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Western Balkans

The Western Balkans is a political term used for six countries in southeastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. None of these countries are members of the EU.

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A woman (Nerxhivane Azizi) in a military hat and uniform with a badge marked UCK (Kosovo Liberation Army) on the sleeve reads a newspaper by candlelight

A woman (Nerxhivane Azizi) in a military hat and uniform with a badge marked UCK (Kosovo Liberation Army) on the sleeve reads a newspaper by candlelight

Kosovo: Women veterans struggle for recognition

The contribution of women veterans during the 1998/99 Kosovo war remains largely overlooked.

Swans and ducks at Jarun Lake in Zagreb, Croatia

Swans and ducks at Jarun Lake in Zagreb, Croatia

How Croatians holiday locally at Zagreb's Lake Jarun

Lake Jarun in Zagreb is offering a local holiday alternative to Croatia's crowded and expensive Adriatic coastline.

Waiter working in the Kafana SFRJ in Belgrade

Waiter working in the Kafana SFRJ in Belgrade

Yugo-nostalgia: The restaurant where Yugoslavia never died

Kafana SFRJ in Belgrade is the place to go for those yearning for — or just curious about — the former Yugoslavia.

EU Commissioner: 'EU membership is about peace'

DW spoke to EU Commissioner Marta Kos about the accession prospects of a number of European countries.

Turkish and an Albanian flags fly during the inauguration of the Turkish-funded new Namazgah mosque

Turkish and an Albanian flags fly during the inauguration of the Turkish-funded new Namazgah mosque

Turkey ramps up political influence in the Western Balkans

Turkey wants to expand its influence in the Western Balkans by funding the construction of mosques.

A sunny day at an Albanian beach showing a white sandy bay with clear blue-green waters

A sunny day at an Albanian beach showing a white sandy bay with clear blue-green waters

Tourism boom: How Albania is finding its niche

Albanian tourism is booming. But faced with stiff regional competition, how does it plan to keep tourists coming back?

Serbian students demonstrate for justice in their country in Brussels, Belgium

Serbian students demonstrate for justice in their country in Brussels, Belgium

From Novi Sad to Brussels: A 1,950-km run for justice

Serbian students take their pro-democracy, anti-corruption protest to the EU.

Hungarian soldiers

Hungarian soldiers

Western Balkans peace threatened by new military alliances?

Croatia, Albania and Kosovo recently formed a new military alliance. Serbia and Hungary responded with their own ties.

Dodik, seen here, has faced US and British sanctions for his separatism, but has had the support of Moscow

Dodik, seen here, has faced US and British sanctions for his separatism, but has had the support of Moscow

Bosnia issues international arrest warrant for Milorad Dodik

Milorad Dodik is the leader of the Serb half of the country and has been accused of attacking the post-war order.

Two men (Richard Grenell and Donald Trump) in blue suits stand in front of a US flag. Between them and the flag is a large blue banner with the words 'Protect our food from China' and 'Protecting America Initiative,' which are only partially visible

Two men (Richard Grenell and Donald Trump) in blue suits stand in front of a US flag. Between them and the flag is a large blue banner with the words 'Protect our food from China' and 'Protecting America Initiative,' which are only partially visible

US President Donald Trump's trio for the Balkans

President Trump's new team for the Balkans includes some familiar faces with close ties to Serbia.

Microphones in front of Scholz as he answers reporters' questions

Microphones in front of Scholz as he answers reporters' questions

Western Balkans: No concrete promises for EU accession date

The EU wants to admit new members to demonstrate to Russia that Europe stands together. But there's still no firm date.

A MiG 29 fighter jet belonging to the Serbian Army is parked on the ground. Two soldiers stand in front of it; a military helicopter hovers above it

A MiG 29 fighter jet belonging to the Serbian Army is parked on the ground. Two soldiers stand in front of it; a military helicopter hovers above it

What's behind Serbia's rearmament?

Serbia's recent rearmament drive is alarming neighboring countries.

A man holds a smartphone. On the screen is a pixelated chat containing the image of a women with a blurred face. She is dressed in sexy underwear and strikes a sexually suggestive pose

A man holds a smartphone. On the screen is a pixelated chat containing the image of a women with a blurred face. She is dressed in sexy underwear and strikes a sexually suggestive pose

'Revenge porn' in Serbia: Crime without penalty

Private sex photos and films are increasingly being shared without consent. Many say victims are partly to blame.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stands in the middle of the front row of a group of foreign ministers of the Berlin Process countries. The ministers are standing in three rows in front of a line of flags, Berlin, Germany, October 1, 2024

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stands in the middle of the front row of a group of foreign ministers of the Berlin Process countries. The ministers are standing in three rows in front of a line of flags, Berlin, Germany, October 1, 2024

The Berlin Process: 10 years of hope and disillusionment

The Berlin Process seeks to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU. Ten years on, many promises remain unfulfilled.

Berlin, Germany: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the Western Balkans Conference on October 10, 2024

Berlin, Germany: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the Western Balkans Conference on October 10, 2024

The Berlin Process for the Western Balkans explained

Has ten years of the Berlin Process brought the six countries of the Western Balkans closer to the EU?

Presidential candidates Donald Trump (left) and Kamala Harris (right) can be seen on a large screen at a debate watch party at Penn Social, Washington D.C., USA, September 10, 2024. People can be seen in front of the screen

Presidential candidates Donald Trump (left) and Kamala Harris (right) can be seen on a large screen at a debate watch party at Penn Social, Washington D.C., USA, September 10, 2024. People can be seen in front of the screen

How US election outcome could affect the Western Balkans

Serbia hopes — and Kosovo fears — that Donald Trump will win the US election on November 5.

The minaret and dome of the Gazi Husrev-beg mosque in Sarajevo (right) are seen alongside the Sarajevo Clock Tower (left), Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

The minaret and dome of the Gazi Husrev-beg mosque in Sarajevo (right) are seen alongside the Sarajevo Clock Tower (left), Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Is Islamist radicalization returning to the Western Balkans?

The recent attack at the Israeli embassy in Belgrade has stoked fears of radicalization in the Western Balkans.

A woman holds up a placard that reads 'Respect my existence or expect my resistance'

A woman holds up a placard that reads 'Respect my existence or expect my resistance'

Femicide in Kosovo: Why do women keep being killed?

Kosovars have been outraged by recent news of two femicides in five days, leading to growing calls for effective action.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (right) look at each other as they pose for a family photo with other leaders after the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit in Tirana, Albania, February 28, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (right) look at each other as they pose for a family photo with other leaders after the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit in Tirana, Albania, February 28, 2024

Arms for Ukraine: Can the Western Balkans help?

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy would like to produce arms with the countries of the Western Balkans. Is this feasible?

Talat Xhaferi (left) and President Stevo Pendarovski (right) hold an official document between them while standing in front of a mosaic and three North Macedonian flags, Skopje, North Macedonia, January 26, 2024

Talat Xhaferi (left) and President Stevo Pendarovski (right) hold an official document between them while standing in front of a mosaic and three North Macedonian flags, Skopje, North Macedonia, January 26, 2024

North Macedonia elects first ethnic Albanian prime minister

North Macedonia had its "Obama moment" on Sunday when it elected an ethnic Albanian to lead its caretaker government.

Workers install a large banner reading 'EU-Western Balkans Summit' in Brussels, Belgium

Workers install a large banner reading 'EU-Western Balkans Summit' in Brussels, Belgium

EU wants closer ties to Western Balkans but expects reform

EU leaders gathered with colleagues from six Western Balkan states to discuss expanding the bloc.

The President of the European Council Charles Michel (left), Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (center) and Moldova's President Maia Sandu attend a joint press conference in Kyiv in November 2023

The President of the European Council Charles Michel (left), Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (center) and Moldova's President Maia Sandu attend a joint press conference in Kyiv in November 2023

Growing EU support for Ukraine's membership amid concerns

A recent poll found that many across the EU welcome the idea of the bloc's expansion but fear the economic impact, too.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg walks down a red carpet with the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, with soldiers standing to attention on both sides.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg walks down a red carpet with the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, with soldiers standing to attention on both sides.

What is NATO’s Balkan plan as Kosovo and Bosnia wobble?

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg conducted a quick tour of the delicate Western Balkans region. What was he trying to do?

Olaf Scholz (r) with Edi Rama in Tirana

Olaf Scholz (r) with Edi Rama in Tirana

Germany's Scholz heads to Western Balkan summit

Scholz, and other leaders, are meeting in the Albanian capital for talks on several countries' EU accession.

Head shot of a man (Alexander Rhotert) with glasses in front of a pale wall

Head shot of a man (Alexander Rhotert) with glasses in front of a pale wall

My Europe: 'Trip wires' for peace in the Western Balkans

Alexander Rhotert

After the violence in Kosovo, a peacekeeping mission must stop a new conflict in the Balkans, says Alexander Rhotert.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

EU enlargement: Is the bloc ready for new members?

Before it can credibly roll out the welcome mat for new members, experts say, the EU has its own reform homework to do.

The flags of North Macedonia (left) and the EU are seen in a glass on a table with flowers in the background, Skopje, North Macedonia, July 20, 2022

The flags of North Macedonia (left) and the EU are seen in a glass on a table with flowers in the background, Skopje, North Macedonia, July 20, 2022

North Macedonia: How long before it can join the EU?

North Macedonia has been waiting since 2005 — longer than any other country — for EU accession negotiations to begin.

European Council President Charles Michel speaks during the Bled Strategic Forum 2023 at the Bled Festival Hall in Bled, Slovenia

European Council President Charles Michel speaks during the Bled Strategic Forum 2023 at the Bled Festival Hall in Bled, Slovenia

Michel says EU must be ready to admit new members by 2030

The European Council President EU and candidate countries must implement reforms for the next expansion by 2030.

A tractor drives along an empty street in the city of Gjakova, Kosovo

A tractor drives along an empty street in the city of Gjakova, Kosovo

Kosovo's brain drain: How the skills exodus impacts society

The shortage of skilled labor in Germany is triggering massive emigration in several countries, including Kosovo.

A girl with long brown hair crouches beside a row of white lilies and lit taper candles propped up near an iron railing

A girl with long brown hair crouches beside a row of white lilies and lit taper candles propped up near an iron railing

Serbia: Two mass shootings in two days

More people have been killed in a gun attack in Serbia. The country is in shock, and its people are looking for reasons.

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci attends his war crimes trial in The Hague,

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci attends his war crimes trial in The Hague,

Kosovo Liberation Army war crimes trial begins in The Hague

Former top commanders in the Kosovo Liberation Army stand accused of persecuting political rivals and ethnic minorities.

A polling station in Podgorica, Montenegro

A polling station in Podgorica, Montenegro

Montenegro election heading to a runoff — preliminary result

Montenegrins have voted in a presidential election that could shape the country's attitude towards the West and Serbia.

Symbolbild | Fachkräftemangel in Deutschland

Symbolbild | Fachkräftemangel in Deutschland

Easing labor migration rules threatens wages, unions say

Berlin plans to grant more work visas to people from the Western Balkans. Unions are worried that wages will suffer.

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'Serbia will never accept the independence of Kosovo'

Serbia's minister of European Integration stated that Belgrade will never recognize Kosovo's independence.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama (l) kisses the hand of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (r) as she smiles and speaks into his ear at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, in Tirana, Albania

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama (l) kisses the hand of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (r) as she smiles and speaks into his ear at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, in Tirana, Albania

EU-Western Balkans summit: Accession 'is a two-way street'

The bloc wants a speedier process, too, but expects to see reform and commitment from would-be joiners.

Sali Berisha speaks at a rally after being attacked

Sali Berisha speaks at a rally after being attacked

Albanian opposition leader attacked during protests

Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha was punched in the face by a man during an anti-government protest march.

Green MEP Viola von Cramon

Green MEP Viola von Cramon

MEP Viola von Cramon: 'Black Sea region pays crucial role'

Green MEP Viola von Cramon on the importance of the Black Sea region and the EU's relations with the Western Balkans.

Ocean Viking, a migrant rescue ship is seen in the mediterranean sea.

Ocean Viking, a migrant rescue ship is seen in the mediterranean sea.

EU interior ministers address migration challenges

EU interior ministers discuss more coordination in migration management across the bloc

Olaf Scholz and Ursula von der Leyen

Olaf Scholz and Ursula von der Leyen

Germany calls on western Balkans to settle conflicts

Chancellor Scholz said that moving past old differences was the only way to stand up to Russia and to join the EU.

Western Balkans Summit, people sitting around a round table, flags in the background

Western Balkans Summit, people sitting around a round table, flags in the background

Are the Western Balkan countries headed for EU membership?

The Berlin Process aimed to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU. It is being revived.

Germany's Annalena Baerbock attends Western Balkans conference in Berlin

Germany's Annalena Baerbock attends Western Balkans conference in Berlin

Baerbock hails West Balkan free-movement steps

Germany's top diplomat says West Balkan states are moving toward EU accession by facilitating a common regional market.

German diplomat Susanne Schütz being interviewed by Ana Ruci of DW in a garden in Tirana. Behind her the flags of Albania, Germany and the EU

German diplomat Susanne Schütz being interviewed by Ana Ruci of DW in a garden in Tirana. Behind her the flags of Albania, Germany and the EU

The Berlin Process is unique, says German Diplomat

Interview with Susanne Schütz, responsible for South-East Europe and Turkey at the Foreign Office.

Bosnian flags outside the Greece–Bosnia and Herzegovina Friendship Building

Bosnian flags outside the Greece–Bosnia and Herzegovina Friendship Building

Bosnia elections: No improvement in sight

Despite the country's many problems, Bosnia's elections on October 2 are not expected to bring change or improvement.

The Adriatic at Karaburun in Vlora, Albania

The Adriatic at Karaburun in Vlora, Albania

Albania tiptoes slowly towards wind power

Albania has enough wind for a thriving wind power sector, but progress has been slowed by a number of obstacles.

Nenad Maricic takes a reading from the family's solar power plant, Ruma, Serbia

Nenad Maricic takes a reading from the family's solar power plant, Ruma, Serbia

Serbia: Costs curb uptake of solar panels

Although enthusiasm for rooftop solar power generation in Serbia is high, private households face many obstacles.

A heating plant in Gjakova, Kosovo, surrounded by a green field

A heating plant in Gjakova, Kosovo, surrounded by a green field

Kosovo opens first biomass heating plant

A new biomass heating plant in the Kosovar district of Gjakova is a novelty in the Balkans — and a model for the region.

Aerial view of solar roof of Drim Hotel

Aerial view of solar roof of Drim Hotel

Solar thermal output falls short in sunny North Macedonia

Most of the subsidies in North Macedonia target photovoltaic systems rather than solar thermal collectors.

Edward P. Joseph

Edward P. Joseph

'Open Balkan' could worsen political problems in region

Balkans analyst Edward P. Joseph says that the Open Balkan initiative has "dangerous implications" for the region.

Bosnien und Herzegowina | Erneuerbare Energien | Solaranlage bei Hodovo

Bosnien und Herzegowina | Erneuerbare Energien | Solaranlage bei Hodovo

Renewable energy rollout stalls in Bosnia

The development of clean energy in Bosnia is being hampered by bureaucracy, corruption, and the mighty coal industry.

Ursula von der Leyen and the prime ministers of North Macedonia and Albania shake hands

Ursula von der Leyen and the prime ministers of North Macedonia and Albania shake hands

EU begins bloc talks with Albania, N. Macedonia

The European Union has reignited membership talks with Albania and North Macedonia amid tensions in the region.