A Bumpy Ride

Belt UpThe Chinese national flag Photo:EPA-EFE/WU HONGG

Foreign officials fret and worry about China's activities in the Balkans, while national government sense opportunities. But what do the citizens of the Balkans think about China's activities? Our interview with Jacob Mardell, a researcher who has looked into the matter, reveals that locals perhaps take a more nuanced view of China's role in the region. They also seem more sanguine in this regard.

Read more: Western Balkan Peoples Welcome China's Presence, Expert Says (May 8, 2019)

Unfortunate Interventions

Industrial exhaust chimneys at the oil and gas refinery of Brazi, 60 km north from Bucharest. Photo: EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT

In 2018 Romania had the lowest domestic natural gas production price in the EU. This year, the price has reached one of the highest levels in the EU. The reason? An ordinance issued by the Romanian government, which has caused a disturbance in the Romanian energy market.

In his comment for Balkan Insight, Vlad Epurescu examines how the Romanian government's energy policies have inserted unpredictability and uncertainty into the Romanian energy market. This, in turn, has threatened the country's energy security. It also risks driving it into energy dependency on Russia.

Read more: Catastrophic Policies Have Made Romania Energy Dependent (May 8, 2019)

Verdict Awaiting

Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic leaders of pro-Russian opposition accused of terrorism on election day. Photo: EPA/BORIS PEJOVIC

Montenegro held its breath as it awaits the verdict of a court in Podgorica on the alleged 'coup' plot from October 2016. In total, 14 people stand accused of plotting to overthrow the government in October 2016, with...