Trogir, Croatia – Major Fire in Historic Center
A large fire broke out Friday in a residential building in Trogir’s historic center, rapidly spreading to an entire block, local authorities said. Around 40 firefighters contained the blaze, but the city mayor warned that damage was significant. One firefighter was injured, and conservation experts were deployed to assess the impact on the UNESCO-listed area. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Banja Luka and Sarajevo – Air Pollution Sparks Demand for Purifiers
Residents of Banja Luka, Sarajevo, and other Bosnian cities rushed to buy air purifiers amid hazardous pollution levels. Swiss monitoring platform “Air Care” reported that particulate matter (PM10) exceeded 300 micrograms per cubic meter at some measuring stations, posing serious health risks. Authorities issued health warnings for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Border Congestion Ahead of Holidays
Traffic authorities reported long delays at key crossings with Serbia and Croatia, with travelers facing multi-hour waits. Wet and slippery road conditions, along with fog in some areas, exacerbated congestion, particularly at crossings with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kosovo – Early Elections Set for December 28
Kosovo will hold early parliamentary elections on December 28 due to political deadlock following February’s vote. Observers say forming a stable government remains uncertain, heightening political tension in the region.
Montenegro – EU Visa Alignment Challenges
Montenegro continues to negotiate visa policy alignment with the European Union, with authorities citing difficulty in reaching agreement at this stage. Brussels has called for stronger border controls and stricter visa rules for third-country nationals.
Gacko, Bosnia – Local Air Pollution Emergency
Authorities in Gacko declared an emergency over hazardous emissions from a local waste site and coal surface mine. Immediate air quality measurements and mitigation measures were requested.