Montenegro
CESEE banks expect credit conditions to tighten and NPLs to rise
With most COVID-19-related support measures having been phased out, borrowers are now being put under pressure by surging inflation and sharply rising interest rates.
EU leaders call for faster enlargement for Western Balkans to counter Russian influence
EU leaders sought to reassure the Western Balkans countries that their future is inside the bloc at Tirana summit.
EU to help Western Balkans curb illegal migration surge
Illegal movements along the Western Balkans routes have significantly increased in 2022.
Foreign investment has transformed Eastern Europe, says wiiw report
Foreign investment will continue to have a vital role to play in the region’s development, particularly now that international companies are rethinking their supply chains.
Montenegro’s tourist arrivals almost double y/y in October
Data shows rebound, but figures were below expectations as sharply rising prices kept some tourists away.
Majority of Montenegrins want early election to exit political crisis, poll shows
33% of Montenegrins want early parliamentary and presidential elections, and a further 30% just want a snap general election.
European Parliament calls for ‘reenergised’ enlargement process – but only for countries that back Russia sanctions
MEPs want accession completed by 2030 and a majority vote to approve new members, but say accession talks with Serbia should be halted if it doesn’t align with EU on sanctions.
Ukraine faces one of worst declines in GDP from a war, says EBRD
The contraction in Ukraine’s GDP will be among the worst 10-20% of those in conflicts in the last 200 years, the development bank predicts in its 2022/23 Transition Report.
EBRD warns of risk of 'zombification'
Development bank recommends countries should now gradually dial down help to vulnerable companies, so they can either learn to adapt to the new climate of higher interest rates or exit the market by going into insolvency.
Six dead in widespread flooding across Western Balkans
Floods, caused by heavy rain over the weekend, caused chaos in affected areas, blocking roads and forcing the closure of schools and businesses.
DATACRUNCH: Three small Southeast European economies are outperforming Emerging Europe
Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia have been relatively resilient to the crisis this year, though a slowdown looms in 2023.
President and parliament locked in power struggle to control Montenegro
Montenegro is in its deepest political crisis in decades as President Djukanovic blocked the formation of a new government and is pushing for early elections.
EU announces €1bn in grants for Western Balkans, affirms support for enlargement
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and top EU officials stress commitment to bringing six Western Balkan countries into the EU.
Fiscal pressure grows in Western Balkans as region heads into new storm
World Bank urges governments to target support at most vulnerable households and businesses.
Montenegrin president’s party almost wiped out in local elections
Milo Djukanovic is trying to force an early general election but the poor performance of the DPS at local level indicates his party continues to lose support.
Emerging Europe is growing faster than expected this year but will stagnate in 2023, says wiiw
For 2023 the wiiw has revised its forecasts down, and overall Emerging Europe growth will average just 0.3%, barely above the 0.2% predicted for the Eurozone.
Financial squeeze forces Southeast European countries to pull out of 2023 Eurovision
Rising energy costs and higher fees for participating broadcasters due to Russia's absence made the annual song contest unaffordable for some Southeast European broadcasters.
Montenegro holds Pride march despite church's opposition
Organiser says society "polarised and divided" as presidency and government buildings in Podgorica are lit up in rainbow colours.
VISEGRAD BLOG: European family gathering mostly avoids fights
European Political Community isolates Russia, welcomes back UK and reassures EU candidate countries.
More pain stored up for Emerging Europe in 2023
Government efforts to shield populations from the energy crisis and rampant inflation have shifted the economic impact to next year, says the EBRD as it downgrades GDP growth forecasts for 2023.
