Montenegro
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 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.
Montenegro’s parliament approves new minority government led by Abazovic
Montenegro’s parliament approved the new government led by Dritan Abazovic, whose main goal is to unblock the country’s EU-related reforms.
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%.
Blockchain could reach 30% of Montenegro’s GDP within 3 years, finance minister says
Finance Minister Milojko Spajic says the industry has the potential to employ around 10,000 people and become a cornerstone for the economy along with energy and tourism.
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.
VISEGRAD BLOG: Are broad coalitions really the best way to overthrow authoritarian populists?
The Hungarian election has dealt a big blow to the once confident hope that broad opposition pre-electoral coalitions are the best way to remove entrenched authoritarian populists from power.
US sanctions high-profile Western Balkan politicians
North Macedonia's former PM Nikola Gruevski among seven current and former officials blacklisted over activities that "threaten the stability of the region".
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.
Montenegro’s economy posts 8.4% y/y growth in 4Q21
Montenegro’s economy is still recovering after in 2020 it was the worst affected in Southeast Europe and across the emerging Europe region by the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
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.
Parliament speaker linked to suspected Russian spy blocks formation of Montenegro’s new government
Parliament speaker Strahinja Bulajic, a member of the pro-Russia Democratic front, has refused to call a parliament session for MPs to vote on the new cabinet.
Don’t turn Montenegro into a haven for sanctioned oligarchs, pleads anti-corruption NGO as superyacht docks
Lukoil CEO Vagit Alekperov’s Galactica Super Nova has arrived at the Montenegrin port of Tivat after leaving EU member Spain.
