North Macedonian President Siljanovska Davkova stated that the integration of the Western Balkans is a prerequisite for effectively combating drug trafficking. She emphasized that regional cooperation is essential for addressing organized crime.

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 new World Bank report highlights Albania's rapidly aging population, emphasizing the growing challenge of providing adequate long-term care services in the Western Balkans region.

Montenegro is preparing to host the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat in early June, an event deemed significant for the country's recent history.

The World Bank has warned that the crisis in the Middle East will impact Western Balkan economies, leading to slower economic growth and increased inflation in the region this year and next.

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces the risk of permanently losing 373.9 million out of 976.6 million euros from the Western Balkans Growth Plan if it fails to implement committed reforms by the end of the year.

The European Union - Western Balkans Summit is being held in Tivat, Montenegro. President Milatović announced that more than 30 leaders are expected to attend the event, focusing on regional cooperation and EU integration.

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.

President Maia Sandu advocates for the European integration of Moldova, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans to resist Russian pressure, and has also raised the idea of Moldova's reunification with Romani

The Western Balkans needs a new growth model based on productivity, trust, and stronger regional economic integration, said the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)...

A coalition of civil society organizations has urged Western Balkan governments to abandon plans for new gas pipelines and power plants, which they claim are being pushed by the US.

Authors of a study warn that mining projects in Serbia and the Balkans represent modern colonialism, suggesting that domestic politicians use them to gain EU support and remain in power.

The "Red Line" program will explore whether Mrdić's laws have exacerbated Brussels' dissatisfaction with Belgrade due to a lack of progress in implementing key pro-European reforms.

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.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated at the Delphi Economic Forum that the Western Balkans are not forgotten by the EU and are, in fact, experiencing the best times for accession. He emphasized that the EU has never been more aware of the region's importance.

Journalist of the newspaper Danas, Aleksandar Roknić, spoke to N1 regarding the announcement of the possibility of Serbia's money intended for the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans being frozen.

Innovators from the Western Balkans have the opportunity to apply for €240,000 in support from EIT Jumpstarter, with prizes of €10,000, €5,000, and €3,000 for the best teams in each category.

Montenegro will host a ministerial meeting in Budva on Tuesday, where Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj and Michael Reiffenstuel, Director for Western Balkans at the German Federal Foreign Office, will deliver opening remarks.

During a visit to Sarajevo, NATO officials, including an American general, affirmed the alliance's commitment to long-term stability in the Western Balkans and its readiness to preserve peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They noted that political conflicts remain a challenge in the region.

Macedonian official Mutunski stated that his conversation with Anita Orban was constructive and positive, confirming that the Western Balkans remain a priority for Hungary and discussing the upgrade of bilateral relations.

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has officially opened nominations for the "Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026" award in the Western Balkans, seeking to highlight successful businesswomen.

A German general has emphasized the critical importance of stability in the Balkans for European security, warning that existing tensions could escalate due to increasing foreign influence in the region.

Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Porfirije and UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Karen Pierce met in Belgrade to exchange views on global and Balkan developments, agreeing on the importance of stability.

Croatian President Zoran Milanović unexpectedly canceled the Brdo-Brioni Process meeting, a regional initiative for the Western Balkans, which was scheduled for May.

The latest BIRN Western Balkans Stability Monitor examines the start of the year across the region, noting that governments are struggling to survive amidst rising global uncertainty.

Europol has dismantled a criminal network operating across Spain, Bulgaria, and Greece, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of smuggling firearms from the Western Balkans and Turkey into the European Union in exchange for cannabis.

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 trend of increased fuel sales in Bosnia and Herzegovina's border regions, often referred to as 'fuel tourism,' is slowing down as fuel prices across the Western Balkans begin to converge.

A regional conference on the internationalization of higher education in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe was opened in Skopje, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the World Bank, and North Macedonia's Ministry of Education and Science.

The transport industry in the Western Balkans is experiencing a critical crisis, with industry leaders attributing a severe driver shortage to systemic obstructions from European Union policies.

German official Peter Bajer stated that EU enlargement is not among the top five priorities for the European Union or his government, despite interest in the Western Balkans from other German officials.

The Fields festival of inventive music, featuring over 20 artists from the Western Balkans, Europe, UK, and Russia, is set to take place from April 16-18 across multiple venues in Belgrade.

A proposal for a new model of Western Balkans integration into the European Union, presented by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in late February, has sparked divided reactions in Albania.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska met with EU Special Envoy Peter Sorensen to discuss stability in the Western Balkans and maintaining peace in Kosovo, reaffirming NATO's full support for the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

António Costa, head of the European Council, stated that EU expansion to the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova remains a top priority, but candidate countries must undertake significant reforms.

Pressured by the European Union, Kosovo authorities indicated on Saturday that they would postpone the entry into force of a law on foreigners by one year, a gesture welcomed by Belgrade, which considered this...

The European Union could expand to 30 member states by 2028, with Iceland and Western Balkan candidates like Albania and Montenegro gaining momentum for accession.

A new study by UNFPA, the UN agency for sexual and reproductive health, reveals widespread mistreatment of women during childbirth in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

Montenegro's Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, along with KfW and local municipalities, signed agreements for a €12.4 million grant from the Joint European Fund for the Western Balkans to improve water and sewage infrastructure in Kotor and Tivat.

According to SIPRI data, Serbia has been the largest importer of weapons in the Western Balkans over the past five years, with its military budget six times larger than Albania's, driven by political motives.

Addiko Bank, in collaboration with the EBRD and the EU, has launched a new credit line for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Western Balkans, offering a 10% refund for projects focused on automation and digitalization under the 'Go Digital in the Western Balkans' regional program.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated at the annual conference of EU ambassadors in Brussels that the momentum in EU enlargement extends to all Western Balkan partners, emphasizing the need for the EU to prepare for future expansion.

Bosnian Minister of Communications and Transport, Edin Forto, addressed issues regarding BHRT's inability to apply for FBiH funds and progress on the Western Balkans Growth Plan. He also spoke about blockades affecting these processes.

On International Women's Day, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) drew attention to persistent employment and wage gaps between women and men in the Western Balkans, emphasizing the need for enhanced and coordinated efforts.

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.

The 1990s wars in the Western Balkans transformed religion from a private matter into a political tool, impacting religious coexistence in the region.

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.

Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić stated at a conference of Southeast European parliamentary speakers in Budapest that the European path remains the best framework for stability, development, and democratic transformation for the Western Balkans region.

The United States supports NATO's crucial role in preserving peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans, it was stated at a meeting on

The upcoming Expo 2027 in Belgrade is anticipated to be a game-changer for the Western Balkans, fostering regional competitiveness and visibility through shared history, culture, business, and tourism.

The European Union is pushing for the implementation of free roaming services for countries in the Western Balkans.

The European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to abolish roaming charges between the EU and the Western Balkans.

The Serbian Seed Association states that Serbia can be competitive in seed production in the Western Balkans and Europe, but the sector needs strengthening to develop varieties tolerant to climate change.

Greek Foreign Minister Geraperitis stated the importance of the EU remaining consistent and giving new impetus to the Western Balkans' integration path, with Greece taking initiatives to support this.

A conference in Sarajevo, organized by the Center for Geopolitical Research, discussed geopolitical changes and the position of Bosniaks in the Western Balkans, with participants from Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia calling for stronger institutional links with Bosnia.

Mutunski stated that EU member states are prepared to show flexibility towards the Western Balkans region regarding border registration with the EEC, acknowledging challenges like large crowds at border crossings.

Montenegro emphasizes regional cooperation as a key foreign policy priority, demonstrated by its presidency of the Berlin Process and the Western Balkans Fund, alongside efforts to form a working group for its EU accession agreement.

The Western Balkans region, connected by geography, history, culture, business, and tourism, shares a common ambition to become more competitive and visible on the European and global stage.

The Center for Civic Education (CGO) highlighted an EESC opinion emphasizing that reforms in the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine lose credibility without genuine civil society involvement.

The World Bank has issued a warning that the Western Balkans region is expected to experience slowed economic growth and increased inflation, attributed to the Middle East crisis, general inflation, and labor shortages.

EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina could soon lose 308 million euros allocated from the Western Balkans Growth Plan, with other countries in the region reportedly eager to receive these funds. The potential loss highlights concerns over the country's utilization of EU financial assistance.

The IDU Forum 2026, a significant international event bringing together political leaders and representatives of center-right parties from around the world, will take place in Zagreb, Croatia, on April 29-30, 2026, with Berisha participating in a panel on the Western Balkans.

The 11th Three Seas Summit took place in Croatia, gathering officials including FM Fidan and President Begaj. Discussions highlighted the initiative as a success story and emphasized the Western Balkans' strategic importance to Europe.

Minister of Economy and Labor, Besart Durmishi, participated in the "Kosovo Finance Forum 2026," where he spoke on the topic of "Building Trust in Financial Markets in the Western Balkans."

Former President Borut Pahor, speaking at the Friends of the Western Balkans conference in Ljubljana, emphasized the need for EU reform and accelerated enlargement to the Western Balkans, proposing a "bold but not reckless strategy."

A conference in Skopje emphasized that Corridors 8 and 10 are among the most important infrastructure projects, stressing that the Western Balkans must not be forgotten by the EU, despite Macedonia facing obstacles in its EU integration process.

During an Investment Energy Dialogue, emphasis was placed on the Western Balkans transitioning from a waiting area to an investment hub, focusing on removing investment barriers and improving…

There is significant speculation regarding a potential change in power in Hungary, with some making 'big bets' on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's political future. This potential shift is being analyzed for its broader implications, particularly for the Western Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Stocker emphasized that EU accession must be the ultimate goal for North Macedonia and the entire region, with the same rules applying to all candidates without shortcuts, highlighting the impact of geopolitical influences and uncertainty.

A new report advises Western Balkan nations to scrap proposals for waste incineration and co-incineration in energy production due to significant environmental concerns.

During a panel discussion, Trajkov emphasized the critical role of women in science, technology, and innovation for accelerating the European integration prospects of the Western Balkans.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is visiting the Western Balkans to convey a broader EU message that the prospect of membership for the region must remain credible.

Albanian Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Agron Gjekmarkaj, met with the Chairman of the Friendship Group with the Western Balkans in the Swedish Parliament, Denis Begic, to discuss support for Albania's EU integration despite concerns about democracy.

Western Balkan leaders are taking diplomatic sides in the US-Israeli war on Iran, and the region faces escalating energy prices, with the economic impact likely to be more serious than potential security risks.

Coal-fired power plants in the Western Balkans are slated for closure due to age, dwindling coal reserves, and EU climate pressure, opening opportunities for foreign investment in the region's energy sector.

German General Christian Freuding visited Bosnia and Herzegovina days after Donald Trump Jr.'s visit, concluding that the situation in the country and the Western Balkans needs to be closely monitored.

Ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit, an environmental campaign called 'Protect so it protects you' has been organized in three Boka municipalities, highlighting the urgent need for Tivat to resolve a year-long landfill problem before EU leaders arrive.

UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce, met with Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut and Foreign Minister M in Belgrade to discuss cooperation.

A strategic regional initiative has officially announced the development of a Forest Landscape Restoration Plan for the Western Balkans, marking a pivotal step towards its implementation.

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, during his visit to Skopje, emphasized that the EU accession path is crucial for reforms and strengthening democracy, positioning Montenegro as the most advanced candidate in the Western Balkans.

The 'Srbija centar' opposition group has criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's 'dilettante' foreign policy, stating it has led the country into a dangerous situation, citing his boycott of an EU-Western Balkans summit and other regional gatherings.

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.

The European Democratic Party gathered leading Serbian opposition parties and civil society representatives in Paris to discuss Serbia's European future and the Western Balkans' prospects.

Over 80 representatives from ministries, regional organizations, financial institutions, and energy experts gathered in Budva for a conference titled 'On the Foundations of Progress: Accelerating the Energy Transition of the Western Balkans'.

„Ставот на Франција е јасен. Влезот на Западен Балкан, како и на Молдавија и Украина, е географски и политички императив за Европа.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that for countries like Albania and Serbia, joining the Schengen area or the EU common market, as proposed by PM Edi Rama and President Aleksandar Vučić, requires reforms as difficult as those for full EU membership.

A French minister addressed a conference on the strategic choice of EU enlargement, focusing on France, the Western Balkans, and the EU in an uncertain geopolitical context.

An analysis by the Center for Democratic Transition (CDT) titled 'Good Neighborliness in the Western Balkans' reveals that unresolved issues between states, often swept under the rug for the sake of membership and peace, threaten to become serious problems due to politicization.

Russian influence continues to be a threat, US warns of instability in the Western Balkans

North Macedonia's Ministry of Education and Science announced that state schools with resource centers will undergo reconstruction. Funding of 40 million euros has been secured from the German Development Bank KfW, with support from the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska met with EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen to discuss the Western Balkans, reaffirming NATO's commitment to the region and its full support for the EU-led dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between Belgrade and Priština, including the KFOR mission in Kosovo.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted the strategic importance of the Northern Adriatic and new global trade routes for Europe and the Western Balkans, particularly through Trieste.

The governing body of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), established by Montenegro, France, and Slovenia, has elected Naim as its director, confirming international trust in the initiative.

Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicates that while military spending across the Western Balkans has increased, Serbia is the Number 1 importer of major weapons systems in the region.

Survey of women who gave birth recently reveals a "pervasive yet often hidden crisis of obstetric violence" and a widespread dissatisfaction with medical care.

New data reveals that Serbia has been the largest importer of complex weaponry in the Western Balkans over the past five years, indicating a significant build-up of its arsenal in the region.

The international SafeJournalists Network, which works to improve journalist safety and media freedom in the Western Balkans, condemned the detention

Montenegro now possesses a stronger digital space protection system than ever before, according to Minister Maraš Dukaj, following the establishment of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated at the annual conference of EU ambassadors in Brussels that the EU must prepare for its next enlargement, highlighting the process as a top priority since the start of his mandate, extending to all Western Balkan partners.

Montenegro's Ministry of Finance and Ministry of European Affairs are participating in a European Commission review mission to assess the implementation of Montenegro's Reform Agenda under the Instrument for Reforms and Growth for the Western Balkans.

A new survey reveals that the majority of young people in the Western Balkans perceive their countries as polluted, while opinions are divided on the personal impact of global warming.

The Western Balkans region is connected by more than just geography, sharing history, culture, business ties, and tourist routes. A common ambition to become more competitive and visible in Europe and globally increasingly complements these connections.

At the opening of the Western Balkans Peace Forum in Podgorica, EU Ambassador Johann Satler stated that identity issues remain a key challenge in the region, emphasizing that peace must be built through European integration.

An opinion piece discusses a realistic path for Serbia and Albania to join the EU, advocating for a phased accession process and highlighting the Western Balkans as a new investment front line for EU strength.

Milososki stated in Budapest that integrating the Western Balkans into the EU would make Europe a stronger global actor, highlighting shared values and aligned foreign and security policies.

Montenegrin Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, met with the new US envoy for the Western Balkans, Daniel Loton, to discuss Montenegro's development plans and key projects related to energy security.

Slovenia is providing knowledge and expertise to support the development of countries in the Western Balkans.

The European Commission has proposed initiating negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to extend EU roaming benefits to the Western Balkans.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated in an interview that Kosovo is committed to Western democratic values and seeks integration into the EU and NATO, discussing the geopolitical impact on the Western Balkans.

The European Commission is pushing for the implementation of free roaming services across the Western Balkans, allowing citizens to use their phones as if they were at home.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, discussing a peace plan for the Middle East, diplomacy regarding Iran, initiatives for the Western Balkans, and the situation in Ukraine.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is participating in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, where discussions include a peace plan for the Middle East, diplomacy concerning Iran, and initiatives for the Western Balkans.

A conference in Sarajevo, organized by the Center for Geopolitical Research (Geopol), brought together Bosniaks from Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia to advocate for stronger institutional connections with their 'motherland,' Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Data presented at an event highlights that women constitute nearly two-thirds of the inactive and unemployed working-age population in the Western Balkans, with one in three women-led businesses facing difficulties accessing finance.

US efforts to promote energy projects in the Western Balkans are reportedly causing friction with Brussels, with concerns raised about the environmental impact, particularly regarding data centers.

European Commissioner Marta Kos announced the EU's enlargement to the Western Balkans, with Montenegro potentially joining in the coming years, followed by Albania. Kosova also stated that Serbia would not receive financial aid.

The World Bank's regular semi-annual regional analysis, released in Sarajevo, predicts 'stifled' economic growth for the Western Balkans through 2026 and 2027, influenced by the spillover effects of the Middle East conflict, persistent inflation, and other factors.

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.

AKTOR is making significant strides in expanding the Vertical Corridor in Albania, with recent agreements signed in Tirana highlighting the growing influence of American LNG in reshaping the energy landscape of the Western Balkans.

The economies of the Western Balkans are entering a phase where growth is no longer sufficient to guarantee real development.

In the Western Balkans, a reduction in the working-age population by a fifth is predicted by 2050, and the region may face a shortage in the next five years.

Articles emphasize that the Western Balkans are an integral part of Europe, not merely a backyard.

The article discusses whether recent Serbian laws have exacerbated Brussels' dissatisfaction with Belgrade's lack of progress in implementing key pro-European reforms, impacting the Western Balkans' relationship with the EU.

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.

Admir Lisica, director of the Center for Geopolitical Research, analyzed the impact of the global situation on the Western Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that Dodik presents everything beneficial for BiH as a 'Bosniak interest' regarding the EU path.

A declaration was adopted during a ministerial meeting convened by Greece on the sidelines of the Economic Forum in Delphi, ahead of Greece's EU presidency in the second half of 2027, addressing unfulfilled promises from the Thessaloniki Agenda.

An analysis explores the potential direct and indirect effects of a war with Iran on the Western Balkans, referencing a US F-35B landing during Operation Epic Fury.

A weekly review highlights a momentous election in Hungary and its implications for the Western Balkans, signaling significant changes and challenges in the region.

Montenegrin President Milatović stated that "Europe must remove internal barriers and enable it to function as a single economic space, capable of responding to global competition," emphasizing that the Western Balkans should not remain a geopolitical vacuum.

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has announced the opening of nominations for the Women Entrepreneur of the Year from the Western Balkans for 2025, inviting organizations, institutions, and individuals to propose outstanding women from the region.

Skepticism towards European Union enlargement is prevalent in Austria and Germany, especially concerning Western Balkan states like Montenegro.

Karen Pierce, the UK's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, reiterated that her country does not interfere in the internal politics of other states, specifically addressing local elections in Serbia.

Film composer Aleksandra Kovač has received a historic invitation to the Cannes Film Festival, making her the sole representative from the Western Balkans in this exclusive circle of artists.

The Local Observatory for Monitoring Reform Agendas (LORAI), a joint initiative by the European Commission and the Council of Europe, has been launched to lead the implementation of a new program for the Western Balkans.

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.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos expressed optimism about Montenegro's potential to join the European Union soon, though some suggest the European future in the Western Balkans might be overly idealized.

Siljanovska-Davkova highlighted the global and European crisis of democracy, the EU's democratic deficit, serious security threats, and the unsustainability of excluding Western Balkan states from EU membership.

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.

Ministar spoljnih poslova Srbije Marko Đurić danas je, u razgovoru sa predsednikom Odbora za spoljne poslove Parlamenta Mađarske Žoltom Nemetom, ocenio da Evropska unija bez Srbije i Zapadnog Balkana…

Peter Bajer stated that EU enlargement is currently not among the top five priorities for the European Union or his government, noting that while German officials are interested in the Western Balkans, they are preoccupied with other more pressing matters.

Financial Times editor Tony Barber praised the proposal by Aleksandar Vučić and Edi Rama for EU candidate states to join the single market and visa-free Schengen zone as the best way to prevent instability in the Western Balkans and Europe.

A proposal for a new model of Western Balkan integration into the European Union, presented by the presidents of Serbia and Albania, has sparked divided reactions in Albania.

According to the Freedom House report "Freedom in the World 2026," global freedom has experienced its largest decline in two decades, with Serbia among the countries in the Western Balkans and worldwide that have seen the most significant deterioration in political rights and liberties.

The foreign ministers of Germany and France stated that it is time for EU enlargement, emphasizing that more countries than ever before wish to join the EU, particularly those in the Western Balkans.

NATO and the European Union discussed stability in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Kosovo. KFOR's mission was highlighted as crucial for ensuring peace for all people living in Kosovo.

The establishment of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in 2015 was a significant event for the Western Balkans, second only to the arrest and prosecution of the highest leaders of the former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). The article discusses the time and geographical limitations of the KLA trial.

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović announced that Montenegro will host the European Union – Western Balkans Summit on June 5, 2026, in Tivat, emphasizing the country's role in bringing Europe together.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a loan of up to 15 million euros for CGES (Montenegrin Transmission System Operator) to improve power transmission lines, enhancing reliability and efficiency in Montenegro and strengthening cross-border connectivity in the Western Balkans.

On March 8th, women across the Western Balkans and Turkey marched to demand their rights, highlighting ongoing inequalities, discrimination, and widespread gender-based and sexual violence. The article notes that gender is increasingly being used as a digital weapon.

Serbia has become the largest importer of weapons in the Western Balkans, ranking 37th globally for complex weapon systems, surpassing some EU members in the region, while Montenegro imported the least.

Serbia has been the largest importer of complex weaponry in the Western Balkans over the past five years, according to SIPRI data, with a significant difference in procurement volume compared to other states that have also increased military spending.

Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister Ervin Ibrahimović opened an event marking the signing of the agreement for the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C), officially making Montenegro its host.

Mucunski addressed a high-level debate on 'Central Europe and the Western Balkans in the New Geopolitical Era,' stressing that governments must act jointly in the face of geopolitical challenges, alongside Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and a deputy prime minister.

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.

A survey by the Open Society Foundation reveals that the majority of young people in the Western Balkans perceive their countries as polluted, while opinions are divided on the personal impact of global warming.

Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate from the Western Balkans for EU accession, with its pace depending on internal reforms. A joint entry with Iceland could ease ratification, though it's too early to confirm such a scenario.

Richard Newell, a PhD student researching the Holocaust in the Western Balkans, published a column in the Times of Israel exposing Milorad Dodik's manipulations regarding Bosniaks and the Holocaust.

President Siljanovska-Davkova and Croatian Foreign Minister Grlić Radman reaffirmed the strong Macedonian-Croatian friendship, emphasizing EU enlargement for the Western Balkans without bilateralization or vetoes.

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's Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, announced that Kosovo ranks first in security in the Western Balkans.

EU proposes cutting roaming costs for Western Balkans travellers  The Brussels Times

The European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to integrate them into the European Union's roaming system.

The Serbian Seed Association states that strengthening the country's seed sector is crucial for developing climate-tolerant crop varieties, which would enhance Serbia's competitiveness in seed production across the Western Balkans and Europe.

Fatmir Mediu, head of the Republican Party, discussed the security situation in the Western Balkans in an interview, emphasizing the region's history as a 'powder keg' and the persistent potential for conflict.

European Western Balkans editor Nemanja Todorović Štiplija said he does not believe that the European Commission (EC) will be satisfied with Belgrade's response which