Southern discomfort: The West’s competition with China in the Balkans
The West has only recently started to develop a coordinated strategy to compete with China in the Balkans. This contest has now begun in earnest.
Western Balkans
Echo of empire: Why Russia’s war on Ukraine troubles all post-Soviet countries
Russia’s war on Ukraine could have a heavy impact on other post-Soviet countries. Unless the EU helps these countries deal with the effects of the conflict, they could become increasingly dependent on the Kremlin.
Bound to Russia: Serbia’s disruptive neutrality
The deepening relationship between Belgrade and Moscow has long created unease across the Balkans. By refusing to condemn Russia’s war on Ukraine, Serbia has proven once again that it is a liability to the EU and NATO.
War and hate: Lessons for the Balkans from the invasion of Ukraine
Ukraine’s leaders have been careful not to organise the war effort around hatred of Russians. Societies recover much faster from war than from hate.
Small but complex: Montenegro’s minority government and the EU’s role in democratic reform
The recent collapse of Montenegro’s ruling coalition creates both risks and opportunities for democratic reform. The EU needs to help the country’s interim minority government resist Serbian and Russian influence.
Peace of the action: The Kremlin’s plans in Bosnia and Ukraine
Russia’s ambition to draw up a new international security architecture extends to regions where the US and its European allies have traditionally taken a leading role
Western Balkans in trouble: Why the EU should make a new offer to the region
The EU currently lacks tools to make a real difference to stability in the Western Balkans. But it can create these tools if it musters the political will.
The German Greens’ future foreign policy challenge in the Western Balkans
The German Greens’ positions on the Western Balkans check all the right boxes. The challenge will be to translate these positions into a bold policy on the region.
Vaccine passports: How the EU can win the next round of covid diplomacy
A new EUROVAX scheme should be at the heart of the EU’s new offer to help its neighbours tackle covid-19 in the years ahead
The Balkans non-paper and the dangers of Plan B
Only a firm framework of integration can bring long-term stability to the Balkans – this is as relevant today as it was in 2003, when EU leaders offered membership to all countries in the region