Battery Makers: A Toxic Debate in Hungary’s Election
Revelations about foreign battery makers in Hungary ignoring safety and environmental regulations and the government helping cover it up are all over the news. But how much the scandal will…
Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow
Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. KAYNAK:…
Week in Review: Bad Omens and Tough Choices
This week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories dissects some of the challenges and difficult choices facing the region. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
ARTE Europe Weekly: Is Europe Ready to Take on Ukraine’s War Effort – Alone?
The US has pulled almost all its funding just as Ukraine is entering its fifth year of war. Can the European Union fill the gap? KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Democracy Digest: Orban Goes to Washington and Receives Trump’s Endorsement
Elsewhere, Slovakia and Hungary blame Ukraine for lack of oil through pipeline apparently bombed by Russia; Polish bishop becomes first to stand trial over alleged failure to report sexual abuse;…
‘No Way Out’: Bosnia’s Domestic Violence Survivors Call for Better Protection
Although stricter laws against gender-based violence have been introduced in Bosnia and Herzegovina, many cases never even reach a court – emboldening the abusers and leaving victims feeling helpless. KAYNAK:…
Rama is Turning Deputy’s Suspension Into ‘Personal Battle’ Against Albanian Judiciary
Proposed legal amendments preventing courts from suspending senior officials would be a major blow to progress on tackling corruption - and to Albania’s EU accession process, writes legal expert Gentian…
As North Macedonia’s Ruling Party Revives Old Scandal, is Revenge the Motive?
North Macedonia’s ruling VMRO DPMNE party has renewed attacks on the long-defunct Special Prosecution, its old foe in corruption cases. Analysts suspect its motivations are historical revisionism and retaliation. KAYNAK:…
Powerful Interests are Driving Digital Repression in Southeast Europe
Digital spaces are the new frontlines for challenging entrenched political and economic interests, but the backlash against civic groups trying to expose corruption and environmental destruction or demand official accountability…
Far-Right Croatian MP Sparks Crisis by Singing About Fascist Leader
The Croatian Liberals have threatened to quit the governing coalition unless Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic takes action to curb a far-right Homeland Movement MP who hymned a World War II-era…