Economy
Serbia’s energy and infrastructure push: easing household costs while funding long-term resilience
Serbia’s 2026 policy mix is designed to cushion households and transport from energy-price swings through temporary fiscal steps, while simultaneously expanding generation capacity and upgrading transport…
Serbia’s external accounts improve in 2026, but slowing FDI leaves the current account fragile
Serbia’s trade deficit has narrowed sharply in early 2026, easing pressure on its current account. But the improvement is occurring alongside a significant slowdown in foreign…
Serbia’s wage paradox: pay rises amid tight labour markets, but fears of productivity overpricing
Serbia’s formal-sector wages have increased by about 7.6% in real terms year-on-year, and the minimum wage rose by just over 10% at the start of 2026.…
Serbia’s monetary tightrope: inflation cools, but rates stay high
Serbia’s inflation has eased to the low‑3% range after the 2022–2023 energy shock, yet the National Bank of Serbia is keeping its benchmark policy rate at…
How EU integration could reshape Montenegro’s growth and investment outlook
Montenegro’s EU accession path is increasingly viewed as a potential growth catalyst, with studies projecting a medium-term boost to GDP growth by about 0.8 to 1.5…
Montenegro’s EU bid turns 2026 into a reform test with investor implications
Montenegro is treating 2026 as a “decisive” phase in its EU accession drive, aiming to close as many as possible of the 33 negotiating chapters ahead…
Montenegro’s 2026 “transition year” as EU reforms reshape growth expectations
Montenegro is framing 2026 as a transition year—aiming to keep EU-driven reforms moving while maintaining macro stability. The government’s 2025–2027 Economic Reform Programme points to steady,…
Montenegro’s stock market picks up, but banking dominance keeps capital markets shallow
Montenegro’s stock exchange saw turnover jump in the first quarter of 2026, but trading remains concentrated and liquidity thin. With banks still intermediating most savings and…
Montenegro’s external balance hinges on tourism as energy and financing pressures mount
Montenegro’s current account remains structurally dependent on tourism inflows, while weak goods exports leave the trade deficit fragile. At the same time, renewed volatility in global…
Montenegro’s 2026 budget plan: €3.79 billion spending focus, tighter enforcement and OECD-style minimum tax
Montenegro’s 2026 budget is set at about €3.79 billion, keeping public spending concentrated on wages, pensions and social transfers while relying on tax enforcement and excise…