Balkan Research Articles

Ophiolite Association in the Rhodope Massif as indicator of the paleogeographical setting

All ophiolite associations mark epochs of active tectonic movements, which lead to significant petrological processes and modification of the relief of the Earth’s crust. Here we present a geological-petrographical characterization of one ophiolitic associations composed of: a) serpentinites; b) amphibolites-metamorphosed volcanic rocks and tuffs; c) metagabbros and metagabbrodiabases, placed among the Proterozoic metamorphic complex in the Rhodope Massif of Bulgaria on the Balkan Peninsula, South-Eastern Europе. The goal is to clarify the paleogeographical and geological setting during its creation. The methods of lithostratigraphic profiling and correlations on the database of geological field mapping were used, supplemented by microscopic, geochemical and isotopic studies of numerous rock samples. The summarized results confirm a certain stratigraphic level of the Ophiolite Association among the metamorphic complex and a complicated and protracted heterogenetic development, which is typical for the ophiolite associations created in eras of closing oceans, opposite movement of tectonic plates, subduction-obduction environment with appearance of autochthonous Neoproterozoic magmatism. Obducted fragments of serpentinites mark an old erosional continental surface, subsequently covered by transgressively deposited pelitic-carbonate sediments. The general conclusion of our study confirms the concept that the metamorphic complex of the Rhodope Massif represents a unified stratigraphic system consisting of two petrographic groups of different ages, with which we oppose the idea of a trust construction, launched by a group of geologists.

The North American tapeworm Ophiotaenia saphena (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) in frogs (Ranidae) of Europe: introduction via the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)?

Frogs (Amphibia: Ranidae) in Europe have been intensively studied for parasites for decades, but no proteocephalid tapeworms (Cestoda) have been found. Recently, tapeworms of the genus Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911 were found in frogs of the family Ranidae (Pelophylax spp.) in Greece and Romania. These are the first proteocephalids found in anurans of the continental Palaearctic. Despite slight morphological differences between the tapeworms from Greece and Romania, all tapeworms were almost identical in the 28S rRNA and even cox1 gene sequences, suggesting that they belong to a single species. Furthermore, the tapeworms from Europe are genetically indistinguishable from O. saphena Osler, 1931, a parasite of the green frog Lithobates clamitans (Latreille) and the American bullfrog L. catesbeianus (Shaw) (Ranidae) in North America. The striking genetic and morphological similarity of the present specimens to O. saphena in its native range suggests that this may be a recent introduction of this species to Europe and its switch to local hosts (parasite spillover). The documented introductions of bullfrogs into Europe further support the hypothesis of a very recent co-introduction of the non-native host species with its parasite. Although the first introductions of bullfrogs were restricted to western and central Europe, the lack of previous records of proteocephalid tapeworms in European ranids makes it difficult to trace the distribution of this North American species in the Balkan Peninsula.

CTGCT, Centre of Excellence for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy: Collaborative Translation of Scientific Discoveries into Advanced Treatments for Neurological Rare Genetic Diseases and Cancer

The emerging field of precision medicine relies on scientific breakthroughs to understand disease mechanisms and develop cutting-edge technologies to overcome underlying genetic and functional aberrations. The establishment of the Centre of Excellence for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy (CTGCT) at the National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) in Ljubljana represents a significant step forward, as it is the first centre of its kind in Slovenia. The CTGCT is poised to spearhead advances in cancer immunotherapy and personalised therapies for neurological and other rare genetic diseases. The centre’s overarching mission is to extend beyond the NIC’s scientific excellence in basic research and bring new therapeutic solutions toward clinical application. The CTGCT aims to develop a broad pipeline of biomedical tools, including innovative synthetic biology tools, gene editing and splicing technologies, RNA-based technologies, immune regulation engineering and novel viral and non-viral delivery systems. The CTGCT is supported by partner institutions from the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, which already have academic good manufacturing practice (GMP) facilities for the manufacture of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and is committed to active collaboration with clinicians and patient organizations at all stages of development to improve access to gene and cell therapies (GCTs) for patients. The Centre also seeks to collaborate with national and international academic and industrial partners, and the newly established GMP facilities will address a critical bottleneck in the translation of GCTs from research to practice. Finally, CTGCT's translational research and technology transfer units will ensure the impactful dissemination of research and innovation activities in Slovenia, throughout the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe region, and beyond. With its comprehensive approach and forward-looking vision, the CTGCT will drive transformative advances in gene and cell therapies for the benefit of patients on a global scale.

SUSTAINABLE (RE)DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM DESTINATIONS AS A PLEDGE FOR THE FUTURE – A CASE STUDY FROM THE WESTERN BALKANS

The study aims to analyse and thus obtain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, issues, needs, and challenges related to the tourism sector in the five Western Balkans economies in the post-COVID-19 context. The survey collects and analyze information for each of the five Western Balkans economies and explores the needs and trends of the current stakeholders in the tourism sector and how sustainable tourism can be used to overcome future uncertainties. The results are further discussed from the point of Western Balkans economies and tourism destination to make their management more sustainable for the future. Western Balkans countries have the potential for sustainable tourism development, but to better position themselves in the tourist market, they need to achieve a competitive advantage. Bearing in mind the changes that occurred during and after the crisis, it is necessary to have a good plan for the re(development) of tourist destinations.

Inflation Impact on Foreign Direct Investment - Evidence from Western Balkan Countries

Inflation Impact on Foreign Direct Investment - Evidence from Western Balkan Countries

Knowledge and Consumption Patterns of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Among the Central Balkan Population-A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this research was to investigate the use of ω-3-FA-rich food and supplements, as well as the knowledge and attitudes on these nutrients among residents of the central Balkans-the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska. The research was performed as a prospective, cross-section, online survey. A total of 895 responses were collected, with relatively high usage of ω-3-FA supplements (34.2%). It was found that the respondents use these supplements due to inadequate dietary intake, but also in therapy or prevention of certain diseases and conditions. Users take the supplements on a regular basis, although for short periods of time. The respondents reported the dietary intake of food rich in ω-3-FA. It was found that more than half of parents give these supplements to their children, with similar purposes, although more frequently and for longer periods of time. The use of ω-3-FA via supplements in pregnant and breastfeeding women is also present. The residents of the investigated territory seem to have an awareness of the importance of ω-3-FA use, with its consumption being registered in both the general population and specific subpopulations. Future steps would include further promotion and education on the given topic.

EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY AND INWARD FDI: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS OF BALKAN COUNTRIES

This study investigates the relationship between exchange rate volatility and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in Balkan countries, a region known for its political instability and significant economic and institutional challenges. Using secondary data from 2011 to 2021, this study employs a fixed-effects model with a dynamic specification to analyze the impact of exchange rate volatility on FDI, alongside other key determinants such as inflation, crude oil prices and corruption perception index. The results indicate that exchange rate volatility negatively impacts the FDI inflows, while crude oil prices are found to have a significant positive effect. The impact of inflation and corruption perception index is found insignificant in explaining FDI inflows, suggesting that these factors do not substantially influence investment decisions in the Balkan region. These findings contribute to the literature on FDI in the Balkans and provide valuable insights for policymakers and investors. The results suggest that reducing exchange rate volatility could improve the investment climate and enhance the region’s attractiveness for foreign investment.

Women’s contributions to music education and artistic life in Albania (1900-1950)

Women music educators in Albania are the most important part of development of music education at different levels of education. The purpose of this study is to shed light on women music educators from 1900-1950, which have been active in public and private schools, churches, and community organizations. This study is the first that analysed the women’s contributions to music education in Albanian in the year 1900-1950 in the different public and private schools. The aim is to highlight the fundamental contribution of women music educators in a new generation of education and artistic life. It is also important to study this research because it provides historical insights about educational institutions that became cultural hallmarks over time. The article assumes the illustration of women music educators in Albania, the contribution for the development of instrumental-vocal pedagogy-music education and cultural life during the early 20th century, overcoming significant obstacles to pave the way for future generations and leaving a lasting legacy in the field. This research deals with the historical lack of interest of women in Albanian music education and artistic life between 1900-1950. Although women in the performing arts and in educational roles played an important part in this period. The path opened by these artists up for all girls and women to follow the path of teaching and art in Albania in a difficult historical, economic, social and cultural period. The research employs a qualitative (descriptive) methodology that encompasses the use of archival document analysis along with previous scholarship to develop a broad knowledge of the role of women in Albanian music education. The research is based on national programs and documents from the Central State Archive Primary sources are national programs, documents from Central State Archive, personal archive of artists especially of Jorgjia Truja. The results indicate that women educators played an essential role as pillars in the foundations of music education, but also of artistic life in Albania. People like Jorgjia Truja and Maria Kraja were very important in this: people who taught choral and instrumental work, and in a way invented vocal pedagogy. These women overcame significant societal and institutional barriers to create pathways for musical education and left a legacy that resonated long after their passings. Through this study, the contribution illuminate the struggles that brought them to the fore in the long struggle for full recognition of women educators in music. For future studies, it would be nice to go into further details about the contributions of women in Albanian music education and perform this study in other Balkan countries as well. Curricula should also reflect socio- cultural influences as perceived by women educators, fostering gender-sensitive pedagogical practices and mentorship schemes to inspire future generations of female musicians and educators.

Analysis of Sustainable Growth Rate in Manufacturing and Construction Firms: Evidence from Selected Western Balkan Countries

This research’s primary goal is to examine the factors influencing organizations’ sustainable growth rates (SGR) between 2013 and 2022. A panel regression analysis was done to extensively assess the variables linked with SGR. The study included data from 92 manufacturing and construction companies in selected Western Balkan countries, resulting in a dataset of 1,012 observations. According to the study, asset efficiency and sales growth have a positive and significant impact, while leverage negatively impacts the SGR. These results are important to companies because they provide useful insights that can help them achieve their planned SGR. Management can make informed decisions to improve business performance by better understanding the impact of factors such as asset efficiency, leverage ratio, and sales growth on SGR. This informed decision-making not only ensures a healthy growth path but also helps avoid major financial problems. The study underlines that the findings serve as a significant tool for business management in long-term planning and strategy formulation. By providing insight into the company’s growth goals and prospects, this congruence also benefits numerous internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, it makes it possible to examine the company’s overall business situation more precisely and helps forecast its long-term performance.

Recruitment of Authoritarian Individuals into Clientelist Networks: A comparative study of the Western Balkans

Understanding how brokers choose clients for vote-buying exchange is one of the key issues in explaining the success of these illicit practices. Norm-based theories seek an answer to this question based on individuals’ values and beliefs, which would make them suitable candidates for vote-buying. A recent addition to this literature suggests that there might be a distinct authoritarian feature among the targeted voters. Building on the findings of this study, this paper examines the relationship between authoritarian tendencies and the offer of clientelist exchange in six Western Balkan countries. Overall findings vary significantly across countries: in Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania some associations were found, albeit not all in the theoretically predicted direction. In Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, and North Macedonia authoritarian tendencies were not related to an offer of clientelist exchange. The results point to a highly contextualized importance of authoritarian tendencies for the success of clientelist exchanges.

Violence in the Western Balkans

The main goal of this study is to reconsider violence in Western Balkan countries (WBC) compared to global and European averages, questioning negative stereotypes about the Balkan peoples. By examining recent homicide rate data, a widely accepted indicator, the paper positions violence rates in WBC relative to these benchmarks. Additionally, it investigates socioeconomic and cultural factors contributing to variations in homicide rates, analysing elements such as poverty, social inequality, unemployment, and the Global Peace Index. The present study also addresses other forms of violence, including femicide and organized crime rates. Furthermore, it explores the cultural context, particularly the declining influence of the traditional culture of honour historically associated with blood feuds in the pastoral regions of the WBC. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the relationship between sociocultural factors and regional violence.

Patterns of Genetic and Morphological Variability of Teucrium montanum sensu lato (Lamiaceae) on the Balkan Peninsula.

The Balkan Peninsula represents an important center of plant diversity, exhibiting remarkable ecological heterogeneity that renders it an optimal region for studying the diversification patterns of complex taxa such as Teucrium montanum. In the Balkan Peninsula, T. montanum is a highly plastic and morphologically variable species with unresolved taxonomic status. To ascertain the patterns of genetic and morphological diversification, a comparative genetic and morphological analysis was conducted. In total, 57 populations were subjected to analysis using AFLP and a multivariate morphometric approach. A Bayesian analysis of population structure distinguished two main genetic clusters, labelled A and B. Cluster B was found to be geographically restricted to the northwestern Dinarides, while cluster A occurred in the rest of the Balkans. Genetic cluster A was further subdivided into four subclusters that were spatially separated from each other. The contact populations between the subclusters exhibited a mixed genetic structure. There was a partial correlation between genetic and morphological diversification. The peripheral populations of the genetic clusters displayed morphological differences, while both genetic and morphological differences decreased in the contact zones. The observed genetic structure can be attributed to the reproductive biology of this species and the complex geological history of the Balkan Peninsula.

Exploring floristic patterns across urban habitats: a case study of the city of Sarajevo (Balkan Peninsula)

Exploring floristic patterns across urban habitats: a case study of the city of Sarajevo (Balkan Peninsula)

Legal issues in the property, use, preservation, and management of agricultural lands in Bulgaria

This article reviews the subject of ‘agricultural lands’ in Bulgaria from a legal aspect, for the period 1878-2023. It analyses the normative acts, legal consequences and the most important legal changes that the land reforms in the country derive from. There is a review of the processes of restitution, land-settlement, and limitations of property; the initiation of cadastral maps and other events and initiatives related to them; legal actions of the administrative and judicial organs; and decisions related to the judicial and constitutional control, related to the owners and users of agricultural lands. There is some detailing of how the latter perform their legal rights to the land in certain cases. The study is provisionally divided into three sub-periods: the first presents legislation in Bulgaria related to agricultural lands in the period after the establishment of the Third Bulgarian State. It gives explanation to some important moments, deriving from the historical participation of the country in the political events related to the Balkan Peninsula and the First World War, as well as to the policies of land-settlement, organisation and cooperation of the agricultural subjects; establishment of the first administrative bodies; and the administration of the processes related to the property and in particular to the agricultural land. The second period reflects on the legislation defined by the collectivisation and expropriation of the private property, the limitation of the economic relations in regard to the agricultural lands, and the following redefining of the legal institutes related to the property of agricultural land. In a sense the first two parts of the article give answers to the reasons and the need for the last land reform performed after 1989. A milestone in the article is the process of restitution as well as the problems of the legal doctrine of the last period from 1989 until 2023. Apart from identifying the most important problems of the management of the legal aspect of the restitution processes, the article provides a short review of the new course and the ‘curve’ of the legislation regarding agricultural land. The newest changes in the trajectory of the public relations and the legal challenges deriving from the legal order in the European Union are presented, including: legal contradictions of the Bulgarian legislation with the law of the EU; reflection of the structural funds over the legal processes related to the agricultural lands; and the ‘green’ payments and consolidation of the property in agricultural lands. At the end there are some suggestions for the improvement of the legal framework regarding the agricultural lands in the country. The article uses several legal methods, including legal-historical, positive legal analysis, and a normative approach in explaining the offers suitable for the change of the legal framework regarding agricultural lands.

The Voynuks in the Military of the Ottoman Empire: Current State of Research and Pieces of New Evidence

During the conquest of the Balkan Peninsula by the Ottoman Empire in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, two castes of Christians emerged in the military of the empire—the spahis and the voynuks. The members of the first group, the spahis (noblemen in the feudal system), ceased to exist after the fifteenth century. On the contrary, the second caste, the voynuks, existed at least until the late nineteenth century and, thus, almost until the fall of the empire. The article discusses the role of the voynuks as members of the caste from Vardun—a small village in northeast Bulgaria nowadays but an important voynuk centre in the times of the Ottoman Empire. In the first part of the article, attention is drawn to the role of the voynuks in the state's military that accomplished a variety of military tasks. At the same time, the caste's members not only preserved their Christian religion but also paid fewer taxes than other Christians in the empire. The second part of the discussion focuses on why Vardun, in particular, gained such important voynuk status and kept it for several centuries. It is proposed that the Ottomans chose Vardun because of the origin of the people from the settlement; most probably, noblemen and warriors who defended the city of Kosovo (Mysionis) against the Ottoman army in the late fourteenth century and settled Vardun after Kosovo's destruction.

Cost-effectiveness of prevention program for type 2 diabetes mellitus in high risk patients in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Republic of Srpska (RS), as a part of the Western Balkans (WB) region, has a higher diabetes prevalence than the EU. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of early treatment of high-risk patients with pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes in our setting. We designed a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) model which reflects the current International Diabetes Federation (IDF) three-step plan for the prevention of T2DM in those at increased risk. The model captures the evolution of the disease in FINDRISC high-risk patients from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and then to T2DM and its complications. We developed two MCMC models, in order to follow the progression of the disease in high-risk cases, ie, when early treatment is undertaken or when it is not undertaken. The health costs and quality adjusted life years (QALY) were discounted at an annual rate of 3%. The key model parameters were varied in one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Early treatment resulted in increased life expectancy, postponement of the onset of diabetes and increased QALY for all patients. The discounted incremental cost-effectiveness-ratios (ICER) in NGT, IFG, IGT, and T2DM patients were -289.9, 9724.03, -1478.59 and 4084.67 €. In high-risk IGT patients, ICER was the most favorable, being both a cost saving and QALY gaining, with the consistent results confirmed by the sensitivity analysis. The results recommend the acceptance of a new health policy of identifying IGT patients with the use of FINDRISC questionnaire and plasma glucose measurements; providing them with a lifestyle change program; and implementing intensive diabetes treatment, as their disease progresses. Our results are especially significant for the Western Balkan countries, since this was the first cost-effectiveness study of T2DM prevention in this region.

Bulgaria’s Protection of the “Historic Communities” in the EU Enlargement Context

The article considers international activities of Bulgaria towards the Western Balkans states within the context of the EU further enlargement in 2018–2024. The author aims to evaluate the strategy of Sofia policies towards Bulgarian communities in Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia against the background of the internal political situation. Special attention is paid to the Presidential institution, which provides the continuity of the external policies in the situation of crisis of the political parties and parliamentarian system. Though the National Strategy towards Bulgarian citizens and Bulgarian historic communities over the world approved by the Bulgarian Government in 2014 was not further developed, the ongoing international activities of Sofia constitute a strategy of practical actions. In the bilateral relations with Albania, Kosovo and Serbia Sofia insists on constitutional guarantees of the Bulgarian historic communities’ status and rights. The inclusion of Bulgarians in the list of national minorities in the Albanian legislation serves as argument in the negotiations with the other two states. In the bilateral relations with the Republic of North Macedonia Sofia puts forward the guidance of the good neighbor principles according to the treaty on friendship, good neighborhood and cooperation signed on August 1, 2017 aligning the constitutional recognition of the Bulgarian minority with history, language and identity issues considered by special bilateral multidisciplinary commission. The activities of Bulgaria are based on its strategic evaluation of the abovementioned states’ perspectives, are being substantiated with the European legal norms, meet the support of the society and rely upon Brussel’s understanding and support.

Invasion History and Dispersion Dynamics of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly in the Balkan Peninsula.

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann 1824; Diptera, Tephritidae), is considered one of the most important pests, infesting more than 300 species of fresh fruit and vegetables worldwide. The medfly is an important invasive species, which has spread from the eastern part of sub-Saharan Africa to all of the world's continents in recent centuries. Currently, the medfly is expanding its geographical range to cooler, temperate areas of the world, including northern areas of Mediterranean countries and continental areas of Central Europe. We collected and analysed all the available information, including in historical records, on the phenology of the medfly in the Balkan Peninsula, to map and understand the path of invasion and spread dynamics on the northern Mediterranean coast and in Central Europe. The medfly was first recorded in the Balkan Peninsula in 1915, in the Aegean area on the island of Aigina, followed by a few records on its presence in the Peloponnese in the early 1930s and throughout the Adriatic coastal area in the 1950s; it was first detected on the Croatian coast in 1947. By 2010, the medfly had been detected along the entire Ionian coast, while the first record of its presence on the Balkan coast of the Black Sea was made in 2005. Since 2000 to date, there has been a significant increase in the frequency of medfly detections in the interior of the Balkan Peninsula, including occasional detections in areas with unfavourable climatic conditions for overwintering, which seems to be favourable for reproduction during the summer and lead to significant infestation of late ripening fruits (late summer and autumn). In the last 20 years, the medfly has spread to more northerly areas (43 to 45 degrees latitude) and has been detected at higher altitudes (>200 to 600 m). Along the Balkan Peninsula, the infestation of fruits from 25 host plant species, from 14 genera and 10 plant families, has been reported. Considering the extremely high invasiveness of the medfly and its wide distribution in several Balkan regions with different climatic conditions, we can assume that it is adapting to new climatic conditions and infesting new host plants.

The Economic Communal of Bulgarians

One of the interesting business institutes is the communal. It existed for thousands of years, and on the Balkan Peninsula it was preserved until the beginning of the 20th century. A communal is several families who live and cultivate common land. After the liberation of Bulgaria, new institutions appeared, the essence of which was different from the local cultures and social relationships and led to the dissolution of the communal. Bulgaria at the beginning of the 20th century was an agricultural country and the cultivation of the land was carried out by the rural communal, community/commune, and there was no established private property and economic individualism. For thousands of years, the communal has existed on the Bulgarian lands, which was created on an economic basis and preserves the traditions, language, and morals of the Bulgarian society. These communals are independent, and justice is at their core – the distribution of the produced products is done in the communal. Agriculture is dependent on natural conditions, so drought, floods, hail, locusts, etc. cause famine. The communals of the Bulgarians managed to overcome these disasters without a mass famine like there was in Europe in the 18th century. The purpose of the article is to examine the reasons for the long existence of the communal and its rapid disintegration after the creation of the nationstate. The existence of the communal shows that in the Balkans during the Middle Ages there was no such attachment of the peasant to the land as in feudal Europe, but there was a relative independence of the cultivators who were interested in the productivity of their own labor.

Залучення іноземних інвестицій для повоєнної відбудови: досвід країн Західних Балкан

The article is dedicated to summarizing and comparing the experience of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for post-war reconstruction in the Western Balkans and its significance for Ukraine amid ongoing military aggression and the need for post-war rebuilding. It characterizes the experiences of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, which suffered destruction during the Yugoslav wars in the Balkans and used FDI as a key tool for economic recovery. The paper examines legislative, tax, institutional, and infrastructural measures aimed at attracting foreign capital, including the establishment of free economic zones, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, tax reductions, and subsidies. The importance of legal protection, political stability, and anti-corruption measures for creating a favorable investment environment is argued. Additionally, the article highlights the critical role of international organizations such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which provided funding for infrastructure projects and institutional reform. Their involvement contributed to the reconstruction of key economic sectors and prepared the countries for European integration. The Balkan experience is valuable for Ukraine, as the current challenges and reconstruction needs after the war share similar features. Ukraine can leverage the tools and approaches of the Western Balkan countries to develop its strategy for attracting FDI, including European integration processes, legal system improvements, anti-corruption reforms, and the stimulation of domestic investment.