Europe - Balkans
Leading Balkan Cartel member arrested in Montenegro
On 15 April 2026, Europol supported law enforcement authorities in Montenegro in conducting a large-scale operation targeting a significant cell of the…
Three killed in shooting near Israeli consulate in Turkiye’s Istanbul
At least two attackers were killed and one was seriously injured in an extended gun battle between police and assailants directly outside…
Guns-for-cannabis network hit: Europol high-value target arrested in international action
A Europol high-value target has been arrested and key members of his criminal network targeted during a coordinated action on 23 March…
Turkey’s Erdogan says Iran war must stop before whole region dragged in
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned that the war involving Iran risks setting the entire Middle East “on fire” if it…
Kosovo president dissolves parliament, calls snap election after failed presidential vote
Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani on Friday dissolved parliament and called snap elections after lawmakers failed to elect a new head of state…
Turkey says NATO defences destroyed Iran missile, risking war expansion
Turkey said NATO air defence systems intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile headed towards its airspace on Wednesday, marking the first time the…
What Brought Down the Turkish F-16? Mystery Deepens After Fatal Crash Near Bulgarian Border
NATO member Turkey is investigating the still unknown cause of an F-16 fighter jet crash that killed its pilot shortly after takeoff…
Bulgaria to hold snap election in April as Radev enters race
Bulgaria will hold a snap general election on 19 April, in what could mark a turning point after years of political instability.…
Turkey’s Textile Sector Faces Job Losses and Economic Struggles
Turkey's textile industry faces a major crisis, with exports declining amid China and Bangladesh's dominance of EU markets. Once central to Turkey’s…
Croatia Rules Out Joining Trump’s “Board of Peace” Framework
Croatia will not join US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace," the Balkan country's Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Wednesday without…
Anti-Government Protests in Tirana Escalate into Violence
On Saturday evening, the Albanian capital of Tirana became the scene of violent clashes between police forces and anti-government demonstrators. The protest,…
Bulgarian President Radev resigns
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said on Monday he will resign, fuelling speculation that he will form his own political party to run…