A Year of Division
EU and the Western Balkans: Five Things to Watch in 2026
Expected developments in 2026 hint towards division of the region between EU hopefuls and left-behinds, but significant changes or shocks are also possible.
2025 in the Western Balkans
Key events in 2025 that shaped the region
Kosovo snap election
Kurti wins, breaking the political deadlock
Latest news
- New EU Council presidency
Cyprus aims to make “solid progress” in the EU enlargement over the next six months
09.01.2026. - Kosovo election
All votes counted: Kurti’s party wins 57 seats, Serb List 9 out of 10
09.01.2026. - OFAC issues a license
NIS can import oil from JANAF, Vučić hopes “Russians and Hungarians will finish the job”
02.01.2026. - Kosovo snap election
Kurti wins, breaking the political deadlock
29.12.2025. - OFAC license for negotiations extended
Hungarian MOL officially part of talks on acquiring Russian stake in Serbian NIS
26.12.2025.
Analyses
A Year of Division
EU and the Western Balkans: Five Things to Watch in 2026
2025 in the Western Balkans
Key events in 2025 that shaped the region
Explainers
The case of the General Staff buildingsHow did Jared Kushner’s company project pit the Serbian ruling party against the judiciary?
Incidents and police brutalityWhat is behind the recent escalation of Serbian protests?
- Threats of boycott
Why are elections not a way out of the current Serbian crisis?
Interviews
Opinions & Editorials
Ukraine's corruption reckoningA wartime lesson the Balkans and Brussels must heed
Raw Materials Week 2025Spotlight on mining in the Western Balkans
- Market integration with the EU essential
Can Europe strengthen its market through regional integration?
Serbia Elects
Complete overview
Parliamentary groups in the new Serbian National Assembly
International reactions
Serbia to implement ODIHR recommendations without delay
