North Macedonia
EBRD cuts 2025 growth forecasts citing tariffs and global uncertainty
Development bank lowers forecasts for Emerging Europe, Central Asia and North Africa as slowdowns in Germany and China take their toll.
Albania, Montenegro to be first Western Balkan candidates to join EU, European Council president says
Antonio Costa says it's "not fair" for the Western Balkan countries to be overtaken by Ukraine and Moldova.
GDP growth in North Macedonia projected at 3.3% in 2025, but risks remain, says IMF
Growth to be driven by stronger domestic demand, public investment and increased consumption, supported by government transfers and rising real wages.
Press freedom declines sharply in several Balkan countries
Declines reported in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania in the latest global ranking from Reporters Without Borders.
Think-tank urges EU to consider 'Big Bang' enlargement and sweeping reforms
European Policy Centre analysts call on the EU to abandon its piecemeal, hesitant approach to enlargement and commit to ‘permachange’: a permanent state of adaptation in response to cascading crises.
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.
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.
Toxic mine spill in North Macedonia threatens health, food safety
An accident at the Toranica lead-zinc mine leaked heavy metals and cyanide into the Kriva River.
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.
Peaceful protests held in Skopje over Kocani nightclub fire
Thousands of people gathered to protest over the fire in Kocani that claimed the lives of 59 young people and injured almost 200.
North Macedonia mourns as 59 victims of Kocani nightclub fire laid to rest
Investigations have revealed the Pulse nightclub lacked basic safety measures and a valid operating permit, sparking outrage in North Macedonia.
North Macedonia to close over 80% of nightclubs after fatal fire
Inspections of nightclubs and discotheques launched after a deadly fire at the Pulse club in Kocani revealed serious regulatory violations.
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.
Serbian president sparks outrage with visit to Kocani fire victims
The president's ill-advised publicity stunt backfired spectacularly, with many accusing him of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
Nightclub fire sparks violent protests in North Macedonia
Fury over systemic corruption as nightclub where 59 died in fire revealed to be operating without even minimal safety standards.