What Would Russia Do if Vucic Lost Power in Serbia
Moscow would like its partner Aleksandar Vucic’s administration to remain in place – but as events in Venezuela and Syria have shown, its response to unwelcome upheavals is usually pragmatic.…
US-Backed Gas Pipeline Would be a Win-Win for Bosnia
The proposed Southern Gas Interconnection pipeline to Croatia would reduce Bosnia’s energy dependence on Russia – and the Federation entity’s vulnerability to its Serb counterpart’s machinations. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Albania’s EU Progress ‘Says More About Brussels Than Tirana’
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit - Edi Rama's government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir…
Cheaper than Shenzhen: Croatian Company at Cutting Edge of Drone Innovation
In a neglected corner of Croatia, a company founded by three engineering friends has put itself at the cutting edge of European drone innovation, in part by sidestepping China. KAYNAK:…
Former Montenegro Supreme Court Chief Convicted of Corruption
First-instance ruling convicts former top judge Vesna Medenica of protecting a criminal network led by her son and of abusing her position to exert unlawful influence over the judiciary. KAYNAK:…
Kosovo’s ‘Board of Peace’ Moment: Desperation Posing as Strategy?
Still locked out of the EU, the UN and NATO, Kosovo grabbed an opportunity to gain multilateral relevance by signing up to Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’, however uncertain the…
Albanian Law Only Partially Decriminalising Defamation Disappoints Media Groups
New changes to the Albanian criminal code that only partially abolish defamation as an offence have been criticised by media freedom organisations, citing concerns over freedom of speech. KAYNAK: Balkan…
North Macedonia ‘Risks Decriminalising Common Forms of Graft’
Proposed changes to North Macedonia’s Criminal Code will, if adopted, set back the fight against corruption, says Sabina Fakic of the Centre for Civil Communications. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Trump Meeting Complicates Slovak PM’s ‘Sovereign’ Foreign Policy
Depending on whom you speak to, Robert Fico’s recent trip to Mar-a-Lago is consistent with the Slovak PM’s international stance or an incoherent and risky PR stunt with few positives.…
From Georgia to Serbia, Surveillance is Being Weaponised Against Dissent
As they veer from the path of European Union integration, governments in Georgia and Serbia have both wielded invasive surveillance technology against pro-democracy protesters. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight