Thirty years after the Yugoslav wars, the Balkans remain a region grappling with its past while forging a path toward an uncertain future. In The Balkans: Europe’s Forgotten Frontier, a new documentary series premiering Monday, February 3 on BBC iPlayer, BBC Europe editor Katya Adler sets out to explore this often-overlooked corner of Europe.
In the first episode, “Croatia, Bosnia and Albania,” Adler travels through countries still bearing the scars of conflict, but also experiencing rapid transformation. She encounters a region wrestling with complex political landscapes, economic disparities, and the enduring legacy of war. While the specifics of her journey remain to be seen, the title itself hints at a region often relegated to the periphery of European consciousness. Adler’s expertise promises to provide crucial context and insight into a part of the world ripe with both challenges and opportunities. For viewers seeking a deeper understanding of the Balkans’ complicated present and its potential future, this series looks to be an essential watch.
The Balkans: Europe’s Forgotten Frontier premieres Monday, February 3 on BBC iPlayer.