Westbalkan

The Westbalkan, or Western Balkans, is a region in Southeast Europe comprising countries like North Macedonia. It is newsworthy due to recent discussions and developments related to migration and asylum policies. Specifically, reports in December 2025 indicated that the UK was considering establishing "Return Hubs" in North Macedonia for rejected asylum seekers, sparking political backlash and public opposition within the country, highlighting internal debates on migration. Furthermore, the region's complex history and ongoing challenges with nationalism are reflected in the work of author Miljenko Jergovic, winner of the 2026 Leipzig Book Prize for European Understanding. His work addresses nationalism in the Balkans and the global shift to the right, underscoring the region's relevance in broader European and global political contexts. The Westbalkan remains significant as a region navigating migration pressures, political sensitivities, and ongoing efforts towards European integration.