North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s government accused of secret talks with fugitive opposition politician to squeeze through constitutional changes
VMRO-DPMNE leader claims government officials in contact with party’s disgraced ex-head Nikola Gruevski in an attempt to split the opposition and pass changes needed to unblock EU talks.
North Macedonia to build one of world's tallest dams
Greek concessionaire picked for €1bn Cebren HPP project, first planned back in 1964.
European Commission president calls to ‘complete' the EU through enlargement
Ursula von der Leyen says “history is calling” to expand the EU, but reforms are needed.
Southeast Europe leaders pledge to speed up EU integration process
Leaders of Slovenia, Croatia and the six Western Balkans countries will commit to reforms to improve the prospects for the Western Balkan states to join the EU by 2030.
BALKAN BLOG: How realistic is a 2030 accession target?
When European Council President Charles Michel said the EU and aspiring members should prepare for enlargement by 2030, the response from the Western Balkans was underwhelming.
Skopje protests erupt over cancer drug scandal
Reports cancer patients at Skopje clinic were given diluted cytostatics while expensive medicines were diverted to the black market.
European Council president says Western Balkans and EU should prepare for enlargement by 2030
Charles Michel says a clear goal must be set to enlarge the EU by the end of this decade.
Serbian president seeks confirmation Ukraine won't recognise Kosovo at Zelenskiy meeting
Presidents affirm support for each other’s territorial integrity at informal Balkan summit despite Aleksandar Vucic’s refusal to sever ties with Russia.
Flying of Greater Albania flag during Kosovan PM’s North Macedonia visit sparks regional scandal
North Macedonia’s interior ministry launched criminal proceedings against ethnic Albanian mayors of two municipalities visited by Albin Kurti.
North Macedonia's central bank raises policy rate to 6.15%
The NBRM started the process of monetary tightening at the end of 2021.
North Macedonia’s industrial output up 3.7% y/y in June
Growth in industrial production during June attributed to higher output in manufacturing and utility sectors, despite a decline in the mining industry.
Ministers from North Macedonia’s junior ruling party resign to pave way for constitutional changes
DUI ministers stand down in attempt to broker deal with opposition VMRO-DPMNE to get controversial changes needed for EU accession through parliament.
Storms follow heatwaves to batter Southeast Europe’s crops
Extensive damage to crops in region, as deadly storms follow record heat.
Fears Russian war in Ukraine to increase illicit financial flows in Western Balkans
Porous borders and weak governance makes region a hotspot for illegal financial flows, warns Global Initiative report.
Almost half Western Balkan citizens consider emigrating as EU accession hopes fade
44% of respondents to Balkan Barometer survey consider living abroad, with the figure reaching 57% in Kosovo.
Dozens arrested in crackdown on network that smuggled Cubans into EU via Serbia and North Macedonia
International criminal network made €45mn from smuggling around 5,000 Cuban nationals into the EU.
New initiative to tackle brain drain in Western Balkans
Fund to foster collaboration between vocational education and training institutions and companies across WB6 economies.
VISEGRAD BLOG: Ukraine awaits 'clear signal' of future Nato membership at Vilnius Summit
Ukraine has proved in real time under real conditions that it is militarily ready for membership.
Emerging Europe's longest-lasting leaders
Some leaders of Emerging Europe and Central Asia led their countries for decades. bne IntelliNews ranks them by their time in power.
Nearshoring drives hike in demand for industrial space in Southeast Europe
Demand for industrial and logistics space is increasing in Southeast Europe, spurred on by the region’s growing importance as a nearshoring destination serving Western and Central Europe.