The formal alignment with EU public procurement rules is bypassed by Western Balkans’ adoption of special laws, triggering risks of favoritism and corruptive practices. “EPPO’s jurisdiction should be part of the accession treaty”, declares Miloš Pavković, Chief Strategist at European Policy Center (CEP) in Belgrade

27/02/2026, Luisa Chiodi, Gentiola Madhi 

MEPs want to prevent funds in the new cycle from being allocated “based on national preferences rather than shared European criteria and objectives.” Interview with Siegfried Mureșan, co-rapporteur on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

26/02/2026, Federico Baccini  Brussels

Between inclusion in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the end of roaming charges, the positive approach of gradual integration into the Union also carries “the risk that we won’t get any further.” An interview with Richard Grieveson, Deputy Director of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies

25/02/2026, Federico Baccini  Brussels

For over two months, the opposition in Albania has been taking to the streets to denounce high-level corruption and demand the resignation of the government. The protests were sparked by the case of Belinda Balluku, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, who is under investigation by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office

25/02/2026, Erisa Kryeziu  Tirana

The neighbourhood of 5 Maji, north of Tirana, is at the centre of a controversial and opaque urban renewal plan. Several houses have already been demolished to make way for new buildings, leaving residents in a precarious situation. Reportage

25/02/2026, Federico Caruso, Francesca Barca 

Constantin Brâncuși, one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, was born on 19 February 1876, in Hobița, Romania. This year, in Romania and beyond, numerous initiatives are planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth. A review of key events

20/02/2026, Oana Dumbrava