Last Sunday, local elections were held in Gyumri, Armenia's second city. With a voter turnout of 42.68%, no candidate obtained an absolute majority to govern.These elections have national importance in view of the 2026 parliamentary elections
The recent tragedy of the fire in the Kočani nightclub in North Macedonia has caused a wave of solidarity: among the first to respond was neighbouring Greece, sadly familiar with the dynamics of disasters caused by corruption and lack of political accountability
Every year, dozens of pedestrians are hit on roads in North Macedonia. The recent death of a student in Skopje has sparked strong street protests, demanding regulations to make the country's roads safer
The oceanic demonstration on Saturday, March 15 in Belgrade was repeatedly obstructed, with buses and trains cancelled and groups of fake students "wanting to return to class" supported by veterans of the infamous Red Berets
Surprise comments made last week by the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister revealed that the text of peace treaty with Armenia has been finalised. The move was widely welcomed internationally, though questions remain as to where and when the landmark agreement will be signed
The Albanian government has imposed a one-year ban on TikTok, citing concerns over the platform’s influence on young people. The decision has been criticized for its lack of transparency and its potential impact on freedom of expression, particularly in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections on May 11
The fire at the "Pulse" nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, turned into a huge tragedy on Sunday, with at least 59 victims. Initial investigations speak of very serious irregularities in the security systems and the license of the club. The country is in mourning
Having made a fortune in Russia, Armenian businessman Ruben Vardanyan moved to the then disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh where he became de facto State Minister. Arrested by Azerbaijan in 2023, he is now on trial in Baku. After going on hunger strike last month, Vardanyan issued an audio statement last week, creating further headaches for the Pashinyan government in Armenia
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has been calling for a generic "fight against corruption" for twelve years. Until a few weeks ago, this was just empty rhetoric. Now, to calm the protests, some arrests have been made, but they remain unconvincing and the protests are not subsiding
The Vetëvendosje movement won the elections on February 9, but this time it does not have the numbers to govern on its own. The alternatives are the creation of a difficult majority or new early elections
Protests in Serbia continue. On March 1st, a new protest was held in Niš. With a bit of irony, students issued the “Students’ edict”. Vučić reacted harshly, attacking the students and the media outlets that cover the demonstrations
Two different countries and two different realities were seen on the streets of Serbia last weekend. On one side, tens of thousands of students and citizens marching from city to city calling for the rule of law; on the other, the faithful of President Vučić, transported by bus and train at the expense of taxpayers
On January 29, municipal elections were held in Azerbaijan, with a turnout of 31.45%. According to the Central Election Commission, it was a success, while the opposition and independent observers said it was, as usual, fraud and irregularities
Danish diplomat Peter Sorensen is the new EU Special Representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. The appointment was welcomed in Pristina, but the outlook for the future of the negotiations remains murky
Georgia has been gripped by uninterrupted protests for more than two months now: there has been no shortage of violent acts by the police, arrests and strong censorship of media critical of the government. The case of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli
The parliamentary elections in Kosovo outline an uncertain scenario: Kurti won but without a large majority. A coalition government now appears inevitable, with repercussions on political stability and dialogue with Serbia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos. So too did Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev but there have so far not been any reports that the two met. Instead, during his visit, Pashinyan made headlines in another area: the relations with Turkiye
The protest, initiated by students, has been spreading like wildfire throughout Serbia thanks to the energy and intelligence of young people, triggering changes. Fear has changed sides and this is the greatest achievement of the student movement so far. A comment
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against Greece over illegal migrant deportations, condemning such practices as "systematic". This pivotal decision could influence how Europe manages migration at its borders
Armenia has entered the pre-election year with all to play for. Yet, despite constantly declining ratings, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan could benefit from a new inadvertent supporter – the European Union
The absence of EU flags at anti-government demonstrations shows that accession has become a divisive issue in the candidate country. Interview with Srđan Majstorović, president of the board of the European Policy Centre (CEP)
Armenia has announced its intention to become a member of the European Union, however close relations with Moscow, particularly in the economic and energy spheres, complicate the possibility of Yerevan taking the European path
The Thessaloniki Metro, a project of decades in the making, is a story of adversity. Finally inaugurated in 2024 after a long and often turbulent journey, the metro is hailed not only as a vital transportation link but also as a symbol of coexistence between history and progress
In Tbilisi, street protests launched at the end of November calling for new elections continue. A large part of the population refuses to accept the outcome of a controversial vote to elect a new parliament on October 26. Photos and texts by Onnik James Krikorian
Armenia’s absence from this year’s Climate Conference in Azerbaijan underscores the ongoing tensions between Yerevan and Baku. Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg surprised many by visiting Tbilisi and Yerevan to support protesters
Former Slovenian diplomat Marta Kos is set to take charge of relations between the European Commission and the countries that seek to join the EU. An overview at her priorities, and at the first reactions from Brussels and the Western Balkans
Trump's victory in the US presidential elections was welcomed by most Macedonian politicians to reaffirm the absolute centrality of relations with Washington for the country's foreign policy
The United Nations Climate Conference COP29 begins today in Baku, Azerbaijan. The following is a message to the international public: take a moment to remember Azerbaijan's political prisoners and the many human rights violations
On November 1st, the roof of the Novi Sad station - recently rebuilt by Chinese companies - collapsed, causing 14 deaths and dozens of injuries. Thousands of citizens took to the streets, giving rise to protests that also turned violent
With less than a month left before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, the clock is ticking down on any potential document to be signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan to end over three decades of conflict
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