Balkan regions face demographic, mental health, and infrastructure challenges

Regional concerns are rising across the Balkans regarding demographic stability, mental health infrastructure, and public safety. In North Macedonia, Professor Fati Iseni has warned of a deep demographic crisis driven by declining birth rates, rising mortality, and the emigration of young people, suggesting the population could drop below one million within decades without urgent policy intervention.

In Kosovo, Ilir Havolli, President of the Association of Psychologists, highlighted the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. He emphasized that the lack of clinical psychologists in public institutions forces citizens to rely on expensive private services, potentially leading to unaddressed emotional issues and antisocial behaviors.

Additionally, residents in the Dardania neighborhood of Tetovo, North Macedonia, are reporting daily risks due to an open pit and potential soil landslides caused by prolonged infrastructure works for sewage and water systems. Local farmers and residents are demanding the immediate completion of the project to restore normal movement and access to fields.