Some EU officials worry that Brussels is no match for Russia when it comes to influence in the Balkans. Amid attempts by "external actors" to discredit the EU, officials are blaming Mogherini for inadequate efforts.
http://www.dw.com/en/eu-officials-warn-of-underestimating-russian-propaganda-in-balkans/a-41371020
In an interview for Deutsche Welle, the European Union Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, said the ongoing Trieste summit for the Western Balkans is aimed at providing as many concrete results as possible. He mentioned in this respect a number of projects the EU plans to fund in the field of transport, energy, trade, infrastructure which will amount to around 1 billion euro. “We think that in the coming years around 80,000 new jobs will be opened in this region,” Hahn said.
All talk, no action? Cooperative economic projects have been the hot topic ahead of a conference between leaders from the EU and Western Balkan countries. But EU expansion in the region remains as elusive as ever.
The EU is pushing its enlargement policy into background; the strengthening of the front toward Russia and of investors' interests will follow in the Balkans.
At the same time, Serbia is "expected to give up Kosovo," Left Party member of the German parliament Sevim Dagdelen has told Deutsche Welle.
Muslim communities in the Balkans are facing a growing problem - Islamist radicalism. Both the US and Germany have voiced concerns about extremism taking root in a region still struggling to heal war wounds.
Political deadlock over a border demarcation agreement with Montenegro has led to the downfall of Kosovo's coalition government. An election is expected next month.
The idea of Greater Albania – uniting all Albanians in one state – is once again a hot topic in the Balkans. While leaders in Pristina and Tirana deny pan-Albanian ambitions, their recent statements have caused alarm.
http://www.dw.com/en/greater-albania-bogeyman-or-a-pipe-dream/a-38705227
European Parliament’s rapporteur for visa liberalisation for Kosovo, Tanja Fajon, said in an interview to Deutsche Welle that Kosovo needs to either ratify the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro or find a different alternative but that the decision would have to be taken by Kosovo politicians. Fajon said she understood the sensitivity of the border demarcation as a condition for visa liberalisation but added that it was imposed by the European Commission and that the government of Kosovo led by Hashim Thaci at the time, agreed.
Prime Minister Aleksander Vucic is the frontrunner in a crowded field that includes a 25-year-old satirist. Serbia's presidency is largely ceremonial, but critics worry Vucic would use the role to consolidate his power.
http://www.dw.com/en/serbians-go-to-the-polls-to-pick-new-president/a-38253902
Secessionist aspirations, anti-government protests and ethnic provocations: the Balkans, it seems, cannot find peace, the Heidelberg-based political scientist Silvia Steininger tells DW.
http://www.dw.com/en/an-extremely-explosive-combination-in-the-balkans/a-37832715