CROATIA – Zagreb in shock after Vjesnik tower fire
- The fire that broke out on Thursday in the Vjesnik building burned for nearly 17 hours. Around 100 firefighters battled the blaze, and structural engineers say the construction has been seriously compromised.
- The city has introduced temporary traffic restrictions around Slavonska Avenue; major congestion is expected in the coming days.
- Experts say plastic installations and the ventilation system accelerated the spread of the fire.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA – New femicide triggers painful debate
- Protests were held in Kalesija after the killing of 32-year-old Aldina Jahić, the latest femicide case in Bosnia.
- Eight months after the adoption of a new law on protection from violence, activists argue that institutions are still responding too slowly.
- The campaign “Till Death Do Us Part” has been launched to raise awareness of femicide.
- Republika Srpska is taking a 75-million-KM World Bank loan to settle the debts of healthcare institutions.
MONTENEGRO – Match incidents spark reactions
- Incidents involving Croatian fans in Podgorica, including chauvinistic chants, prompted political condemnation.
- Prime Minister Spajić said such behavior is “unworthy of a sporting event”.
- Serbian politicians in Podgorica accuse the government of tolerating “chauvinism” against Serbs.
CROATIA – Remembrance Day for Vukovar and Škabrnja
- Tens of thousands of people took part in the Remembrance Procession in Vukovar.
- Families of the missing warn that 1,740 people from the war are still unaccounted for.
- The mother of French volunteer Nicolier attended the commemoration, as investigations into wartime crimes continue to progress slowly.
NORTH MACEDONIA – Trial begins over “Puls” nightclub tragedy
The trial begins tomorrow for the fire at the Kočani “Puls” nightclub that killed 63 young people.
The Idrizovo Court announces strict security measures and conditions for a fair trial.
SLOVENIA – New Roma law sparks fierce debate
- Parliament has adopted the so-called Šutar Law, which critics say treats the Roma community as a security risk.
- The government says the aim is to protect victims, while NGOs warn of stigmatization.
MONTENEGRO & REGION – Storms and floods
- Ulcinj was hit by severe storms with 90 liters of rain per m². Streets were flooded and traffic disrupted.
- Heavy flash floods also hit southern Serbia and northern Montenegro, causing minor infrastructure damage.
REGIONAL – EU integration
- Commissioner Marta Kos said Montenegro, “the size of one-third of Vienna,” could be integrated quickly but without shortcuts in the process.
- Prime Minister Spajić says Podgorica will complete all obligations by the end of 2026.
- Multiple aid campaigns were launched in Bosnia, Croatia, and Montenegro for sick children and young women with cancer.
- A family from Cetinje clarified that fundraising for their ill son is not in conflict with expenses already covered by the Health Fund.