Balkan developments

Western Balkans risk losing over EUR 700 million in EU funding in 2026

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has sent a letter to the leaders of Western Balkan countries warning that they could lose a total of up to EUR 750 million from the Growth Plan, regional media and BTA reported.

“Currently, more than EUR 700 million are at risk of being permanently lost across the region if reforms are not completed by June 2026 or December 2026”, Marta Kos said before the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.

By the end of the year, Albania risks losing EUR 67.7 million, Montenegro EUR 15.1 million, Kosovo EUR 68.8 million, North Macedonia EUR 49.2 million, and Serbia over EUR 110 million.

The Growth Plan provides for a total of EUR 6 billion for Western Balkan countries, conditional on the implementation of specific reforms.

Former Prime Minister Janez Janša could lead Slovenia’s new government

The winner of Slovenia’s parliamentary elections on 22 March – the liberal “Freedom Movement” of incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob – has failed to form a coalition government and will remain in opposition, BGNES reported. Robert Golob told President Nataša Pirc Musar that he could not secure a majority in the 90-seat parliament.

The “Freedom Movement” holds only 29 seats. The right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Janez Janša has 28 MPs. Zoran Stevanović of the sovereigntist “Resni.ca” bloc was elected Speaker of Parliament with 48 votes.

Observers now expect Janša to form a coalition cabinet. New elections will be called if the Slovenian parliament fails to elect a government within a month.

Romania's prime minister has been called on to resign over austerity measures

Romania is facing a political crisis after the largest of the four parties in the governing coalition called for the resignation of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. Social Democratic Party leader Sorin Grindeanu announced that the decision was taken by an almost unanimous internal vote. The left-wing parties oppose Bolojan’s austerity measures.

Due to the high budget deficit, Bolojan plans to raise taxes and freeze pensions and public sector wages. After socialist ministers withdrew from the cabinet, Prime Minister Bolojan, who is also leader of the National Liberal Party, said he would try to form a minority government.

Following consultations with the parties, President Nicușor Dan urged them to “focus more on solutions than on problems”, Digi24 reported. 

EU begins drafting Montenegro’s accession treaty

Ambassadors of EU member states have approved the establishment of a working group to draft the Accession Treaty with Montenegro. This was announced by Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, the MINA news agency reported.

The decision is a recognition of Montenegro’s progress and an encouragement to accelerate reforms, said EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. In a post on the social network X, she stated: “Montenegro’s place inside the EU is now taking shape. This is a major step on the path to membership.”

Marta Kos added that lessons have been learned from past enlargements, and that future accession treaties will include new and stronger safeguards to prevent backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental values.

Ohrid now on the map of European cultural routes

Ohrid has become part of the European cultural routes of the Council of Europe. The decision was taken at the General Assembly in Aquileia, Italy. This is recognition of Ohrid’s historical and civilizational role, connected to the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their disciples, said Municipal Council Chairman Perco Bozhinovski, who attended the assembly, vecer.press reported.

“Joining the Cultural Routes of Europe opens new opportunities for international cooperation, cultural exchange, and the development of cultural tourism, through which Ohrid will position itself as a recognisable European destination”, Bozhinovski added. He also announced that the municipality is preparing a major celebration for 24 May – the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov