what’s trending

  • © Baloncici/Shutterstock
    energy and economy

    As Gazprom’s imminent withdrawal approaches, the future of the Serbian oil industry remains uncertain. In addition to the economic repercussions, the geopolitical balance will also be shaken, and Russian influence in Serbia appears destined to decline

    11/06/2026, Ilya Matveev  Belgrado

  • Tiraspol, Transnistria, Moldova © RudencoMihail/Shutterstock
    economy

    Transnistria is in serious economic crisis, so much so that it has initiated the creation of a fund called “Vmeste” (Russian for “Together”), which collects donations to pay salaries and pensions, and also to maintain its distance from the Moldovan government

    11/06/2026, Gian Marco Moisé  Chișinău

  • Maria Karistianou at the EU Parliament © Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock
    New political movements

    From a mother devastated by the Tempi rail tragedy to a political leader: on May 22 Maria Karystianou launched her “Hope for Democracy” movement. A move which already shook the Greek establishment with her calls for accountability and renewal, though not without contradictions

    10/06/2026, Mary Drosopoulos  Thessaloniki

  • During protests in Tirana, Albania - Foto E. Kryeziu
    Civil society

    Following several incidents of violence against protesters, the mobilisation to defend the protected area of ​​Pishë Poro-Nartë in Albania intensified and quickly escalated into a demand for a different Albania. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama is pointing the finger at alleged external enemies, calling it a hybrid war

    09/06/2026, Erisa Kryeziu  Tirana

  • Elections in Kosovo © Andy.LIU/SHutterstock
    Early elections

    In the snap elections held on Sunday 7 June, the Vetëvendosje movement once again emerged as the clear winner, although its share of the vote fell. Opposition parties are gaining ground, whilst voter turnout has dropped significantly

    08/06/2026, Mehmet Krasniqi  Pristina

  • Empty frame © vvoe/Shutterstock
    the big looting

    Since 2014, Russian forces have looted hundreds of museums and galleries in occupied Ukraine, stealing at least 1.7 million works of art. Experts speak of a systematic criminal campaign against Ukraine’s artistic and cultural heritage

    05/06/2026, Anna Romandash