Week in Review: Hopes, Dreams and Reality Checks in 2026
As the new year gets off to a cold start in the region, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories takes a look at the high expectations and sobering realities…
Greek Trial of 24 Aid Workers ‘Aimed to Criminalise Solidarity’
Rights organisations hail acquittal of 24 humanitarian workers who took part in migrant rescue operations in Greece, slating the trial as ‘an attempt to criminalise solidarity and demonise humanitarian organisations’.…
Thousands of Far-Right Romanians Rally Against Anti-Extremism Law
Far-right demonstrators in Bucharest shouted slogans against a law that has tightened the penalties on supporters of fascist and racist movements – even though its implementation has been patchy. KAYNAK:…
Democracy Digest: Slovaks Bridle at ‘Hungarians Living in Felvidek’ Phrase
Elsewhere, Hungary sets general election date for April 12; new Czech government faces interminable vote of confidence; and Poland successfully repels largest cyberattack on energy infrastructure in years. KAYNAK: Balkan…
‘Where is My Brother?’ Misidentification of Missing Reopens Bosnian War Wounds
Dzemila Hodzic thought she had buried her brother 30 years ago – but now knows the grave did not contain his remains. She is not the only one to suffer…
Albanian Mystery ‘Journalist’ Sparks Suspicion with Pro-Govt Articles
Opinion articles under the pseudonym ‘Endri Kajsiu’ have for years promoted pro-government narratives in the Albanian media – leading some to wonder if the author could even be the prime…
Kosovo in 2026: Internal Stability Needed Amid Changing Global Order
Vetevendosje’s recent election win might end Kosovo’s political gridlock but the country must step up reforms and adapt to a more turbulent world, experts warn. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Bosnian Court Indicts Four Over War Crimes in Music School
Bosnia’s top court confirms indictment of four Bosnian Army ex-soldiers for war crimes against Serb and Croat civilians held in the basement of the Music School in Zenica in 1993.…
Trump Visa Freeze Sparks Blame Game in Albania
After the US paused visa processing for 75 countries, including Albania, the opposition in Tirana has accused the government of getting the country put on Trump's "blacklist". KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
How My Local Football Club Became a Casualty of Bosnia’s War
As a young man in the 1990s, Vladan Lausevic saw his beloved football club in the town of Teslic ripped apart by inter-ethnic conflict, leading him on a path of…