Many youths in Europe are struggling with unemployment and young adults sense that their institutions are failing. Will we see a “youthquake” in the Balkans?

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 Republic of Macedonia has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. So far, the country has succeeded as a multicultural democracy. However, many challenges are yet to come and the name dispute with Greece is still keeping Skopje distant from the EU. From the OBC.

Macedonia’s men’s basketball team was not supposed to be much of a factor in the recent EuroBasket Championship. But they won and won and inspired this nation of 2 million.

Mavrovo, Western Macedonia. On these mountains, the Balkans’ continental and Mediterranean climates meet, giving birth to incredibly rich and unique pastures. This is why, throughout the centuries, this region has specialized in transhumance sheep breeding and cheese production. A slow food presidium that will make its first international appearance today at the Cheese fair in Bra, Cuneo, Italy.

In an effort to avoid new dividing lines, the EU decided in 2007 to create a ‘ring of friends’ by launching the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) with partner-countries as geographically and politically diverse as Ukraine and Morocco.

It’s not a question of great inventions. What is required is the capacity to use existing technologies in an innovative and environmentally-friendly way. EU funds are now also available for SMEs in the Balkans, but proposals are not yet flooding in. From the OBC.