Romania’s Divided, Disillusioned Capital to Elect New Mayor
A deeply polarised and politically volatile electorate will head to the polls on Sunday to choose the next mayor of Bucharest - a vote widely seen as a barometer for…
‘Different Energy’: Budget Win for Young Bulgarian Protesters Fuels Hope for More
Young people are taking to the streets of Bulgaria in huge numbers against what they claim is an ‘arrogant kleptocracy’, inspiring some to believe the country is at a turning…
Kosovo’s Expanding Surveillance State Exposes Alarming Gaps in Oversight
The expanding use of surveillance in Kosovo comes with weak oversight and growing privacy risks; stronger institutions and greater public awareness are required to strike the right balance between safety…
Greek Farmers Block Roads as Costs and Culls Hit Rural Livelihoods
Greek farmers are blocking roads and customs points to press their demands for state aid, tax breaks, and a plan for ‘tomorrow’ for a sector in crisis. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Serbia is Stalling Citizenship for Some Russians, Leaving Them Stateless
While handing out ‘special interest’ passports to Kremlin-connected Russians, Serbia has quietly stalled the citizenship applications of many ordinary Russian nationals, leaving some effectively stateless. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
New Czech Government to Follow CEE Trend of Targeting NGOs
The difficult operating environment for NGOs in the region is about to get worse as Czechia under Andrej Babis’s populist coalition looks set to join Hungary, Slovakia and Serbia in…
‘De-Risking?’ Port Investments Put Greece at Centre of US-China Rivalry
With Piraeus port already in Chinese hands and the US bankrolling an expansion of Elefsina, experts argue that Greece must be careful to defend its strategic autonomy. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Turkish Military Plane Crash Exposes Air Force Crisis
Without fifth-generation aircraft, Turkey’s ageing air force risks falling behind its rivals in the region. Forty new Eurofighters won’t change that, say experts. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Serbian Oil Refinery Suspends Production Due to US Sanctions
A refinery that supplies most of the Serbian market has halted work due to US sanctions imposed on the mainly Russian-owned company NIS over the war against Ukraine. KAYNAK: Balkan…
Defendants Plead Not Guilty in North Macedonia Nightclub Fire Trial
All 35 defendants and the representatives of the three companies who are being tried for the deadly fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani in March pleaded not guilty. KAYNAK:…