emerging Europe growth prospects
Steep US tariffs on the EU or a sudden cut in support for Ukraine are the major downside risks for the region, says new wiiw report.
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Shopping boycotts launched across the Balkans
Boycott that started in protest against high prices in Croatia now spreading across the region.