North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski unveils new cabinet lineup after coalition talks
Cabinet reshuffle follows political negotiations aimed at consolidating the governing majority and restructuring responsibilities across coalition partners.
EU mulling “membership-lite” financial benefits for candidate countries to keep enlargement on track
The European Commission is preparing plans to grant European Union candidate countries some financial benefits while they wait for full membership as the process becomes bogged down in internal wrangling.
Western Balkans coal plants continue to breach pollution limits despite legal deadlines, report says
CEE Bankwatch Network study finds coal-fired power plants emitted sulphur dioxide at more than six times legal limits in 2025, with dust pollution reaching its worst level since current emissions rules entered force.
Greece aims to bring Montenegro into the EU during its 2027 EU Council presidency
Greek officials argue that Russia's war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and the growing influence of external powers in the Western Balkans have made EU enlargement more strategically important.
European Parliament calls for sustained reforms across Western Balkans
MEPs reaffirming support for Western Balkan countries' membership aspirations while urging sustained reforms in the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and democratic governance as conditions for progress.
North Macedonia raises key interest rate to 4.25%
Inflation remains elevated, with increasing pressures from energy prices and core inflation pointing to continued upside risks.
North Macedonia risks losing investment edge as EU path stalls and competition intensifies
Deeper integration with the EU Single Market is essential if North Macedonia is to move beyond its traditional role as a low-cost manufacturing hub.
Western Balkans set to miss EU transport deadline as projects stall
European Court of Auditors points to project delays, weak oversight and concerns over long-term sustainability.
EU seeks to accelerate Western Balkans integration as enlargement returns to centre stage
The European Union used a summit in Montenegro to signal that enlargement remains firmly on the bloc's agenda, even as long-standing disputes slow the accession of some Western Balkan countries
Germany and France propose gradual EU integration model for Western Balkans and Moldova ahead of Tivat summit
Germany and France have circulated a non-paper proposing a new approach to the enlargement process that would accelerate the gradual integration of Southeast European countries and Moldova into the EU.
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances
European Council President Costa urges Western Balkans to seize enlargement momentum
Visit to Western Balkans takes place as Brussels seeks to maintain momentum in its long-stalled expansion policy amid heightened geopolitical tensions.