Nevena Bogdanovic is a correspondent based in Belgrade for RFE/RL's Balkan Service.
One of Europe's most influential former diplomats has taken aim at perceptions that Europe has done little to help the Balkans as they grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and puts China's contributions in perspective.
As the leaders of Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia press on with plans to ease cross-border traffic, getting their other Western Balkan neighbors on board could make all the difference.
Among themselves, ethnic Albanians can say it, and often do. But a Serbian minister has crossed a line by using a slang word referring to them.
