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Serbia's deepening alignment with China, marked by President Vucic's state visit and new investments, drives economic and political dynamics while mass anti-government protests and police clashes expose domestic instability. The region also sees cross-border organized crime cases and border security changes.
May 2026
Week of Apr 27, compared to 12-week average
Serbia's economy is increasingly tied to Chinese investments, with 953 million euros in new Chinese deals and a nuclear project partnership, while North Macedonia receives IMF praise for its economic measures. Tirana Airport reports 25% passenger growth, indicating regional tourism recovery.
President Vucic deepens ties with China, receiving a friendship medal from Xi Jinping and promoting an all-weather partnership, while opposition leader accuses him of stealing Serbia's European future. Montenegro reflects on 20 years since independence, and Albania's Rama ties the Albania Protocol to Italy's will.
Cross-border organized crime surfaces with Austrian investigations into Sarajevo sniper killings and Montenegrin crime bosses linked to a Vienna murder, while Serbian riot police clash with protesters in Belgrade. Kosovo authorities seize Serbian rail infrastructure in the north, and biometric border controls cause queues in North Macedonia.
Mass anti-government protests in Serbia, with tens of thousands demanding President Vucic's exit, escalate into violent clashes with police, while the Serbian student movement adopts a nationalist tone on Kosovo. A journalist reports the Sarajevo Safari story becoming an international scandal.
