Last week started with cabinet changes in the Macedonian government following the resignation of the minister of education. At the same time, reports from the country are showing 4% growth in industrial production, placing Macedonia ahead of some EU countries in terms of economic recovery.

Legal and illegal businesses connecting Balkan countries Legal and political manoeuvring around the case of suspected Balkan drug kingpin Naser Kelmendi continued last week as the Bosnian court froze Kelmendi’s property in the country, including a well-known Sarajevo hotel. The decision is part of the preparations for the expected extradition of Kelmendi who was arrested […]

Still no solutions to the regional disputes The previous week started with the Serbian government officially refusing the EU-brokered offer on the status of ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. Apparently, the offer was not presented in writing, but consisted of a set of principles read out to the Pristina and Belgrade delegations last Tuesday by Catherine […]

An opportunity to name a country is a rare occasion. Greek politicians have been savoring this opportunity for 22 years. Why don’t we all join them? What name would the Orient Express readers choose for Macedonia? Choose among the proposals already discussed, or even better – be creative and help Greece and Macedonia overcome their […]

Serbia-Kosovo Talks Hit Stalemate The week has started less than promisingly for Belgrade and Pristina, as their representatives failed to reach agreement in the 8th round of EU mediated talks. Both delegations arrived back at their capitals without having agreed on the role and jurisdiction of the Association of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo. After 12 […]