Moldova Takes Hard Steps to Build Trustworthy Judicial System
Moldova is close to finishing the process of vetting all its judges and prosecutors after more than three decades of a kleptocratic, politically obedient judiciary – but the system is…
The Far-Right’s Rise in the EU Spells Trouble for Kosovo
Kosovo will face a much more hostile international environment if far-right parties gain more power in core EU states like France and Germany, while the US under Trump remains indifferent…
Montenegro Enters ‘Endgame’ to Join EU, But Must Face ‘Democratic Safeguards’
Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos says frontrunner Montenegro will be first country to join the bloc under new safeguards designed to ensure all new members uphold agreed democratic standards. KAYNAK: Balkan…
S&P Keeps Serbia’s ‘Stable’ Rating Unchanged – But Warns of Rising Tensions
Standard and Poor's credit rating agency says economic outlook in Serbia remains at the investment-grade level – but political polarisation and protests may affect its appeal to investors. KAYNAK: Balkan…
Icelandic Bid for EU Membership Would Boost Montenegro’s Chances
If Iceland restarts its European Union accession talks following a referendum this summer, Balkan membership bid frontrunner Montenegro stands to benefit from the revived enlargement momentum. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
North Macedonia Should Not Blindly Follow Trump, Ex-President Warns
It is risky for a small country such as North Macedonia to unconditionally support US policy in Iran if it wants to join the EU, argues former president Stevo Pendarovski.…
Letter from Brussels: Is a Hopeful Breeze Blowing Through the EU’s ‘Waiting Room’?
Brussels has already gone cold on a scheme to allow some aspirant countries like Albania and Serbia second-tier membership – but that doesn’t mean that other creative approaches to European…
Montenegro’s Arrest of Ex-Minister Reignites Arguments About ‘Selective’ Justice
Former education minister’s arrest revives debate about the justice system’s shortcomings – just as Montenegro seeks to prove its rule-of-law credentials to the EU in accession talks. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Week in Review: Trades and Betrayals
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes…
Serbian Lawyers Strike, But EU Pressure Decisive in Opposing Judicial Changes
Serbian lawyers stopped work for three days, but without a general strike in the judiciary, experts say only EU pressure can force the government to retract controversial legal amendments deemed…