Severe Winter Weather Sweeps the Western Balkans
Heavy snowfall and strong winds caused major transport disruptions across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Authorities in Republika Srpska said thousands of households were left without electricity as snow cut off villages near Banja Luka, Prnjavor, Čelinac and Mrkonjić Grad.
In Sarajevo, continued snowfall created gridlock and forced road maintenance crews into round-the-clock operations. Mountain passes including Romanija and Ripački klanac were temporarily closed for freight traffic.
Croatia issued a red weather alert for the Kvarner region due to hurricane-force “bura” winds, while Montenegro reported icy roads and fog across northern areas.
Meteorologists in the region warn that temperatures could fall to –14°C before a sharp warm-up next week.
Political Developments
Republika Srpska – Voters will head to the polls on 23 November for early presidential elections. Campaign silence has taken effect as parties prepare for a tense vote overshadowed by legal cases against incumbent Milorad Dodik. Analysts expect lower turnout than in previous election cycles.
Croatia – Prime Minister Andrej Plenković was re-elected vice president of the Centrist Democratic International at a congress in São Paulo.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – HDZ BiH leader Dragan Čović again raised the prospect of a “third entity,” arguing that BiH needs a new constitutional arrangement. The debate coincides with events marking 30 years since the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Montenegro–EU Relations – A statement by Montenegro’s Mission to the EU sparked attention after it estimated that the country’s EU membership would cost the average EU citizen only €0.27 per year. Meanwhile, opposition figure Nebojša Medojević accused the government of “blindly following Brussels” after Podgorica tightened its visa regime for Russian citizens.
Security and Incidents
An earthquake was felt in Banja Luka on 22 November, described by residents as “short but strong.” No damage was immediately reported.
In Zagreb, teenagers triggered a fire inside the Vjesnik tower complex after entering the building through a window and filming videos, according to local media.
In Knin, Croatian police confirmed that a refrigerator malfunction caused a fire at the local police station.
Society & Human Interest
A nine-year-old boy died in a private paediatric clinic in Ulcinj, Montenegro, prompting authorities to shut down the facility over “serious irregularities.” An investigation is ongoing.
In Podgorica, President Jakov Milatović announced he will award a Medal of Bravery to a young man who rescued a 38-year-old woman from the swollen Morača River.
Residents in Croatia’s Zagorje region held new protests demanding urgent removal of hazardous waste from a local industrial site, saying inaction threatens public health.
Economy
The Slovenian government blocked Croatia’s bid—through state agency FINA—to acquire the Ljubljana and Zagreb stock exchanges, citing national interests. The move caused diplomatic friction, with Croatian media describing the decision as a “cold shower from Ljubljana.”
Croatia’s central bank’s stricter lending rules have pushed more citizens toward risky online loans, financial experts warn.