Balkans

Regional infrastructure connectivity is accelerating, with new rail links, pipeline reactivations, and digital service expansions. Croatia is planning a Split-airport rail link and securing oil supply to Hungary via pipeline, while Serbia advances a nuclear power plant plan and a new Belgrade-Budapest railway. The Thessaloniki-Skopje pipeline restarts after 13 years, and Yandex integrates Belgrade's taxi market.

• 2Serbian Government Submits AI-Written Plans to President
• 1TikTok returns to Albania after government-imposed ban
• 1Yandex app now includes nearly all Belgrade taxis
• 1New Belgrade-Budapest railway line to open for traffic
• 1Serbian citizens live on far lower wages than Vučić claims

Serbia's President Vučić is pursuing a pragmatic EU accession stance, stating acceptance of membership without veto power, while simultaneously engaging with Kazakhstan. Kosovo's Prime Minister Kurti formed a new government, receiving congratulations from the US Ambassador, and Kosovo plans to send troops to Gaza. The EU expresses concern over Serbia's judicial reforms.

• 4Vucic says EU membership without veto power would be acceptable for Serbia
• 4EU Concerned Over Serbia's Judicial Reforms and Vučić's Stance
• 3Serbia and Albania propose faster EU market and Schengen access
• 3Ambassador Antonini in Kosovo congratulates Prime Minister Kurti
• 2Serbian opposition criticizes Vučić's nuclear stance and referendum tactics

Security focus is split between cross-border criminal investigations and domestic counter-terrorism. Italian authorities are actively probing the Sarajevo 'weekend snipers' case across multiple jurisdictions. Serbia arrested two suspects in an assassination attempt on President Vučić and requested special forces training from Kazakhstan, while Croatia strengthens cybersecurity.

• 5Italian police investigate man for Sarajevo sniper tourism case
• 4Italian suspect questioned over Sarajevo 'weekend snipers' killings: reports
• 2Two suspects in assassination attempt on President Vucic arrested in Serbia
• 2Serbian President warns military alliance attack will not succeed
• 1Albania Cracks Down on Illegal Construction, Fines Reach €12 Million

Widespread public discontent manifests in protests, with Serbian farmers blocking 80 roads and Zagreb citizens demonstrating against mega poultry farms. Media freedom is a flashpoint, as Vučić faces criticism from media and a Serbian party warns his moves against N1 threaten the EU path. An ancient mass grave was discovered in Serbia.

• 3Serbian President Vučić faces media criticism ahead of elections
• 2Protesters march in Kosovo, as ex-president's war crimes trial nears end
• 2Clashes in Tirana during anti-graft protest
• 1Ancient mass grave of women and children found in Serbia
• 1Farmers' protests grow in Serbia, '80 roads blocked'