North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s local elections to test support for ruling Social Democrats
Contenders for Skopje mayor use televised debate to criticise ruling party over uncompleted infrastructure projects.
North Macedonia’s central bank holds key rate as growth moderates
Central bank last cut its key rate to 1.25% in March and has so far not joined the shift to monetary tightening.
Rooting out corruption proves a tough job in North Macedonia
The Social Democrat-led government came to power pledging a vigorous and transparent fight against corruption, but tackling entrenched corruption has not been easy.
Von der Leyen says EU has to deliver on enlargement
EU leaders reaffirmed their support for enlargement at summit in Slovenia, but they did not set any firm timeline.
Western Balkans falling further behind eastern EU members
Neither regional integration nor closer ties with EU have led to increased trade, investment or overall prosperity in the region, says a new report from wiiw and Bertelsmann Stiftung.
Threat of new EU travel restrictions looms ahead of Western Balkan summit
Ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit on October 6, a leaked EU document revealed that several EU member states are seeking to restrict visa-free travel for some nationals from the region as well as other East European countries.
BALKAN BLOG: Elusive enlargement and a reignited conflict
Despite the positive words from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, it was clear that the accession of counties from the region to the EU remains elusive and has no clear timescale.
European Commission president to push for EU negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia by year-end
Ursula von der Leyen speaks strongly in favour of progressing Albania and North Macedonia towards EU accession, but EU members are still divided on the issue.
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.
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.
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.
North Macedonia’s health minister offers resignation over fire in COVID-19 hospital
Fire in a makeshift COVID-19 hospital in Tetovo killed 15 people.
At least 14 died in fire at makeshift COVID-19 hospital in North Macedonia
Fire broke out in Tetovo, where low vaccination rates led to a severe fourth wave of the pandemic, overwhelming local hospitals.
North Macedonia’s annual inflation accelerates to 3.6% in August
Central bank expects consumer prices to increase further based on expected movements in import prices.
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.
North Macedonia turns to GDP growth of 13.1% in 2Q21
Economy rebounds from steep contraction in 2Q20, with a strong performance from the retail, hospitality and manufacturing sectors.
North Macedonia’s jobless rate falls to 15.9% in 2Q21
The jobless rate has been constantly falling in the last few years, but the pace slowed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
North Macedonia’s annual PPI growth speeds up to 9.9% y/y in July
North Macedonia’s domestic industrial producer price index started to grow in February, and growth accelerated in July.
BALKAN BLOG: Ohrid’s local charm vs historic heritage
When North Macedonia’s authorities demolished lakeside bars and wooden piers at Lake Ohrid to comply with UNESCO recommendations, locals complained the shoreside resorts lost their charm.
