Late diagnosis and systemic gaps drive high cancer death rates in the Balkans

Despite cancer rates similar to Western Europe, patients in the Balkans are far more likely to die from the disease. Experts point to delayed detection, weak primary care, and limited access to advanced diagnostics as the principal culprits. Across the …

Western Balkans: An emerging renewable energy powerhouse?

The Western Balkans—a region that was the scene of fierce ethnic bloodshed in the 1990s after the breakup of Yugoslavia—now wants to make a name for itself in renewable energy. To that end, a conference will take place Oct. 6-7 at the Montenegrin resort of …

Early access to Schengen area could offer Western Balkans tangible integration benefits

Kristof Bender, deputy chairman of the European Stability Initiative, recently proposed offering Western Balkan states a roadmap to Schengen as an intermediate milestone. Highlighting non-EU members currently in the area, Bender noted: "Four countries …

PM Rama appeals to Europe: Don’t leave the Balkans behind

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about Albania’s European integration process at the Interparliamentary Conference, “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” where he also addressed the country’s social and political climate. Referring to …

Western Balkans still dumps 83% of its waste in landfills

The region recycles little, illegal dumps remain common and the gap with the EU is still huge. TIRANA, Sept. 28, 2026 — More than 83% of municipal waste in the Western Balkans still ends up in landfills. The EU figure is 23%. Recycling is barely moving in …

EU Raises Concerns Over US Energy Expansion and Influence in Western Balkans

Brussels – The vigorous efforts led by American energy companies to strengthen their influence and expand their share in the Western Balkans markets are causing increasing concern within the European Union. Brussels fears that these moves will keep the …

Carl Bildt warns of growing risks to stability in Bosnia and the Balkans

In a commentary titled “Alarm Bells in the Balkans”, published by Project Syndicate, Bildt argued that several developments across Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo may become particularly dangerous if they begin to reinforce one another.

Putin, Vucic discuss Ukrainian conflict, situation in Balkans

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, have discussed relevant issues on the international agenda, including the situation around the Ukrainian conflict, and the situation in …

Đurić Confers with UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans

Minister Hoxha from New York: Regional cooperation is essential for security and well-being in the Western Balkans

As part of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in a discussion on strengthening regional cooperation, organized within the framework of Romania’s chairmanships of the …