Western Balkans

The judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued arrest warrants for Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska and two other officials for violating the state constitution. The political crisis threatens state institutions and the rule of law.

The student protests have sparked a wave of democratic mass mobilization throughout Serbia. However, it remains to be seen whether the students’ demands can be translated into political and parliamentary action to enable a peaceful democratic new beginning. 

The lithium deal brings a new quality to Serbia’s foreign policy zigzagging. At one stroke, Serbia became a strategic partner and the guarantor for the future of the European Green Deal.

The Rio Tinto controversy in Serbia revolves around the planned Jadar lithium mine. Despite economic benefits, strong opposition arises due to environmental concerns such as water shortages and pollution. Local protesters demand more environmental protection.

The Kosovo war of 25 years ago serves as a reminder that frozen conflicts and bilateral disputes cannot be swept under the rug for long. In the current geopolitical environment, they will blow up in Europe’s face.

The full and strategic alignment of policies and strategies between the United States and the EU regarding the Western Balkans region needs to be prioritized in the current challenging security context. It has worked before and will work again.

Corrupt politicians have been systematically plundering public budgets and natural resources in the Western Balkans for years. Increasingly, international actors are also discovering an El Dorado for dubious investments in these countries.