We use cookies and other data for a number of reasons, such as keeping FT Sites reliable and secure, personalising content and ads, providing social media features and to analyse how our Sites are used.
Add this topic to your myFT Digest for news straight to your inbox
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
Also in today’s newsletter: signs of progress in Finland and Sweden’s Nato journey
War is waking up western governments to the need for more vigorous diplomacy in the Balkans
Refusal to resume work at public institutions reflects their deep resentment of Pristina
Washington keen to avert crisis ‘not too far away’ from Ukraine conflict
Belgrade puts troops on high alert as ethnic Serbs resist Pristina’s authority
Longstanding dispute over authority between Belgrade and Pristina remains acute but threat of immediate escalation falls
Brussels diplomat says parties’ failure to reach agreement is ‘playing with fire’ as Pristina pushes for wider deal
International Edition