EU-Balkan Observatory

Research & Studies

The EU-Balkan Observatory, an initiative by the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK), is dedicated to exploring the geographic and cultural complexities of the Balkan region in the European context. With a rich history of research, iASK has maintained a strong focus on the Balkans, particularly through its Polanyi Centre, which between 2015 and 2023 facilitated a vibrant Balkan study group. This group was instrumental in producing more than 200 publications, including monographs, research papers, and working papers. The institute’s commitment to this region reflects its belief in the importance of understanding the Balkans’ unique historical, political, and social dynamics, which continue to shape the broader landscape of Southeastern Europe.

The EU-Balkan Observatory will serve as a hub for disseminating iASK’s ongoing research and initiatives related to the Balkans. The webpage will feature new research projects, publications, policy papers, and updates on relevant topics such as history, memory politics, populism, reconciliation efforts, EU integration, and environmental activism in the region. By providing access to the latest findings and discussions, the Balkan Observatory aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Southeastern Europe. Visitors will also find calls for papers, conference announcements, and news from the broader region, making the Balkan Observatory a vital resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the complex dynamics of the Balkans.

Introducing the EU-Balkan Observatory News Repository, a comprehensive platform that curates and features the most significant and interesting news from the Balkans and EU. Designed to keep stakeholders, researchers, and the public informed, this repository offers a well-rounded view of key developments in politics, economics, culture, and society across the Balkans and the rest of Europe. With timely updates and expert insights, the EU-Balkan Observatory serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to stay informed on the region’s dynamic and evolving landscape.

The benefits of being a candidate country are not clear, or at least they are not quite trickling down to the Albanian population at large. This leaves a gap, a gap easily filled by conspiracy theorists who are more than ready to use their platforms to undermine the EU. Read more: A Dream Deferred: The rise of anti-EU narratives in the Albanian media landscape | Media | ResPublica

Huge lithium-mining protest triggers crisis meeting in Serbia. Environmental activists fear the project will pollute land and water in Serbia’s western Jadar region. Huge lithium-mining protest triggers crisis meeting in Serbia – POLITICO

Will America or China Win the Serbian Proxy War? Serbia gets pulled — and pulls itself — sharply between East and West. Where it ends up will help decide which Great Power emerges triumphant. Serbia: The Other European Proxy War – POLITICO