Balkans

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: Connectivity in an era of geopolitical uncertainty

Launched at the 2023 Group of Twenty (G20) summit in New Delhi, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) features three pillars that integrate existing and future infrastructure: a transportation pillar—the corridor’s backbone—integrating rail and maritime networks, an energy pillar with interconnected energy and electricity infrastructure across continents, and a digital pillar providing new fiber-optic cables and cross-border digital infrastructure.

Tirana stands in solidarity with Palestine – K2.0

Protestors called for an end to the atrocities and genocide in Gaza.

As global outrage toward the state of Israel grows over the escalating humanitarian crisis and atrocities against Palestinians, several hundred citizens gathered last night in Skënderbeg Square in Tirana to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza.

Hungary’s Foreign Policy Crossroads – and Why It Matters for the EU

epa11786445 (L-R) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attend a press conference at the end of the EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 19 December 2024. EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss Ukraine, the EU in the world, the Middle East, resilience and preparedness, migration and foreign policy issues. EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

Media Censorship in Kosovo at the Behest of Big Business

With media outlets in Kosovo and the region increasingly concentrated in the hands of major business moguls, journalists say censorship to protect the owners’ interests has become ‘the norm’.

A six-month investigation, involving over thirty sources, most of whom requested to remain anonymous due to consequences they fear they may face. This journalistic piece reveals that with the expansion of the media market in Kosovo, large businesses are increasingly taking control of journalistic work.

Follow the Money: Tracking Hidden Funds Behind Extremism in the Balkans

epa05614537 An Egyptian currency vendor counting US doilar and euro bank notes in Cairo, Egypt, 02 November 2016. Reports by state news agency MENA state Egypt’s Central Bank (CBE) held the local currency, the Egyptian pound stable against the US dollar at EGP 8.78 at the weekly auction 02 November. At the same time, Egyptian pound weakened considerably in the black market and fell from 18 to 13 pounds against one USA dollar. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI

Ethno-nationalism often fuels religious and far-right extremism by crafting a unifying narrative centered on identity, grievances and perceived victimhood.

These narratives are frequently rooted in historical conflicts and territorial disputes. In some cases, these stories escalate into violence.

Media in the Balkans: the rise of oligarchs

More and more media in the Balkan region are being acquired and controlled by big tycoons. For journalists and industry experts, this trend is heavily reflected in editorial policies, creating growing problems of censorship and self-censorship