Kosovo
COMMENT: Full speed ahead with reforms in the Western Balkans rail sector
The region must continue to transform its rail sector to become more eco-friendly, accessible and digitalised.
BALKAN BLOG: Kosovo’s political deadlock means a freeze on reforms too
Key issues — including the EU-led dialogue with Serbia and economic reforms — remain on hold as parties fail to form a new government almost four months after the general election.
Kosovo's EU bid depends on dialgue with Serbia and functioning institutions, says Commissioner Kos
Kosovo remains the only Western Balkan country without EU candidate status.
Kosovo Chamber of Commerce sues over abrupt electricity market liberalisation
Lawsuit follows protest by businesspeople demanding a transition period before full liberalisation.
Croatian president says EU making “false promises” to Western Balkans
Zoran Milanovic says no new members will join the EU except perhaps Montenegro.
EU sanctions cost Kosovo over €600mn in delayed and lost development projects
Punitive measures on Kosovo have had severe financial and developmental consequences, says a new report by Pristina-based GAP Institute.
Kosovo's President Osmani receives death threats
Osmani called “anti-constitutional criminal” in anonymous email as Kosovo remains in deep political crisis.
EU Council president urges Kosovo to de-escalate tensions in the north
Antonio Costa said Kosovo’s progress on its European path hinges on both calm in the north and the normalisation of relations with Serbia.
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.
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.
Kosovo shuts down Serbian-run water company in Strpce as tensions rise
Closure is part of Pristina’s efforts to curb parallel institutions operating under Belgrade’s directives within Kosovo.
Stalemate in Kosovo's parliament as MPs again fail to elect speaker
The ruling Vetevendosje movement won the most seats in the February general election but fell short of an outright majority.
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.
Deadlock in Kosovo as opposition rejects parliament speaker candidate
PM Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje remains short of the majority needed to elect a speaker and form a government.
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Serbs from Kosovo march to Belgrade for pro-government rally
While pro-government Serbs march to the capital Belgrade, a group of 80 students are cycling in the other direction to Strasbourg, to demand EU support for the ongoing protests against the government.
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.