A Week in The Balkans!

From constitutional battles to street protests and from anti-corruption crackdowns to diplomatic equilibrium, the Western Balkans remain a region where politics never stand still. This week once again shows how closely domestic reforms, identity debates, and regional tensions are tied to a shared ambition: joining the European Union. But as governments push forward, internal divisions, public distrust, and unresolved historical disputes continue to shape the pace and the limits of progress. Here’s what happened this week across the region.

Amending for the Future: Reform or Political Gamble?

Montenegrin Consensus

The Montenegrin parliament has reached a consensus on the appointments to the National Constitutional Court. Judges Jovan Jovanović  and Nikola Mugoša have been appointed, despite persistent political divisions, therefore leaving some key positions vacant. Brussels, placing great importance on the independence of institutions and the rule of law, considers this constitutional reform essential to meet the conditions for accession to the European Union. However, the partisan struggles within the Montenegrin government are causing concern among high-ranking European representatives regarding the proper functioning of the court. Indeed, in the context of a precarious government coalition, the disagreements between pro-European and pro-Serbian factions are acute whenever it comes to debating proposals concerning Montenegrin’s national identity, notably the appointment of judges to the constitutional court. This is why calls for early elections have fueled political debates in the country this week.

Public opinion is growing weary of the political inefficiency and is raising suspicions of corruption. Civil society organizations continue to advocate for an end to partisan divisions in favor of the proper functioning of institutions. For their part, the press also denounces the lack of transparency within the government and political interference in judicial decisions. They reiterate that these decisions should be meritocratic and not subject to political debate.

This political instability is weighing on the country's development as the summer season approaches, bringing with it the return of tourism, a key economic sector.

Minority Inclusion or Veto in North Macedonia

In North Macedonia, efforts to meet European requirements continue through several constitutional amendments this week. To resolve bilateral disagreements with Bulgaria, the proposed modifications now include the recognition of various ethnic minorities, which are now enshrined in the constitution.

However, these amendments are not to the liking of nationalist parties. This is particularly true of VMRO-DPMNE, the main opposition party. They argue that any concessions to Bulgaria infringe upon North Macedonia's national sovereignty. These constitutional reforms require a two-thirds majority, making the opposition's approval in parliament necessary. The nationalist parties have therefore called for demonstrations to increase pressure on the government.

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevki is urging parliament to support this reform, citing its importance for the country's accession to the European Union. He asserts that these amendments are therefore a strategic priority.

Not all Macedonian citizens are convinced. Some understand that this compromise is necessary for the project to ensure the smooth progress of the accession process to the European Union. Others support the nationalist arguments that these reforms are a threat to national identity. This is not simply a matter of rights and minority inclusion, but stems from historical divisions between the two peoples. Indeed, Bulgaria has long maintained that North Macedonians are actually of Bulgarian ethnicity. Moreover, this constitutional reform is taking place because Bulgaria, a member of the European Union, vetoed North Macedonia's accession unless the Bulgarian minority was recognized in the constitution. North Macedonian nationals are therefore questioning why their identity should be challenged by external influences through the process of joining the European Union. 

For its part, the European Union hopes that these reforms will prevail despite the debates within the national parliament and confirms that they are necessary for the accession process.

Justice or Power: The Anti-Corruption Test

Andrej Plenkovic Facing the Fight Against Corruption

In Croatia, several high-ranking state officials were arrested due to suspicions of misappropriating European funds. Irregularities in public procurement prompted Croatian authorities to expand their anti-corruption investigation.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic emphasized the independence and transparency of institutions in an attempt to distance his government from the scandal. However, the opposition accuses him of systemic problems that the investigation is gradually revealing. In fact, the Croatian Anti-Corruption Office (USKOK) is investigating the financing of infrastructure projects and links between local elected officials and private companies.

A member of the Schengen Area and the Eurozone since January 2023, the European dimension of this investigation heightens expectations regarding respect for the rule of law. Brussels has reiterated the need for anti-corruption measures to maintain stable economic relations between its member states.

Some analysts already believe that this corruption scandal will impact the upcoming elections and will be detrimental to the ruling party. Indeed, in Zagreb, the public is expressing, through numerous demonstrations, a need for transparency and accountability from its governing elite.

Anti-corruption campaign supported by Edi Rama

In Albania, several high-ranking officials have been summoned as part of a campaign led by the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK). The suspicions relate to allegations of illicit enrichment through violations of public procurement contracts, as well as allegations of abuse of power.

SPAK can, however, count on the support of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has publicly endorsed the campaign, stating that it demonstrates the country's commitment to reforms of the justice system. Indeed, Albania's efforts are part of the country's accession to the European Union, which requires a concrete commitment to the independence of the judicial system and the fight against corruption.

However, public opinion is mixed. While many welcome the accountability measures, others remain skeptical about the likelihood that the investigations will lead to significant convictions.

Economically, Albania continues to demonstrate resilience, with growth driven by tourism and construction. However, corruption remains a major obstacle to sustainable development and investor confidence.This week’s events suggest that Albania is entering a critical phase in its reform trajectory, with potential long-term implications for governance and European integration.

Tensions Within, Calculations Beyond

The Fragmentation of the Dayton Accords in Bosnia-Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a law challenging the authority of state institutions was adopted following a proposal by Republika Srpska, led by Milorad Dodik. The aim of this law is to grant greater autonomy to the territory, whose majority ethnic group is Serb, by further limiting the powers of the Constitutional Court and other Bosnian state agencies.

However, some fear that this new measure will weaken the Dayton Accords, which have maintained inter-ethnic stability in the country since the 1990s. This new law has also been condemned by the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and the international community, which has even raised the possibility of sanctions against Republika Srpska. The European Union has added that the risk of instability in the country could jeopardize its candidacy for EU membership.

Indeed, the intercommunal conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina are paralyzing the government, preventing it from undertaking the judicial, economic, and administrative reforms required for EU membership. This failure of institutional cohesion has long-term consequences. Meanwhile, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina appear to have no other option but to emigrate in the face of high unemployment rates resulting from a dysfunctional state. It is worth remembering that the youth unemployment rate remains the highest in Europe at around 27%, which is causing an exodus of skilled and educated workers, since approximately 50% of students leave to study abroad.

The Tightrope Walkers of Belgrade

The Serbian government has chosen to continue its balancing act between pursuing EU membership and maintaining diplomatic relations with the Kremlin. President Aleksandar Vučić has once again justified his government's cautious approach to Moscow by citing their historical ties and the country's energy dependence, which, given the current energy crisis, cannot be reversed.

However, the European Union would like Serbia to align its foreign policy with that of its member states in order to jointly impose more sanctions against Russia. Brussels has reiterated that any progress in the accession process is contingent upon aligning Serbia's foreign policy with European objectives and normalizing Serbian-Kosovar relations.

Serbian citizens continue to demand greater press freedom and electoral reform in their demonstrations. The opposition denounces a decline in democracy and the centralization of power by the government.

Despite these dynamics, economic indicators remain stable thanks to foreign investment. However, some analysts fear that geopolitical ambiguity and national unrest could ultimately deter investors in the long term.

Fragile Peace Tested in Kosovo’s North

In Kosovo, the northern municipalities have once again been the scene of clashes between the Serb community and the authorities. The incidents stem from disagreements between the presence of Kosovar political forces and the local government. The clashes have been so violent that NATO's KFOPR mission has reinforced its presence in the region to ensure greater stability.

The Serbs accuse the government of provocations. The Kosovar government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti defends itself and asserts the necessary maintenance of sovereignty in the region through its police forces. The international community, notably the European Union and the United States, calls for de-escalation.

Despite mediation efforts by Brussels, dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina remains at a standstill. This situation is detrimental to both states' desire to join the European Union.

Finally, these incidents have direct consequences for their population, leading to increased insecurity. This event underscores the need to maintain diplomatic relations between the two countries, given the precarious state of their agreements.

In a region shaped by history, identity, and ambition, the Western Balkans are not just reacting to the past, they are actively negotiating their European future. For a generation that has grown up with the promise of European integration, these developments are more than political headlines: they are decisions that will define opportunities, mobility, and daily life in the years ahead.