Balkan Research Articles

O-103

Abstract In the mid-1970s, when women born immediately after the Second World War were at full reproductive age, the demographic transition in Europe could be considered concluded. Birth and death rates were around 10 per thousand (a quarter compared to a century earlier), fertility was around two children per woman, and the differences in fertility between countries were modest. It seemed like the end of a path towards a new demographic stability. In reality, for subsequent cohorts, things continue to change: fertility in many countries declines, while differences between countries grow. The fertility of women born around 1980 in Europe is not far from two children for France and Northern Europe, around 1.6 children in Central and Eastern Europe, around 1.4 children in Southern Europe. Although these differences may seem minimal, the medium-long term consequences on age distributions are enormous. It would be wrong, however, to say that no similar patterns of fertility exist after the end of the demographic transition. First of all, as already mentioned, there are strong similarities between countries and regions of the same geographical area: Italian fertility patterns, for example, are similar to those of other countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and the Balkan states. Furthermore, all European countries share a progressive increase in the age at birth, both of the first and subsequent children, while late fertility (35+ years of age) increases greatly. The differences between countries are far from irrelevant. However, the variability between countries has been progressively decreasing for thirty years now. These changes in reproductive behaviours are intertwined with other important changes in Europe's natural demography. The most important is undoubtedly aging, determined by the lengthening of the average lifespan, especially by the spectacular increase in survival beyond fifty years of age. This phenomenon has also been very diversified among European states, less accentuated in particular in Eastern Europe and Russia. The imbalances in the age structure of the population generated by the joint effect of low birth rates and high survival of the elderly are attenuated by consistent and growing immigration flows from poor countries, where – contrary to what happened in Europe – the working age population grows. These population movements are accompanied by those within Europe, in particular from Eastern and Balkan countries to the other part of the continent. The future prospects of European demography are traced starting from this global description, underlining in particular what can reasonably be predicted about reproductive behaviour.

Romanian Diplomacy during the Balcan Wars (1912-1913)

The young national Romanian state would reaffirm itself in the first decades of the 20th century as a factor of equilibrium and of collective security in the Balkan Peninsula, in the context of the two wars which were about to begin (1912;1913), both conflicts which would precede the greatest diplomatic and military conflict known to international society until that time, namely the First World War (1914-1918). Romania acted in accordance with the principles of public international law regarding its external policy to maintain its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of state built from the ruins of the former Ottoman Empire, thus acting for the respect of the status quo in the Balkan area according to the regulations of international treaties, seen as formal sources of law.

Training needs and educational sources of European musculoskeletal specialists: learning outcomes of the IBSA International Academy – MSK Modules

Background: Building a meaningful training program for musculoskeletal (MSK) specialists is a major undertaking to improve the clinicians’ skills and ultimately patients’ outcome. The purpose of this study was to gather direct information from attendants of a training program called IBSA International Academy – MSK Modules on the perceived benefit of such initiative. Methods: The IBSA International Academy has been developed during 2021 by IBSA’s Global Medical Affairs department with the involvement and support of an international faculty composed by experts in the field that has become the scientific Board of the Academy. More than 100 specialists from several European countries attended one or more modules focused on ultrasound (US) and US-guided infiltration and were asked to answer (a) a short survey just after the modules were completed and (b) a more detailed survey several weeks after their return to daily practice. Results: A total of 114 specialists from 12 European countries attended the academy. The post-module evaluation form was completed by 94 (82.4%) and the follow-up survey by 30 (26.3%) participants. Response rate was highest for specialists from Nordic countries (50.0%) and lowest from Balkan countries (11.1%). The overall feedback of the participants to the academy was overwhelmingly positive both immediately and medium–long term after return to daily practice. About 57% of responders indicated mastering US and 30% indicated a better understanding of the anatomy as a key learning outcome of the academy. The added value of networking between peers and of direct contact with the experts in the faculty was mentioned by 77% and 53% respectively.

Epidemics in the Vilayet Of Kosovo (1877–1912)

With the increase in activities and interaction between societies, the rate of spread of epidemics has also increased. Given that the physical structure and location of the Vilayet of Kosovo during the Ottoman period was in the middle of the Balkan Peninsula, connecting the land routes with the Central Europe, it had become a destination where epidemics spread easily. The main purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate epidemiological diseases in the Vilayet of Kosovo such as cholera, smallpox, dysentery, rubella. The main objective of this work is to cover the years 1877–1912. This paper, which deals with the epidemic in the Vilayet of Kosovo, investigates the historical background of the conduct of the central and local authorities as far as health policies and public health were concerned in the face of deadly infectious diseases. At this point, administrative and sanitary measures taken by the relevant institutions in the Vilayet of Kosovo had been identified, such as the employment of health personnel, the distribution of vaccines, border blockage, the restriction of the movement of people and putting them in quarantine. In addition, attention has been paid to the assessment and analysis of health services and hospital infrastructure in the Zekirja Shabani, Marigonë Rizani Vilayet of Kosovo. This study, which contributes to the knowledge of the history of epidemiology and public health in the Vilayet of Kosovo, is mainly supported by documents from the Ottoman Archives of the Presidency in Istanbul. In addition, studies, theses and research papers on epidemiology and public health in the Ottoman Empire were used.

Long-term impact of basin-wide wastewater management on faecal pollution levels along the entire Danube River

The Danube River is, at 2857 km, the second longest river in Europe and the most international river in the world with 19 countries in its catchment. Along the entire river, faecal pollution levels are mainly influenced by point-source emissions from treated and untreated sewage of municipal origin under base-flow conditions. In the past 2 decades, large investments in wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure were made in the European Union (EU) Member States located in the Danube River Basin (DRB). Overall, the share of population equivalents with appropriately biologically treated wastewater (without disinfection) has increased from 69% to more than 85%. The proportion of tertiary treatment has risen from 46 to 73%. In contrast, no comparable improvements of wastewater infrastructure took place in non-EU Member States in the middle and lower DRB, where a substantial amount of untreated wastewater is still directly discharged into the Danube River. Faecal pollution levels along the whole Danube River and the confluence sites of the most important tributaries were monitored during four Danube River expeditions, the Joint Danube Surveys (JDS). During all four surveys, the longitudinal patterns of faecal pollution were highly consistent, with generally lower levels in the upper section and elevated levels and major hotspots in the middle and lower sections of the Danube River. From 2001 to 2019, a significant decrease in faecal pollution levels could be observed in all three sections with average reduction rates between 72 and 86%. Despite this general improvement in microbiological water quality, no such decreases were observed for the highly polluted stretch in Central Serbia. Further improvements in microbiological water quality can be expected for the next decades on the basis of further investments in wastewater infrastructure in the EU Member States, in the middle and lower DRB. In the upper DRB, and due to the high compliance level as regards collection and treatment, improvements can further be achieved by upgrading sewage treatment plants with quaternary treatment steps as well as by preventing combined sewer overflows. The accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU would also significantly boost investments in wastewater infrastructure and water quality improvements in the middle section of the Danube. Continuing whole-river expeditions such as the Joint Danube Surveys is highly recommended to monitor the developments in water quality in the future.

Host specificity in the fungal plant parasite Anthracoidea sempervirentis (Anthracoideaceae, Ustilaginales) reveals three new species and indicates a potential split in the host plant Carex sempervirens.

The smut fungal genus Anthracoidea contains more than 100 species that parasitize hosts predominantly in the sedge genus Carex. Anthracoidea species are mainly found in the boreal zones of the Northern Hemisphere and many species have an arctic-alpine distribution. Recent re-organization of the taxonomy of the main host genus Carex questions current understanding of host associations in Anthracoidea. Host specificity for many of the species in this genus is considered to be quite broad and a host spectrum of over 10 host species is common. One aim of the study is to understand the potential influence that host taxonomy has on the evolutionary patterns of Anthracoidea. Additionally, by including more specimens, we clarify host specificity and species delimitation in Anthracoidea sempervirentis, a prevalent species occurring on different host species in different Carex subgroups using molecular data. Host colonization patterns within Anthracoidea are complex, and different subclades of Carex have been colonized several times independently, whereas clades of related Anthracoidea species often occur on Carex species from the same host clade. Parasites previously thought to be Anthracoidea sempervirentis occurring on the different Carex host are shown to be at least four distinct species that are restricted to individual host species. Three new species, Anthracoidea ferrugineae on Carex ferruginea from the Alps and the Carpathians, A. firmae on Carex firma from the Alps, and A. kitaibelianae on Carex kitaibeliana from mountains in the Balkan Peninsula, are described and illustrated. An emended description of Anthracoidea sempervirentis is also provided. Anthracoidea sempervirentis in its emended circumscription consists of two clades that correspond to respective clades within Carex sempervirens. The study shows that host colonization in Anthracoidea is more complex than current host taxonomy suggests. Further, including several specimens per host species results in a much higher diversity within Anthracoidea than previously assumed. Citation: Kemler M, Denchev TT, Feige A, Denchev CM, Begerow D (2024). Host specificity in the fungal plant parasite Anthracoidea sempervirentis (Anthracoideaceae, Ustilaginales) reveals three new species and indicates a potential split in the host plant Carex sempervirens. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 13: 91-110. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2024.13.04.

How Does Public Debt Affect Economic Growth? The Case of the New EU Member States

Purpose: This study investigates how public debt affects economic growth in eleven new EU member states in Central and South-Eastern Europe from 2000 to 2021. These countries are categorized into the Balkan, Baltic, and Visegrad groups based on their economic characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis employs a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to explore the relationship between public debt and GDP growth, accounting for variables such as trade openness, population growth, inflation, and foreign direct investment. Findings: The results indicate a significant negative correlation between increasing public debt levels and GDP growth, with the effect being especially pronounced in Balkan countries. This negative association is evident both in the short term and long term, highlighting a greater sensitivity to public debt in less economically developed regions. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by its use of annual data and its focus on specific geo-graphic areas. Despite these limitations, the research provides valuable insights into the complex relationship be-tween public debt and economic growth in new EU member states. Originality/value: This research offers important perspectives on the nuanced dynamics of public debt and econom-ic growth within the context of new EU member states, enhancing the understanding of these relationships in different economic settings.

IMPACT OF INNOVATION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN BALKAN COUNTRIES

Innovation plays a crucial role in the daily activities of economic units and its impact extends to the macroeconomic level as well. After the last pandemic, firms and even nations are aiming to adopt the new reality. They are employing advanced technology to develop innovative products and approaches for customers and markets. This study analyzes the impact of innovation on economic growth in Balkan Countries by using annual data for the period between 2011 and 2022. This study uses the individual pillars of the Global Innovation Index as the explanatory variables of GDP Growth rate. Through a panel data analysis, the findings of the study suggest that creative output and infrastructure have a positive significant effect on the GDP growth rate, while the effect of institutions is negative. The test employed failed to prove any impact of other pillars of innovation on economic growth meaning that the impact of other pillars is still insignificant. The findings of this study may serve policymakers to work on the direction of enhancing the impact of all innovation pillars on the economic growth rate.

Digital divide and digitalization in Europe: A bibliometric analysis

Research background: Digitalization and the associated digital divide are crucial issues impacting socio-economic development globally. Extensive research has examined digitalization and the digital divide in EU countries, but there is a lack of understanding regarding comparisons with studies conducted in Western Balkan countries. This study investigates digitalization trends in research from the past five years in both regions, focusing on efforts and factors contributing to the digital gap. Purpose of the article: The study analyzes research on digitalization from 2018 to 2023 in the EU and Western Balkans. It explores factors causing the digital divide and efforts in digitalization, aiming to guide future research and policy for digital inclusion and sustainable development. Methods: The study employs a meticulous data selection process, choosing Scopus as the database for its extensive coverage of diverse journals. A total of 1119 articles from EU countries and 277 from Western Balkan countries are selected for bibliometric analysis, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Findings & value added: The research reveals a growing interest in digitalization-related issues, demonstrating the multidisciplinary nature of ongoing research. It points out the distribution of publications on digitalization in the EU and Western Balkans countries. The EU focuses on digital technologies, economic growth, and sustainability, while Western Balkan countries focus on COVID-19 impact and digitalization in education and business. The research compares digitalization efforts in the EU and Western Balkan countries presented in the literature, pointing to new dimensions of the digital divide studies. It discusses how socio-economic contexts affect digital transformation and stresses the need for tailored policy approaches for digital inclusivity. These insights are of great importance for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working towards global digital development and bridging the digital divide. The study lays the groundwork for future research and policy considerations, considering limitations like potential bias in databases and search criteria.

Spectroscopic Identification of Mineral Pigments in White Decorated Prehistoric Pottery from Bulgaria

In the prehistoric period on the Balkan Peninsula, the technology of white decoration underwent a drastic change. At the beginning of the Neolithic white pigment was applied as paint on a polished surface. At the end of the epoch, white paste was inlaid in incised channels on the surfaces of vessels. This study is focused on the identification of mineral pigments used for white decoration of Neolithic and Chalcolithic pottery from the territory of Bulgaria. The aim of this work is to answer the question of whether the composition of the white pigment varies according to the technique of decoration (paint and inlay). A set of 41 pottery fragments from 11 archaeological sites on the territory of Bulgaria was analyzed utilizing two spectroscopic techniques: laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the experimental data from the LIBS were statistically treated with the multivariate technique, principal component analysis (PCA). The results from the spectral analysis indicated that the main constituent in the white decorated sherds is calcite in various combinations with carrier materials like quartz, feldspars, and metal oxides. The statistical analysis revealed that the primal constituent in the inlaid sherds is calcite while in the painted part, the carrier material is dominant. In some particular sherds, gypsum, hydroxylapatite, kaolinite, and aragonite were also detected.

The Determinants of Profitability of Western Balkan Countries Commercial Banks: A panel Data Approach

Commercial banks are considered to be important contributors to the country’s financial system and economic development. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of various factors on commercial banks’ profitability. Moreover, the study compares and analyzes the main determinants of the banks’ profitability in Western Balkan (WB) countries. The sample size includes all commercial banks in WB countries, covering the period 2010–2020. The collected data provides information about the two main measurements used to determine a bank’s performance: 1) return on assets (ROA) and 2) return on equity (ROE), which in our study were used as indicators varying from non-performing loans, the number of banks, real gross domestic product growth, the unemployment rate, and consumer price inflation (percent, period average). The estimated regression models with panel data revealed that real GDP growth, the unemployment rate, and inflation are positively correlated and significantly determine the bank’s performance. While two other factors (non-performing loans and the number of banks) were negatively associated with the performance of banks. Since the determining factors of external and internal profitability turn out to be almost the same for all the countries of the Western Balkans, during the observed period of 2010– 2020, the number of cases of non-performing loans was much higher in other countries of the region than in Kosovo. Once again, the banking system in Kosovo, unlike other countries, has scored ROE performance indicators that are almost three times higher than the average of the countries in the region. On the other hand, Kosovo has the highest unemployment rate in the region. While the weakest ROE performance was in Montenegro, which was improving year after year. Our findings have several important implications for policymakers and regulators, especially in Kosovo.

TÜRKİYE'S ROLE IN WESTERN BALKANS SECURITY COOPERATION

This article seeks to provide a descriptive analysis of Türkiye’s role in security cooperation in the Western Balkans and the criticisms of Türkiye’s position on this cooperation. In order to achieve this, the article identifies active security cooperation mechanisms in the Western Balkans, analyses Türkiye’s activities in these mechanisms and the security dimension of Türkiye’s bilateral relations with the countries in the region. Furthermore, criticisms of Türkiye’s attitude towards regional security cooperation efforts after 2016 have been put forward and these criticisms have been discussed. As a result, it is understood that Türkiye plays an active role in regional security cooperation, contributes to the security cooperation of the region, and has the potential to support the capacity building of Western Balkan countries in specific areas such as counterterrorism.

Impact of labour income in gross value added on migrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The transition countries of Southeast Europe, especially the countries of theWestern Balkans, have achieved modest economic growth rates since the beginningof the transition process. High unemployment rates, relatively high externalimbalances, and rising external debt are common for the entire region. This paperwill explain the impact of a decrease in the share of labour income in total grossvalue added on the increased outflow of the working-age population. The subjectof a specific analysis is the increase in inequality and the consequences ofdifferences in income on the economy and society of the country will be explainedIncreasing inequality in Bosnia and Herzegovina is measured by a significantdecrease in the share of labour income in total gross value added in Bosnia andHerzegovina affects the outflow of the working-age population abroad.

Application of Remote Sensing for Identifying Soil Erosion Processes on a Regional Scale: An Innovative Approach to Enhance the Erosion Potential Model

Soil erosion represents a complex ecological issue that is present on a global level, with negative consequences for environmental quality, the conservation and availability of natural resources, population safety, and material security, both in rural and urban areas. To mitigate the harmful effects of soil erosion, a soil erosion map can be created. Broadly applied in the Balkan Peninsula region (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece), the Erosion Potential Method (EPM) is an empirical erosion model that is widely applied in the process of creating soil erosion maps. In this study, an innovation in the process of the identification and mapping of erosion processes was made, creating a coefficient of the types and extent of erosion and slumps (φ), representing one of the most sensitive parameters in the EPM. The process of creating the coefficient (φ) consisted of applying remote sensing methods and satellite images from a Landsat mission. The research area for which the satellite images were obtained and thematic maps of erosion processes (coefficient φ) were created is the area of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Brčko District (situated in Bosnia and Herzegovina). The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was employed to process and retrieve Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI/TIRS) satellite imagery over a period of ten years (from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020). The mapping and identification of erosion processes were performed based on the Bare Soil Index (BSI) and by applying the equation for fractional bare soil cover. The spatial–temporal distribution of fractional bare soil cover enabled the definition of coefficient (φ) values in the field. An accuracy assessment was conducted based on 190 reference samples from the field using a confusion matrix, overall accuracy (OA), user accuracy (UA), producer accuracy (PA), and the Kappa statistic. Using the confusion matrix, an OA of 85.79% was obtained, while UA ranged from 33% to 100%, and PA ranged from 50% to 100%. Applying the Kappa statistic, an accuracy of 0.82 was obtained, indicating a high level of accuracy. The availability of a time series of multispectral satellite images for each month is a crucial element in monitoring the occurrence of erosion processes of various types (surface, mixed, and deep) in the field. Additionally, it contributes significantly to decision-making, strategies, and plans in the domain of erosion control work, the development of plans for identifying erosion-prone areas, plans for defense against torrential floods, and the creation of soil erosion maps at local, regional, and national levels.

Stylistic and architectural art trends of worldwide experience in designing orthodox churches and complexes

Currently, in the scientific and practical space of Ukraine, there is no substantiated and systematized concept of the sacred architecture of the Balkan countries and the countries of the near abroad. Many countries have experienced a number of important changes and transformations over the last fifty years, which undoubtedly influenced the development of sacred architecture. In this study, the author proposes to consider the modern development of Orthodox churches and complexes of the specified countries of world Orthodoxy. In order to solve the tasks, literary sources were analyzed, highlighting the peculiarities of the analysis of sacred architecture. The fundamental researchers of the analysis of modern architecture include: C. Jenks, O. E. Gutnov, V. L. Hight, A. V. Ikonnikov and others. Modern researchers in the field of design and analysis of sacred objects include the works of O. S. Sleptsova, Yu. I. Kryvoruchko, M. Yu. Kesler. Taking into account the diversity and multifacetedness of the studied sacred objects, this analysis helped establish the directions and criteria for the analysis of Orthodox churches. The article presents the results of the analysis of the practice of sacred design of temple buildings of the countries that are included in the list of Orthodox autocephalous churches of the World Orthodoxy, in particular the temple architecture of the countries: Poland, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Cyprus, Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Belarus. Most of the general finishing has close ties with historical prototypes and stylistic polyphony of development, primarily Byzantine architecture, South Balkan and other architectural schools of a certain region. Also, isolated cases of modern and innovative searches for the modern image of the national temple have been established. As illustrative material, the article is supplemented with images with an analysis of the influence of historical prototypes on modern samples, as well as a table indicating general trends.

An Assessment of the Climate Change Impacts on the Distribution of the Glacial Relict Woodpecker Three-Toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus.

The Three-Toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus is a rare and endangered woodpecker on the Balkan Peninsula. Despite being widely distributed in Northern Europe, its distribution on the Balkan Peninsula is limited to high-altitude forest habitats, where it represents a glacial relict. Assessing the climate change impacts on its distribution can be crucial for improving the conservation and future survival of this specialist species on the Balkan Peninsula. We used species distribution modelling (SDM) to identify its potential distribution in the past (last interglacial and last glacial maximum), present, and future (2050 and 2070). Our results indicate that this species had the greatest distribution during the last glacial maximum, after which its distribution contracted to areas where suitable environment persisted (high altitudes). The largest territory of the Balkan Peninsula has an unsuitable environment for the species to inhabit, while highly suitable habitats have the smallest share in the total area of suitable habitats. All future models show a decrease in the area of suitable habitats compared with the current period, indicating that global warming has a negative effect on the distribution of the species. We recommend that conservation activities must be of greater extent to ensure the species' survival in the Balkans.

An updated checklist of water mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia) of Serbia with new records revealed by DNA barcodes

The checklist summarizes the knowledge of the diversity of water mites of Serbia from the oldest record in 1903 to present day. The checklist is based on literature data and recent findings. The checklist includes 104 species in 18 families and 32 genera. Six species, i.e. Hydryphantus parmulatus, Lebertia glabra, Atractides glandulosus, Arrenurus bruzelii, A. virens and Hygrobates balcanicus, are added as new for the water mite fauna of Serbia. Regardless that the diversity of water mite has been addressed for over a century, the number of water mite species from Serbia is still limited and lower compared to other Balkan countries, indicating the need for further studies.

A review of the Cochylimorpha perfusana (Guenée, 1845) species group (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) in Europe, with the description of a new species from the Southern Carpathians (Romania)

European species of the Cochylimorpha perfusana (Guenée, 1845) species group are revised. Four species are recognized, all closely related to C. perfusana (Guenée, 1845) with which they have previously been confused. Based on morphological differences and DNA barcode data, C. callosana (Herrich-Schäffer, 1856), sp. rev. and C. dorsimaculana (Preissecker, 1908), sp. rev., are re-instated to their original species rank. Inconsistencies in their taxonomy leading to their synonymy are shown and corrected. Cochylimorpha bucegiana Z. Kovács, S. Kovács & P. Buchner, sp. nov. is described from the subalpine meadows of the Bucegi and Făgăraș Mountains (Southern Carpathians, Romania), and the other three species are redescribed. Adults and genitalia of both sexes of all four, and the habitat of three taxa are figured. The geographic distribution of each species is re-evaluated based on the examined material and a critical analysis of the literature. Literature data for which no material could be found for examination are treated as doubtful and in need of confirmation. Cochylimorpha perfusana is widely distributed in mountain areas of Europe (Alps, Carpathians and Pirin Mountains), C. callosana is widespread only in the north-western Balkan Peninsula and north-eastern Italy, and local in eastern France, Corsica and Hungary, the other two seem to be endemics, C. dorsimaculana to Wachau and Retz in Lower Austria and C. bucegianasp. nov. to the Southern Carpathians in Romania. Cochylimorpha perfusana is recorded for the first time from Bulgaria; the first confirmed records of C. callosana from Slovenia and Hungary are given; and in the north-eastern Italian fauna C. callosana replaces C. perfusana. Records of C. perfusana from Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and north-western Italy require confirmation.

A Comparative Statistical Analysis of Foreign Visitors' Volume and Overnights Spent at the Balkan Locale

Tourism is an intertemporal field of research due to the sensitive nature of the elements that constitute the field. Heritage, religion, history, art and life make the Balkans a craving destination for tourists to visit. The simplicity of moving across continents through the Balkans enables the growth of movement. The Balkan borders and the way to demarcate them were always a topic of great conflict. Half of the Balkan countries belong entirely to the region and the rest by a small portion to half of their borders. Two clusters have been raised through the history of research, the west-ern and the eastern Balkans. Both locals living out of the country of origin and foreigners are travelling to the Balkan area. Thus, the Balkans is a competitive destination both for its residents and the rest of the visitors. The most visited destinations are Greece and Croatia and the rest follow. An exploratory data analysis (E.D.A.), with secondary data collected from the national statistical offices of each country under study, tourist national organisations, minis-tries, confederations, O.E.C.D. (Organisation for Economic Coop-eration and Development) and the U.N.W.T.O. (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) tourism barometer has been pre-pared. The secondary data analysis presents and compares, through charts, the volume of visitors per country and/or per year, their overnights and the total count for the aforementioned vol-umes by each country either separately or in conjunction with the rest of the Balkan locale. A growth trend in all volume numbers of tourists and their overnights is showcased until the 2019 pandemic outburst, as a progression, and from 2019-2021 the volume num-ber has diminished due to COVID-19 and movement restrictions. From 2021 onwards volume numbers came back to their rise trend surpassing or equivalent in numbers to the benchmarks of 2019. Thus, tourism is returning to the growth numbers with no re-striction assisting the situation. Countries with coastlines receive more tourism than the rest of the countries. Further research is needed to accumulate and compare data for the gender and nation-ality of the tourists arriving in the Balkan locale.

COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE TOURISM SECTOR OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA ACCORDING TO OECD

This paper investigates the potential applicability of OECD competitiveness and sustainability indicators of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The analysis assesses the current state of the country's tourism industry and identifies areas that require significant improvement to enhance competitiveness compared to other Western Balkan countries. This comprehensive study covers all relevant data necessary to measure the OECD indicators. Based on the research conducted, it was found that Bosnia and Herzegovina does not adequately monitor the competitiveness of its tourism industry. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate that the political-territorial structure of the country presents the main challenge in achieving a competitive and sustainable tourism industry.