Balkans and Eastern Europe April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025: A Pivotal Day for the Balkans and Eastern Europe

Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina found themselves at the center of attention. Political visits, energy agreements, military cooperation, and political crises revealed the complex mosaic of regional realities.

Serbia and Montenegro: Political Visits and Domestic Developments

In Serbia, the key event of the day was the visit of European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. During her two-day mission, she held meetings with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Đuro Mačut, and several other political leaders to discuss the progress of reforms and the next steps toward European Union membership (European Commission). The primary focus was placed on the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, and the freedom of the media.

Simultaneously, the two-week student blockade of the public broadcaster RTS in Belgrade came to an end. Students, demanding greater transparency in the regulation of electronic media, achieved one of their key demands: the appointment of new members to the Council for Electronic Media Regulation (Balkan Insight).

On the economic front, the Canadian company Electrum Discovery Corp. announced the commencement of magnetic surveying for the Timok East project — a promising site for copper and gold mining in eastern Serbia. The project covers an area of 123 square kilometers and is part of a broader strategy to invigorate the country’s mining sector (Junior Mining Network).

An additional development was the decision by Montenegro’s government to review all previously granted honorary citizenships after it emerged that several Russian businessmen had obtained the status bypassing standard procedures (RTCG).

Against the backdrop of the internal crisis in the region, new concerns were raised during a BIRN panel discussion: Montenegro continues to experience unlawful digital surveillance practices without resulting convictions, posing a threat to freedom of expression and democratic processes.

Kosovo and North Macedonia: Energy Cooperation and Political Challenges

In Kosovo, the political crisis has deepened once again. The parliament failed for the eighth consecutive time to elect a new speaker. The candidate from the Self-Determination Movement, Albulena Haxhiu, received only 54 votes, falling short of the required 61. Opposition parties continue to boycott the voting process, effectively blocking the formation of a new government. This deadlock raises concerns about the country’s political stability and the potential need for new snap elections (koha.net).

Meanwhile, in neighboring North Macedonia, the focus shifted to energy cooperation and infrastructure projects. The North Macedonian company Nomagas and the Greek operator DESFA signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation in the energy sector. A key element of the partnership is the construction of a new pipeline fully compatible with hydrogen transport, laying the foundation for the region’s future green energy development (CE Energy News).

Another strategic project was announced with the international tender issued by transmission system operator MEPSO for the construction of a 400 kV transmission line toward Albania. The project is financed with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union and is considered a crucial step toward improving regional energy integration (Balkan Green Energy News).

At the same time, North Macedonia’s Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Bulgaria’s lack of response regarding a railway connection project. According to him, more than 15 official requests have been sent without any reply, hindering the implementation of this important infrastructure initiative (novinite.com).

Romania: Security and Elections

In Romania, the political situation remains tense ahead of the repeat presidential elections scheduled for May 4. The frontrunner in the race continues to be George Simion — leader of the far-right AUR party — who is building his campaign on anti-immigration rhetoric, support for Donald Trump, and ideas of reviving “Greater Romania.” Simion actively criticizes military aid to Ukraine, which has raised concerns among Western allies (politico.eu).

Security also remains a central focus for Bucharest. The U.S. State Department approved the sale of the Patriot PAC-3+ air defense system to Romania for $280 million. This procurement is intended to replace the equipment previously transferred to Ukraine and to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities (DSCA).

Against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks on western regions of Ukraine, Romanian and Italian air forces scrambled F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon jets on April 29 to patrol the airspace, demonstrating readiness to respond swiftly to potential regional threats (Newsweek).

Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina: Security and Political Processes

In Croatia, the focus remains on security and economic resilience. Defense Minister Ivan Anušić confirmed that NATO member states will continue to patrol Croatia’s airspace until the end of 2025 or until the full deployment of the new Rafale fighter jets. This decision ensures additional protection during the transition period of the armed forces’ modernization (Balkan Insight).

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, political tensions persist. Presidency member Denis Bećirović held a phone conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, discussing the situation in the country and the broader regional challenges (FENA).

At the same time, the international representative in Bosnia initiated the suspension of state funding for Milorad Dodik’s party amid his statements suggesting the possible secession of Republika Srpska (Balkan Insight). This move underscored the international community’s readiness to actively respond to threats to the country’s territorial integrity.

On the humanitarian front, the Sarajevo-based Mine Detection Dog Center, managed by the Norwegian People’s Aid organization, continues its operations. Dogs trained at this center are currently being deployed on demining missions in Ukraine, contributing to the restoration of safety in post-conflict regions (Balkan Insight).

The events of April 29, 2025, clearly reflected the tense intersection of European integration processes, internal political struggles, and regional security challenges in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.

High-level visits by European Union and U.S. representatives underscored the enduring interest of Western capitals in the future of the Balkan region, while local crises — from the parliamentary deadlock in Kosovo to Romania’s strengthened defense measures — revealed just how fragile the situation on the ground remains.

Efforts to modernize infrastructure, develop energy cooperation, and enhance defense capabilities are accompanied by growing political tensions, separatist threats, and the expansion of digital surveillance practices.

Despite these challenges, many countries in the region are showing determination to move forward: strengthening ties with the European Union, reforming state institutions, and attracting strategic investments.

The future of the Balkans and Eastern Europe continues to depend on a delicate balance between internal reforms, the resilience of democratic mechanisms, and effective support from the international community.

April 29, 2025, served as a reminder: the region’s future is being shaped here and now — through every political deal, every economic initiative, and every struggle for the right to freedom and integration.