States and Empires on the rise or at the height of their power build roads and bridges, while when in decline or in danger they raise walls and barriers. A journey along the ancient Via Egnatia which connected Italy with ancient Greece, continues as far as Byzantium and now gives its name to a motorway. From the OBC, Part 2.

States and Empires on the rise or at the height of their power build roads and bridges, while when in decline or in danger they raise walls and barriers. A journey along the ancient Via Egnatia which connected Italy with ancient Greece, continues as far as Byzantium and now gives its name to a motorway. From the OBC, Part 1.

The government of Kosovo would definitely benefit from closer supervision and prudent advice as it faces its decision as to whether and when to build a second expensive highway.

A step by step analysis of the agricultural development policies in South East Europe: from the process of collectivization in the 40s, to the much reduced production capacity during the conflicts of the 90s, up to the agricultural models linked to the European Union. From the OBC.

Farming is a a critical sector of the Western Balkans economy. Just as much as it’s important, farming has also been neglected during the transitional years. A broad review of the agriculture and rural areas on this side of Southeastern Europe. From the OBC.

Despite the great availability of water – higher than the European average, the region finds itself unprepared for climate change, risking both droughts and floods. From the OBC.

They are an open-air museum of the Albanian eighties. They have remained as they were when the regime collapsed. The Albanian railways. An efficient railway network is what the country would really need. A picture story from the OBC.

Cultural and ethnic crossroads and meeting place par excellence, the çarshija is also the place for finding some of the deepest roots of the Balkan musical heritage. OBC’s inquiry

A nervous look at the documents, searching for a Schengen visa. Then a smile. The visa is no longer needed. The first trip from Tirana to Rome after Albania obtained visa liberalization. A report from the OBC.

Ismail Kadaré defined it “the steepest town in the world” – Gjirokastër, in Southern Albania, on the border with Greece. Itsçarshija * also stretches upwards on sloping streets. Its architecture, although preserved over the centuries, has been slow in developing a new commercial life