Two impressive new histories about the Balkan neighbours show how the traumas of the past have left deep traces in the present
Aside from big names such as Marina Abramović, the region is little known globally, making it ripe for collectors
Albin Kurti says western capitals should give Belgrade a deadline to adopt sanctions against Russia
The artist has translated children’s schooldesk drawings into real-life works in a New York rooftop commission
Pristina set to impose monetary measure on February 1 despite risk of more ethnic tensions
Democratic backsliding and warm ties with Russia seem less important to Brussels than co-operation on migration
Madrid remains one of 5 EU capitals that still does not recognise Pristina’s independence
Alicia Kearns compares western tiptoeing around Belgrade with failed attempts to appease Vladimir Putin
Also in this newsletter: Giorgia Meloni’s awkward phone prank
Impasse in talks to normalise relations between Balkan neighbours raises fears of another conflict
Also in this newsletter: EU wants to kick-start investments to compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Edi Rama calls on western leaders to solve ‘never-ending madness’ among Balkan countries
Belgrade denies US claims of ‘unprecedented’ build-up of troops and arms on border
Unidentified fighters had barricaded themselves inside complex in latest sign of deteriorating ethnic tensions
Political stand-off increases Balkans security risks as relations between Pristina and Belgrade deteriorate
Rare move by Brussels mirrors steps taken by Washington in May
Belgrade has long been a Moscow ally, resisting western pressure on sanctions after Russia’s full-scale invasion
European Commission president offers to increase funding for countries waiting to join the bloc
Washington retaliates against Pristina’s lack of de-escalatory measures
Serb protesters and international peacekeepers injured as ethnic tensions flare up, sparking security concerns
Efforts by the EU and US to stabilise the Balkans and drain influence from Russia have run into one of Europe’s most intractable disputes
Also in today’s newsletter: Germany’s labour minister talks strikes, wages and worries
Even-handed justice and regional reconciliation are hard to achieve while pursuing atrocities committed during conflict
Western pressure for the two sides to resolve longstanding differences has intensified with the war in Ukraine
Also in this newsletter: the deep divisions undermining this weekend’s Serbia-Kosovo talks
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