Balkans in February 2026: the most important developments in economy
The Balkans' economic news in February 2026 centered on Serbia's energy ties and its standing with the European Union. Gazprom is to withdraw from Serbia, and President Vucic said Serbia is seeking gas deals with the EU as it reduces Russian supplies. Hungary's Orban and US Secretary of State Rubio discussed conditions for a purchase of NIS, and Croatia's prime minister voiced reservations about Russian oil passing through to Hungary. The EU said Serbia's justice reforms are a step backward and that a funding freeze is under consideration.
Technology drew attention across the region. Serbia's government submitted AI-written plans to the president, and a minister's AI plan drew outrage and mockery. Serbia could be the first in Europe to produce humanoid robots and is moving toward its first nuclear power plant, targeted for 2040. Bosnia unveiled its first humanoid robot, Roby, in Sarajevo, and Albania uses AI to fight corruption.
Infrastructure moved forward: the World Bank approved a 70 million euro loan for roads in Bosnia, Parliament ratified the Bulgaria-North Macedonia railway link, the Thessaloniki-Skopje pipeline is to restart after 13 years, and the new Belgrade-Budapest railway line is to open. Albania lifted its TikTok ban, and TikTok returned on 27 February, while the government tried to save Air Albania amid debts.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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