Balkans

Unravelling Some Complexities Of The Western Balkans

Abstract: Despite the war ending in former Yugoslavia, which resulted in newly proclaimed nations, the drums never ceased. There have been endless initiatives to stabilise the region, such as the Thessaloniki Summit and the Berlin Process, which can now be considered attempts in vain. One of the biggest issues remains …

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Will the announced reductions in food prices soften the impact on consumers’ household budgets?

The announcement by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, that from Wednesday the prices of certain products in markets will drop has been met with negative reactions on social networks, such a move has been deemed demagogic, considering the selection of items and insulting to citizens, while economists and consumer …

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Rising synthetic drug seizures in Albania suggests local demand for these substances is growing.

Albania is no stranger to drugs. It is well-known as a supplier of cannabis and Albanian criminal groups have made a reputation in cocaine trafficking. However, the production, trafficking and use of synthetic drugs has not been common in the country. But an increase in seizures of synthetic drugs in …

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Kurti: The West should introduce a visa regime and cancel investments in Serbia for avoiding the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement

Kosovo Prime Minister Aljbin Kurti said that the West should implement a punitive policy towards Belgrade, because, as he stated, their approach to Serbia is “soft”, reports Kosovo Online, referring to the Nationals. Kurti stated for the Estonian media “Delfi” that “Serbia should be forced to implement the Ohrid Agreement …

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Montenegro: Is There An Effort To Establish ‘Interim Government’ To Enable Return Of DPS To Power? – Analysis

On 30 August, Montenegro marked the three-year anniversary of the democratic elections that ousted Milo Djukanović’s regime and the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS). This event signified great democratic leap, as it brought an end to the longest-standing authoritarian regime in Europe after 30 years. After the parliamentary elections on …

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Kosovo’s President Accuses Serbia Of Following ‘Putin’s Plan’ By Destabilizing Balkans

Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani has accused Serbia of trying to destabilize the Western Balkans in a similar fashion to how she said Russia acted against Ukraine in 2014. Speaking during a visit to the Albanian capital, Tirana, on September 4, Osmani cited the conflict in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, where …

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Greece-Turkey ties on upswing as FM set to visit, Cyprus tensions subside

Turkey tries to dial down confrontations in the eastern Mediterranean before the Greek minister’s visit as part of its push to improve relations with the West. Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Gerapetritis will travel to Turkey on Tuesday as the historic rivals continue efforts to reset their decadeslong dispute over territorial …

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Bulgaria – Stryker Vehicles

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria of Stryker Vehicles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. …

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A Wake-Up Call For Kosovo’s Prime Minister Kurti – OpEd

Prime Minister Kurti was elected on the premise that he would attend to Kosovo’s socio-economic malaise, lift its people from the ashes of the war, give them hope, and restore their dignity. Sadly, more than two years later, Kurti has little to show for his promises. Over the past two …

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NATO Reaffirms Commitment To Long-Standing Partnership With Bosnia And Herzegovina

NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Tom Goffus, welcomed the continued development of the Alliance’s relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina during a visit to Sarajevo on 29 and 30 August 2023. Mr. Goffus met with representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the international community, including the Defence Minister, the …

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