Western Balkan Countries Research Articles

Assessment of Dangerous Goods Transport: Case Western Balkan Countries

The transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) is a critical component of economic systems, especially in regions such as the Western Balkans (WB), where infrastructure and regulatory frameworks face significant challenges. This study assesses the current state of transportation of dangerous goods in Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo*, focusing on the alignment of national regulations with international standards such as the ADR agreement. Using a structured questionnaire distributed to 847 stakeholders, key barriers are identified, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, limited oversight and low public awareness. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, reveal significant differences in perceptions across the countries surveyed, indicating inequalities in implementation and enforcement. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to close gaps through targeted investments in infrastructure, increased training programs, stricter compliance and regional cooperation. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive data collection systems and advanced risk assessment tools to improve safety and efficiency. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of TDG issues in the WB countries and provides actionable recommendations for policy makers and practitioners to promote safer and more sustainable practices. The region can improve its TDG framework by addressing these challenges and ensuring economic growth and public safety while minimizing environmental risks.

Political Science Student Preferences for Online, Onsite, and Mixed-Mode Courses: Computer Literacy, Curricular Preferences, and Research Experiences

What explains Political Science (PS) student preferences for online, onsite and mixed online-onsite course mode? Much of the academic debate about students’ preferences for different course modes assumes correlates and determinants of those preferences as binary: If a factor positively predicts students’ preferences for online courses, the same factor would negatively predict preferences for onsite courses. In reality, this might not be the case, but we still have no explanation about what would predict those preferences. We frame our argument within the social cognitive theory, interaction equivalency theorem, and social integration theory, and test it with three sets of variables: students’ computer literacy, their preferences for vocational orientation of PS studies, and prior research experiences. We found computer literacy as well as preferences for philosophical, statistical, mathematical and computer application orientation of PS studies to positively predict all course modes considered; and that students’ prior research experiences with peers negatively predict preferences for all course modes considered. We test our hypotheses with data collected by surveying PS students in 11 universities in three Western Balkans countries, Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, during the 2021–2022 academic year.

Renewable Energy in the Western Balkans and EU Policy: Pathway to Regional Net-Zero

Abstract The six Western Balkan countries (WB6), which include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, are in a critical phase of their development and face various economic, political and environmental challenges. Political uncertainties, economic imbalances, and institutional weaknesses have hindered their progress in achieving sustainable development goals. Among these challenges, the energy sector stands out as a priority due to its significant impact on economic growth, climate change, and environmental sustainability. The energy landscape in the region is dominated by conventional and non-renewable energy sources, leading to concerns about energy security and environmental degradation. Dependence on fossil fuels exposes these countries to volatile energy prices and increases their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. There is an urgent need to develop cleaner and sustainable energy sources to promote economic growth while mitigating the harmful effects of climate change. Hydropower capacity in the WB6 countries is estimated to be significant and offers the opportunity to generate clean energy. A comprehensive overview of the hydropower potential in the WB6 countries considers factors such as river systems, water availability, topography, and technical capabilities. The promotion of renewable energy, especially sustainable hydropower, is central to achieving a sustainable future in the WB6 countries. By harnessing their hydropower potential and addressing environmental and social concerns, these countries can boost their economic growth, combat climate change, and improve their energy security for a prosperous and sustainable future.

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.

Determinants of Foreign Portfolio Investment in the Western Balkan Countries

Securities and other capital inflows of assets that may be held by other foreign nations make up international portfolio investments. An investor who makes a foreign portfolio investment (FPI) gains indirect ownership of financial assets. So, this study aims to investigate the main determinants of FPI in Western Balkan countries. Key variables included in the study are portfolio investment, GDP per capita growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), external debt (EXD), inflation, population, real interest rate, and regulatory quality, sourced from the World Bank. The methodology employed involves panel data regression analysis using fixed and random effects, allowing the observation of the influence of economic, demographic, and institutional factors across time and entities. It is important to observe if FPI is determined by economic growth and other considered potential determinants. The findings indicate that the portfolio investment of Western Balkan countries is significantly influenced by GDP per capita growth, external debt, inflation, and real interest rates.

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

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

Determining the Threshold of Public Debt in the Western Balkan Countries

Determining the Threshold of Public Debt in the Western Balkan Countries

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.

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.

European Sustainability Reporting Standards: Lack of Progress, Alignment, and Harmonization in Western Balkans

This paper aims to investigate the status of alignment and harmonization of corporate reporting in Western Balkans (WB) countries with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Specifically, the research will focus on understanding the extent to which WB countries have initiated the adoption of ESRS, particularly in the context of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) that mandates its use for companies within the European Union (EU) and its branches. The paper will compare the achieved level of sustainability reporting in Western Balkan countries with other countries located in Europe that are not members of the European Union. Despite the mandatory nature of ESRS for companies within the EU, our preliminary analysis indicates a lack of progress in the alignment and harmonization process among the WB countries. Western Balkan countries are also lagging behind, compared to other non-EU member countries, such as Switzerland and Norway, which have been selected for comparative analysis. The research seeks to uncover the reasons behind this lag and to explore the potential challenges faced by companies in the WB region in implementing these standards. It is crucial to understand the current state of sustainability reporting practices in WB countries and the challenges faced in aligning with ESRS. It will provide valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders on the necessary steps to enhance sustainability reporting practices in the region and foster alignment with international standards.

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.

Unlocking regional value chains: Fintech’s role in the Western Balkans' integration into global markets

Digitalization and automation are restructuring the geographical landscape of operations and labor, significantly altering operations in global value chains (GVCs). Digital technologies are expected to boost resilience, enhance transparency, and foster sustainability in GVCs. In this context, this paper looks at how the application of fintech solutions fosters the creation of regional value chains (RVCs), increasing attractiveness and generating new opportunities for enterprises in the Western Balkan region to participate in GVCs To fill the existing gap for granular analysis at the industry level, the paper examines if enterprises in the Western Balkans that apply of fintech solutions in financial management have better opportunities to create RVCs than the ones that resist fintech implementation. Using a benchmarking instrument on fintech solutions implemented on 370 enterprises, this paper tries to identify industries with the highest potential to create RVCs and higher prospects for integration in GVCs. Our findings indicate that fintech solutions and applications can be one of the main driving forces in transforming and upgrading RVCs in Western Balkan countries.

Beyond Linear Models: Factors Driving Environmental Action and Circular Economy Transition in Western Balkan Businesses

Abstract This article employs a probit model to analyze the determinants influencing businesses in the Western Balkans to mitigate their environmental impact and assess the feasibility of transitioning to a circular business model. It relies on primary survey data gathered in all Western Balkan countries by professional research agencies in 2022, with a representative sample of approximately 200 businesses per country. The findings reveal that factors such as being an exporting, foreign, innovative, and loan-receiving company increase the likelihood of businesses in the Western Balkans taking measures to reduce their environmental impact. Moreover, being an exporting and loan-receiving company emerges as influential in fostering the belief that a shift to a circular business model is attainable. These insights have profound implications for policymakers and businesses aiming to promote sustainable practices and circular economy initiatives within the Western Balkans. Additionally, this article contributes to policy development and knowledge on environmental and circular practices in developing economies.

ODNOS IZMEĐU EMISIJE CO2 I BDP-a PO GLAVI STANOVNIKA, POTROŠNJE ENERGIJE I INDUSTRIJSKE PROIZVODNJE U SLUČAJU ZEMALJA ZAPADNOG BALKANA

Purpose: This research investigates the relationship among CO2 emission, GDP per capita, energy consumption and industrial production for the Western Balkan countries during the period 2011 – 2022. Design/methodology/approach: The model consists of CO2 emission as a dependent variable, and GDP per capita, energy consumption and industrial production as independent variables. The analysis includes Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Fixed Effects (FE), Random Effects (RE), and Hausman–Taylor IV model. Findings: Results reveal a negative relationship between CO2 emissions and GDP per capita, and a positive relationship with energy consumption, while industrial production is not significant at all. Practical implications: Knowing the relationship between CO2 emissions and GDP per capita, energy consumption, and industrial production could help in projecting the policies that help protect the environment.

Governance quality in Western Balkan countries: are they converging with the EU?

ABSTRACT The accession process of the six Western Balkan countries – Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – has been a long-standing issue and a stalled process in the EU’s enlargement agenda. Notably, countries aspiring to join the EU are expected during the pre-accession phases to adapt and implement (converge) the acquis Communautaire in areas that include the quality of governance and the functioning of national institutions. Using the World Bank’s six ‘Worldwide Governance Indicators’ that allow for the multidimensionality of governance, this paper examines through a battery of unit-root tests, whether the six Western Balkans have been converging with the EU in terms of governance quality. Moreover, the paper examines whether EU’s neighbourhood policy as a whole bears a responsibility for the present stalemate and whether this complies with the so-called EU conditionality principle.

The European Public Prosecutor’s office: competence, tasks and prospects of cooperation with the state authorities of Ukraine

This article analyses the functioning of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as an independent EU body responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice those who have committed criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the European Union - a topical issue for both EU institutions and Member States, including Ukraine as a candidate country. The importance of expanding the powers of the EPPO is mentioned in the Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2024−2029 «Europe’s Choice». It points to the need to discuss areas where it is seen necessary to increase the powers of this body to combat cross-border serious crime, including corruption, which affects EU funds and which Member States cannot tackle on their own at the national level. In terms of the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU law, accession negotiations and Ukraine’s gradual integration into the EU’s area of freedom, security and justice. The cooperation and interaction of the Ukrainian state authorities with the EPPO plays a significant role. The European Union’s cooperation in the area of freedom, security and justice (hereinafter referred to as the AFSJ) takes place both at the level of the EU and its Member States and is regulated under the Association Agreement between a third country and the EU and its Member States (for the Western Balkan countries - the Stabilisation and Association Agreement). Thus, the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement contains Chapter 3 «Justice, Freedom and Security». The research article analyses the competence of the EPPO, the mandate of the EPPO and the European Anti-Fraud Office was clarified. The article examines the legal framework (Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 (the «EPPO Regulation») and Directive (EU) 2017/1371 (the «PIF Directive»), as well as the procedure and status of accession of EU Member States to the EPPO, including the organisation of the body’s work, which is organised at two levels: centralised and decentralised. The authors conclude that Ukraine should join the EPPO after becoming a full member of the EU.

AdeABC, AdeFGH, and AdeIJK efflux pumps as key factors in tigecycline resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii: a study from Western Balkan hospitals.

The present study investigated the role of resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pumps in tigecycline resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates recovered from three Western Balkan countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro). A total of 37 A. baumannii isolates recovered from seven tertiary care hospitals in 2016 and 2022 were tested against tigecycline using broth microdilution method. Then, efflux pump inhibitor carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was used to determine the involvement of efflux pumps in tigecycline resistance. Molecular typing was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multiplex PCR-based determination of clonal lineage. Regulators of efflux pumps were analyzed for amino acid substitutions, while reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) enabled quantification of RND efflux pumps expression. All tested isolates were interpreted as resistant to tigecycline and showed reduced tigecycline minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the presence of CCCP. PFGE analysis showed significant diversity among isolates grouped in cluster I including IC2 (n = 32) and IC3 (n = 1) isolates, while cluster II was comprised of four IC1 isolates. The most prevalent substitutions in AdeR were V120I and A136V and in AdeS G186V and N268H (n = 33). The Q262R substitution was detected in AdeL proteins of IC1 isolates, whereas no alterations were observed within AdeN. The expression of the adeB, adeG, and adeJ genes in selected isolates was upregulated in five (1.16- to 3-fold), sixteen (1.35- to 2.82-fold), and twelve isolates (1.62- to 4-fold) compared to ATCC19606, respectively. This study revealed that overexpression of RND efflux pumps underlies tigecycline resistance in A. baumannii clinical isolates from the Western Balkans.

On Relations Between the Index of Innovation and the B2c E-commerce Index (a Regressive Analysis), Using a Quality Management Holistic Approach, as Well as Descriptive Statistics for Western Balkans

Purpose – My goal in conducting this study is to clarify and present the relationship and strong connections between the innovation index and the B2C E-Commerce index worldwide, as a response to the new normalcy, because innovation and B2C E-commerce issues, as well as quality and quality management, have been subject to an increasing interest all over the world, and the position of Western Balkan countries for innovation index and B2C E-commerce index, using descriptive and interdisciplinary methods. Design/methodology/approach – The article used exploratory research based on correlation and regression analysis to discover relationships between innovation and the B2C E-commerce index, using data supplemented by the Global Innovation Index and the B2C E-commerce index. The study technique consisted of gathering data and information regarding the global innovation index and B2C E-commerce index as well as explaining the recently launched ISO 56000 family of standards, handling a correlation and a regressive analysis for relations between the innovation index and the B2C E-commerce index, which resulted in the main conclusion of this study that statistically verified relations between the innovation and the B2C E-commerce are strong, so ISO standards in general, and ISO 56000 standards family application in particular, is required in the time of B2C E-commerce, achieving competitive advantage. In terms of descriptive statistics, a comparison between the Western Balkans and the rest of the globe has been conducted. Findings – Because innovation is covered by the ISO 56000 standard, this research gives statistical insights into the relationships between innovation and the B2C E-commerce index. It indicates that to get a competitive edge, successful business organizations should invest in innovation, B2C E-commerce, and quality management. The main recommendation is that the use of ISO standards in general, and the ISO 56000 family of standards in particular, helps companies strengthen their commitment to their clients by improving innovation and B2C E-commerce activities, processes, and procedures, and economies worldwide to gain a competitive advantage. The study's descriptive data on Western Balkan economies reveal that a significant effort is still required for EU integration. Research limitations/implications – Because of the selected study technique, the research results may necessitate more examination; consequently, researchers are urged to investigate the presented propositions further. Practical implications – The study discusses the implications of developing a strong tool that combines innovation, B2C E-commerce, and quality control to gain a competitive edge. Originality/value – This work addresses for the first time, using correlation and regression analysis, a recognized need to investigate how innovation, B2C E-commerce, and the ISO 56000 family of standards are significantly connected, as well as descriptive data for a region (the Western Balkans). Article Type – Research paper.