Traffic on Greece–North Macedonia border disrupted again as farmers block crossings
Traffic at the Evzoni (Bogorodica) border crossing was halted on Tuesday as Greek farmers resumed protests, blocking the route for several hours. North Macedonia’s Auto-Moto Association (AMSM) warned drivers of potential landslides on critical roads.
Greece’s Supreme Court ordered prosecutors and police to prevent road blockades, saying failure to act could trigger disciplinary and criminal responsibility for officials.
Serbia’s Vučić presses EU to admit all Western Balkans candidates together
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said in Brussels he will propose that the EU accept all Western Balkan candidates simultaneously, arguing that partial enlargement would deepen regional divisions. He also said he would not seek constitutional changes to extend his presidential mandate but did not rule out becoming prime minister if he gains public support.
Paris court upholds €110 million arbitration award against Albania
Paris’ appellate court rejected Albania’s request to annul an ICSID arbitration ruling ordering the country to pay €110 million to Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, local media reported.
Poll shows 83% of Greeks believe corruption is widespread
A survey in Greece found that 83% of respondents see corruption as pervasive, with 38% saying they experienced it in the past year. Hospitals and public health institutions were identified as the sectors where corruption is most common.
Greece offers special pensions to families of victims of 2018 Athens wildfire
The Greek government announced monthly pensions of €1,700, debt relief and full healthcare coverage for families of those killed or injured in the deadly 2018 wildfires near Athens.
Fuel shortages and currency pressures raise concerns in Serbia
Reports from Serbia indicated possible fuel shortages at more than 50 locations, a lack of foreign currency in exchange offices and renewed political tensions, while businessman Bogoljub Karić is preparing to relaunch BK Television.
Chinese firms build new Sava River bridge in Belgrade without public tender
Chinese companies are constructing a new bridge over the Sava River in Belgrade under undisclosed contract conditions, according to Radio Free Europe. Key details of the deal have not been made public.
UNICEF: 108,000 girls and women in Serbia married before age 18
A UNICEF report said 108,000 girls and women in Serbia married before turning 18, with early marriage particularly prevalent in Roma communities.
Sarajevo students end protest, give government five days to respond
Students living in Sarajevo’s Nedžarići and Bjelave dormitories ended their protest after submitting 10 demands to the cantonal government, which has not yet responded.
Jordan gifts land near Christ’s baptism site to Serbian Orthodox Church
Jordan’s King Abdullah II donated land in the Al-Maghtas holy complex to the Serbian Orthodox Church, local media said. The site is traditionally considered the location of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
Kosovo indicts three people for espionage and terrorism in Ibar–Lepenac explosion case
Kosovo’s Special Prosecution filed charges against three individuals for alleged espionage and a terrorist act linked to an explosion in the Ibar-Lepenac canal in November 2024.
Albania adopts emergency plan amid rising migration flows
Albania approved a National Contingency Plan for 2026–2028 to prepare institutions for increased migration pressures. Media reported the government may open up to 20 new reception centres in three strategic regions.
No radiation risk to Serbia from developments at Chernobyl, authorities say
Serbia’s nuclear safety authority (SRBATOM) said recent events at Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear plant pose no threat to the country and that no increase in radiation levels has been detected.
Greek pharmacist arrested over €400,000 fake-prescription scheme
Greek police detained a 34-year-old pharmacist suspected of leading a criminal group issuing thousands of fraudulent prescriptions, causing more than €400,000 in losses to the national health insurer EOPYY.
Report: Kremlin expanding hybrid influence operations in Western Balkans
An analysis by the Digital Forensic Center said Russian influence efforts in the region increasingly mirror methods used in Moldova, including use of training camps, church networks and coordinated media campaigns.
Religious leaders from the Balkans meet Jordan’s king at interfaith conference
Orthodox clergy, including bishops from North Macedonia and Serbia, participated in a dialogue conference in Jordan focused on protecting Christian heritage in the Middle East.
Hungary’s Orbán praises Turkey’s role in curbing migration
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said during a visit to Ankara that Europe would be “overwhelmed by illegal migration” without Turkey’s policies, adding that cooperation on energy and border control remains crucial.
Albania appoints new head of National Bureau of Investigation
Prosecutors approved the appointment of Jonny Keta as the new director of Albania’s National Bureau of Investigation for a five-year term, following a proposal by the SPAK anti-corruption structure.
Montenegro reports unusual domestic violence case amid growing concern over men’s rights
An NGO in Podgorica said it is handling an increasing number of cases involving disputes over men’s rights, after a reported incident in which a woman filed a complaint against her husband following a confrontation with her lover.
Trump lifts U.S. sanctions on Milorad Dodik, signalling shift in Western Balkans policy
Media in the region reported that U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked sanctions on Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach to stability and political leverage in the region.
Forecasters warn of possible “winter of the decade” in Europe
Meteorologists said a weakened polar vortex could send Arctic cold waves across Europe after the holidays, though current forecasts show no major snowfall in the next ten days.
EU repeats: Kosovo must implement reforms and normalise ties with Serbia
The European Commission said Kosovo’s progress toward the EU depends on reforms and normalisation of relations with Serbia, reiterating core conditions for advancement.
Pristina–Istanbul flight skids off runway, no injuries reported
An AJet Boeing 737-800 arriving from Pristina skidded off the runway at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport after heavy rain. All passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
Croatia’s PM: Europe at “historic turning point” facing security threats
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković told an event in Paris that Europe faces a historic security challenge, saying defence investment must be prioritised as geopolitical tensions rise.
Kosovo plans ammunition and drone production with U.S. backing
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the country’s first ammunition factory will open near Gjakova, with drone production also planned and supported by the United States.
Belgrade students protest arrests over Vidovdan demonstration
Students in Belgrade held a protest demanding the release of nine people arrested after the Vidovdan rally, continuing a series of demonstrations over police actions.