Serbia
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.
Belgrade and Pristina blame each other for explosions in northern Kosovo
Several explosions and gunshots were reported in two municipalities in northern Kosovo.
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.
Croatia and Serbia deny secret Chinese police presence
Beijing reportedly set up dozens of police stations around the globe to monitor and repatriate Chinese citizens
EU to help Western Balkans curb illegal migration surge
Illegal movements along the Western Balkans routes have significantly increased in 2022.
Kosovans accuse FIFA of double standards after reports of death threats from Serbia fans
Amid heightened tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, the World Cup match between Serbia and Switzerland — which has two key players of Kosovo Albanian origin — became highly politicised.
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.
Pro-Russian ex-interior minister to head Serbia’s intelligence service
Aleksandar Vulin was a staunchly pro-Russian member of the former government, who paid a high-profile visit to Moscow in August.
Poland scrapes through to World Cup’s last 16 after humbling defeat by Argentina
Poland go through group stage for first time for 36 years, with Croatia poised to join them as the only CEE teams to progress.
Serbian politicians spent €1.4bn on social media promotion since 2019
Ruling SNS is the biggest spender as Serbian politicians and parties increasingly reach out to voters on social media rather than traditional channels.
FIFA to take action against Serbia over controversial political banner in World Cup locker room
Banner showing Kosovo as part of Serbia reignited tensions after a deal was struck to end rift over car number plates that risked starting new conflict.
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.
Serbia and Kosovo reach agreement to end number plate dispute
Deal to ease tense situation in northern Kosovo, after EU High Commissioner Josep Borrell warned earlier this month of risk of a new conflict.
Poll shows Serbian interest in EU accession waning
Survey shows widespread indifference. Just 28% of respondents are enthusiastic about joining the EU, while 19% hope accession negotiations fail.
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.
Meeting of Serbia, Kosovo leaders ends without agreement
Fears of escalation in northern Kosovo after leaders fail to reach a deal on dispute over car number plates.
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.
Luxoft opens development centre in Serbia, Yandex to follow
International IT companies that have quit the Russian market setting up in Serbia alongside Russian tech companies.
Serbian president’s Chechen outfit sparks Twitter spat between top politicians
European Parliament rapporteur Viola von Cramon in online row with Serbian PM Ana Brnabic after questioning Belgrade’s commitment to EU values.
