Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
As One Trial Ends, Another Begins for Kosovo’s Ex-President Thaci
Kosovo's former President Hashim Thaci will go on trial again in The Hague in February, charged with obstruction of justice, right after closing arguments in his war crimes case. KAYNAK:…
BIRN Reality Check: Public Opposition to Foreign Workers Growing in Croatia
Foreign workers are increasingly vital to Croatia’s economy, but the public mood is souring – and some political parties are deepening divisions. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Serbia in 2026: Embattled President Mulls High-Stakes Elections
Under pressure at home and abroad, President Aleksandar Vucic has indicated elections will be held in 2026, but what comes next is still anyone’s guess. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Inspired by Experience, Bosnian Activist Works for Children Born of Wartime Rape
Ajna Jusic says her own experience of societal stigma as a child born of sexual violence during the Bosnian war has inspired her advocacy work for fellow victims. KAYNAK: Balkan…
In Albania, Women Often Quit Local Councils to Make Way for Men
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the…
With Europe Hungry for Lithium, Will Serbia Say No to Mining?
Rio Tinto’s decision to suspend a controversial lithium mining project in Serbia does not mean that interest in the critical mineral has evaporated, environmental protection expert Mirko Popovic tells BIRN.…
Greece in 2026: External Shocks Risk Derailing Fragile Economic Revival
The long-suffering Greek economy is showing new signs of life. But much depends on the wider global environment – while population decline, water scarcity and the rising cost of living…
Turkish Leader‘s Deal with Kurdish Militants is About ‘Keeping Him in Power‘: Expert
Political expert Salim Cevik argues that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s peaceable outreach to Kurdish militants and his deepening crackdown on the opposition have the same goal – perpetuating his…
Albania in the EU Fast Lane – Accelerating Without Democratising?
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight