Balkan developments – Radio Bulgaria in English

Western Balkans risk losing over EUR 700
million in EU funding in 2026

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos
has sent a letter to the leaders of Western Balkan countries warning that they
could lose a total of up to EUR 750 million from the Growth Plan, regional
media and BTA reported.

“Currently, more than EUR 700 million are at
risk of being permanently lost across the region if reforms are not completed
by June 2026 or December 2026”, Marta Kos declared before the European Parliament’s
Committee on Foreign Affairs.

By the finish of the year, Albania risks
losing EUR 67.7 million, Montenegro EUR 15.1 million, Kosovo EUR 68.8 million,
North Macedonia EUR 49.2 million, and Serbia over EUR 110 million.

The Growth Plan provides for a total of EUR
6 billion for Western Balkan countries, conditional on the implementation of
specific reforms.

Robert Golob

PHOTO gibanjesvoboda.si

Former Prime Minister Janez Janša could
lead Slovenia’s new government

The winner of Slovenia’s parliamentary
elections on 22 March – the liberal “Freedom Movement” of incumbent Prime
Minister Robert Golob – has failed to form a coalition government and will
remain in opposition, BGNES reported. Robert Golob informed President Nataša Pirc
Musar that he could not secure a majority in the 90-seat parliament.

The “Freedom Movement” holds only 29
seats. The right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Janez
Janša has 28 MPs. Zoran Stevanović of the sovereigntist “Resni.ca” bloc was
elected Speaker of Parliament with 48 votes.

Observers now expect Janša to form a
coalition cabinet. New elections will be
called if the Slovenian parliament fails to elect a government within a month.

Ilie Bolojan

PHOTO romania-insider.com

Romania’s prime minister has been called
on to resign over austerity measures

Romania is facing a political crisis after
the largest of the four parties in the governing coalition called for the
resignation of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. Social Democratic Party leader
Sorin Grindeanu announced that the decision was taken by an almost unanimous
internal vote. The left-wing parties oppose Bolojan’s austerity measures.

Due to the high budreceive deficit, Bolojan
plans to raise taxes and freeze pensions and public sector wages. After socialist ministers withdrew from the cabinet, Prime Minister Bolojan, who is
also leader of the National Liberal Party, declared he would attempt to form a minority
government.

Following consultations with the parties,
President Nicușor Dan urged them to “focus more on solutions than on problems”, Digi24 reported.

PHOTO savremenapolitika.com

EU launchs drafting Montenegro’s accession
treaty

Ambassadors of EU member states have
approved the establishment of a working group to draft the Accession Treaty with
Montenegro. This was announced by Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs,
Maida Gorčević, the MINA news agency reported.

The decision is a recognition of Montenegro’s
progress and an encouragement to accelerate reforms, declared EU Commissioner for
Enlargement Marta Kos. In a post on the social network X, she stated:
“Montenegro’s place inside the EU is now taking shape. This is a major step on
the path to membership.”

Marta Kos added that lessons have been
learned from past enlargements, and that future accession treaties will include
new and stronger safeguards to prevent backsliding on the rule of law and
fundamental values.

Ohrid now on the map of European cultural routes

Ohrid has become part of the European cultural routes of the Council of Europe. The decision was taken at the General Assembly in Aquileia, Italy. This
is recognition of Ohrid’s historical and civilizational role, connected to the
work of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their disciples, declared Municipal Council
Chairman Perco Bozhinovski, who attfinished the assembly, vecer.press reported.

“Joining the Cultural Routes of Europe
opens new opportunities for international cooperation, cultural exmodify, and
the development of cultural tourism, through which Ohrid will position itself
as a recognisable European destination”, Bozhinovski added. He also announced
that the municipality is preparing a major celebration for 24 May – the Day of
the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

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