Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s crisis will deepen after elections
Polls indicate that Bulgaria is headed for another uncertain election outcome
BulgariaNorth Macedonia will clash with EU and neighbours
The right’s likely takeover of power risks derailing the country’s EU membership process
North MacedoniaThe EU’s phase-out of Russian gas is not guaranteed
The EU has enough alternatives to phase out Russian gas, but pro-Moscow governments in the east could be an obstacle
EUNorth Macedonia vote may delay move to free EU impasse
Upcoming elections may revolve around the constitutional amendments Bulgaria requires for continuing EU accession talks
North MacedoniaProspects for Black Sea security in 2024
Russia’s naval superiority in the region is in doubt as its fleet is being eliminated by Ukrainian missiles and drones
RussiaPoland, Czechia and Hungary may join euro, but not yet
Non-euro CEE countries either can join but lack the political will, or have the will but fail the economic criteria
Eastern EuropeSouth-eastern Europe will focus on cross-border links
Bulgaria, Greece and Romania's prime ministers pledged to develop their countries' road, rail and energy connections
BalkansUkraine war will shift Black Sea naval balance
Russia's setbacks in Ukraine have shifted the naval balance of power in favour of the West and Ukraine
UkraineGreen hydrogen may gain ground in South-eastern Europe
Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia have launched green hydrogen projects to meet EU decarbonising targets.
Balkans
