Serbia

The European Union is divided over allowing Serbia to advance in its membership process, with the Commission supporting it as a geopolitical tool. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Donald Trump was right during a summit in Ankara. The European Anti-Fraud Office has warned about counterfeit condoms entering the bloc.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) dismantled an international counterfeit condom trafficking operation linked to China, seizing over 200,000 unsafe products sold under a well-known brand in Europe. Collaborating with Chinese authorities and national customs, OLAF disrupted the supply chain and highlighted the dangers of untested counterfeit medical devices.

Republican lawmakers Roger Wicker and Joe Wilson clashed over hosting the 2027 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly session in Charleston. Wicker reversed his initial support, citing catering and staffing issues, leading Wilson to accuse him of insensitivity. Wicker later threatened to bar Wilson from the delegation's flight, a threat he later reversed.

Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his commitment to stay with the Denver Nuggets for his entire career but plans to delay signing a contract extension until next summer. He aims to secure a five-year, $350 million supermax deal and recently led Serbia to a FIBA World Cup qualifying victory with 20 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Nuggets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs again.

The European Commission's proposal to open a new EU accession negotiation cluster for Serbia faces opposition from member states, including a potential veto by the Netherlands. The delay reflects disagreements over Serbia's reforms and geopolitical concerns, with critics arguing advancing Serbia's bid could send conflicting messages amid stalled negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova.

Feliks, a year-old eastern imperial eagle from Serbia, was captured by poachers in Syria during his migratory flight, sold illegally, and rescued through a cross-border mission led by Michel Sawan of the Lebanese Association for Migratory Birds. The eagle was returned to Serbia after a daring operation involving refugees and the Serbian army, highlighting the illegal wildlife trade and conservation efforts.

Aleksandar Vučić, a Trump ally, plans to step down as president and return as premier after snap elections this autumn in Serbia. He aims to emulate Vladimir Putin's methods to maintain influence.

Feliks, an eagle, has returned to Serbia after being kidnapped in the Middle East. The eagle's journey involved kidnappers, smugglers, and a clandestine border crossing.

Serbia may face early parliamentary elections as President Aleksandar Vučić plans to resign and transition to a prime minister role amid mass student-led anti-corruption protests. The protests, fueled by the 2024 Novi Sad train station collapse that killed 16 people, have intensified demands for new elections and highlighted political tensions.

Israel is strengthening ties with Bosnia's Serb-run Republika Srpska, as evidenced by recent meetings between Israeli officials and Republika Srpska's leadership. The collaboration includes arms deals and strategic partnerships, with Serbia also deepening its military cooperation with Israel through joint combat drone production.

The EU is considering incentives for Serbia after it relaxed controversial laws that threatened judicial independence and anti-corruption efforts. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to resign and call elections, complicating EU timing for reforms. The EU warned Serbia could lose funding over democratic backsliding and ties with Russia.

A deadly heatwave that broke temperature records in western Europe has shifted east to scorch Hungary, Romania, and the Balkans. Budapest is expected to exceed 40°C (104F), with Belgrade and Bucharest reaching 38°C and 37°C, respectively. Red extreme heat warnings are in effect for Poland, Hungary, and Romania.

Student-led demonstrations in Serbia continued after President Vucic announced his intention to resign within weeks. The protests, ongoing for over 18 months, have maintained pressure on Vucic.

Thousands of protesters in Kraljevo, Serbia, continued demonstrations after President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation to enable early presidential and parliamentary elections. Protesters expressed satisfaction but fear Vucic may retain influence by seeking a prime minister position and installing an ally as president.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Kraljevo, Serbia, maintaining pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic after he announced plans to resign within weeks to enable early presidential and parliamentary elections.

Serbia’s protesters continue their demonstrations despite President Aleksandar Vučić’s promise to step aside. Demonstrators express skepticism about his commitment to relinquishing power after 12 years in office.

Serbia will reintroduce mandatory military service starting in March of next year, requiring men under 30 to serve for 75 days. This decision reverses Serbia's 2011 transition to a fully professional army.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić will resign within weeks, opening the path for early elections. There is speculation he may move to the role of Prime Minister as tensions and student-led protests continue.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced he will resign in the near future, triggering early presidential and parliamentary elections. His resignation comes amid student-led anti-corruption protests following a railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024, which resulted in 16 deaths and frequent clashes between police and demonstrators.

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation within weeks, citing youth-led protests demanding early elections. He has not specified exact dates for his resignation or the elections.

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic announced he will resign within weeks amid ongoing antigovernment protests.

A record-breaking heatwave has caused health alerts, infrastructure damage, and event cancellations across Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several countries. France reported 55 heat-related deaths, while Germany experienced cracked road surfaces and vehicle damage. Authorities in multiple nations issued extreme heat warnings, and schools and festivals were affected.

Arilje, Serbia, known as the 'raspberry capital,' produces high-quality berries exported globally to the US and Japan. Serbia ranks among the top three raspberry exporters, with family-run farms facing challenges from unpredictable weather and fluctuating prices.

Serbia's town of Arilje is renowned as a raspberry capital, exporting berries to places like the United States and Japan.

The article discusses the EU’s relationship with China and the Western Balkans, highlighting Beijing’s growing influence in Montenegro and Serbia. It references Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

A former Loretto Hospital executive faces a delayed $300 million fraud trial amid motions to dismiss charges due to alleged prosecutorial misconduct. The trial, originally set for July 9, was postponed as prosecutors seek a new indictment and explore plea deals with some defendants.

Anosh Ahmed, a former Loretto Hospital executive, is seeking to dismiss fraud charges related to a $300 million scheme involving fake COVID-19 testing. He faces additional charges of embezzling $15 million and steering $19 million in contracts through corrupt means. Ahmed, a fugitive in Serbia since 2023, is part of the 'Broadview Six' case, with motions alleging prosecutorial misconduct.

Kosovo voters hold a third parliamentary election in less than 18 months to resolve a political deadlock over electing a new president. The crisis, fueled by disagreements between Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje party and opposition parties, has delayed EU/NATO progress and worsened economic conditions.

EU leaders are considering a proposal to grant candidate countries partial benefits of membership, such as observer status in EU institutions and limited access to the Single Market, to maintain their motivation during the lengthy accession process. The plan, led by France and Germany, aims to expedite EU enlargement for Western Balkan nations but has sparked concerns about creating 'second-class' members without full representation.

Kosovo's third election in under 16 months is marked by a conflict between PM Albin Kurti and ex-President Vjosa Osmani, a stalled dialogue with Serbia, and challenges to EU integration.

The European Union will seek to accelerate membership processes for six Western Balkan countries at an upcoming summit. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the need for faster, more effective reforms while stressing that progress depends on the candidates' alignment with EU standards, including Serbia's democratic reforms and normalization of relations with Kosovo.

Montenegro banned 87 Serbs from entering the country due to security concerns ahead of an EU summit with Western Balkan leaders. The individuals, linked to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's campaign, were intercepted at a Montenegrin airport with pro-Vucic materials.

Kosovo's third general election in under 16 months features a political clash between Prime Minister Albin Kurti and ex-President Vjosa Osmani, amid a stalled dialogue with Serbia and challenges to EU integration.

Joao Fonseca, a Brazilian teenager, defeated Novak Djokovic at the French Open on day six at Stade Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam ended with a grueling 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 loss to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round of the French Open. The 39-year-old Serb, a three-time Roland Garros champion, faced a 20-year-younger opponent who showcased resilience and powerful serves, including three consecutive aces to clinch the match.

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA Banca Intesa sealed SRTs on $4.8 billion in US corporate and ESG loans. The bank's branch in Belgrade, Serbia, was mentioned, and Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic attended events in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of World War II victory and is expected to negotiate a new gas contract with Vladimir Putin.

Indian firms are facing increased scrutiny from investors as the Indian rupee reaches record lows. Serbia's Novak Djokovic was seen wiping his face with a towel during the Wimbledon Championships.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted leaders from Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, and the US in May 2026, as 15 national leaders have visited China this year. The meeting with US President Donald Trump could be the first of four planned this year.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's state visit to China in May 2026 highlighted Belgrade's strategic alignment with Beijing through over 20 bilateral agreements on infrastructure and AI, contrasting with Budapest's shift toward Brussels amid global power bloc fragmentation.

China and Serbia agreed to deepen security and economic cooperation during President Aleksandar Vucic's state visit to Beijing. The joint statement emphasized collaboration in counterterrorism, preventing color revolutions, and enhancing security for major events and the Belt and Road Initiative. Both leaders described their relationship as an 'ironclad friendship.'