Republic in Southeast Europe, a Balkan state aiming for EU membership
Jannik Sinner has advanced to the next round, defeating his opponent in straight sets to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon. The victory continues his strong form on grass, as the Italian aims for back-to-back Grand Slam titles.
Serbia has announced plans to develop advanced drones and digitize its military, aiming to enhance regional security. The country has purchased significant military equipment from Israel, France, China, and Russia, and is establishing a drone manufacturing plant with Elbit Systems. This move signals Serbia's focus on modernizing its armed forces amid regional tensions.
The UN-backed case remains ongoing as Ratko Mladic’s defense argues he is in advanced medical decline and should be released on health grounds; prosecutors and victims’ groups warn against any outside movement, citing continued risk to justice.
Eurovision 2026 is set to unfold in Vienna with 35 countries competing. Several broadcasters have pulled out in protest of Israel's inclusion amid the Gaza war. Slovenia will not broadcast the contest, opting to show films about Palestine; other countries have made similar decisions or limited coverage. The event maintains a governance framework intended to keep politics off the stage, but tensions remain evident around the competition’s political neutrality.
Community choirs in Serbia are attracting hundreds of participants, mainly women, with a no-stress, inclusive approach. Originating four years ago, the choir movement has expanded across 10 towns, providing psychological relief and social connection amid ongoing political tensions and economic challenges.
Real Madrid has fined Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni around €500,000 each after a fight at the Valdebebas training complex left Valverde with a head injury. The incident has dominated club discussions as Madrid teeters ahead of a Clasico with Barcelona; Valverde is sidelined while Tchouaméni has trained and could play.
Finalists including Poland, Greece and Australia have progressed to the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final in Vienna. Hosts and the Eurovision “Big Four” are automatically through, while other countries compete in semi-finals. UK entry Look Mum No Computer will perform in the semi-finals, with full broadcast options available.
Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro faces 26 charges at home over alleged crime-victim fund misuses. Hungary has granted asylum; U.S. officials are reported to have facilitated a visa for Ziobro, allowing him to operate from abroad as Warsaw presses for extradition.
EU leaders are advancing talks with six Western Balkan states at a Montenegro summit to demonstrate real progress toward possible EU membership, with Montenegro and Albania leading the way while Ukraine and Moldova push for steps like associate membership. The talks come amid debate over how to handle enlargement and security implications in the region.
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission has been operating with rotating fighter jets to safeguard Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Interceptions have increased, with French detachments and Russian aircraft involved in missions around the Baltic Sea. The incidents follow drones entering Baltic airspace and a Serbian-Russia dynamic tied to wider security concerns.
Thousands have been protesting nightly in Tirana and along Albania’s southern coast for more than a month against a multi‑billion‑euro resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Demonstrators have adopted flamingo symbols to oppose work inside the Vjosa‑Narta wetlands and on Sazan island and are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation amid clashes with police.
Kosovo has held its third parliamentary election in 18 months. Vetëvendosje has won about 43% of the vote, short of a majority, triggering coalition talks and continuing political gridlock amid pressures over the economy and EU integration.
Wolves have concluded a leadership change after the season review, appointing a new head coach as they prepare to compete in the Championship next season.
The UNESCO World Heritage monastery in Kyiv has been damaged during Russia’s latest air attack, casting a shadow over the G7 meeting. Russia denies responsibility, calling the claim a fraud, while Ukraine and Western partners condemn the strike and highlight alleged discussions of a “crude fake.” Investigations and counter-claims unfold as North Korean hackers are linked to separate cyber activity.
Scotland has exited the World Cup group stage after defeats to Morocco and Brazil, with a 1-0 win over Haiti. Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach after seven years in charge, ending a tenure that delivered three major tournament appearances and a long-awaited return to a World Cup.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has announced he will step down within weeks, prompting early elections and triggering a debate over whether the presidency will be handed to a loyal ally while he shifts to the prime minister’s post. Protests across major cities have intensified as demonstrators cite governance concerns tied to a 2024 train-station disaster.
A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen has returned to Thessaloniki after a passenger window dislodged in flight. A 61-year-old Serbian man has friction burns and is being treated in hospital. Passengers were transported on a replacement aircraft to Germany.