North Macedonia Expels Russian Diplomats Amidst Tensions Over Ukraine
SKOPJE- In a move reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, North Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the expulsion of three Russian diplomats in September. North Macedonian news agency MakFax reports that the decision came after allegations of activities violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and subsequent invasion of Ukraine...
Hungary Bans Import of 24 Ukrainian Products Amid EU Trade Tensions
BUDAPEST - In a move signaling growing trade tensions within the European Union, Hungary announced a ban on the import of 24 Ukrainian products, including wheat, various meats, and vegetables, effective from September 16. The decision, published in Friday's Magyar Közlöny and reported by Hungarian news website Blikk.hu, comes as a direct response to the EU's recent decision to lift...
Serbian Opposition Challenges National Broadcaster’s Impartiality
BELGRADE - Political tensions rise in Serbia as 15 opposition parties challenge the national broadcaster, Radio Television Serbia (RTS), accusing it of biased reporting and demanding more objective and impartial coverage. The opposition has given RTS a 30-day ultimatum to address their concerns, hinting at potential protests if their demands go unheeded. According to Serbian daily Danas, the RTS board...
Croatian Minister Grlić-Radman Acknowledges Oversight in Financial Disclosure
ZAGREB - Gordan Grlić-Radman, Croatia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, publicly addressed an oversight in his financial disclosure, admitting to an omission in his "property card" — a mandatory public financial disclosure for Croatian officials. According to Jutarnji.hr, the oversight was brought to light by Croatian Index news website, revealing that Grlić-Radman failed to report an annual profit amounting...
Austria Resists EU Call to Include Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen Zone
Austria remains steadfast in its refusal to allow Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen visa-free zone, despite a recent public appeal from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Bulgarian Novinite - Sofia News Agency calls the move a "middle finger" from Austria in a recent news article, saying there was no more point in expanding the Schengen...
Albanian PM Rama Touts Nation’s Progressive Minority Legislation
TIRANA - Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama proudly emphasized Albania's commitment to minority rights during the "Population and Housing Census 2023" conference held in Tirana. According to state-owned Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), the PM asserted that Albania boasts the most advanced European legislation concerning minority rights. Rama expressed his pride in Albania's achievements, noting, "I am proud of the way...
High Representative for BiH Christian Schmidt Speaks on Bosnia’s Fragile State and the Role of OHR
SARAJEVO - In an interview with regional CNN affiliate N1, Christian Schmidt, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), shed light on the country's precarious situation and the indispensable role of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and foreign judges in the Constitutional Court of BiH. Schmidt emphasized the unresolved issue of state property in BiH, a topic...
Tunnel from Apartment to Podgorica High Court Unearthed, Inside Job Suspected
PODGORICA - A startling discovery was made in Montenegro's capital in early September, when a tunnel was found connecting an apartment to the depot of the High Court. According to reports from multiple news outlets throughout the region, the tunnel led into the evidence room in the building of the High Court and its purpose remains a mystery. Podgorica-based...
Russia’s Blockade in Black Sea Seen as Provocation by Bulgarian Defense Minister
Bulgarian daily Dnevnik reports that Defense Minister Todor Tagarev expressed concern over Russia's ongoing blockade of Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, calling it a direct challenge to Bulgaria's security and economic interests. The blockade, which has persisted for two months, is set to continue as Russia conducts military exercises in the region. In response, Bulgaria is considering...
