Balkan Digest – November 21, 2025
30 Years Since Dayton Peace Agreement
Thirty years have passed since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the four-year war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). In Republika Srpska, the day is observed as a public holiday, while in the Federation of BiH it is marked more quietly. Analysts note that while Dayton brought peace, political stagnation and ethnic divisions continue to hinder long-term progress.
Bomb Threat in Zagreb Turns Out False
Authorities in Zagreb completed a full bomb sweep of the City Hall following a tip-off. Police confirmed no explosives were found. Nearby schools were evacuated as a precaution, but classes have since resumed.
Berlin Signals Pressure on Serbia Over Russia
German Foreign Minister Johan Vadeful reportedly delivered an ultimatum in Belgrade, urging Serbia to openly support Ukraine amid EU-Russia tensions. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić has been urged to take a clear stance as the EU forms a united front against Moscow.
Traffic and Fire Incidents in Croatia
Zagreb authorities introduced new traffic regulations following a major fire at the Vjesnik skyscraper. Meanwhile, a large fire at the Mulino Hotel and casino in Istria prompted evacuations and drew assistance from Slovenian firefighters. Experts have criticized safety measures at Vjesnik, questioning how such risks were allowed.
Winter Weather Warnings
Croatian authorities have issued warnings for potential heavy snowfall, urging citizens to take precautions. Civil protection and road authorities are monitoring conditions and deploying winter crews across affected areas.
New Children’s Ombudswoman Appointed
Tatjana Katkić Stanić has been elected Croatia’s new Ombudswoman for Children for the next eight years. She received 75 of 124 parliamentary votes, succeeding Helenca Pirnat Dragičević. The appointment sparked debate, with opposition parties criticizing her positions on child welfare issues.
EU Commissioner Calls for Economic Convergence in the Western Balkans
At a summit in Tirana, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized the need for economic convergence between the European Union and the Western Balkans. Kos urged regional governments to fully implement the EU Growth Plan over the next two years to prepare for full membership, highlighting the strategic importance of the Western Balkans to Europe’s security and stability.
Presidential Elections in Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska enters an electoral silence period ahead of early presidential elections on November 23. Over 1.26 million citizens are eligible to vote. Six candidates are contesting the post, with former Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik notably absent from the list.
Bosnian Court Increases Sentence for Genocide Denial
The Appeals Chamber of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina upheld the conviction of Vojin Pavlović, head of a pro-Russian association, for genocide denial and glorifying war criminal Ratko Mladić. Pavlović’s prison term was increased from two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years.
European Commission Warns Croatia Over EU Law Violations
The European Commission has issued two formal warnings to Croatia for failing to provide information on the transposition of the Energy Efficiency Directive and other EU obligations, giving the government two months to respond.
Snowfall Hits Bosnia’s Krajina Region
Heavy snow has begun accumulating in Krajina, Bosnia, with meteorologists warning that more widespread snowfall is expected across the country over the coming days. Citizens have been advised to prepare for hazardous road conditions.
Investigation Launched Against Former Psychiatric Hospital Director in Croatia
Croatian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the former director of a psychiatric hospital accused of embezzling over €1 million. Eight individuals and eight companies are under scrutiny for abuse of office and financial mismanagement.
Commemoration in Republika Srpska
Senator Aleksandar Vulin attended celebrations for the patron saint day of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior, laying flowers at a memorial honoring 782 fallen police officers.
Arrest Proposal in Kalesija Robbery Case
Authorities in Tuzla have proposed pre-trial detention for Ranko Gurdeljević, accused of assisting in a jewelry store robbery in Kalesija. Surveillance images have been released to aid investigations.
Police Seek Fraud Suspect in Split, Croatia
Croatian police have released a photo of a woman suspected of committing multiple frauds using a found bank card in Split, warning the public to report sightings.
Controversy Over ‘Spengavanje’ Affair in FBiH Parliament
The Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina failed to discuss disputed communications between Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić and police officials, as the session lacked the required majority. Opposition parties continue to push for accountability amid political tensions.