The Great Exit

It was a big week for followers of European politics. Viktor Orban, the champion of ‘illiberal democracy’, was finally defeated in Hungarian parliamentary elections and is now on his way out of power. 

In her regular “Letter from Brussels” column, Gjeraqina Tuhina describes the celebrations taking place in Brussels, where most are happy to see the back of Orban. Some of his allies, such as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, are contemplating a lonelier future. 

Read more: Letter from Brussels: Champagne Corks Pop as Viktor Orban Exits (April 16, 2026)

Upset calculations

Orban’s defeat and imminent departure changes the political and diplomatic calculations of many Balkan politicians. For Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, Orban’s Hungary was an important backer. What will the consequences be for his grip on Republika Srpska?

Meanwhile, Nikola Gruevski, former Prime Minister of North Macedonia, has been safely holed up in Hungary under Orban’s protection ever since fleeing prosecution in his own country. For Gruevski and for North Macedonia, the fall of Orban poses dilemmas. 

Read more: Orban’s Defeat Leaves Bosnia’s Dodik Without His Strongest EU Ally (April 15, 2026)

Read more: With Hungary’s Orban Out, North Macedonia has a Gruevski Conundrum (April 16, 2026)

Feeling the shockwaves

The countries of the Western Balkans scrambled to evacuate their citizens from the Middle East as the US-Israeli attack on Iran began a month ago. Yet for the most part, they are shielded from any security spillover from the conflict. 

The same cannot be said for the war’s economic fallout. In his opinion piece for Balkan Insight, Vuk Vuksanovic takes an analytical look at the conflict’s shockwaves being felt across the Western Balkans. 

Read more: Shockwaves or Spillovers: How Will the Iran War Affect the Western Balkans? (April 15, 2026)

Steep climb

Moldova has set itself the rather ambitious goal of joining the EU by 2030. Whether they can succeed will, in large part, depend on existing member states and their willingness to let new members into the club. Yet Moldova has its own steep hill to climb when it comes to reforms. 

The steepest of these reform hills doubtless relates to rule of law and the judiciary. The long-neglected judicial system is undergoing a major overhaul, with a vetting process for judges and prosecutors drawing to a close. However, as our analysis shows, much still remains to be done. 

Read more: Moldova Takes Hard Steps to Build Trustworthy Judicial System (April 14, 2026)

Bumpy ride

From Albania to Serbia, local economies have benefitted from investment into the automotive parts industry over the last decade. Manufacturing facilities catering to the needs of the European automotive industry have helped to spur reindustrialisation. 

Yet it has been a bumpy ride over the last few years for what has otherwise been a success story. Our analysis takes a look at how Albania’s car parts manufacturing sector has been dealing with the turbulence and what the future might hold. 

Read more: Albania’s Automotive Industry at Turning Point Amid European Slowdown (April 13, 2026)

Roots and routes

Having an unusual – or even inconvenient – surname when growing up in the English-speaking world can create all sorts of linguistic nightmares and memorable moments. However, it can also help to sharpen a sense of one’s own identity. 

In his piece for Balkan Insight, Ted Todorovic-Thomas tells of his journey of discovering his Serbian roots. Though he knew little about his heritage, a trip to Serbia helped him learn more and gave him one of the best summers of his life. 

Read more: Balkan Routes: Chasing My Own God-Gifted Surname in Serbia (April 13, 2026)