Montenegro
Montenegro: The agritourism boom
In countries like Montenegro, more and more tourists have decided to venture inland and swap the comfort of seaside hotel beds for old wooden huts, also known as “katuns”, used in the past by nomadic herders, writes the EBRD.
Croatia reports dozens of state-sponsored cyber attacks in 2020
Most attacks were attempts to break into the information and communication systems of the foreign and European affairs ministry and the defence ministry.
Montenegro’s economy posts strong 19% y/y growth in 2Q21, higher than EU average
Montenegro’s GDP growth was much higher than the EU average of 14.2%, as it recovered from a steep contraction in 2Q20.
bneGREEN: Montenegro cancels €54mn Pljevlja TPP reconstruction plan, to focus on renewable energy
Ministry says Podgorica to scrap reconstruction of power plant at centre of conflict with Energy Community.
Backlash against efforts to force citizens to get vaccinated in Southeast Europe
As low vaccination rates facilitated a new wave of the pandemic, governments are barring entry to malls, night clubs and other venues to those without a coronavirus certificate.
Montenegro’s ruling coalition split over government reshuffle
Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic's government again at risk of collapse as two of the formations behind it demand a reshuffle.
Merkel says EU should “keep its word” in relations with accession candidates
After EU accession progress was blocked by Bulgaria, Albanian PM Edi Rama tells German chancellor Western Balkans are “held hostage” by nationalism in EU countries.
Western Balkans coal power plants defy emissions rules, causing thousands of deaths
Air pollution from coal-fired power plants in the Western Balkans caused the deaths of around 19,000 people in three years, says a new study.
Strong summer tourism season to boost Adriatic economies
Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Slovenia are reporting that visitor numbers are close to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
Violent protests mark inauguration of Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro head
Controversial inauguration rocked the country, with supporters of President Milo Djukanovic accusing Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic’s government of sacrificing the security of Montenegrins to serve the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Protesters break through police barrier, blockade entrance to Montenegro’s Cetinje
A group of protesters blocked the main road into the historic Montenegrin capital of Cetinje ahead of the controversial inauguration of the new head of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro.
Slovenian president urges EU to make enlargement a priority
Borut Pahor warns failure to launch accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia will lead to rising nationalism and influence from ‘third countries’ in the region.
The crushing weight of China’s debt burden on Eurasia
Emerging European economies were already facing heavy debt burdens before the pandemic. Now it’s worse. Several countries in Eurasia and Emerging Europe are struggling to pay off huge loans they took from China.
Montenegro’s President Djukanovic threatened with impeachment over vow to stop inauguration of Serbian Orthodox cleric
Montenegrins are divided over plan to inaugurate Metropolitan Bishop Joanikije II as head of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the historic capital Cetinje.
Weekend of protests looms in Montenegro over inauguration of Serbian Orthodox cleric
Metropolitan Bishop Joanikije II will be inaugurated in Montenegro’s former capital Cetinje, which Montenegrin protesters see as a threat of Serbian hegemony in their country.
Restrictions tightened in Southeast Europe as COVID-19 cases rise sharply
New wave of the pandemic spreads in region where vaccination rates are low in many countries.
THE VIEW FROM MITTELEUROPA: Reflections on Metternich and the Austrian Balkans
The region that comprised the former Yugoslavia has strongly influenced Austria and continues to do so.
Firefighters from Southeast Europe help North Macedonia to extinguish wildfires
North Macedonia is fighting raging wildfires caused by the extremely hot weather, which have been disastrous in the eastern part of the country.
73.8% of Montenegrins want their country to join the EU
Nearly half of survey respondents pointed to the better quality of life and higher living standards as the main benefits of membership of the EU.
Montenegrin state withdraws deposits from bank dubbed president’s ‘personal ATM’
Montenegro’s state-owned companies have withdrawn deposits worth €13.1mn from local Prva Banka.
