Balkan Regional Review

Albania Daily News

Clashes Erupt Outside Albania’s Parliament as Protest Turns Tense.

Summary: Clashes broke out outside Parliament after police tightened security and blocked access to nearby areas, escalating the protest atmosphere. Witnesses at the scene said protesters confronted police after authorities restricted pedestrian access along Elbasan Street   URL: https://albaniandailynews.com/news/clashes-erupt-outside-albania-s-parliament-as-protest-turns-tense

Tirana Times

Beyond Diplomacy: Ambassador Elissa Golberg on the Future of Canada–Albania Ties

Summary: Relations between Albania and Canada have expanded steadily in recent years, from growing trade and new bilateral agreements to closer cooperation within NATO and the launch of the first direct flight between the two countries. In an interview with Tirana Times, Canada’s Ambassador to Albania, Elissa Golberg, discusses the future of bilateral relations, Albania’s EU path, security cooperation, the role of the Albanian diaspora, and opportunities for stronger economic and academic ties. URL: https://www.tiranatimes.com/beyond-diplomacy-ambassador-elissa-golberg-on-the-future-of-canada-albania-ties/

Federalna Novinska Agencija

Cvijanović and Ginkel discuss strengthening trade and investment between BiH and the U.S.

SARAJEVO: Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America in Bosnia and Herzegovina John Ginkel and BiH Presidency member Željka Cvijanović discussed the economic relations between the two countries today. URL: https://www.fena.ba/article/1689515/cvijanovic-and-ginkel-discuss-strengthening-trade-and-investment-between-bih-and-the-u-s

Sarajevo Times

BiH and Croatia sign Agreement on Cooperation in Emergency Medicine

Summary: An Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Medicine was signed today in Zagreb between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Ministry of Health. This agreement further improves cross-border cooperation and ensures faster availability of emergency medical care for life-threatening patients. URL: https://sarajevotimes.com/bih-and-croatia-sign-agreement-on-cooperation-in-emergency-medicine/

The Srpska Times

Govještica, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Longest Cave, Hides Secrets Thousands of Years Old

Summary: The longest cave in Republika Srpska and BiH, Govještica, is among the numerous natural treasures of the protected “Prača” Nature Park in the territory of the Rogatica municipality, which also encompasses the canyon of the river by the same name. URL: https://thesrpskatimes.com/govjestica-bosnia-and-herzegovinas-longest-cave-hides-secrets-thousands-of-years-old/

Bulgarian Telegraph Agency

UPDATED Parliament Debates 2026 State Budget Bill with 5.7% Deficit at Second Reading

Sofia: Bulgaria’s Parliament on Thursday began the second-reading debate on the 2026 State Budget Bill, which envisages a budget deficit of 5.7%. The MPs voted to extend the sitting until the debate is concluded. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev and other Cabinet ministers are attending the plenary sitting. URL: https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1172110-parliament-debates-2026-state-budget-bill-with-5-7-deficit-at-second-reading

The Sofia Globe

Negotiations between Bulgarian government and Germany’s Rheinmetall to start from scratch

Summary: This became clear from statements by Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Pulev on July 23, following a meeting in Sofia between Prime Minister Roumen Radev, Pulev and Pascal Schreyer, CEO Business Unit Energetic Materials at Rheinmetall. URL: https://sofiaglobe.com/2026/07/23/negotiations-between-bulgarian-government-and-germanys-rheinmetall-to-start-from-scratch/

Novinite

Bulgarians Around Bezmer Base Fear Becoming Targets After U.S. Deployment Approval

Summary: Residents of the Bulgarian villages surrounding Bezmer Air Base are stepping up their opposition to the planned deployment of U.S. military personnel and aircraft after Parliament approved the move, with local officials warning that people fear the area could become a potential target amid tensions in the Middle East. URL: https://www.novinite.com/articles/239793/Bulgarians+Around+Bezmer+Base+Fear+Becoming+Targets+After+U.S.+Deployment+Approval

Total Croatia

Wizz Air Rules Out Zagreb Base for Now, Citing Market Conditions

Summary: Despite things looking promising just days ago, Wizz Air has ruled out having a new Zagreb base for now, citing current market conditions. Popular low-cost airline Wizz Air has confirmed that it has no immediate plans to establish operating bases in either Zagreb or Ljubljana, revealed the two capitals do not yet meet the commercial conditions required for such an expansion. URL: https://total-croatia-news.com/news/wizz-air-zagreb-base/

The Dubrovnik Times

Croatia’s Public Debt Remains Below Eurozone Average—But Budget Deficit Breaks EU Limit

Summary: Croatia has received a mixed financial report card from Brussels after new Eurostat figures showed the country’s public debt remains comfortably below the eurozone average, even as its budget deficit has climbed above the European Union’s recommended ceiling. URL: https://www.thedubrovniktimes.com/news/croatia/item/20203-croatia-s-public-debt-remains-below-eurozone-average-but-budget-deficit-breaks-eu-limit

Croatia Week

Croatia sets out mandatory health checks for some foreign workers

ZAGREB: Certain third country nationals in Croatia who are subject to the visa regime must undergo a mandatory health examination before extending their temporary residence permits, the Croatian Institute of Public Health has confirmed in a statement. URL: https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatia-health-checks-foreign-workers-residence-permit-extension/

Pristina Post

Kosovo Analyst: Question of Serbs, Northern Kosovo Has Worsened Relations between Pristina and Washington

Summary: Kosovo analyst Agon Maliqi said on July 23 that the question of the Serbs and northern Kosovo remains the main reason for the deterioration of relations between Pristina and the U.S. Maliqi stressed that without solving these issues Kosovo cannot expect greater diplomatic support from Washington. URL: https://betabriefing.com/news/politics/35716-kosovo-analyst-question-of-serbs-northern-kosovo-has-worsened-relations-between-pristina-and-washington

Kosova Press

Procurement irregularities in Kosovo blocked procedures worth €22.5 million

Summary: Democracy Plus (D+) has published a report titled “The Cost of Incomplete Procedures: Repeated Re-evaluations and Lack of Contracts,” which identifies numerous violations in five public procurement procedures with a total value of €22.5 million. URL: https://kosovapress.com/eng/procurement-irregularities-in-kosovo-blocked-procedures-worth-e22-5-million

Government of Montenegro

Bray to Bečić: When you are successful, you become a target

Summary: Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić met with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security Scott Bray, who is once again paying an official visit to Montenegro. Welcoming Mr Bray, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić expressed his satisfaction that their meeting was taking place at a time when Montenegro continues to achieve results that confirm the success of its reform agenda and further strengthen its position as a credible Ally. URL: https://www.gov.me/en/article/bray-to-becic-when-you-are-successful-you-become-a-target

Vijesti.me

LIVE Djokovic: Serbs built and created Montenegro; Nenezic: Spajic is not the prime minister from today, but Mandic is

Summary: A session is underway in the Parliament of Montenegro to consider the reconstruction of the Government. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić submitted proposals to the Parliament according to which the new ministers should be Jovan Vučurović and Radoš Zečević from the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) and Zoran Jojić from the Socialist People’s Party (SNP), and Jelena Borovinić Bojović should be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister. URL: https://en.vijesti.me/news-b/politika/818981/live-djokovic-serbs-built-and-created-montenegro–from-today-on–nenezic-spajic-is-not-the-prime-minister–it%27s-mandic

Montenegro Herald

The EU moves forward on expansion – and the rule of law

Summary: To join the European Union, countries need to meet governance and anti-corruption standards. As European citizens also keep pushing for these, a new report finds some evidence of progress. URL: https://www.csmonitor.com/Editorials/the-monitors-view/2026/0722/The-EU-moves-forward-on-expansion-and-the-rule-of-law?icid=rss

Macedonian Information Agency

Lavrov, Rubio hold talks on Ukraine war on sidelines of ASEAN summit

Summary: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Moscow’s war against Ukraine during talks in Manila on Thursday.  URL: https://mia.mk/en/story/lavrov-rubio-hold-talks-on-ukraine-war-on-sidelines-of-asean-summit

English Republika

Rokas praises Macedonia’s ability to implement reforms, says that the rule of law is crucial

Summary: European Union Ambassador to Macedonia Michalis Rokas said that the EU remains fully committed to Macedonia’s integration and sees the country as its future full member. URL: https://english.republika.mk/macedonia/rokas-praises-macedonias-ability-to-implement-reforms-says-that-the-rule-of-law-is-crucial/

Skopje Times

Government approves joint border checks with North Macedonia

Summary: The Albania government has approved an agreement with North Macedonia to introduce joint controls at border crossings. Travellers and freight vehicles would complete checks by both countries at the same location instead of stopping twice. URL: https://english.gazetatema.net/kosovo-region/government-approves-joint-border-checks-with-north-macedonia-i346362

Tanjug

Babis: Serbia has Czech support for Schengen and EU membership, EXPO 2027 major event

BELGRADE: Serbia has Czechia’s support for membership in EU and the Schengen area, Czech PM Andrej Babis said in Belgrade on Thursday, noting that Serbia had an important role in European stability, especially in a time when there is “talk of war, not peace.” URL: https://www.tanjug.rs/english/politics/268040/babis-serbia-has-czech-support-for-schengen-and-eu-membership-expo-2027-major-event/vest

B92

Serbia–Czech Republic roundtable held: Vučić reveals why Serbia is a good place for investment

Summary: A roundtable titled “Serbia–Czech Republic: Business Dialogue and New Opportunities for Economic Cooperation” was held at the Palace of Serbia, with the participation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. URL: https://www.b92.net/english/business-economy/252705/serbia-czech-republic-roundtable-held-vucic-reveals-why-serbia-is-a-good-place-for-investment-photovideo/vest

Serbian Monitor

A love triangle with little love lost

Summary: As many as three extraordinary resolutions on a candidate country from the European Parliament! Europe is indeed paying very special attention to Serbia. Whether that is down to official Brussels or official Belgrade is another question – though the answer is clear. URL: https://www.serbianmonitor.com/en/a-love-triangle-with-little-love-lost/

Slovenian Press Agency

Coalition and Truth want three consultative referendums

Ljubljana: The coalition parties and Truth, an opposition party that often joins forces with them, have filed parliamentary motions for three consultative referendums, aiming to gauge public opinion on welfare requirements, the financing of the national public broadcaster, and the restriction of local voting rights for third-country nationals. URL: https://english.sta.si/3581161/coalition-and-truth-want-three-consultative-referendums

Slovenia Times

Government blocks former foreign minister’s appointment to high-level EU post

Summary: The Slovenian government has blocked the appointment of Tanja Fajon, the former foreign minister, as the EU’s special representative for the African Sahel region, alleging violations in the nomination procedure at home. URL: https://sloveniatimes.com/48382/government-blocks-former-foreign-ministers-appointment-to-high-level-eu-post