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BALKAN DIGEST — Regional Daily Update

Croatia hit by anti-fascism marches, counter-protests and political clashes Thousands marched in cities across Croatia under the banner “United Against Fascism”, triggering tense stand-offs in Zadar and Rijeka where counter-protesters confronted participants. Zadar’s HDZ mayor said “the left marches and then sparks reactions”, while several politicians traded accusations over the motives and tone of the […]

Croatia hit by anti-fascism marches, counter-protests and political clashes

Thousands marched in cities across Croatia under the banner “United Against Fascism”, triggering tense stand-offs in Zadar and Rijeka where counter-protesters confronted participants. Zadar’s HDZ mayor said “the left marches and then sparks reactions”, while several politicians traded accusations over the motives and tone of the rallies. Police confirmed two arrests in Zadar.

 

Bosnia border traffic restored after system crash

Border crossings in Bosnia and Herzegovina reopened after a temporary collapse of the national information system caused long queues and hours-long delays earlier in the day. Authorities said traffic had normalised after technicians resolved the outage.

 

Major landslide blocks Tuzla–Sarajevo road

A landslide on the main Tuzla–Sarajevo route blocked all traffic after a retaining wall collapsed. Armed Forces personnel were deployed to help clear debris as authorities warned of continued disruption.

 

Zagreb reopens Slavonska Avenue bypass

Zagreb authorities reopened a key bypass on Slavonska Avenue following construction works, though drivers reported confusion due to new traffic signage and restrictions on left turns.

 

Dodik says Sarajevo ‘does not want life with Serbs’ after anthem booed

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik condemned spectators who whistled during the Republika Srpska anthem at an event in Sarajevo, saying it showed persistent hostility towards Serbs.

 

No voters at RS polling station

A polling site in Korićani, Kneževo municipality, reported zero voters in a delayed ballot for the Republika Srpska presidency, though the result will not affect the overall outcome of the election.

 

Banja Luka opens winter market ‘Zimzobal’

Banja Luka launched its annual winter fair featuring hundreds of cultural events running through early January.

 

Weather: cloudy week ahead across the region

Meteorologists forecast a cloudy and changeable week in Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro, with occasional rain and temperatures ranging from mild to unseasonably warm.

 

Montenegro expects visa-free entry for Turks ‘soon’

Montenegro’s foreign minister said Podgorica is moving towards visa liberalisation for Turkish nationals as part of efforts to align with EU standards.

 

Demographic decline deepens in Republika Srpska

Media in Bosnia reported alarming estimates suggesting the RS entity has lost hundreds of thousands of residents over two decades, driven by the emigration of young and skilled workers.

 

RS ruling party claims victory; opposition disputes results

SNSD celebrated its win in the Republika Srpska presidential election, while opposition candidate Jelena Blanuša refused to concede, alleging irregularities.

 

Croatia property prices surge as sales slow

Croatian media reported sharp rises in real estate prices despite a decline in transaction volumes, with experts warning many listed prices are unrealistic.

 

BiH and Greece mark 30 years of diplomatic ties

Greece’s embassy lit up Sarajevo’s “Friendship Building” with the colours of both nations to mark three decades of diplomatic relations.

 

Peruvian student moves to Croatia after tracing family roots

A 19-year-old Peruvian woman with ancestral links to the island of Šolta has relocated to Croatia, reflecting a growing trend of descendants returning to their family origins.

 

Child abuse widespread in BiH, experts warn

Psychologists in Bosnia warned that child abuse remains widespread and often underreported, with long-term psychological consequences.

 

Lagumdžija rejects talk of ‘Dayton 2’ or third entity

Bosnia’s UN ambassador Zlatko Lagumdžija said there will be no new conflict, no “Dayton 2”, and no formation of a third entity, insisting the country will remain unified.

 

Croatia’s anti-fascism rallies spark renewed ideological debate

Speakers at marches across Dalmatia, including professors and local officials, urged citizens to “stop the plague of fascism”, while others warned that communist-era crimes must also be condemned.

 

Tetovo declares day of mourning after singer’s death

Tetovo municipality said Monday will be a day of mourning following the death of Albanian singer Shpat Kasapi, local media reported.

 

Businessman killed in Elbasan, Albania 

A businessman identified as Edmond Hyka, known as Mondi Mëhalla, was shot dead in Elbasan on Sunday, Top Channel reported. Relatives rushed to the scene as police opened an investigation.

 

Kosovo’s LVV submits coalition papers before deadline

Kosovo’s ruling Vetevendosje party submitted its coalition application to the Central Election Commission shortly before the deadline, Koha.mk said.

 

Rama cites Venice Commission in row over minister suspension

Prime Minister Edi Rama said judicial institutions should not suspend ministers, referring to guidance from the Venice Commission and the Strasbourg court, Albeu reported.

 

Greek farmers clash with police over EU subsidies

Farmers protesting EU subsidy policies clashed with police in central and northern Greece on Sunday, ABC News Albania reported.

 

U.S. Embassy urges early visa applications for 2026 World Cup

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana called on citizens to apply early for visas to attend the 2026 World Cup.

 

Voting abroad restricted to diplomatic missions, panel rules

Kosovo’s election complaints panel said polling stations abroad will operate only in diplomatic missions, Telegrafi reported.

 

Pristina public transport strike continues

Pristina, Kosovo, will remain without public transport on Monday as bus workers continue their protest over working conditions, BalkanWeb reported.

 

‘Safe City’ traffic monitoring system starts Monday

North Macedonia will activate the “Safe City” system on Monday, enabling automated traffic monitoring.

 

Seven detained after Vardar–Shkupi match unrest

Police detained seven people for disorder and use of pyrotechnics after the Vardar–Shkupi football match in North  Macedonia, TV21 said.

 

Demand rises for suburban housing in Tirana

Forty-four percent of property sales in Tirana occur in peripheral areas, with parking listed as a key requirement for buyers, Gazeta Tema reported.

 

Tourism in N. Macedonia topped 1 million visitors in 9 months

North Macedonia registered over 1 million tourists in the first nine months of the year, VOX-AL reported.

 

Serbia says NIS refinery to halt operations Tuesday

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said the NIS oil refinery will cease operations on Tuesday, Lajm reported.

 

Debate on Kosovo political deadlock

Commentators on Top Channel’s “Rrethi Katror” argued that Kosovo is in political paralysis, with analysts exchanging sharp remarks on Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s handling of the situation.

 

Diplomatic charity fair held in Skopje

A humanitarian diplomatic bazaar was organised in Skopje to mark World Children’s Day, Anadolu Agency reported.

 

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