Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 12, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
BIRN Reality Check: Romania Misses Target in Cutting Public Deficit
Official pledges to rein in the surging public deficit have so far fallen well short of expectations, according to data and EU assessments. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Romania in 2026: Walking a Political-Economic Tightrope
Last year was tough for many Romanians. Unfortunately, 2026 is unlikely to be easier – with a ‘perfect storm’ of economic and political pressures looming on the horizon. KAYNAK: Balkan…
Exposing Scams, Probing the Powerful: A Year of BIRN Investigations
As 2026 begins, we look back on some of the most important investigations published by BIRN in its 20th anniversary year – from brutal migrant-smuggling gangs and arms deals with…
Digital Rights Review: Online Aggression, Conspiracy Theories, Seasonal Scams
BIRN’s digital rights monitors across Southeast Europe registered hundreds of cases of online violations in November and December, from hate speech to sexually violent rhetoric, misinformation about health and systematic…
Romania Still in the Dark Over Election Annulled Due to ‘Hostile Interference’
One year on from the shock annulment of the presidential elections, Romanians are still wondering whether the state confronted a hostile takeover – or subverted the will of the voters.…
Elections, Austerity and Public Discontent Marked Romania in 2025
After the cancellation of the presidential election in November 2024 and the early resignation of President Klaus Iohannis, Romania eventually elected a new head of state, Nicusor Dan, who defeated…
Week in Review: Highs and Lows, Twists and Turns
As 2025 draws to a close, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week takes stock of a turbulent 12 months in the life of the region. KAYNAK: Balkan…
Romania’s Dark History Offers Lessons About Far Right’s Global Rise
Historian Raul Carstocea explains the historical and political background behind the rise of right-wing movements and the reasons for their growing public support in Romania and elsewhere. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight