The Western Balkans Club: November 28 Newsletter

In recent developments across the Balkans, former North Macedonian Defense Minister Radmila Sekerinska was appointed NATO Deputy Secretary General on November 19. In Serbia, following the Novi Sad train station canopy collapse that killed 15, resignations followed and 12 individuals, including government officials, were detained for safety violations. BiH detained a Russian citizen suspected of training Moldovans to incite unrest, amid ongoing investigations into Russian-linked activities. Kosovo forfeited its match to Romania after players walked off over racist abuse, and UEFA imposed a €128,000 fine on Romania. Montenegro suspended the recognition of diplomas from certain Bosnian institutions amid concerns over fraud, while Kosovo and North Macedonia signed agreements on energy, education, and free movement. Montenegro and Albania joined the SEPA payment network, simplifying euro transactions across Europe and enhancing their appeal to investors. In Albania, following the stabbing of a teenager, the government is considering restricting or banning TikTok and Snapchat due to concerns over social media's influence. 

The Western Balkans Club: November 14 Newsletter 

In this edition, we cover key developments in the Balkans: Serbia mourns the tragic collapse of Novi Sad railway station’s canopy, which claimed 14 lives and prompted public outcry and government action. The U.S. expanded sanctions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, targeting entities linked to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik. Meanwhile, Italy’s migrant deal with Albania faces legal hurdles, raising questions about its feasibility and costs. Lastly, Serbia strengthens ties with Belarus through a security agreement and maintains its stance of not aligning with EU sanctions on Russia and Belarus, highlighted by Deputy PM Vulin’s recent meeting with President Putin at the BRICS summit. 

The Western Balkans Club: October 31 Newsletter

This edition highlights key regional developments: Serbia's draft law asserting jurisdiction over crimes in Kosovo after its 2008 independence has drawn criticism from Kosovo and the EU, which called it a violation of the Brussels Agreement. In Kosovo, Starlink's approval to operate promises improved internet security during crises. The EU’s progress reports offer limited optimism, praising Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania’s progress while highlighting challenges faced by Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meanwhile, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Serbian and Montenegrin companies for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, underscoring ongoing geopolitical tensions. . 

The Western Balkans Club: October 17 Newsletter

10th Berlin Process Summit brought significant developments for the Western Balkans. Leaders signed a 2024-2028 action plan for a Common Regional Market and an education agreement, while the EU approved a EUR 6 billion Growth Plan for the region, excluding Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kosovo lifted its ban on Serbian imports after German pressure, securing representation at CEFTA by its own government. Albania began formal EU accession talks, marking a significant step forward, separate from North Macedonia’s delayed process. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Alexander Kasanof toured the Balkans, urging regional stability and EU integration while criticizing Republika Srpska’s leadership for undermining Bosnia’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Bosnia’s Constitutional Court suspended Republika Srpska’s controversial history textbooks for promoting division and glorifying war criminals.