Albania’s wine renaissance: Elsewhere in emerging Europe

Our weekly digest of articles about emerging Europe published elsewhere this week, all of which caught our eye and all of which are well worth your time. Listing them here, however, does not necessarily mean that we agree with every word, nor do they necessarily reflect Emerging Europe’s editorial policy.

—

Albania’s wine renaissance

The country’s wine industry has an image problem – even within Albania. But a new generation of winemakers are digging deep into their native grape stock, with impressive results.

Read the full story here.

—

Tourism a potential lifeline for Balkan fishing

In Croatia, some fishermen take time out to teach their trade to tourists, earning the money to keep alive centuries of tradition.

Read the full story here.

—

Economic nationalism made Eastern Europe more resilient

Germany’s economic troubles are more painful for some ex-Communist countries than for others.

Read the full story here.

—

Slovakia tries to shake off mafia influence

Evidence is mounting that the populist Smer party allowed mafia-linked groups to extend influence deep into Slovakia.

Read the full story here.

—

A lesson in decarbonisation from North Macedonia

An ex-coal mine has been reworked as North Macedonia’s first big solar plant.

Read the full story here.

—

First they came for the morning show: How Albania’s government shut down an entire TV station that dared to criticise it

Albania shut down one of Europe’s most promising media experiments. Now the government has been ordered to cough up 140 million euros in damages.

Read the full story here.

—

The EU’s compromise president may have just conceded too much to Eastern Europe

Billed as a safe pair of hands, Ursula von der Leyen is about to find out that caution can only take her so far.

Read the full story here.

—

Russia and the Western Balkans: A last stand or more of the same?

As European leaders make it increasingly clear that rapid EU membership for the Western Balkans is out of the question, there is speculation that other global powers may also reconsider their strategies in the region. Due to its longstanding ties with the Balkans and vast experience in meddling, Russia sparks particular fear in the West.

Read the full story here.