Kosovo
Analysts and diplomats accuse Serbia of hybrid warfare ahead of Kosovo's general election
Finnish ambassador and Pristina-based experts claim Serbia is using disinformation campaigns designed to create ethnic divisions and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
Lack of megadeals drags down M&A volume in Emerging Europe
The number of deals in Central and Southeast Europe rose in 2024 but aggregate deal value fell by 31%, finds law firm CMS.
OUTLOOK Southeastern Europe 2025
What is in store for Southeastern Europe in 2025? bne IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Southeastern Europe 2025
Sanctions stepped up in the Western Balkans, but with mixed results
The number of individuals and companies in the Western Balkans sanctioned by the US and other Western countries has sharply increased, says a report from the Global Initiative for Transnational Organized Crime.
Emerging Europe split between eager anticipation and wary acceptance ahead of Trump inauguration
For some leaders in Central and Southeast Europe, the new Trump presidency is seen as a opportunity; for others it’s a challenge to navigate carefully.
Kosovo shuts down Serbian parallel institutions, escalating tensions with Belgrade ahead of elections
Minister of Interior Xhelal Svecla announced the closure of Serbian municipal offices and parallel institutions, as well as post and tax offices.
Nato chief warns of destabilisation risk around Kosovo's February general election
Tensions have been high in Serb-majority northern Kosovo for the past two years, raising fears of potential unrest during the upcoming elections.
BALKAN BLOG: Trump’s annexation remarks risk reigniting Balkan border disputes
Talk of the US annexing Greenland and Panama have already encouraged one far-right leader to propose that Bulgaria annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine.
BALKAN BLOG: Mass shootings become a powerful impetus for protest in the Western Balkans
Civic activists and protesters are calling for stricter gun control and broader societal changes to combat what they describe as a culture of violence.
Kosovo’s authorities shut down Serbian tax office in North Mitrovica
Pristina is targeting parallel institutions in the majority Serb north of the country.
Kosovo bans main Serb party from running in general election
Decision to further hinder efforts by the international community to normalise relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and add to tensions in the volatile north of the country.
Kosovo's population down 12% since 2011
Falling population attributed to departure of many Kosovars to work abroad in search of a better life, a trend that persists across the Balkans.
BALKAN BLOG: What Grenell’s return means for US diplomacy in the Balkans
The US is likely to take a more hands-on approach in negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo after diplomat Richard Grenell’s appointment as Trump’s ‘envoy for special missions’.
Kosovo’s president slams EU’s “unfair” treatment
Vjosa Osmani criticises the EU for maintaining punitive measures on Kosovo, and failing to consider membership application.
FDI in Emerging Europe hit by geopolitical uncertainty and German slowdown
wiiw report warns lower investment trend could continue as Central and Eastern Europe's role as a production hub for Western companies is waning.
EU Council says enlargement is a "geo-strategic investment in peace"
The enlargement process has been revitalised since the start of the war in Ukraine, but EU ministers say candidate countries must step up reform efforts.
North Macedonia’s ex-deputy PM Grubi reportedly flees to Kosovo to avoid detention in corruption case
Artan Grubi was recently blacklisted by the US State Department for alleged involvement in significant corruption.
Kosovo to set up its first ammunition factory with Turkish firm MKE
Kosovo is setting up a domestic arms industry amid heightened tensions with Serbia, which has been ramping up its defence procurement efforts.
Kosovo's PM Kurti misses special prosecution summons due to overseas visit
Kurti summoned to testify as a witness in an ongoing criminal investigation two months before February general election.
Bureks vs. Big Macs
International fast-food chains are expanding in the Western Balkans, but can they rival local offerings on taste or price?