In Bosnia’s New Protest Wave, Youth is the Driving Force
A fatal tram crash has galvanised a new generation of young protesters in Bosnia and Herzegovina who want genuine change and greater accountability from those in charge of a dysfunctional…
On Moldova’s Border with Ukraine, Russian Drones Shatter Residents’ Nerves
With no end to the four-year war in sight, Russian attacks on Ukraine are unsettling the eastern regions of neighbouring Moldova, where locals have repeatedly been disturbed by stray drones…
Children at Risk in Czechia: A System Struggling to Protect
A mix of systemic problems and a culture that tolerates corporal punishment has led to a broader national failure in the Czech Republic to detect and prevent violence against children.…
Russian Despatch: Moscow is Losing Its Energy Grip on the Balkans
In the first of his monthly despatches on Russian-Balkan relations, Maksim Samorukov assesses the impact of the sell-off of Gazprom and Lukoil’s businesses on Moscow’s interests and influence in the…
‘You Never Really Leave’: How Three Exiles Gave a Kosovo Village New Life
In the third instalment of BIRN’s series about war-displaced refugees’ continuing links to the Balkans, three former journalists from Kosovo explain how they organised a literature festival to bring people…
Decline of Greece’s Postal Service Causes Public Discontent
The Greek public postal service is facing significant financial difficulties and a structural crisis - leaving some people across the country deprived of what they see as an essential service.…
Hungarian Election: Tisza Finally Lays Out its Vision for Change
Lead opposition party Tisza has long been reticent about its policy plans. But now a new 240-page manifesto gives Hungarians a taste of what might await them if the party…
Kurti’s Majority Does Not Guarantee ‘Easy Ride’ as Kosovo PM, Experts Warn
Albin Kurti was smoothly confirmed as Prime Minister following his party’s election victory in December – but experts still foresee plenty of potential crises for him in office. KAYNAK: Balkan…
Mushroom Foraging is Big Business in Bosnia, But Often Out of Sight
Mushroom foraging provides an income for thousands of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but much of the industry remains in a grey zone, where foragers work without contracts and exporters…
Protesters Demand Accountability for Fatal Tram Crash in Bosnian Capital
Protesters rallied in Sarajevo for a fourth consecutive day over a tram accident in which one person was killed and four others were injured. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight