19 November 2025
CROATIA – Vjesnik tower crisis triggers safety, traffic and political fallout
Engineers say Zagreb’s Vjesnik skyscraper, gutted by a massive fire, shows structural cracks captured on drone footage, leaving the building too dangerous to enter. Firefighters described the blaze as “like being inside an oven.”
Traffic around Slavonska Avenue remains paralyzed as authorities keep underpasses closed amid ongoing inspections.
Housing Minister Bačić faced criticism after first saying the tower would not be rebuilt and later reversing, saying reconstruction “remains possible.” Meanwhile, questions grow over the building’s debt-laden ownership structure and years of legal encumbrances.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA – Political storm over alleged drug-linked video
Banja Luka Mayor Draško Stanivuković accused UKC director Vlado Đajić of involvement in a staged drug-planting plot after a video surfaced showing Đajić being handed a white substance. Đajić was questioned by RS police as the state prosecutor joined the probe.
SNSD officials voiced support for Đajić but insisted the investigation must proceed, while the opposition SDS demanded the ruling party be banned for allegedly “shielding criminal networks.”
MONTENEGRO – Storms cause flooding; government urged to remove Chinese tech
Severe weather flooded parts of Budva after drivers parked in a dry riverbed that later overflowed, sweeping cars away. Waste mismanagement worsened the damage, authorities said.
Separately, Deputy PM Nik Đeljošaj said he will propose requiring telecom operator One to remove Chinese-made equipment, citing NATO-aligned security standards, echoing warnings from the U.S. State Department.
NORTH MACEDONIA – Trial begins for 2021 Kočani nightclub fire that killed 63
Court proceedings opened for the deadly “Puls” disco fire, with prosecutors arguing systemic institutional failures led to the tragedy. Families of victims gathered outside the Skopje prison courthouse as emotional scenes marked the first hearing.
SERBIA – Referendum on assisted dying opens in Slovenia as debate spills over
Serbian media and experts reacted to Slovenia’s early voting on a referendum on assisted death, highlighting renewed calls to debate euthanasia legislation in Serbia.
A dramatic heist also made headlines after around €2 million in state funds were stolen from a money-transport vehicle in broad daylight.
BIH – Constitutional Court rejects Vukanović appeal; Komšić marks 30 years of Dayton
The Constitutional Court dismissed an appeal challenging SNSD’s eligibility for RS presidential elections.
In Washington, BiH Presidency Chair Željko Komšić called Dayton “the most successful peace accord of the 20th century,” warning that any attack on the agreement “carries consequences.”
CROATIA – Priest convicted of child abuse; Jadrolinija to buy green ships
A Zadar court sentenced a former priest to nearly four years in prison for sexually abusing a minor and exposing children to pornography.
State ferry operator Jadrolinija announced a €280 million loan to build up to ten alternative-fuel vessels as part of the EU’s green transition goals.
REGION – Domestic violence laws under scrutiny; femicide funeral draws thousands
Bosnia’s Federation parliament held a thematic session on domestic violence, with MPs warning key by-laws remain unfinished despite rising cases. Activists cited data showing a woman is killed every 58 days.
Separate vigils were held in Kalesija for Aldina Jahić, a femicide victim, as thousands gathered for her funeral.
KOSOVO – Political tension ahead of Assembly session; energy talks with Serbia
Former Deputy PM Haki Abazi warned PM Albin Kurti that “without dialogue, there is no government,” criticising the deepening political crisis. Analysts say no major breakthrough is expected at Thursday’s parliamentary session.
Serbia said it will guarantee energy supply cooperation, as Albania and Kosovo review market-stability measures.
BULGARIA – Sofia opens inquiry into George Soros activities
Bulgaria’s parliament set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the work of billionaire philanthropist George Soros, prompting civil society concerns about political targeting.
MONTENEGRO – NGOs warn reforms lagging
The Centre for Civic Education said Montenegro has fulfilled only a small share of commitments under its Reform Agenda, citing slow progress in rule of law, green transition and private-sector development.