Tragedies in Jablanica and Novi Sad, a school attack in Zagreb, and the deaths of three Jadrolinija sailors were among the events that resonated most throughout the region due to their nature.
Excluding the typical Balkan continuity of tensions, instability, political crises, disputes, and stagnation on the EU accession path, the tragedies in Jablanica, Novi Sad, Zagreb, and the Jadrolinija accident in Croatia stood out as stark reminders of a Balkan reality rife with corruption, negligence, and irresponsibility.
In Zagreb, a 19-year-old with psychological issues attacked a school, killing one child and injuring three more students and a teacher. In Jablanica, Bosnia, 27 lives were lost in flash floods. In Novi Sad, Serbia, 15 people died after the roof of the train station collapsed. In Croatia, the tragic death of three Jadrolinija sailors in August underscored systemic negligence.
Croatia: Milanović and Plenković’s Ongoing Clashes
In April 2024, Croatia held elections, re-electing Andrej Plenković as Prime Minister for a third term. Croatia’s political landscape continued to be marked by clashes between President Zoran Milanović and PM Plenković, especially over NATO’s mission in Ukraine.
A tragic incident at Zagreb’s “Prečko” Primary School in December shocked the nation when a former student killed a seven-year-old and injured others before being apprehended by police. This raised serious concerns about school safety across the country.
The judicial system was under the spotlight in 2024, with numerous corruption investigations and arrests. Notable events included the arrest of former health minister Vili Beroš and the indictment of ex-defense minister Mario Banožić. Additionally, Mario Mamić, son of a former Dinamo Zagreb executive, faced imprisonment and hefty fines over embezzlement charges.
Croatia bolstered its defense initiatives in 2024, announcing a mandatory military draft from 2025 and acquiring advanced military equipment such as Rafale jets and Bayraktar drones.
Serbia: A Serious Political and Social Crisis
The Novi Sad tragedy, where 15 lives were lost in a train station roof collapse, ignited widespread public dissatisfaction. Protests in Serbia grew in scale, involving students, actors, and farmers, as people demanded accountability from President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration.
Environmental concerns, particularly over lithium mining, remained a flashpoint, with persistent protests halting the controversial project. Meanwhile, Serbia’s public debt surged to €38.13 billion in October 2024.
Despite Serbia’s professed interest in EU membership, progress stalled due to its refusal to align with EU sanctions on Russia and its continued close ties with Russia and China. The European Commission reported no significant advancements in Serbia’s EU integration.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Another Missed Year on the European Path
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2024 was another year of missed opportunities regarding EU accession. Despite some reform laws being passed, progress was hindered by political disputes.
The most tragic event was the flash floods in parts of Herzegovina and central Bosnia, resulting in significant damage and the loss of 27 lives in Jablanica.
Major trials included the sentencing of former Federation Prime Minister Fadil Novalić and the start of proceedings against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik for defying decisions by the High Representative.
Montenegro: Steps Towards EU Membership
In June, Montenegro received positive feedback from the EU for fulfilling certain membership criteria, contrasting with its regional neighbors. However, domestic and regional relations remained challenging.
The Montenegrin parliament adopted a controversial resolution on genocide in Jasenovac, straining relations with Croatia and Bosnia. Meanwhile, disputes over governance and political alliances shaped the local election outcomes in Podgorica.
The Balkans in 2024: Tragedies as a Reminder of a Reality Full of Irresponsibility and Corruption
Tragedies in Jablanica and Novi Sad, the school attack in Zagreb, and the deaths of three sailors from Jadrolinija were among the events that resonated the most across the region due to their nature.
Kosovo: Ongoing Tensions in the North
The year in Kosovo was marked by persistent tensions in the northern region. The clashes between Serbs and Kosovo’s institutions escalated during local elections in the north in April, resulting in protests, blockades, and violent incidents.
Despite EU and U.S. mediation, the agreement on normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia remained largely on paper. Kosovo accused Serbia of undermining its sovereignty, while Belgrade insisted on protecting the Serbian minority. A series of skirmishes culminated in September when a group of Serbs attacked a Kosovo police patrol near Banjska, leading to the death of a police officer and three attackers.
The international community condemned the violence and urged both sides to return to dialogue. However, trust between the two parties remained fragile, and the EU expressed concern over the lack of progress in implementing the Ohrid Agreement.
Economically, Kosovo continued to struggle with high unemployment and slow progress in foreign investment, despite the government’s attempts to stimulate growth. Prime Minister Albin Kurti faced criticism for his handling of internal political disputes and international relations.
North Macedonia: Political Instability and EU Aspirations
In North Macedonia, political instability persisted throughout 2024. The government, led by Dimitar Kovačevski, faced numerous challenges, including the ongoing dispute with Bulgaria over historical and linguistic issues, which continued to stall EU accession talks.
The opposition, led by Hristijan Mickoski’s VMRO-DPMNE, staged frequent protests, accusing the government of corruption and incompetence. Local elections in October saw mixed results, with the ruling SDSM losing ground in key municipalities but maintaining a slim majority in the national assembly.
Efforts to align with EU standards saw some progress, particularly in judicial reforms, but were overshadowed by domestic political conflicts. The government also faced public dissatisfaction over rising living costs, energy shortages, and the slow pace of economic development.
Albania: Reforms and Challenges
Albania made strides in judicial reform and combating organized crime, earning praise from the EU. The country’s progress in these areas brought it closer to opening accession chapters with the EU.
Prime Minister Edi Rama remained a dominant figure in Albanian politics, but his government faced criticism over environmental concerns and allegations of corruption. Protests over urban development projects in Tirana and other cities highlighted the growing discontent among citizens.
Despite economic growth driven by tourism and foreign investment, unemployment and emigration remained pressing issues. Albania also faced challenges related to climate change, including severe flooding that displaced thousands in November.
Montenegro: Steps Toward EU Membership
Montenegro achieved significant milestones in 2024, receiving positive feedback from the European Commission for progress in judicial reform, media freedom, and fighting corruption. However, internal political disputes continued to hamper further progress.
Tensions between pro-European and pro-Serbian factions led to frequent clashes in parliament. The government, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, struggled to maintain stability amid coalition disagreements.
On the economic front, Montenegro experienced moderate growth, supported by tourism and energy projects. However, public debt remained high, posing challenges for long-term fiscal sustainability.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Stagnation and Setbacks
Bosnia and Herzegovina continued to face deep political divisions in 2024. The lack of consensus among ethnic political leaders hindered the implementation of key reforms required for EU integration.
The October local elections reflected entrenched ethnic divisions, with the ruling parties in Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina maintaining their grip on power. Efforts to reform the electoral system and judiciary stalled due to political infighting.
The country also faced significant challenges from natural disasters, including flash floods that caused extensive damage and claimed dozens of lives. Economic stagnation and high unemployment further exacerbated social tensions.
The Balkans at a Crossroads
As the year ends, the Balkans remain a region of contrasts. While some countries made progress toward EU membership, others grappled with political instability, corruption, and unresolved disputes. Tragedies like those in Jablanica, Novi Sad, and Zagreb served as stark reminders of the region’s systemic issues.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Balkans face a critical juncture. Addressing deep-seated problems, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing toward EU integration will require strong leadership, international support, and a commitment to reform. (Source: Al Jazeera Balkans)
