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This article examines the Facebook profile of the Russian Embassy in North Macedonia from August 2021 to August 2022 to shed light on the broader strategies of the Russian Federation in the Balkan region. Through a content analysis of posts, it reveals that the Embassy’s social media activity intensified after February 2022, shifting from fostering bilateral relations to promoting the Russian narrative and worldview. By this analysis, the article argues that the primary objective of this shift is to advance the concept of Russkiy Mir (Russian World), using social media as a strategic tool to influence public opinion in the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the phenomenon of mgration from the Western Balkans, this paper analyzes the determinants of future migration intentions. Our investigation initially revealed an unexpected relationship between respondent sentiments and their intentions to migrate. To investigate further, an eclectic model was developed incorporating the determinants favored by both the location choice and network approaches. The findings are generally consistent with a priori expectations: a respondents level of satisfaction with their household's and country's current and future situation had a significant impact on migration intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating renewable energy sources into the power system is essential for rapid and cost-effective decarbonization. This study evaluates the potential of a wind farm by analyzing three turbine models – VESTAS, GAMESA, and W2E – with power capacities from 2.5 MW to 8 MW. The analysis focuses on Region III, characterized by wind speeds below 7.5 m/s. Using the RETScreen model, the study identifies an optimized wind-rated power (OWRP) that balances financial viability, technical performance, and capacity factors. Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses assess financial indicators such as the levelized cost of energy, net present value, and equity payback period. The framework also considers greenhouse gas (GHG) credits. Results show that turbines with 4.5 MW power, rotor diameters of 105–128 m, and hub heights of 150 m are the most feasible. The project would reduce annual CO2 emissions by 187,097 tons and avoid 82,031 tons of fossil fuel consumption, equivalent to 17,559 hectares of forest CO2 absorption or 190,915 people cutting energy use by 20%. Without GHG credits, the equity payback period is 6.2 years; with a €50/tCO2 credit, it drops to 2.7 years. These findings offer policymakers in Albania and similar low-wind regions a guide to meeting 2050 energy and climate targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The significance of sustainable energy development and the battle against climate change continues to grow each year. Countries exhibiting unsustainable fossil fuel consumption practices are actively pursuing strategies to decrease import dependency and mitigate pollution through innovative approaches in their energy policies. In this context, the countries aim to rely primarily on their own direct and indirect energy resources. Identifying and using new resources to secure clean energy represents one of the strategic approaches to achieving the established objective. The focus is on using resources that have the greatest potential and whose exploitation aligns with the economic capabilities of the countries. The Western Balkan countries have relied on substantial coal use for decades, resulting in significant pollution emissions, but they lack the capacity to invest in specific renewable energy alternatives. Upon examining the potential, it is evident that the most significant opportunity for acquiring clean energy in the region is found in the biomass sourced from forestry and agriculture. The exploitation of agroforestry systems facilitates carbon sequestration, in addition to various beneficial outcomes. The Western Balkan region boasts abundant forests and lands conducive to the implementation of agroforestry systems, which hold considerable, yet untapped, potential for clean energy generation. This paper aims to review and synthesize knowledge regarding agroforestry in the Western Balkan countries, assess the capacity of forest and agroforestry resources, and identify essential activities that can promote their more intensive yet sustainable use. Main text: The potential of using agroforestry as a source of bioenergy has not been sufficiently explored in the Western Balkans. Therefore, the research was conducted by examining the scientific literature and pertinent statistical indicators. The literature search covered 85 scientific references, encompassing conference proceedings, abstracts, and additional valuable resources. This expanded reference base provided a solid foundation for analyses and discussions on agroforestry in the Western Balkan region. Following that, an analysis of the forest potential and prior experiences in energy production from forest biomass in five Western Balkan countries was conducted and presented. The analysis revealed that the share of forests and forest biomass in the region's total territory is the lowest in Albania (37.5%) and the highest in Bosnia and Herzegovina (61.1%). This signifies a substantial biomass potential that is underused, while agroforestry systems exist in rural regions only in a few areas that satisfy the requirements of individual households. The systematic collection of biomass from the agroforestry system and its usage for clean energy generation are at a minimal level. Furthermore, the examination of the regulatory framework demonstrates the importance of developing policies and incentive mechanisms that recognize agroforestry as a method of obtaining biomass and ensuring food and water security. Therefore, a model of the supply chain and the main elements of the agroforestry–agriculture–energy nexus is proposed as a starting point for enhancing cross-sectoral cooperation and the sustainable use of forest resources. Conclusions: The main findings presented in this paper could benefit the Western Balkan countries seeking to enhance sustainable energy development approaches. Given the substantial forest and land resources and favorable climatic conditions in the Western Balkan region, forthcoming strategies must incorporate the formulation and implementation of effective agroforestry policies, as well as their integration into energy policy and sustainable development plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research paper is to determine factors of credit risk expressed in terms of non-performing loans in six countries of the Western Balkans (Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia). The research uses different econometric techniques for the presentation of econometric models, where 4 models are used: OLS, fixed-effects model, random-effects model, and Hausman Taylor IV estimators. The results from the empirical analysis presented show that unemployment and the real interest rate have a positive impact on the growth of non-performing loans where both coefficients are statistically significant at the 1% level, while other variables (financial stability, economic growth, and inflation) show a statistically significant negative impact. These findings are important for the decision-makers of the financial systems of these countries, especially countries that have limited use of monetary policy, making decisions to create greater financial stability to reduce credit risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I investigate the attempts of the European Union to promote and entrench the rule of law standards in the Western Balkans countries. I examine the failures of legal reforms in key policy areas, such as the regulations of judicial independence, the legislative branch of government, vetting and suppression of corruption, that prevent progress in achieving the rule of law standards. I demonstrate how a narrow focus on the judiciary and its performance has harmed the standards. I propose a more specific focus on socio–economic reforms that, at first glance, appear less relevant to the rule of law. These are: higher education reforms, digitalization, decarbonization, and better targeting of anti-corruption measures. More focus on these areas allows a refocusing from a narrow conception of rule of law to other good governance reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a unique case of the EU's application of rule of law conditionality vis-à-vis Ukraine, while the latter is in active war with Russia. It is demonstrated that the EU utilized momentum, created by the confluence of the invasion and Ukraine's EU candidateship, to apply ambitious rule of law conditionality in its relations with Ukraine. Despite the unique strategic and political context, the conditionality is path-dependent, strongly relying on the achievements and outstanding tasks of the EU's pre-war rule of law promotion in Ukraine. Also, both the design and substance of EU conditionality vis-à-vis Ukraine strongly resemble the one the EU applied vis-à-vis Western Balkans. This concerns specifically the contents of conditionality, focusing on building effective anticorruption institutions and judicial reform. Current geostrategic pressures have not yet led to major changes in the philosophy behind the enlargement process or the EU's framing of the rule of law concept. Yet, changes to be underscored include the EU's focus on specific benchmarks within pre-defined realms and strong alignment between political and financial instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study primarily aims to draw attention to the role of the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) in North Macedonia's1 transition from a hybrid regime to a standard democracy from 2015 to the present. The stability of the country has been of paramount importance for the Western interests, thus the EU and US have continuously supported successive governments to uphold the de-facto power-sharing system that prevailed since its independence in the early 1990s. By employing Levitsky and Way's theoretical framework of linkage and leverage, this study aims to elucidate the decisive roles played by the EU and the US in cultivating the conditions necessitated for North Macedonia's gradual democratic transition after 2015. To do this it addresses political developments in North Macedonia, discusses the problems that aroused during this transition period, which are inherited in a lack of democratic culture and widespread corruption, and finally, suggests that as the Macedonia example demonstrated, EU support and tutelage is critical during such challenging transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western Balkans countries, geographically part of southeastern Europe, politically remain on the periphery of Europe. The European integration of the Western Balkans countries although confirmed as one of the strategical priorities of the European Union since the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003, more than two decades after remains an unfinished project with the exception of the membership of Croatia. The stalemate in the European integration of the Western Balkans countries beside the political and economic issues is also an issue of geopolitical and security nature, both for the European Union and the Western Balkans countries. This article deals with the geopolitical and security significance of the Western Balkans countries for the European security architecture as well as with the geopolitical and security consequences resulting from stalemate in the process of the European integration of the mentioned countries. The focus of the article is on the possibilities for malign influence that the stalemate creates for third, extra regional actors, hostile to the European Union and, in the long term, to the democratic development of the Western Balkan countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender equality, as one of the principles of democracy, is the equal treatment of all, excluding differences based on gender. Achieving social equality without any distinction contributes to the respect of freedoms and human rights, therefore globally equal gender treatment in different segments adds to the values of democracy. But what is the legal perspective of gender equality in the countries of the Western Balkans, how far has the principle of equality been established in practice for the countries of the Western Balkans and what are the advantages that are evidenced by equal gender treatment in different fields and how the same can have an impact on the society of the countries of the Western Balkans?! Considering that the countries of the Western Balkans aim for their integration in the EU, the dilemma will be whether they can rely on the strategies that the EU has to establish the principle of equality, knowing that the EU has a backlog in terms of equal gender treatment. The dynamics of gender equality in the countries of the Western Balkans is the duty of these countries and a condition on the road to EU membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of digital platforms for knowledge sharing has become a critical factor in enhancing the operational efficiency and competitive advantage of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study examines the adoption forms, benefits, and challenges associated with digital platforms for knowledge sharing among SMEs in Western Balkan countries. The research focuses on understanding the drivers of adoption, the extent of usage, and the impact of these platforms on knowledge dissemination and innovation. By comparing SMEs across the region, the study aims to highlight regional similarities and differences and provide insights for policymakers and business leaders. The research adopts a comparative analysis approach, using secondary data from various reliable sources, including government reports, academic studies, industry publications, and case studies. Secondary data analysis enables the identification of trends, challenges, and best practices. The study also incorporates data from statistical databases and reports from international organizations such as the World Bank and European Commission, which provide insights into the digitalization and knowledge-sharing practices of SMEs in the Western Balkans. The findings show that while digital platforms meaningfully improve knowledge sharing and collaboration among SMEs, barriers such as limited digital literacy, insufficient infrastructure, and financial constraints. Furthermore, the comparative analysis underlines important differences in adoption rates and platform preferences between countries, influenced by different levels of economic development, digital readiness, and government support. This research will contribute to the literature by providing a regional perspective on the digital transformation of SMEs and shows the need for targeted interventions to short-term digital platform adoption for knowledge sharing. Recommendations include improving digital infrastructure, offering training programs, and enhancing cross-border collaboration among SMEs in the Western Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty terrestrial gastropod species are reported from the Belchishko Blato wetland, which is proposed to be declared as a nature park in the Republic of North Macedonia. Vertigo moulinsiana (Dupuy, 1849) (Desmoulin's whorl snail), which is a species listed in the European Habitats Directive, is recorded for the first time in this country. Columella edentula (Draparnaud, 1805) is registered in its second locality for the country. Four freshwater gastropod species were found for the first time for this wetland area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is missing in our understanding of the stagnation and/or regression in the Europeanisation of the Western Balkan candidate countries? The current paper aims to present a conceptual novelty, coined as 'state-captured Europeanisation', which is based on rational choice institutionalism (RCI). The proposed alternative concept traces its origins to the literature on state capture and the episodes observed in the Western Balkan (WB) countries through state capture assessment diagnostics (SCAD). Designed as an article, this paper offers an in-depth literature review of the main concepts surrounding Europeanisation and state capture. It examines corruption from the perspective of the literature on rational choice institutionalism. In this theoretically inclined research paper, the references to the Western Balkans reveal a resistance to Europeanisation. In fact, Europeanisation in the WB countries can be, and has been, hijacked or manipulated by vested interests within the state apparatuses, resulting in what we have termed as 'state-captured Europeanisation'. State capture can be described as an evolutionary institutionalisation of corruption relations. Adapting the conceptualisation that explains how Europeanisation is seized by an illegitimate monopoly on the governance and economy of the countries on track to EU accession, the paper builds on the literature that explored the rationale behind the institutionalisation of corruption to advance an additional view about the effects of state capture on Europeanisation. The methodological framework used is that of rational choice institutionalism, focused on unveiling the causes of stabilitocracy, stagnation, and regression in Europeanisation. To contrive arguments and identify the episodes of state-captured Europeanisation, the article uses SCAD, bringing into the spotlight several instances in which political elites, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups have acted as driving forces for mimicking Europeanisation (with examples from Serbia between 2007 and 2018). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a mixed-blended model adapted for Western Balkan countries, advancing the connections between the Icelandic Model of Health Promotion and the assets models for health improvement through the whole school approach and non-formal education methodology. The need to reshape health promotion interventions in Western Balkan countries is urgent, and requires explicit synergies so that a more coherent approach can be taken in their utilization. To this end, we propose a new Albanian Health Promotion Model that integrates key concepts that are associated with the involvement of schoolchildren; parents/caregivers, grandparents, communities, and religious leaders; teachers and school staff; involvement of central and local governments; engagement of the private sector; involvement of non-governmental and civil society organizations; and, importantly, enables the development of supportive environments. The proposed model aims to contribute to a more in-depth theoretical understanding of health and development through integration of the key elements of various models, methods, approaches, and tools employed in health promotion practice. Making the theory of the Icelandic model more feasible for non-Nordic cultures could better contextualize the ideas in public health policy and practice. The Albanian Health Promotion Model may also support interventions to maximize their results in vulnerable communities that have specific requirements and, as a result, could be extrapolated to similar countries in the region and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the media framing of the demonstrations in North Macedonia’s capital againstthe French proposal aimed at resolving the country’s dispute with Bulgaria and initiating EU accessiontalks. The protests, held from July 2, 2022 to July 16, 2022 under the slogan “Ultimatum, No Thanks,”reflected widespread opposition to the proposal, which many saw as detrimental to Macedonian nationalinterests. Through a qualitative analysis of media coverage, specifically focusing on online media outlets,the study explores how different frames, such as Nationalist Confrontation and Ethnic Solidarity, shapedpublic discourse and perceptions of the protests. The government’s portrayal of the proposal as protectingthe Macedonian language and identity contrasts sharply with the opposition’s view of it as leading tothe ‘Bulgarization’ of the nation. This research fills a crucial gap in understanding the interplay betweenidentity politics, diplomatic negotiations, and media representation in times of high political tension. Theissue remains highly relevant today as it continues to be a significant obstacle to North Macedonia’s EUaccession. The findings suggest that media framing significantly influences public opinion and politicaloutcomes. Furthermore, the study highlights the broader implications for interethnic relations in theWestern Balkans and the ongoing EU accession processes.

The European Union’s South Eastern border region, and bordering countries are representing a so-called epicenter of the migration process. Basically, it is one of the main migration routes, also called the Western Balkan track, used by thousands of migrants and refugees on their way to the EU member states. Managing migration in the EU and in the neighboring countries is a social and economic investment that enables societies to strengthen their cohesion and resilience and become more prosperous. It can be considered also a societal process in which the responsibility does not rest with a specific group, but with several. The increased and more complex mixed migration movements from recent years have placed additional pressure on the already strained capacities of the authorities dealing with migration management. This extra pressure led to difficulties in terms of effectively manage the borders and address arising border security issues. The study aims to realize an inventory of the measures, proposals and activities which had an impact on transnational institution building which focuses on migration and border management.

What is missing in our understanding of the stagnation and/or regression in the Europeanisation of the Western Balkan candidate countries? The current paper aims to present a conceptual novelty, coined as ‘state-captured Europeanisation’, which is based on rational choice institutionalism (RCI). The proposed alternative concept traces its origins to the literature on state capture and the episodes observed in the Western Balkan (WB) countries through state capture assessment diagnostics (SCAD). Designed as an article, this paper offers an in-depth literature review of the main concepts surrounding Europeanisation and state capture. It examines corruption from the perspective of the literature on rational choice institutionalism. In this theoretically inclined research paper, the references to the Western Balkans reveal a resistance to Europeanisation. In fact, Europeanisation in the WB countries can be, and has been, hijacked or manipulated by vested interests within the state apparatuses, resulting in what we have termed as ‘state-captured Europeanisation’. State capture can be described as an evolutionary institutionalisation of corruption relations. Adapting the conceptualisation that explains how Europeanisation is seized by an illegitimate monopoly on the governance and economy of the countries on track to EU accession, the paper builds on the literature that explored the rationale behind the institutionalisation of corruption to advance an additional view about the effects of state capture on Europeanisation. The methodological framework used is that of rational choice institutionalism, focused on unveiling the causes of stabilitocracy, stagnation, and regression in Europeanisation. To contrive arguments and identify the episodes of state-captured Europeanisation, the article uses SCAD, bringing into the spotlight several instances in which political elites, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups have acted as driving forces for mimicking Europeanisation (with examples from Serbia between 2007 and 2018).

Abstract Background The significance of sustainable energy development and the battle against climate change continues to grow each year. Countries exhibiting unsustainable fossil fuel consumption practices are actively pursuing strategies to decrease import dependency and mitigate pollution through innovative approaches in their energy policies. In this context, the countries aim to rely primarily on their own direct and indirect energy resources. Identifying and using new resources to secure clean energy represents one of the strategic approaches to achieving the established objective. The focus is on using resources that have the greatest potential and whose exploitation aligns with the economic capabilities of the countries. The Western Balkan countries have relied on substantial coal use for decades, resulting in significant pollution emissions, but they lack the capacity to invest in specific renewable energy alternatives. Upon examining the potential, it is evident that the most significant opportunity for acquiring clean energy in the region is found in the biomass sourced from forestry and agriculture. The exploitation of agroforestry systems facilitates carbon sequestration, in addition to various beneficial outcomes. The Western Balkan region boasts abundant forests and lands conducive to the implementation of agroforestry systems, which hold considerable, yet untapped, potential for clean energy generation. This paper aims to review and synthesize knowledge regarding agroforestry in the Western Balkan countries, assess the capacity of forest and agroforestry resources, and identify essential activities that can promote their more intensive yet sustainable use. Main text The potential of using agroforestry as a source of bioenergy has not been sufficiently explored in the Western Balkans. Therefore, the research was conducted by examining the scientific literature and pertinent statistical indicators. The literature search covered 85 scientific references, encompassing conference proceedings, abstracts, and additional valuable resources. This expanded reference base provided a solid foundation for analyses and discussions on agroforestry in the Western Balkan region. Following that, an analysis of the forest potential and prior experiences in energy production from forest biomass in five Western Balkan countries was conducted and presented. The analysis revealed that the share of forests and forest biomass in the region’s total territory is the lowest in Albania (37.5%) and the highest in Bosnia and Herzegovina (61.1%). This signifies a substantial biomass potential that is underused, while agroforestry systems exist in rural regions only in a few areas that satisfy the requirements of individual households. The systematic collection of biomass from the agroforestry system and its usage for clean energy generation are at a minimal level. Furthermore, the examination of the regulatory framework demonstrates the importance of developing policies and incentive mechanisms that recognize agroforestry as a method of obtaining biomass and ensuring food and water security. Therefore, a model of the supply chain and the main elements of the agroforestry–agriculture–energy nexus is proposed as a starting point for enhancing cross-sectoral cooperation and the sustainable use of forest resources. Conclusions The main findings presented in this paper could benefit the Western Balkan countries seeking to enhance sustainable energy development approaches. Given the substantial forest and land resources and favorable climatic conditions in the Western Balkan region, forthcoming strategies must incorporate the formulation and implementation of effective agroforestry policies, as well as their integration into energy policy and sustainable development plans.

The purpose of the study is to analyze political processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina against the background of deep ethnic and religious contradictions. In this regard, the problem of secession and irredentism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is examined, considered in a broad historical context. The phenomenon of Bosnia and Herzegovina is shown as a result of the influence of liberal ideas, which largely stimulated the disintegration of Yugoslavia. The fierce military conflicts generated by this disintegration led to secessionist-irredentist projects on the part of the Serbian and, partly, Croatian population and Bosniak attempts to reincarnate the previous (Yugoslav) concept based on the primacy of citizenship over other forms of identity. In this regard, the options for a possible state structure are examined: unitarism (which the Bosniaks advocate) or confederation (the position of the Serbian population), in which many see the first step towards secession with the possibility of subsequent entry into a neighboring state. Croatian representatives prefer either a unitary or a confederative theory of state structure depending on the status of the Croatian ethnic group in one or another model. The analysis of the problem under study is based on the theory of the multipolar world by E.M. Primakov, which makes it possible to consider the place of Bosnia and Herzegovina both in the global dimension and on a regional scale. The study also uses the methodology of M. Weber, according to which interethnic contradictions are predetermined by the incommensurability of values, in some cases turning into the reduction of religious dogmas into social norms. The conclusion is that, due to a number of political, religious and cultural reasons considered, secessionism and irredentism are more pronounced among the Balkan peoples than among other peoples. Europe. At present, these processes are far from complete in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and even possible entry into other confederative associations, such as the EU, will not be a reliable guarantee of their cessation.

Polazeći od pozitivnog iskustva uključivanja osnovnih načela Kopenhaških pristupnih kriterijuma (1993) na postkomunističku političku i ekonomsku demokratizaciju u prostoru srednje-istočne i baltičke Evrope, Ijan Maners je odredio ‘evropsku normativnu moć’ kao sposobnost Evropske unije da širi svoj međunarodni uticaj putem normi, pre nego putem političke moći svojih država-članica. Autor navodi da je, od početka ispoljavanja zamora za proširenjem sredinom 2000-ih, relevantnost evropske normativne moći u opadanju, te da je realpolitika ponovo postala osnovni faktor odlučivanja u spoljnoj politici Evropske unije. U nedostatku jasnih izgleda za pristupanje Evropskoj uniji, brojne političke inicijative vezane za stabilnost i bezbednost Zapadnog Balkana (ZB) ostale su bez većih rezultata. Autor zaključuje da je naglo ‘uvećanje’ procesa proširenja nakon ruske invazije na Ukrajinu (i to na zemlje koje su u manjoj meri nego ZB ispunjavale norme i standarde članstva u EU) dodatno potkopalo evropsku normativnu moć u korist (slabe) političke moći i realpolitike u odnosu s tim zemljama. takav pristup nema dobru perspektivu da obezbedi regionalnu stabilnost, efikasno promoviše mir i demokratiju, niti pruži mapu puta ka članstvu u EU.

The six Western Balkan countries are experiencing simultaneous democratization and EU integration processes. The EU has been leveraging the possibility of EU membership and EU conditionality for the implementation of a range of policies and promotion of democratic reforms. In the context of EU conditionality, along the other issues there is an emphasis on the 'week civil society' across the Western Balkan countries. This study examines the situation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as agents of change in region. Through a comparative approach, it aims to map the role of civil society across the WB countries to understand the main issues and challenges in state-civil society relationship for WB countries in promoting democratic governance, reconciliation, and EU accession.

The study aims to analyse and thus obtain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, issues, needs, and challenges related to the tourism sector in the five Western Balkans economies in the post-COVID-19 context. The survey collects and analyze information for each of the five Western Balkans economies and explores the needs and trends of the current stakeholders in the tourism sector and how sustainable tourism can be used to overcome future uncertainties. The results are further discussed from the point of Western Balkans economies and tourism destination to make their management more sustainable for the future. Western Balkans countries have the potential for sustainable tourism development, but to better position themselves in the tourist market, they need to achieve a competitive advantage. Bearing in mind the changes that occurred during and after the crisis, it is necessary to have a good plan for the re(development) of tourist destinations.

Ovaj rad pokušava da odgovori na pitanje u kakvom su odnosu percipirani nacionalni interesi Srbije i inicijative Otvoreni Balkan. Rad počinje teorijskim okvirom i objašnjenjem koncepata nacionalnih interesa i regionalnih integracija Zapadnog Balkana. Zatim se predstavlja kratka istorija pomenutih integracija i njihovim odnosom sa procesom pristupanja balkanskih država Evropskoj uniji. Centralni deo rada je usredsređen na ekonomske, institucionalne i međunarodnopravne aspekte inicijative Otvoreni Balkan i kako percipirani nacionalni interesi Srbije određuju ove aspekte. Osnovni zaključci su da su politički lideri Srbije, Albanije i Severne Makedonije birali međuprezidencijalni model regionalnih integracija, da su svesno izbegli institucionalizaciju Otvorenog Balkana, kao i da su gotovo isključivo koristili neobavezujuće instrumente međunarodnog prava. Dodatno, ekonomski dometi inicijative su do sada bili ograničeni.

This paper examines the vaccine diplomacy efforts of China, Russia, and the EU in the Western Balkans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on Schmitt’s (2018) framework, it explores how recipient countries selectively chose evidence in support of political myth-building. Quantitatively, the EU was the largest vaccine donor to the region during the pandemic, yet survey data reveal no significant improvement in public attitudes toward the EU. To explain this paradox, the paper explores the reception in the Western Balkans, particularly in Serbia, arguing that the selective evidence processing and response played a critical role in shaping public perceptions. The selective reception of external narratives hindered the EU’s ability to shift public sentiment, despite its substantial vaccine contributions. Furthermore, the paper highlights the well-crafted strategic narratives and the follow-up interventions by China and Russia, which capitalized on local political myths to reinforce their influence, effectively countering the EU’s efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has become one of the greatest security crises since World War 2, with profound geopolitical and socio-economic implications for Europe and beyond. The upsurge of political and media attention to this war may have increased public support for EU enlargement, with new countries in the Eastern neighbourhood and the Western Balkans receiving the official EU candidate status. By drawing on mechanisms of securitisation and solidarity, this paper tests to what extent the Russian invasion has generated a positive politicisation of EU enlargement. While this crisis may have indeed fostered a permissive consensus in EU public opinion regarding Ukraine's future accession, I observe no such effects for the Western Balkans or Turkey. This finding also remains robust to identity and socioeconomic controls, which have traditionally structured public support for European integration. The empirical part is based on descriptive and regression analyses of data from a representative survey of 7678 respondents in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain conducted at the end of 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how brokers choose clients for vote-buying exchange is one of the key issues in explaining the success of these illicit practices. Norm-based theories seek an answer to this question based on individuals' values and beliefs, which would make them suitable candidates for vote-buying. A recent addition to this literature suggests that there might be a distinct authoritarian feature among the targeted voters. Building on the findings of this study, this paper examines the relationship between authoritarian tendencies and the offer of clientelist exchange in six Western Balkan countries. Overall findings vary significantly across countries: in Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania some associations were found, albeit not all in the theoretically predicted direction. In Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, and North Macedonia authoritarian tendencies were not related to an offer of clientelist exchange. The results point to a highly contextualized importance of authoritarian tendencies for the success of clientelist exchanges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of clientelism as a mobilization strategy in the Western Balkans, focusing on its interplay with other linkage strategies and its two primary sub-types: electoral and relational clientelism. Drawing on data from the Democratic Accountability and Linkages Project II (DALP II) expert survey, the study covers six party systems: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The findings reveal that clientelism is one of the most frequently employed strategies in the region, characterized by durable linkages between parties, brokers, and voters, the distribution of public resources, significant use of negative inducements, and targeting across income groups. Relational clientelism, or patronage, emerges as the dominant form, extending beyond electoral goals to function as an organizing principle within party structures. This paper contributes to the understanding of clientelism in the region and highlights its implications for democratic accountability and governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of human rights and managerial responsibility in corporations and firms today is one of the most fundamental issues in law and economics. The purpose of this paper is to analyze theoretical studies related to this issue in different corporations and firms with special emphasis on those of developing countries, specifically in the countries of the Western Balkans. The inhumane and degrading treatment of employees in the Western Balkans is the subject of this paper. This research is based on the research of Buhmann (2018), Leka et al. (2019), and Osmani et al. (2022). The methodology of this paper is based on a systematic review of studies and researches, especially on the topic of human rights and managerial responsibility in corporations or firms in developing countries. It is relevant because this theme has never been elaborated on by other Kosovar authors. The results confirm that globalization and the great influence of multinational enterprises on the firms of all countries, especially those in developing countries, has raised many concerns for human rights, specifically the respect of employee rights, in the impact of businesses on employees. The conclusion presents theoretical inquiries about how the responsible management of a corporation affects the rights of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to detect possible pitfalls for postwar Ukraine with regard to establishing the rule of law and the path to joining the EU. Since countries in the Western Balkans were in a similar situation to that Ukraine is facing nowadays, the author explains what Ukraine should learn from their post-war experiences. The author identifies the main pitfall for Ukraine after the Russian aggression ends, which is stabilitocracy. The author then suggests what the post-war strategy for Ukraine should be, and what should be done to avoid the "stabilitocratization" of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economy is significantly impacted by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. The growth of the economy can be sped up by the effective management of ESG risks through sustainable business practices. To promote sustainable development and to secure the long-term welfare of employees, customers, and all other stakeholders in the economy, companies must adapt and reposition their business strategies and organizational cultures. The goal of this paper is to determine how a set of common ESG elements, chosen from the viewpoints of sustainability and well-being, influence economic growth in the Western Balkan countries. For each ESG component, we used different variables. The information pertains to the five Western Balkan countries of North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Because of a lack of data, Kosovo is excluded from the study. Then, we compared results from the analysis of the Western Balkan countries with a set of countries in Southeast Europe, which are members of the European Union and essentially coincide with the Western Europe countries. We performed multiple regression analysis with applied fixed effects to the data model. According to the study's findings, each of the independent variables had no significant impact on the GDP's annual growth of the Western Balkan countries, but two of the variables, life expectancy at birth and labor force participation, have certain impact on the GDP growth of Southeast Europe countries, which are members of the European Union. The green transition has gained significant importance in the Western Balkan countries as a crucial pathway toward sustainable economic growth, though it introduces a range of new social and economic challenges. Economically, these nations are confronted with considerable funding requirements for development. To build sustainable societies, it would be beneficial for these countries to explore more creative financing strategies. It is advised to establish financing frameworks that not only increase the transparency in policymaking but also ensure greater accountability in their execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western Balkan region has faced challenges stemming from the dissolution of the socialist Yugoslavia and ongoing ethnic-nationalistic tensions. Cultural heritage has been a central point of dispute. Despite nominally implementing the same UNESCO heritage safeguarding policy framework, ICH systems in the Republic of Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were found to differ significantly. Examining and contrasting ICH systems with comparative critique in mind, we searched for a common model for regional cultural policies. ICH safeguarding systems in the three countries were also analysed according to additional guidelines for inventorying ICH that were provided by UNESCO in 2021, in order to help streamline regional heritage management towards the implementation of sustainable development goals. Our research shows that all three states struggle with inclusivity, but in different ways. Comparative implications for preventing the renewal of heritage-based conflicts in postconflict societies are considered and the regional policy model proposed for further testing.1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data envelopment analysis (DEA), which is frequently used in efficiency analysis, has also been applied to the measurement of entrepreneurial efficiency for the attainment of desired values of macroeconomic indicators (such as the objectives of sustainable economic growth). For this application, DEA takes into account the economic, environmental, and social impact of entrepreneurship as the three dimensions of sustainability. This paper aimed to investigate the potential for a scalable (in diversity, equity, and inclusion dimensions) DEA application in sustainable entrepreneurship performance (SEP) assessment through three channels (assessing SEP without ESG activities; ESG→SEP; ESG (DEI)→SEP) and present an empirical study related to economic growth assessment and its environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) determinants across selected Western Balkans (WB) and European Union (EU) companies, based on the use of the proposed scalable DEA. It highlights how crucial a scalable nonparametric approach to macroeconomic efficiency analysis is and provides a more comprehensive perspective to the researchers on this issue. This study used a non-oriented DEA model with variable return-to-scale in a group of 60 WB and 60 EU companies, all of which adopted ICT/Blockchain (BC) technologies (the 11 ESG metrics). The annual corporate data was collected for seven years from 2017 until 2023. We projected the selected data to three country particularities (mass acceptance, adoption, and implementation of ICT/BC; mass labor force return from overseas; and ethnic, cultural, and religious particularities) and performed statistical analysis. Our findings estimate the influence of these three particularities on economic growth potential. In all countries' cases, we found a statistically sound (significant, positive) correlation between ESG and SEP's economic growth quality performance. Particularly, when corporate social and DEI initiatives mediate (channel III), SEP's economic growth gains the best performance (+18%) in countries with ethnic, cultural, and religious particularities (BiH, NM), a +17% in countries enjoying massive labor force return from overseas (AL) and performs well in quality (particularly in the innovation and integrity) SEP performance success dimensions (all WB and EU countries). The proposed scalable DEA shows clearly, by performing an empirical analysis, which modern business (adopting ICT/BC) is the most effective in achieving sustainability projected to country particularities, helping corporate management to improve economic growth efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and challenges associated with sustainable development have emphasized the need for local food to increase the food system's resilience. Therefore, this research analyzes the food self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) of cereals in Western Balkan countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia) and compares them with the same indicators for all European countries. The methodological framework of this research examined the food self-sufficiency and macro-level competitiveness for cereals in Western Balkan countries, as well as in Europe. The results of the research showed that all European countries have higher self-sufficiency in cereals (109.12%) and higher revealed comparative advantage (2.21) compared to the group of Western Balkans countries (71.89%; 1.53), which have lower values of the mentioned indicators. The results of econometric modeling for the Western Balkan countries showed that GDP per capita negatively influences the SSR of cereals, and agriculture value added per worker and area harvested under cereals positively influence the SSR of cereals. When it comes to the influence on the RCA of cereals in the Western Balkan region, the critical influence is GDP per capita, political stability, and agriculture value added per worker, all of which positively influence the RCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research problem and purpose are the importance of scientific theories in the scientific study (Haliti-Mustafa et al., 2023) of the system in the Western Balkans. In a modern legal system, in harmony with the criteria and directives of the European Union (EU), the faster provision of legal services and the expansion of the forms of protection of interest rights in the current conditions are almost impossible to realize without the existence of a segment new law -- Institute of the Notary Service in the Western Balkans. The methods used in the paper to achieve the objectives are alternative methods and analysis of results as well as comparative and inductive, and deductive methods. The main findings of the paper are notarial systems, which analyze and present an overview of the role of notaries and their impact on issues and changes in notarial acts, and an overview of high-impact research for young researchers in the field of notarial systems. As a conclusion, the research results show the effectiveness of notaries in dealing with legal issues (Sariyev, 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organized crime creates a particularly negative social situation in the Western Balkans, which has a direct impact on the relationships that citizens have with their society. The analysis of several characteristics of organized crime and their consequences on young people, based on a review of the literature, constitutes the main research approach on which the conceptualization of the variables is based. The research follows the methodology of a cross-sectional descriptive study, which explores through scientific means how respondents (n=1,059) perceive organized crime in Albanian society. The collection of data through the structured questionnaire, analysed statistically, highlights the factors conducive to crime and the groups most exposed, as well as the dynamics linked to opposition to criminal acts, which support scientific conclusions to focus on the request for specific intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and environmental pollution are major global challenges that make environmental sustainability a high priority in the tourism industry. Hotels that implement green practices play an important role in promoting sustainable tourism by implementing policies and measures that protect and preserve the environment. This study examines the attitudes of hotel managers towards green practices, with the aim of understanding their impact on the development of sustainable tourism in the region. For this purpose, a survey was conducted that included 618 managers of 3-5 star hotels in the countries of the Western Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Statistical tests applied to analyze differences in managers' attitudes included the Kruskal-Wallis test to identify general differences between groups. To find out which groups were different from each other, Dunn's method was used for post-hoc comparisons. The results reveal significant differences in the attitudes of managers regarding sustainable practices, highlighting the need for broader promotion and standardization of these practices across the region to support more successful sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Albania's digital landscape expands, its vulnerability to sophisticated cyber threats increases correspondingly. This study explores the evolution of Albania's cybersecurity strategies, tracing the shift from reactive measures to a proactive defence approach. It critically examines significant cyber incidents that have shaped the national cybersecurity landscape, assessing how these have influenced the development of Albania's current cyber defence strategies. The focus is on how Albania has tailored its strategic responses to enhance digital resilience and national security. In the second part, the paper provides an in-depth review of the threat models prevalent in the Western Balkans and Albania, highlighting key areas where Albania's cyber management requires further development. One key recommendation is the forecasting of cyber-attacks, which could benefit from the application of time-series and machine learning techniques to enhance predictive capabilities. This approach emphasizes the importance of adapting to emerging threats and fostering international cooperation to bolster Albania's cybersecurity infrastructure.

Digitalization and automation are restructuring the geographical landscape of operations and labor, significantly altering operations in global value chains (GVCs). Digital technologies are expected to boost resilience, enhance transparency, and foster sustainability in GVCs. In this context, this paper looks at how the application of fintech solutions fosters the creation of regional value chains (RVCs), increasing attractiveness and generating new opportunities for enterprises in the Western Balkan region to participate in GVCs To fill the existing gap for granular analysis at the industry level, the paper examines if enterprises in the Western Balkans that apply of fintech solutions in financial management have better opportunities to create RVCs than the ones that resist fintech implementation. Using a benchmarking instrument on fintech solutions implemented on 370 enterprises, this paper tries to identify industries with the highest potential to create RVCs and higher prospects for integration in GVCs. Our findings indicate that fintech solutions and applications can be one of the main driving forces in transforming and upgrading RVCs in Western Balkan countries.

Sixty-one species taxa of land gastropods are known for Mavrovo National Park, and 34% of them are species taxa of high conservation value. Considering the unsystematic surveys in the area, it can be assumed that in the future the number of species taxa will significantly increase. The status of Mavrovo as a national park under high protection, and there are no immediate threats to the malacofauna. Potential problems for invertebrate communities, including snails, would be big destructive changes in their habitats and especially the presence of hydropower projects and stone quarries. The protection of the species habitats from human activity and different types of modification is the best protection measures for the mollusk fauna in Mavrovo National Park.

Data envelopment analysis (DEA), which is frequently used in efficiency analysis, has also been applied to the measurement of entrepreneurial efficiency for the attainment of desired values of macroeconomic indicators (such as the objectives of sustainable economic growth). For this application, DEA takes into account the economic, environmental, and social impact of entrepreneurship as the three dimensions of sustainability. This paper aimed to investigate the potential for a scalable (in diversity, equity, and inclusion dimensions) DEA application in sustainable entrepreneurship performance (SEP) assessment through three channels (assessing SEP without ESG activities; ESG→SEP; ESG (DEI)→SEP) and present an empirical study related to economic growth assessment and its environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) determinants across selected Western Balkans (WB) and European Union (EU) companies, based on the use of the proposed scalable DEA. It highlights how crucial a scalable nonparametric approach to macroeconomic efficiency analysis is and provides a more comprehensive perspective to the researchers on this issue. This study used a non-oriented DEA model with variable return-to-scale in a group of 60 WB and 60 EU companies, all of which adopted ICT/Blockchain (BC) technologies (the 11 ESG metrics). The annual corporate data was collected for seven years from 2017 until 2023. We projected the selected data to three country particularities (mass acceptance, adoption, and implementation of ICT/BC; mass labor force return from overseas; and ethnic, cultural, and religious particularities) and performed statistical analysis. Our findings estimate the influence of these three particularities on economic growth potential. In all countries’ cases, we found a statistically sound (significant, positive) correlation between ESG and SEP’s economic growth quality performance. Particularly, when corporate social and DEI initiatives mediate (channel III), SEP’s economic growth gains the best performance (+18%) in countries with ethnic, cultural, and religious particularities (BiH, NM), a +17% in countries enjoying massive labor force return from overseas (AL) and performs well in quality (particularly in the innovation and integrity) SEP performance success dimensions (all WB and EU countries). The proposed scalable DEA shows clearly, by performing an empirical analysis, which modern business (adopting ICT/BC) is the most effective in achieving sustainability projected to country particularities, helping corporate management to improve economic growth efficiency.

The Hawala system, an informal and traditional money transfer mechanism, has been a subject of concern for counterterrorism and counterintelligence agencies worldwide due to its potential exploitation for illicit financial activities, including terrorism financing. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the Hawala system’s presence in the Western Balkans, a region historically characterized by geopolitical complexity and a complex security landscape. Drawing on empirical data and regulatory analysis, this study explores the challenges posed by the Hawala system in the context of counterterrorism and counterintelligence efforts in the Western Balkans. It examines the system’s vulnerabilities, its exploitation for terrorism financing and the difficulties faced by intelligence agencies in monitoring and disrupting Hawala networks. Moreover, the paper assesses the regulatory frameworks implemented by countries in the region and offers practical policy recommendations to enhance counterterrorism and counterintelligence strategies, fostering greater security and stability in the Western Balkans.

The brutal start of Russia's invasion in Ukraine in February 2022 had numerous unexpected consequences. One of them was that it brought enlargement back at the top of EU's agenda. This was also followed by a revitalisation of EU's own internal dilemma between prioritising deepening or widening, together with the increasing contradictions between member states on how should enlargement proceed. It is thus relevant to assess whether this geopolitical shift had an overall positive or negative impact on the EU. In this context, the main aim of the article is to assess the various forms of 'wartime politicisation' between 2022 and 2024 among the main policy actors in EU's public sphere around the topic of advancing its enlargement policy. In end, the article demonstrates that 'wartime politicisation' can have both stabilizing and destabilizing effects on EU and discusses future avenues of research.

Childhood undernutrition affects both physical and cognitive growth and is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality. United Nations’ pledge to ‘leave no one behind’ requires prioritizing policies that address inequalities and reach the most marginalized communities. Yet, undernutrition among Roma children is widely higher than that among children of the majority of the population, particularly in the Western Balkans. In light of this, we explore the determinants of the gap in undernutrition among Roma and non-Roma children in four Western Balkan countries, using several rounds of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys data. In the countries considered in this study, the prevalence of undernutrition among Roma children is nearly three times higher than that among non-Roma children. Even after controlling for key socioeconomic and demographic factors, Roma children remain particularly vulnerable to undernutrition. While the probability of stunting decreases in the non-Roma population as age progresses, it remains persistently high at all ages among Roma children. Our findings provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to develop effective interventions to address the issue of undernutrition among marginalized communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of culture in democratization processes has increasingly been emphasized by the EU. Insisting on the value of culture for peaceful inter-community relations, the European Commission argues that cultural and artistic spaces can function as spaces for deliberation facilitating alternative engagement with politics through debate, education and free expression. The need for such spaces has become more urgent in a time in which democracies have come under pressure. This article examines how civil society actors in the Western Balkans create spaces of deliberation by engaging in EU funded cultural initiatives. In the projects that are being developed, civil society actors experiment with different forms of community-based management of resources and co-production, opening up new perspectives for social and political transformation. Their insistence to generate radical imagination through culture and arts and to create instances in which a different world can be prefigured has led to a boost of citizen participation in cultural projects which resulted in the emergence of 'counter-public', self-managed, post-Yugoslav spheres. In indirect, unexpected and contradictory ways, the EU funding schemes are both subject as well as facilitators of the discussions held at these spaces adding new dimensions to European democratization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]