Weather Unusually cold winter conditions have gripped parts of the western Balkans, with Croatia facing some of its coldest temperatures in years. Croatian public broadcaster HRT’s chief meteorologist Zoran Vakula said global atmospheric circulation this winter differs significantly from previous seasons, bringing extreme cold, snow and ice. Zagreb has at times recorded lower temperatures than parts of Greenland, he said, warning that thin ice layers pose serious risks.
Heavy snowfall left some streets in Zagreb and rural areas of Lika temporarily impassable, while temperatures across the region dropped as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina issued orange weather warnings amid rising river levels caused by snowmelt and new precipitation.
In Albania, heavy rainfall triggered flooding in several regions, including Durres, Lezhe and Shkoder, forcing evacuations and damaging homes, businesses and farmland. At least one death was reported.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Serb leaders marked Jan. 9 as the Day of Republika Srpska (RS) with ceremonies in Banja Luka, despite repeated rulings by Bosnia’s Constitutional Court declaring the celebration unconstitutional. Serbia’s prime minister attended events, saying RS is guaranteed by the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Bosnia’s Office of the High Representative (OHR) said the commemoration represented a clear violation of Constitutional Court decisions. RS President Milorad Dodik reiterated long-standing separatist rhetoric, describing RS as “inevitable,” while again raising the possibility of secession.
Bosnia’s interior authorities dismissed as inaccurate information from neighbouring Croatia about alleged threats to border crossings, saying no credible security risks had been identified.
Croatia Political tensions intensified over proposed changes to judicial appointments. A Supreme Court judge accused the government of undermining judicial independence, while President Zoran Milanović said linking appointments of top judges violated the constitution. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković rejected the criticism, defending the government’s approach.
Plenković also said Croatia had never considered sending troops to Ukraine, reiterating support for Kyiv through political, economic and military assistance short of deployment.
Separately, Croatian authorities announced plans to ban mobile phones in primary schools before the end of the school year.
Serbia In Banja Luka, senior Serbian officials expressed support for Republika Srpska during anniversary events. Domestically, western parts of Serbia were hit by heavy snow, prompting local authorities to remind residents of legal obligations to clear snow and ice from pavements, with fines imposed for non-compliance.
Kosovo Former Constitutional Court president Enver Hasani said Kosovo’s Dec. 28 elections were neither free nor fair, alleging misuse of public funds and weak institutional oversight. Separately, more than one billion euros in EU-related funding remains unused, pending approval by Kosovo’s parliament, according to officials.
North Macedonia Health authorities reported a sharp rise in flu cases, with infections more than doubling in a week. Children were among the most affected, and hospitals reported increased admissions.
Crime and Other Developments On the Caribbean island of Aruba, police are investigating the deaths of a married couple after a man originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina jumped from a hotel balcony; his wife was later found dead in their room. Authorities suspect murder-suicide.