BALKAN DIGEST – Regional Briefing
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Berlin Signals Support Amid Budget Tensions
High Representative Christian Schmidt used a joint appearance in Sarajevo with Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, to underline that “BiH is not alone”. Schmidt framed the visit as a crucial signal of European backing at a moment when the state budget for 2025 faces an uncertain vote in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers meet Monday for an emergency session, with support from Bosniak parties emerging as decisive.
Public frustration is rising in Tuzla, where around 100 citizens protested in front of the cantonal Interior Ministry demanding accountability after a fatal fire and a series of abuse cases. In Skopje, thousands marched seeking justice for 63 victims of the Kočani nightclub fire ahead of the first court hearing.
Croatia: Memory Politics, Security Incidents and Soaring Real Estate
A series of commemorative events marked the run-up to Vukovar Remembrance Day. Representatives of the Serbian National Council and cultural group Prosvjeta lit candles in Zagreb for victims in Vukovar and Škabrnja, stressing respect for all civilian casualties. The gesture drew mixed reactions in an already charged atmosphere.
Journalist Maja Sever warned of what she described as a “dangerous trend” of youths attacking taxis in Zagreb, including one incident targeting a Nepali driver. Meanwhile, police officers in Koprivnica plan a protest in support of a colleague detained for allegedly threatening young detainees.
Croatia’s property market continues its steep ascent. Prices in Split now exceed those in Zagreb, with some micro-units listed at up to €7,000 per square metre.
Serbia & Montenegro: Heavy Weather Warnings and Political Friction
Across Serbia, a series of severe traffic accidents dominated local headlines, several involving drunk or drug-positive drivers.
In Montenegro, the municipality of Zeta escalated its opposition to a planned wastewater plant in Botun, insisting projects affecting local communities “cannot be imposed”. Meanwhile, the national weather service issued a red alert, warning of a week-long sequence of storms across the country.
Debate continues in Budva after revelations of a €1 million allocation for a church project. Several parties demanded a strict separation of religious and municipal finances.
North Macedonia: Political Funding Scrutinised, Crime Shocks, Protests Intensify
An RFE report said the country’s parties collected at least €1.8 million in donations for local elections, based on preliminary filings to the State Electoral Commission. Separately, a gruesome murder in Štip—where a 74-year-old man allegedly killed and buried his 79-year-old wife—sparked national attention.
Skopje saw major protests demanding accountability for the Kočani nightclub fire disaster, while high winds and heavy rain are forecast across the region.
Kosovo: Self-Determination Under Pressure
RFE reports growing political isolation of Vetëvendosje, with PM Albin Kurti claiming “everyone has united against us”. With parliament stalled and no governing majority, Kosovo risks losing access to nearly €1 billion in international funding if a new arrangement—possibly a minority government—is not reached soon.
In northern Kosovo, KFOR and local police reported the discovery of 10 detonator triggers near Leposavić, prompting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla to accuse Serbia of “preparing terrorist actions”. No immediate response came from Belgrade.
Croatia & Slovenia: Public Safety Concerns and Commemorations
A list titled “Stab” found at a school in eastern Slavonia renewed debate about violence among minors, with parents pointing to a long-ignored pattern of bullying.
In Vukovar, a multimedia exhibition opened featuring previously unseen war photographs by foreign correspondents from 1991.
Regional Weather: Orange and Red Alerts Across the Balkans
Croatia, BiH and Montenegro issued orange or red alerts for strong winds, heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding. Authorities warn of week-long instability linked to a Mediterranean cyclone.