North Macedonia
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.
German president urges North Macedonia to adopt constitutional amendments needed for EU accession progress
Opposition has blocked constitutional changes Skopje agreed to make in a deal with Bulgaria to start its long-awaited EU accession talks.
Growth of North Macedonia’s PPI slows further to 22.3% y/y in October
As growth slows, annual growth in October was driven mostly by the increase in PPI in the manufacturing sector.
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.
IMF approves €530mn arrangement for North Macedonia
Precautionary and Liquidity Line to help Skopje address global shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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.
Serbia’s Ananas E-commerce aims to become Amazon of the Balkans
Ananas buys up Macedonian online shopping brands as it seeks to bring the online retail experience in developed countries to the Western Balkans.
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.
North Macedonia’s industrial production ticks down 0.5% y/y in September
Industrial production has been fluctuating since November 2021, with the slim decrease in September due to lower production in the mining and quarrying and utility sectors.
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.
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.
Slovenian foreign minister says North Macedonia could join the EU by 2030
Slovenia is one of the strongest supporters of North Macedonia’s EU accession process, which was long stalled by bilateral disputes with its neighbours.
bneGREEN: Great interest but not enough cash for e-cars in North Macedonia
North Macedonia will soon start producing e-cars and Skopje’s first electric vehicles exhibition drew crowds, but few people in the county can afford to go electric.
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.
Serbia’s Ananas E-commerce acquires Macedonian e-trade platforms
Ananas aims to offer the largest online marketplace in North Macedonia as it pursues expansion across the Western Balkans.
VISEGRAD BLOG: European family gathering mostly avoids fights
European Political Community isolates Russia, welcomes back UK and reassures EU candidate countries.
