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Greece is experiencing a massive influx of tourists from Balkan countries, with over 45,000 daily crossings recorded at the Evzoni customs office as the peak summer holiday season intensifies traffic at northern borders.
The European Commission is considering launching an investigation into the import of certain construction materials from several Western Balkan countries, suspecting that China is using these routes to circumvent EU tariffs.
Despite expectations that Viktor Orbán's departure would unblock Ukraine's path to EU integration, Budapest has once again halted progress, prioritizing Western Balkan countries.
Discussions are underway regarding who will lead the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as neighboring Western Balkan countries advance towards the EU.
While some Balkan countries express hope for near-future EU accession, others remain entrenched in political deadlocks, as highlighted in a review of regional developments.
The membership of Western Balkan countries in the European Union is viewed as an investment in the region's future. Montenegro strongly supports further strengthening of defense cooperation.
A new report by CEE Bankwatch Network indicates that pollution from Montenegro's Pljevlja thermal power plant continues to significantly deviate from the standards adopted by Western Balkan countries.
At an event, representatives from institutions, diplomatic corps, cultural workers, civil organizations, and youth from Western Balkan countries presented results from a three-year regional initiative focused on strengthening cultural ties.
The European Parliament has called on political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Western Balkan countries to renew their commitment to EU membership and implement delayed reforms without delay.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis reiterated Greece's full support for the European path of Serbia and other Western Balkan countries, aiming for their EU integration by the Greek presidency in 2027.
The European Court of Auditors has warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the Western Balkan countries likely to miss deadlines for completing their sections of crucial transport projects.
During the Cypriot Presidency, a significant acceleration in the European Union's enlargement process was noted, with a particular focus on the Western Balkan countries, marking a new phase of expansion.
Citizens in Albania have continued protests, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and expressing widespread discontent with the government. Meanwhile, EU officials reiterated that the accession process for Western Balkan countries is merit-based.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias participated in the 19th Conference of Chiefs of General Staff of Balkan Countries Armed Forces in Thessaloniki, emphasizing that Balkan security is not the responsibility of a single state.
A delegation from Western Balkan countries, led by Montenegro, visited the Campus Cyber center in Paris to focus on partnership and knowledge exchange, aiming to build a resilient and secure digital ecosystem.
An event held at the Luxembourg Palace in Paris gathered representatives from the Western Balkan countries, French partners, and the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) to deepen dialogue on cyber resilience in the region. The discussion aimed to treat the Balkans as a matter of strategic foresight.
Several EU member states, notably Austria and Greece, are reportedly slowing down Ukraine's accession process, insisting that Western Balkan countries should not be overlooked in the Union's enlargement.
Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić called on the European Union to make a "brave decision" and admit the Western Balkan countries into its membership. She made this appeal during her address at the Globsec forum.
Peter Magyar, a new prominent figure in Hungarian politics, has proposed expanding the Visegrad Group to include Romania, Croatia, and other Western Balkan countries. He expressed his desire to revive and broaden the regional alliance.
Austria, along with Czechia, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia, is advocating for a gradual accession process for Western Balkan countries into the EU, proposing access to specific areas of the single market upon completion of negotiation chapters.
Teams from Türkiye and several Balkan countries gathered in Thessaloniki, Greece, for an international disaster response symposium and search and rescue drills. The exercise aimed to enhance regional cooperation in emergency response.
The European Union has officially adopted sanctions against several violent Israeli settlers and extremist organizations in the West Bank. This move, targeting individuals and groups accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians, has drawn strong condemnation from the Israeli government.
The long-standing arbitration question between Slovenia and Croatia regarding border issues may be revived, particularly as Balkan countries seek EU entry and Zagreb aims for regional influence through energy.
King Charles III delivered a historic speech to a joint session of the US Congress, becoming the first British monarch to do so since 1991. During his address, he emphasized the importance of Western unity and received a standing ovation.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to discuss the accession of Western Balkan countries to the EU, with Mitsotakis emphasizing Greece's strong support for the process.
Authorities in Podgorica are aware of reservations towards Balkan countries regarding EU accession. Consequently, an idea has emerged for Montenegro to attempt to join the European Union alongside a less controversial state.
Borut Pahor, former President and Prime Minister of Slovenia, has suggested that the EU should organize a referendum on the membership of Balkan countries, while also monitoring the social crisis in Serbia.
The European Commission has yet to provide a concrete and comprehensive solution for the challenges faced by professional drivers from Western Balkan countries regarding visas and compliance with EEA rules.
Janevska emphasized that small Western Balkan countries can unlock significant academic potential through cooperation, which is crucial for addressing demographic challenges, skill shortages, and the emigration of talent.
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are exploring measures to mitigate the impact on households and businesses.
Following a debate in the European Parliament on the progress of Western Balkan countries, Czech MEP Ondřej Kolar, rapporteur for BiH, stated that 'false nationalism and political alibi' are hindering Bosnia and Herzegovina's future.
At a forum on regional cooperation in the rule of law, British Ambassador Don Meken emphasized that the rule of law is crucial for national security, bringing together chief special prosecutors and high representatives from Western Balkan countries.
Dušan Nikolić, a board member of the International Transport Association, announced that representatives of international transport companies from Serbia and other Western Balkan countries have decided to hold another protest, with a date being coordinated.
Some Balkan countries are planning to evacuate stranded citizens from the conflict zone around Iran, others have already managed to fly people out - although some have only issued security warnings.
Macedonian politician Antonio Milošoski and Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil discussed the mutually beneficial cooperation between the Visegrad Group and Western Balkan countries, as well as bilateral relations and European integration.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti states in an interview that Balkan countries neither want nor are capable of waging war against each other, emphasizing Kosovo's desire to join the EU.
The European Union is pushing for the implementation of free roaming services for countries in the Western Balkans.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ended the postings of three ambassadors in Balkan countries, including the ambassador to Croatia. This move is part of a broader reshuffle of diplomatic personnel.
The European Commission is considering an investigation into certain construction material imports from several Balkan countries, suspecting they use cheap Chinese glass fibers already subject to EU anti-dumping duties.
Ivan Radak, editor of Forbes Serbia, stated that Western Balkan countries, including Serbia, require an economic growth rate of five to six percent to catch up with Central European nations, as the current three percent growth is insufficient.
Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has stated that Ukraine should not be given concrete promises of admission to the European Union and warned against disadvantaging Western Balkan countries in the enlargement process.
Over 150 representatives from governments, civil society, international organizations, and academia gathered in Sarajevo for the Gender Equality Forum 2026, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening gender equality in the region.
Authorities across most Balkan countries have issued warnings for dangerous conditions as 130 million people are confronted with high temperatures.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented on the European integration of Western Balkan countries during the European Council meeting in Brussels, stating that Montenegro is already ready for EU membership.
Donald Tusk criticized the idea of a French or German leader negotiating with Russia on behalf of the entire EU, especially if they are not EU members. He also agreed with Hungary that Ukraine should not be fast-tracked into the EU while Western Balkan countries face a longer process.
A 2025 survey of 6,000 young people (16-28) across six Western Balkan countries indicates that a significant portion still believes in street protests as a means to address authoritarian regimes, which remain a concern for democracies in the region.
Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, Nik Đeljošaj, participated in a ministerial meeting, affirming the country's commitment to establishing an RLAH (Regional Leadership and Accountability Hub) regime between the EU and Western Balkan countries.
The first comprehensive academic ranking of universities in the Balkan region has been released, analyzing 324 higher education institutions from eight Balkan countries.
At a Balkan summit, EU leaders, including German Chancellor Merz and Commission head Von der Leyen, expressed optimism about the rapid integration and full membership of Western Balkan countries into the European Union.
An EU summit with Western Balkan leaders focused on reaffirming their membership prospects, while also addressing a crisis between Serbia and Montenegro that led to Serbia withdrawing BIA officers from their shared border. Discussions also touched upon potential plans for two neighboring countries to unite and EU support for Armenia.
Greek Foreign Minister Dendias emphasized Greece's commitment to understanding and cooperation among Balkan countries, stating that security in the Balkans is a collective responsibility. He highlighted that it is not solely the concern of one state.
A new canal project, 45 km long, 275 meters wide, and 20.75 meters deep, is being constructed to connect Balkan countries and is valued at over a billion dollars.
It is suggested that Montenegro's entry into the European Union might close the door to full membership for others indefinitely, potentially leading to hybrid solutions like a 'Light Schengen' for other Western Balkan countries.
A new US State Department report on six Western Balkan countries suggests a shift towards pragmatic passivity in politics and activation in economics, particularly energy, according to foreign policy analyst Boško Jakšić.
Peter Mađar, a new Hungarian official, has stated that the European Union should prioritize admitting Western Balkan countries into its membership before Ukraine, to maintain credibility in the region.
Five EU member states have proposed a new non-paper suggesting 'intermediate steps' towards full membership for Western Balkan countries, aiming to integrate them in phases rather than a single final reward.
The President of Montenegro received students from Harvard and MIT as part of their program visiting Western Balkan countries.
A program will discuss electoral laws and conditions in various countries in the Balkan region, including the possibility for one voter to support multiple lists.
EU Foreign Ministers politically supported deeper cooperation with Western Balkan countries on external security and defense issues, urging them to harmonize with shared European values.
The World Bank has reduced its economic growth projections for 2026 for the Western Balkan countries, including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing global uncertainty, rising energy prices, and internal factors like stagnant reforms.
An environmental group advocates for North Macedonia and other Western Balkan countries to prioritize renewable energy sources and avoid dependence on imported fossil fuels.
European integration expert Gledis Gjipali stated that Albania risks losing funds from the Growth Plan for Western Balkan countries if it fails to meet reform deadlines for EU integration.
ALTAX, a research and analytical center for fiscal and economic issues in Albania and the region, has published its 14th report on the Tax Burden 2025 and Fiscal Freedom Day 2026 for Western Balkan countries, emphasizing the need for a fairer redistribution of the tax burden in Albania.
Eurostat data reveals Luxembourg as the country with the highest hourly earnings after tax in Europe, while two Balkan countries are at the bottom of the list.
Western European countries are reportedly planning to establish migrant camps in the Western Balkans to house rejected asylum seekers, putting pressure on regional states to act as reliable European partners.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama's proposal to accelerate the European integration of Western Balkan countries has been described as another diplomatic failure for Vučić.
Montenegro has made significant progress in procedural democracy, according to the V-Dem Institute's 2026 report, ranking ahead of other Balkan countries and categorized as ED+.
A CDU Member of Parliament, Prajzendanc, has proposed a gradual entry system for Western Balkan countries into the EU, arguing that the current 'all or nothing' approach for new member admissions is no longer effective.
Several Balkan countries are experiencing unusually warm, spring-like weather in winter, with temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees Celsius in Skopje, North Macedonia, and up to 21 degrees Celsius in Montenegro, leading to favorable driving conditions.
A new survey by the Open Society Foundation - Western Balkans reveals that most Generation Z members in the Western Balkan countries support EU membership, but not at any cost. Serbia has the lowest percentage of young people who believe it is worth it.
A second working group meeting organized by the European Commission failed to reach an agreement on the consequences of the EES system's implementation for professional drivers from Western Balkan countries.
Slovenia is actively supporting the development of Western Balkan countries by sharing its knowledge and expertise.
The European Commission has proposed initiating negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Western Balkan countries to include them in the EU's 'Roam Like at Home' regime.
Two significant Greek border crossings, Evzoni in Kilkis and Kipoi, are being upgraded to improve road connections with Turkey and Balkan countries, enhancing the country's infrastructure.
Western Balkan countries are experiencing labor shortages due to high youth emigration, leading to an increased reliance on foreign workers. The region shows varying levels of support for these foreign employees.
Meteorologists forecast a long-lasting heatwave across Balkan countries during the first 10 days of August, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.
It is currently uncertain when the 'Roaming as at Home' regime will be implemented for Montenegrin citizens in the EU, despite the priority given to this process by the European Commission and Western Balkan countries.
Four Western Balkan countries have given the European Commission until August 10 to provide a systemic solution for professional truck drivers' stay in the Schengen area.
Violent storms have caused extensive damage across Romania, particularly in the capital, and other Balkan countries. One person died in Romania, with hundreds of cars destroyed and nearly 1,000 trees downed, leading to thousands of emergency interventions.
Ervin Ibrahimović, President of the Bosniak Party, accompanied by former Croatian President Stjepan Mesić, visited Bogić Bogićević and emphasized the importance of Western Balkan countries joining the EU.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is required to pass a new law to eliminate roaming charges with the European Union, following the EU Council's decision to open negotiations for Western Balkan countries to join the 'Roam Like at Home' regime.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has argued against an accelerated EU accession process for Ukraine, stating it would be unfair to Western Balkan countries. EU leaders have reportedly decided against fast-tracking Ukraine and Moldova's membership.
Greece is striving to transform into a key port, road, and rail hub for freight transport to Central and Eastern Europe, a goal directly linked to the Western Balkan countries' efforts to upgrade their infrastructure.
The 'Balkan Experience' offers a luxurious train journey for those wishing to explore Balkan countries, including two stops in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Radomir Vuksanović, Director of the Transport Administration, signed a cooperation agreement for the Transport Community's network of road administration leaders. This initiative includes Western Balkan countries and EU member states involved in transport infrastructure protection.
Portugal supports Germany's proposals for the gradual integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU, stating that these nations are essential for Europe and that a similar logic applies to Ukraine.
The 19th Summit of the Chiefs of Armed Forces of Balkan countries concluded in Thessaloniki, Greece, from June 2-4, with discussions held in the presence of Nikos Dendias.
A delegation of Western Balkan countries, led by Montenegro, visited the French cyber center Campus Cyber to discuss potential joint initiatives in cyber security.
The White House has nominated new US ambassadors for several Balkan countries, including Michael Young for Serbia, and other candidates for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. These nominations await confirmation to fill key diplomatic posts.
European Council President Antonio Costa will undertake a diplomatic tour of six Western Balkan countries, including a visit to Tirana on June 2, in preparation for the EU-Western Balkans Summit.
Macedonia and other Western Balkan countries are progressing towards the abolition of roaming charges with the EU, a process contingent on aligning their telecommunications rules with European legislation.
German political figures, including CDU leader Friedrich Merz, have proposed a new 'associate membership' status for Ukraine and a privileged status for Western Balkan countries to accelerate their integration into the European Union.
Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were notably absent from the current round of disbursements for the EU's Growth Plan funds for the Western Balkans. Other countries in the region received their allocated funds.
Emigration flows are becoming a major obstacle to long-term economic growth in the six Western Balkan countries, with Albania having the highest number of departures, according to a World Bank report.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos attended a meeting of the 'Friends of the Western Balkans' group, advocating for practical ways to accelerate the EU enlargement process for Western Balkan countries.
Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković urged leaders of Western Balkan countries to adopt a clearer pro-European rhetoric and advocated for a stronger commitment to EU enlargement.
A discussion in Slovenia questioned the EU's commitment to enlargement, with arguments that Western Balkan countries are better prepared for membership than some previous accession waves.
The "Delphi Declaration" was signed on Wednesday during the 11th Delphi Forum between Greece and six Western Balkan countries, marking a significant joint initiative 23 years after the Thessaloniki Declaration.
EU Commissioner Marta Kos warned Western Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, about the risk of losing millions in EU growth plan funds. She also publicly defended herself against allegations of past collaboration with the Yugoslav secret police (UDBA), stating the claims are false.
Greece plans to demonstrate its role as a key player in the Balkans by activating a Foreign Ministry plan this month, involving a mission by Gerapetritis to six Balkan countries to promote their EU integration.
As Western Balkan countries strengthen coordination among themselves and with NATO and the EU, this process is paradoxically fueling the spread of disinformation narratives, despite Serbia's perception of security threats from several members.
Western European countries are reportedly planning to establish migrant reception centers in the Western Balkans for rejected asylum seekers, putting pressure on regional states to cooperate.
The European Union has yet to find a concrete solution for the challenges faced by truck drivers from non-EU Western Balkan countries.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas announced that Western Balkan countries have agreed with the EU's decision to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
António Costa, head of the European Council, stated that EU enlargement remains a priority, with Moldova, Ukraine, and Western Balkan countries part of the process, urging preparation for the next expansion.
Several countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, including Kosovo, Moldova, and Montenegro, have improved their corruption perception rankings, with some now perceived as less corrupt than Hungary, despite the region generally struggling with high corruption.
Citizens in Western Balkan countries have been enjoying lower roaming tariffs since July 2021, thanks to the Regional Roaming Agreement, with an article asking how much they will save.
Bosnian official Forto expresses disappointment over the lack of political will in the EU regarding the implications of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for professional drivers from Western Balkan countries.
Slovenia is providing knowledge and expertise to support the development of countries in the Western Balkans.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that Balkan countries are neither willing nor capable of engaging in interstate violence, and that the Western Balkans would stabilize without Russian influence.
Countries in the Balkan region, including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, are experiencing a significant crisis in their healthcare systems due to a substantial loss of doctors and specialists over the past decade.