The death of the convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic is stirring old ghosts across the Balkans. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories examines how the legacies of the past and choices of the present are shaping politics, security and society across the region.

The death of the convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic is stirring old ghosts across the Balkans. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories examines how the legacies of the past and choices of the present are shaping politics, security and society across the region.

A sharp rise in Russian drone incursions is prompting Moldova and Romania to work more closely with neighbouring Ukraine on producing their own drones to shoot them down.

From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat.

Former private equity chief Vasile Tofan is pledging to kickstart growth through tough free-market reforms – but can Moldovan society and its nervous ruling party swallow such medicine?

Kremlin wirepullers may be encouraging the stalemate preventing elections being held in the autonomous region of Gagauzia, Moldovan politicians say.

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock.

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu’s surprise departure adds to political uncertainty – as high-profile corruption scandals pose risk to pro-European government’s credibility.

Phone fraud has become increasingly common in Moldova, and some experts say the trail leads to Russia.

Allegations about how relatives of President Maia Sandu got well-paid state jobs are raising questions about meritocracy and political accountability at a sensitive time – as Moldova opens EU accession talks.

Accession talks opened in a celebratory atmosphere in Brussels this month, but the most demanding stage of the process – implementing high-quality reforms – has to begin.

While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut.

A secret spy exchange between Russia, Moldova, Poland, Romania and the US shows Moldova has finally joined the ‘select club’ of European intelligence services.

The conviction of the once-powerful former tycoon Vladimir Plahotniuc is proof that Moldova’s judicial reform is providing results. The next test is making sure the system doesn’t drift back.

A momentous election spells change not just for Hungary but also for much of the Western Balkans, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights.

Court documents and interviews have revealed more about recruits from Moldova who were trained by Russian instructors at camps in Bosnia and Serbia to foment unrest, scout embassies and use military-grade drones.

From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read.

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week takes a look at the changing fortunes, power dynamics and neighbourly relations of countries and politicians in south-east Europe.

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week takes a look at the changing fortunes, power dynamics and neighbourly relations of countries and politicians in south-east Europe.