Recent Posts

Bosnia’s EUFOR Mission Endangered by Russia-West Row over New Overseer

Germany’s unilateral push to appoint a new High Representative in Bosnia has angered Russia, with direct ramifications for the EU’s military mission and the stability of the country. In the end, Germany got their man. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Peace Implementation Council, PIC, has approved the nomination of German parliamentarian Christian …

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Politicians Turn Influencers in Albanian ‘Online Election’

A BIRN data analysis shows that Albania’s ruling Socialists dominated the social media campaign before the country’s last parliamentary election. Experts worry about the effect on public debate and democracy. The crowd cheered and online viewers held their breath as the plane glided in to land at the Zayed-North Wings …

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Balkan Investors Join Crypto Trading Craze

Many people in the Balkans see cryptocurrency trading as a means to make money fast. Others are hooked on the philosophy. Stefan Angelovski starts his day with a cup of coffee and a browse online at which cryptocurrencies to buy and which to sell. The 33-year-old former fitness trainer in …

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Bosnian Far-Right Movement Weds Bosniak Nationalism, Neo-Nazism

BIRN lifts the lid on the Bosnian Movement of National Pride, a secretive organisation promoting neo-Nazi Bosniak nationalism. Emir finally felt comfortable enough to place on the table the sheets of paper he had folded and hid under his jacket. The pages contained promotional material of a far-right organisation he …

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Albanian Election Commissioner Turns Blind Eye to Broadcast Bias

Data analysed by BIRN shows that most Albanian broadcasters broke rules by allocating more airtime to the ruling Socialist Party in the run-up to April’s parliamentary election, but they escaped sanction. In fining Albania’s public broadcaster, RTSH, for violating a ban on campaign coverage on the eve of the country’s …

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Conflict Risks: Deteriorated Situations

Mali Amid rising social discontent, military junta staged another coup; jihadist violence persisted in north and centre. Following series of strikes paralysing country, PM Ouane 14 May offered resignation to President N’Daw, who immediately reappointed him to form more inclusive cabinet. After interim govt 24 May appointed new cabinet ministers, …

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