Serbia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first official visit to Belgrade, Serbia, on August 8-9, 2026, meeting President Aleksandar Vucic. The visit challenges Russia’s traditional influence over Serbia, which has refused EU sanctions on Moscow but provided non-military aid to Ukraine. Talks covered economic ties, EU relations, and security. Ukraine reaffirmed Serbia’s claim to Kosovo in exchange for Serbia’s recognition of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The visit coincides with intensified Russian strikes on Kyiv, killing at least four people.

9 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 20, 04:35 PM UTC

Sporting Braga captain Ricardo Horta spoke ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round against Zeleznicar Pancevo. After a narrow 1-0 away win in Serbia, Horta acknowledged the team's performance was not their best, citing difficulties against Zeleznicar's build-up play and ball circulation. He emphasized the need to change their image and assert themselves at home, aiming to win the match and score more goals. Horta also discussed the team's improved preparation for the new season, building on last year's successes, and his personal motivation, driven by passion for football and a desire to surpass his 21-goal tally from last season. The match is Braga's first official home game of the season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:56 PM UTC

According to Saudi Sports TV, Al-Ittihad Club management has begun preliminary negotiations with Spanish club RCD Espanyol regarding the transfer of Serbian defender Jan-Carl Simic. The deal could be a permanent transfer or a loan. Al-Ittihad is restructuring its squad for the new season, aiming to reduce the number of foreign players to better align with coaching staff needs. The transfer is contingent on the player's consent. Simic joined Al-Ittihad last summer on a contract until 2029 to bolster defensive options for the first team and U21 squad. Since joining, he has made 15 appearances across all competitions, totaling 1,166 minutes, receiving two yellow cards and scoring no goals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:57 AM UTC

The Portuguese under-18 men's national handball team begins its European Championship campaign in Belgrade, Serbia, facing the Czech Republic on Wednesday, followed by Croatia and Israel in Group C. Coach Nuno Santos noted a substitution due to injury (Miguel Mendes replaced by Diogo Silva) and acknowledged the challenge after previous absences, but expressed determination to reach the Main Round. Separately, the women's under-18 national team starts its World Championship in Romania against Argentina in Group D, also facing Montenegro and the Netherlands. Coach Sandra Fernandes emphasized the need for defensive aggression and fast transitions, viewing the tournament as a key development opportunity for young athletes despite the high competitive demands.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:37 PM UTC

Serbian club Zeleznicar Pancevo, a rival of Portugal's Sp. Braga in the UEFA Conference League, announced the most expensive signing in its history: Ghanaian striker Kwaku Karikari for 600,000 euros. The permanent deal was confirmed as the club prepares for European competition. The article also covers Sp. Braga's 1-0 victory over Zeleznicar in Serbia, secured by a Ricardo Horta penalty, and includes fan appreciation and commentary on the teams' European prospects.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:40 PM UTC

Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf reports that 37-year-old Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic has reached an agreement with Eredivisie club NEC Nijmegen, signing a contract until summer 2028. Tadic had previously left UAE club Al Wahda and initially planned to continue playing in the Middle East. However, after in-depth discussions with NEC investor Marcel Boekhoorn, he changed his decision. Last Tuesday, Boekhoorn, along with NEC head coach Dick Schreuder and assistant coach Haris Medunjanin, flew to Belgrade for a face-to-face meeting with Tadic. NEC's ambition and offensive tactical philosophy convinced the Serbian veteran to join. Tadic previously played for Groningen, Twente, Southampton, and Ajax. During his time at Ajax, he made 241 appearances with 105 goals and 112 assists, winning three Eredivisie titles.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:14 AM UTC

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has filed a criminal complaint in Serbia for 'endangering safety' after threats were made against him in 2020. According to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), former Serbian Football Association president Slavisa Kokeza used the encrypted app Sky ECC to discuss hiring mafia figures to assault Matic, Danko Lazovic, and Nemanja Vidic. The players had publicly criticized Kokeza's leadership. Matic confirmed the complaint to OCCRP's Serbian partner KRIK but declined further comment. Kokeza reportedly said in 2020 that he needed to 'eliminate' the three players and believed physical threats would be effective, noting that while Matic and Vidic lived abroad, they cared about their families. Matic, now playing for Serie A club Sassuolo, played 189 times for Manchester United between 2017 and 2022.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 08:16 PM UTC

The Portuguese U-18 national handball team is in the final phase of preparation for the upcoming European Championship, participating in the Scandiberian tournament in Kiruna, Sweden. The team will face Sweden, Norway, and Spain in consecutive days, testing their evolution against opponents with different playing styles. Coach Nuno Santos highlighted the need for adjustments in attack and defensive duels, as well as effective minute management to ensure player readiness. Portugal previously won the same tournament in March with victories over Sweden and Norway and a draw with Spain. After the Scandiberian tournament, Portugal will travel to Belgrade, Serbia, for the U-18 European Championship, where they are placed in Group C alongside the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Israel. The group stage matches are scheduled from July 29 to August 1, 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:35 PM UTC

Ajax secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Vojvodina in Novi Sad, Serbia, in the second preliminary round of the UEFA Conference League. This was Ajax's first official match of the season and the debut of Spanish coach Michel on the bench. Captain Davy Klaassen opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, but Vojvodina equalized through Petar Sukacev in the 28th minute. Ajax regained the lead just before halftime via Steven Berghuis (37th). After the break, Oscar Gloukh scored a powerful strike in the 52nd minute to make it 3-1. In stoppage time, 18-year-old Mohamed Abdalla scored his first professional goal (90th+3) to seal the 4-1 win. With a three-goal lead, Ajax is well-placed to advance to the third preliminary round, where the winner between Shelbourne and Kalju would await.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:11 PM UTC

Rangers have signed 20-year-old Serbian midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade on an initial four-year deal, with a 12-month extension option, for a fee exceeding £4 million. He becomes the club's seventh summer signing under new manager Derek McInnes, who is rebuilding the squad ahead of the Scottish Premiership season. Dragojevic, a former Partizan captain and two-time Serbia international, is rated as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Serbian league. He joins fellow midfielders Cammy Devlin and Dan Neil among the new arrivals, alongside Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, and Ivor Pandur. Rangers had also been in talks for Tromso's Jens Hjertø-Dahl but prioritized Dragojevic. The player expressed pride in joining a club with a winning mentality, while McInnes praised his leadership qualities and potential.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:00 PM UTC

Elvis Ernesto Kretzschmar, the 18-year-old son of German handball icon Stefan Kretzschmar, has been selected for the German U18 national team ahead of the Handball European Championship in Serbia (July 29 to August 9). The left backcourt player, who plays for SC Magdeburg's junior team, scored seven goals in recent test matches against Portugal. National coach Erik Wudtke announced the 16-player squad, which also includes Kalle Gaugisch (son of women's national coach Markus Gaugisch) and Lenn Strobel (son of ex-professional Wolfgang Strobel), making it a 'national team of sons.' Stefan Kretzschmar expressed pride in his son's achievement. The German U18 team will face hosts Serbia, Italy, and Turkey in the preliminary round, with matches streamed live on EHFTV. The announcement follows the U20 team's sixth-place finish at their European Championship in Romania.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:36 AM UTC

Portuguese football club Sporting de Braga (Sp. Braga) publicly thanked the fans who traveled to Serbia to support the team in a pre-season match against Zeleznicar Pancevo. The match, played on July 23, 2026, ended in a 0-1 victory for Sp. Braga, secured by a penalty goal from captain Ricardo Horta. The team acknowledged the effort and dedication of the traveling supporters, posting a message of gratitude. Coach Carlos Vicens praised the team's cohesion, noting that Zeleznicar was more advanced in their pre-season preparation. The article also includes player ratings and a match report, highlighting that the performance was not brilliant but sufficient to gain an advantage.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:59 AM UTC

Sporting Braga secured a 1-0 victory over Zeleznicar Pancevo in Serbia, taking an important step towards the next round of the UEFA Conference League. The match was decided by a goal from Ricardo Horta. After the game, Braga coach Carlos Vicens praised his team's cohesion and unity, noting that they had to 'hold on to each other' against a Zeleznicar side that was 'more advanced in preparation.' The win gives Braga a strong advantage heading into the second leg. The article also includes brief mentions of other Braga-related news, including the signing of winger Ricardo Marques from Caxinas and a reported €6 million offer for Heerenveen midfielder Marcus Linday.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:01 PM UTC

Former world number one tennis player Ana Ivanović (38) has made a candid confession about her early retirement from professional tennis at age 29 in December 2016. In an interview on the Croatian sports talk show 'Neuspjeh prvaka' hosted by Slaven Bilić, Ivanović revealed that severe panic attacks were a major factor in her decision to end her career, not just the physical injuries previously cited. She described experiencing intense panic upon stepping onto the court, feeling terrified of playing in front of audiences. Despite the difficulty of leaving the sport she loved since age five, Ivanović stated she has never regretted her decision and is happy with her life now. The Serbian star won the French Open in 2008, reached world number one, and claimed 15 WTA singles titles before retiring.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:09 PM UTC

According to BILD, Jürgen Klopp (59) is expected to be introduced as the new German national football coach this week. RTL will broadcast his debut match on September 24, 2026, when Germany faces the Netherlands in Amsterdam in the Nations League. The match is described as a 'real cracker' against the eternal archrival. Following the early World Cup exit, the DFB team has four international matches scheduled during a consolidated autumn break from September 23 to October 8, a change implemented by FIFA in March 2023. After the Netherlands match, Germany plays Greece at home (September 27, ARD), Serbia at home (October 1, ZDF), and an away match in Greece (October 4, RTL). The November international break remains unchanged, with matches against Serbia and the Netherlands. FIFA has set this framework calendar through 2030.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:31 PM UTC

Serbian Minister Snežana Paunović sparked outrage by stating she would have 'ethnically cleansed' Kosovo in 1998 if she had been Slobodan Milošević. The Kosovo interior minister declared her permanently unwelcome. Paunović later clarified she meant expelling non-loyal citizens and 'eliminating' KLA members, not killing all Albanians. The article notes that despite EU efforts, Serbia-Kosovo relations are at an impasse, and experts argue Belgrade never abandoned Milošević-era narratives but merely softened its rhetoric for Brussels. The 1998-1999 war killed over 13,000 people, mostly Kosovo Albanians.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:06 PM UTC

Serbian Minister Snežana Paunović, a senior figure in the Socialist Party of Serbia, sparked outrage by stating in a television interview that she would have 'ethnically cleansed' Kosovo in 1998 if she had been Slobodan Milošević. She later clarified she meant expelling Albanians who did not feel loyal to Yugoslavia and 'eliminating' Kosovo Liberation Army members as terrorists. Kosovo's interior minister declared her permanently unwelcome. The incident highlights that Belgrade has not abandoned Milošević-era narratives about Kosovo, but merely softened its rhetoric for Brussels. The 1998-1999 Kosovo war killed over 13,000 people, mostly ethnic Albanians. EU and Kosovan officials condemned the remarks as promoting genocidal ideas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:06 PM UTC

Serbian Minister for Public Administration and Local Self-Government Snežana Paunović, a senior figure in the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), sparked a major scandal by stating during a television interview that if she had been Slobodan Milošević in 1998, she 'would have ethnically cleansed Kosovo.' She later clarified she meant expelling Albanians who did not feel like citizens of Yugoslavia and 'eliminating' Kosovo Liberation Army members as terrorists. The remarks drew immediate condemnation from Kosovo, whose interior minister declared Paunović a permanently unwelcome person. The article notes that the controversy reveals a deeper reality: Belgrade has never abandoned the Milošević-era narrative about Kosovo, but has learned to express it more quietly in Brussels. The 1998-1999 Kosovo war killed over 13,000 people, mostly ethnic Albanians.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:06 PM UTC

According to Diario Sport, Dusan Vlahovic has agreed to lower his salary demands and reopened negotiations with Juventus. The Serbian striker, once valued at €95 million, is now considering an annual salary of around €6 million. Juventus is preparing a two-year contract offer with a €4 million signing bonus, though a high commission demand remains an issue. Barcelona, to whom Vlahovic was recommended, has gathered information but remains fully focused on signing Julian Alvarez and will not consider other forwards until late July. Besiktas, willing to meet previous demands, has grown impatient with Vlahovic's indecision and issued ultimatums. Atletico Madrid has inquired but taken no further action. Barcelona also monitors Ferran Torres' potential departure.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:43 AM UTC

Sporting Braga head coach Carlos Vicens stated it is not difficult to motivate the team ahead of their 2026/27 season debut against Serbian side Zeleznicar Pancevo in the UEFA Conference League. The club president António Salvador expressed aspirations to go as far as possible in the competition, aiming to achieve what the club has not yet accomplished. Meanwhile, Spanish club Sevilla is monitoring Braga forward Fran Navarro for a potential transfer. Defender Lagerbielke has been left out of the 23-man squad traveling to Serbia as he is not yet match-ready due to a later arrival. The match marks the official start of Braga's European campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:33 PM UTC

Sporting Braga president António Salvador stated the club's ambition to go as far as possible in the UEFA Conference League, implicitly targeting the title. Speaking before the team's debut match against Serbian side Zeleznicar Pancevo, Salvador noted that Braga is the second-best ranked team in the competition and has a strong European history, including a Europa League final appearance in 2011 and a semi-final last season. He emphasized the club's responsibility in European competitions and hinted at winning the trophy, something Braga has not yet achieved. Regarding the transfer market, Salvador said the squad is 90 percent closed but acknowledged possible arrivals and departures before the August 31 deadline. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:00 PM in Pancevo, Serbia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:04 PM UTC

Sporting Braga's central defender Gustaf Lagerbielke has been left out of the squad for the team's 2026/27 season debut in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round against Serbian side Zeleznicar Pancevo, as he is not yet match-ready after arriving late. Manager Carlos Vicens has selected 23 players for the trip to Serbia. Additionally, new reinforcement Jonas Wind is also absent from the squad for the same fixture. Winger Dorgeles is included but will miss the match due to suspension. In related transfer news, Braga stands to receive millions through the FIFA solidarity mechanism from the recent transfers of academy graduates Trincão (to Al Ahli), Pedro Gonçalves (Pote), and Samu Costa (to Al Nassr), with the trio having moved for significant fees.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:28 PM UTC

Portuguese club Sp. Braga has left new signing Jonas Wind out of their squad for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League against Serbian side Zeleznicar Pancevo. The Danish forward is still recovering from a season plagued by injuries, and his physical condition is being managed carefully. Meanwhile, midfielder Dorgeles is included in the squad but will miss the match due to suspension. In other club news, Sp. Braga has loaned forward El Ouazzani to French Ligue 1 club Angers. The club is also set to benefit financially from the recent transfers of academy graduates Trincão, Pote, and Samu Costa, thanks to FIFA's solidarity mechanism. Trincão's move to Al Ahli and Samu Costa's transfer to Al Nassr are highlighted as major deals. Sp. Braga could face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the third qualifying round if they advance past Zeleznicar Pancevo.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:56 PM UTC

The article analyzes escalating transatlantic tensions specifically in the Balkans, where Europe has taken steps to stifle American involvement. Key events include the first-ever failure of the U.S. and Europe to agree on the next international envoy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with European diplomats rejecting a U.S.-backed Italian candidate in favor of a French official. The EU has also opposed a U.S.-backed LNG pipeline project in Bosnia, warning it could jeopardize EU membership and aid. Additionally, European institutions coordinated to block a luxury hotel project in Serbia led by Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and U.S. Special Envoy for Peace, forcing his withdrawal. The article argues these actions represent a coordinated European effort to undermine U.S. policy and investment in the region, risking a serious diplomatic row.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:18 PM UTC

This Forbes analysis argues that the U.S. should seize the opportunity to deepen engagement with Serbia following the July 17, 2026 launch of a U.S.-Serbia strategic dialogue. The article identifies four key areas: energy security, where Serbia's role in the Vertical Gas Corridor and potential divestment from Russian-controlled NIS oil company could reduce Moscow's influence; strategic minerals, as Serbia holds Europe's largest lithium reserves and has chosen to partner with the EU rather than China; defense modernization, with Serbia actively acquiring Western military equipment; and broader geopolitical alignment. The author contends that Washington has a window to lock Serbia into Western supply chains and reduce Russian and Chinese leverage in the Balkans.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:42 PM UTC

The article analyzes how China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Western Balkans has created strategic risks through embedded Chinese technology in critical infrastructure. While BRI investments have brought infrastructure development, they have also tied recipient countries to Chinese surveillance and telecommunications equipment from blacklisted firms like Huawei and Dahua. The Washington Agreement (2021) between Serbia and Kosovo explicitly banned untrusted 5G vendors. Telekom Srbija Group, under Western conditional loans, chose Ericsson and Nokia over Huawei for 5G rollout, leading to retaliatory cyberattacks by Russian hackers. China continues to deepen ties, opening an Innovations and Development Centre in Belgrade and installing over 1,000 surveillance cameras under the 'Safe Society' project. The article argues that Balkan states' strategic ambiguity between East and West is becoming unsustainable, forcing them to choose between Western security-driven technology and Eastern technology with privacy risks, amid hybrid warfare threats.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:58 AM UTC

The article analyzes the strategic risks of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Western Balkans, focusing on the embedding of Chinese technology in critical infrastructure such as electrical grids, telecommunications, and surveillance systems. It highlights concerns over national security and sovereignty, particularly after the discovery of Chinese communication devices in imported products and China's use of surveillance against its Uyghur population. The US Clean Network Initiative and the 2021 Washington Agreement between Serbia and Kosovo explicitly prohibit untrusted 5G vendors, implicitly targeting Chinese companies like Huawei. Telekom Srbija Group, under Western conditional loans, has chosen Ericsson and Nokia over Huawei for 5G rollout, leading to cyberattacks by Russian hackers aligned with China. Despite these tensions, China continues to invest heavily, including €1 billion in new projects, a free trade agreement with Serbia, and Huawei's surveillance camera installations across Serbian cities. Balkan states maintain strategic ambiguity between EU integration and Eastern partnerships.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:58 AM UTC

The article analyzes how China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has embedded Chinese technology in critical infrastructure across the Western Balkans, raising national security and sovereignty concerns for EU and NATO members. Over €1 billion in Chinese loans have flowed into all Balkan states except Kosovo. The US Clean Network Initiative and the 2021 Washington Agreement between Serbia and Kosovo explicitly prohibit untrusted 5G vendors, targeting Huawei. Telekom Srbija Group, under Western conditional loans, has shifted from Huawei to Ericsson and Nokia for 5G rollout, prompting a damaging Russian cyberattack. The article highlights how Balkan states are caught between East-West rivalries, with Chinese tech seen as a risk to EU integration and democratization, while Russia and Iran exploit the region's strategic ambiguity to undermine Western influence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:58 AM UTC

This analysis examines the stalled EU integration of Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) despite the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit promise. It argues that unresolved legacies of the 1990s wars, including contested historical interpretations, mutual mistrust, and incomplete reconciliation, hinder democratisation and regional cooperation. The article highlights that dealing with the past—through war crimes prosecution, truth commissions, and memory politics—is both a moral imperative and a formal EU membership requirement under the Stabilisation and Association Process. It notes that only Slovenia (2004) and Croatia (2013) have joined the EU, while others face stagnation due to ethno-political tensions and 'Balkanisation' tendencies. The piece suggests that Europe's model of addressing the past (Vergangenheitsbewältigung) offers lessons, but internal EU divisions and rising populism complicate the process. The transformation of EU policy from post-war reconstruction to enlargement conditionality is seen as key to progress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:44 AM UTC

This analysis examines the stalled EU integration of Western Balkan countries, arguing that unresolved historical grievances and insufficient reconciliation efforts are major obstacles. Despite the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit pledge that the Balkans' future lies in the EU, only Slovenia and Croatia have joined. The article highlights how contested historical interpretations, ethno-political tensions, and mutual mistrust hinder regional cooperation and democratic consolidation. It discusses the importance of transitional justice mechanisms—such as war crimes prosecution, truth commissions, and memory politics—as formal EU membership requirements. The piece contrasts the region's 'Europeanisation' efforts with persistent 'Balkanisation' tendencies, noting that unresolved war legacies undermine institutional trust and fuel emigration. It also references Germany and Austria's 'Vergangenheitsbewältigung' as a model, and calls for a shift from viewing the region as a foreign policy issue to a genuine enlargement priority.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:44 AM UTC