🇲🇪 Montenegro tops the world for attracting millionaire migrants
A historic shift is underway among the world’s wealthy — 142,000 millionaires are expected to relocate this year, leaving behind London penthouses and French estates. While Switzerland, the USA, and the UAE remain strong draws, Montenegro is the world’s fastest-growing millionaire hub.
According to Swiss firm Henley & Partners, the number of millionaires moving to Montenegro rose by 124% last year. Today, around 2,800 live there — fewer than in many countries, but the nation lures them with its “investment-for-citizenship” program, or “golden passport.”
Low taxes, no inheritance or gift tax, Adriatic coastline, luxury real estate, and a Mediterranean lifestyle have made Montenegro a magnet for investors.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
A historic shift is underway among the world’s wealthy — 142,000 millionaires are expected to relocate this year, leaving behind London penthouses and French estates. While Switzerland, the USA, and the UAE remain strong draws, Montenegro is the world’s fastest-growing millionaire hub.
According to Swiss firm Henley & Partners, the number of millionaires moving to Montenegro rose by 124% last year. Today, around 2,800 live there — fewer than in many countries, but the nation lures them with its “investment-for-citizenship” program, or “golden passport.”
Low taxes, no inheritance or gift tax, Adriatic coastline, luxury real estate, and a Mediterranean lifestyle have made Montenegro a magnet for investors.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇹🇷 Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Hits Türkiye’s Balıkesir
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Sındırgı, Balıkesir, at 7:53 p.m. local time, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported. The tremor was felt in nearby provinces, including Istanbul.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said AFAD and other agencies immediately began field inspections. So far, there are no reports of casualties or damage. The quake’s depth was 11 km, and several aftershocks followed.
Türkiye lies on multiple fault lines and frequently experiences strong earthquakes, including the devastating February 2023 tremors that killed over 53,000 people.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Sındırgı, Balıkesir, at 7:53 p.m. local time, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported. The tremor was felt in nearby provinces, including Istanbul.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said AFAD and other agencies immediately began field inspections. So far, there are no reports of casualties or damage. The quake’s depth was 11 km, and several aftershocks followed.
Türkiye lies on multiple fault lines and frequently experiences strong earthquakes, including the devastating February 2023 tremors that killed over 53,000 people.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇹🇷🇲🇩 One Step Closer to a Turkish–Moldovan Strategic Partnership
Moldova has appointed Oleg Serebrian—former Deputy PM and chief negotiator on the Transnistrian conflict—as its new ambassador to Türkiye, signaling a deepening partnership amid growing tensions with Russia.
Türkiye has long been a key ally for Moldova, helping its transition to a market economy in the 1990s, mediating in the Gagauz autonomy issue, and supporting stability in the south despite foreign attempts at destabilization.
By sending its top territorial integrity expert to Ankara, Moldova shows it sees Türkiye as a strategic partner and potential key player in Eastern Europe’s post-war security architecture. With Russian troops stationed in Transnistria, Chisinau is looking to strengthen cooperation in economy, tourism, and security.
The Gagauz minority—ethnic Turks in Moldova—remains a focal point of relations. Türkiye has often acted as a guarantor to keep Gagauz politics within constitutional bounds, countering pro-Russian separatist tendencies.
As Moscow pursues plans in the Black Sea region, Moldova expects Türkiye to play a stronger role in preventing Gagauzia from becoming “Transnistria 2”.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Moldova has appointed Oleg Serebrian—former Deputy PM and chief negotiator on the Transnistrian conflict—as its new ambassador to Türkiye, signaling a deepening partnership amid growing tensions with Russia.
Türkiye has long been a key ally for Moldova, helping its transition to a market economy in the 1990s, mediating in the Gagauz autonomy issue, and supporting stability in the south despite foreign attempts at destabilization.
By sending its top territorial integrity expert to Ankara, Moldova shows it sees Türkiye as a strategic partner and potential key player in Eastern Europe’s post-war security architecture. With Russian troops stationed in Transnistria, Chisinau is looking to strengthen cooperation in economy, tourism, and security.
The Gagauz minority—ethnic Turks in Moldova—remains a focal point of relations. Türkiye has often acted as a guarantor to keep Gagauz politics within constitutional bounds, countering pro-Russian separatist tendencies.
As Moscow pursues plans in the Black Sea region, Moldova expects Türkiye to play a stronger role in preventing Gagauzia from becoming “Transnistria 2”.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇦🇱 Ivanka Trump Buys Albanian Island for $1 Billion
According to The Guardian, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have purchased Sazan Island in Albania for over $1 billion. The island, part of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, was once a communist-era military base filled with bunkers, tunnels — and unexploded mines.
Negotiations with the Affinity group reportedly took place in secret, without informing locals or parliament, until the €1.4B deal was finalized.
The couple plans to turn the island into a luxury resort, but environmentalists and scientists warn of ecological damage. Clearing the mines and making the island safe will be the biggest challenge.
Locals have already dubbed Sazan "Trump Island" — but the future remains uncertain.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
According to The Guardian, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have purchased Sazan Island in Albania for over $1 billion. The island, part of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, was once a communist-era military base filled with bunkers, tunnels — and unexploded mines.
Negotiations with the Affinity group reportedly took place in secret, without informing locals or parliament, until the €1.4B deal was finalized.
The couple plans to turn the island into a luxury resort, but environmentalists and scientists warn of ecological damage. Clearing the mines and making the island safe will be the biggest challenge.
Locals have already dubbed Sazan "Trump Island" — but the future remains uncertain.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Kosovo, Albania & Croatia to Jointly Purchase U.S. Weapons 🇽🇰🇦🇱🇭🇷
Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia are moving forward with a defense cooperation plan signed in March, aiming for a single joint order of U.S. weapons instead of separate purchases — lowering costs and speeding up delivery.
The agreement includes:
Boosting defense industry cooperation
Increasing interoperability via training & exercises
Tackling hybrid threats (cyberattacks, disinformation, foreign influence)
Supporting Euro-Atlantic integration
Funding will come from each country’s national budget. Kosovo hopes this will aid its NATO Partnership for Peace bid.
The initiative is open to other countries — so far, no new members have joined. Serbia opposes the plan, citing a 1996 arms quota deal.
Kosovo will use the upcoming U.S.-Adriatic Charter meeting in October to invite more regional partners.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia are moving forward with a defense cooperation plan signed in March, aiming for a single joint order of U.S. weapons instead of separate purchases — lowering costs and speeding up delivery.
The agreement includes:
Boosting defense industry cooperation
Increasing interoperability via training & exercises
Tackling hybrid threats (cyberattacks, disinformation, foreign influence)
Supporting Euro-Atlantic integration
Funding will come from each country’s national budget. Kosovo hopes this will aid its NATO Partnership for Peace bid.
The initiative is open to other countries — so far, no new members have joined. Serbia opposes the plan, citing a 1996 arms quota deal.
Kosovo will use the upcoming U.S.-Adriatic Charter meeting in October to invite more regional partners.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
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Western Balkans Need Migrant Workers – 100,000 Work Permits Issued 🌍
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says the Western Balkans is becoming a destination for migrants who want to work and contribute to the economy — not just a transit route to Western Europe.
Key points:
Over 100,000 work permits issued in 2023–2024 (up from ~40,000 in 2018)
Migrant workers fill shortages in services, tourism, manufacturing, transport, and construction
Demographic changes, labor shortages, and skill mismatches drive demand
Inclusion policies needed to integrate migrant workers into the economy and ensure employers benefit fully
IOM stresses migration can boost growth, pension funds, and social systems if managed well
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says the Western Balkans is becoming a destination for migrants who want to work and contribute to the economy — not just a transit route to Western Europe.
Key points:
Over 100,000 work permits issued in 2023–2024 (up from ~40,000 in 2018)
Migrant workers fill shortages in services, tourism, manufacturing, transport, and construction
Demographic changes, labor shortages, and skill mismatches drive demand
Inclusion policies needed to integrate migrant workers into the economy and ensure employers benefit fully
IOM stresses migration can boost growth, pension funds, and social systems if managed well
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🔥 Historic Heatwave Smashes Records Across the Balkans
🇦🇱 Albania:
🌡️ Tirana 43.6°C, Durrës 42.4°C – Hottest August day ever recorded
🇲🇪 Montenegro:
🌡️ Podgorica min. 30.2°C – Hottest August night on record
🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina:
🌡️ Mostar min. 29.1°C – Hottest night ever recorded
🇭🇷 Croatia:
🌡️ Hottest August night – Split 30.8°C, Lastovo 28.7°C, Rab 28°C, Knin 27.7°C
🌡️ August temperature records – Šibenik 39.5°C, Dubrovnik 38.9°C
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇦🇱 Albania:
🌡️ Tirana 43.6°C, Durrës 42.4°C – Hottest August day ever recorded
🇲🇪 Montenegro:
🌡️ Podgorica min. 30.2°C – Hottest August night on record
🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina:
🌡️ Mostar min. 29.1°C – Hottest night ever recorded
🇭🇷 Croatia:
🌡️ Hottest August night – Split 30.8°C, Lastovo 28.7°C, Rab 28°C, Knin 27.7°C
🌡️ August temperature records – Šibenik 39.5°C, Dubrovnik 38.9°C
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Balkan Monitor
🇧🇦 Dodik Officially Accepts Verdict, Requests to Pay Fine Instead of Serving Prison Sentence Milorad Dodik’s legal team has formally requested the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina to convert his one-year prison sentence into a monetary fine — thereby officially…
🇧🇦 Bosnia’s Court Confirms: Dodik Buys Out Prison Sentence
President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has paid 36,500 KM to replace his one-year prison sentence for defying the High Representative’s decisions — the law allows buying out prison terms of up to one year.
The payment equals 100 KM per day of the sentence.
In addition to prison, Dodik was banned from political activity for six years. Due to this, the Central Election Commission (CIK) stripped him of his RS presidency mandate.
His lawyer, Goran Bubić, received the decision today and filed an appeal. The Appeals Council is expected to rule next week.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has paid 36,500 KM to replace his one-year prison sentence for defying the High Representative’s decisions — the law allows buying out prison terms of up to one year.
The payment equals 100 KM per day of the sentence.
In addition to prison, Dodik was banned from political activity for six years. Due to this, the Central Election Commission (CIK) stripped him of his RS presidency mandate.
His lawyer, Goran Bubić, received the decision today and filed an appeal. The Appeals Council is expected to rule next week.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇷🇴 Romania Faces Major Cuts & Inflation Surge
The Romanian government will slash over 40,000 jobs in local administration to curb public spending — a move expected to save RON 2.2 billion (€434M) annually.
Meanwhile, the central bank has revised its 2025 inflation forecast from 4.6% to 8.8%, warning it could exceed 9%. Governor Mugur Isărescu expects inflation to peak in September at around 9.6–9.7% before gradually declining.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
The Romanian government will slash over 40,000 jobs in local administration to curb public spending — a move expected to save RON 2.2 billion (€434M) annually.
Meanwhile, the central bank has revised its 2025 inflation forecast from 4.6% to 8.8%, warning it could exceed 9%. Governor Mugur Isărescu expects inflation to peak in September at around 9.6–9.7% before gradually declining.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇮🇱 Israel Sells $1.6B in Weapons to “a European Country” — All Signs Point to Serbia
Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems announced a $1.6 billion arms deal with an unnamed European country — but the listed weapon types and earlier hints strongly suggest Serbia is the buyer.
The purchase reportedly covers:
Group 1: Long-range precision artillery and rocket systems, plus a wide range of reconnaissance and combat drones.
Group 2: Advanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and control systems, intelligence-gathering and processing tools, and cutting-edge electro-optical and night-vision systems.
In November, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić revealed plans to acquire precision multiple rocket launch systems. Elbit CEO Bezhalel Machlis confirmed the deal also includes industrial cooperation to strengthen Serbia’s domestic defense industry.
Serbian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Milan Mojsilović recently hinted at acquiring advanced digital systems under the “Digital Army” project — aiming to boost situational awareness, speed up decision-making, and enhance combat readiness.
Statements from Serbia’s top military officials align closely with Israel’s announcement, underlining the tight defense ties between the two countries.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems announced a $1.6 billion arms deal with an unnamed European country — but the listed weapon types and earlier hints strongly suggest Serbia is the buyer.
The purchase reportedly covers:
Group 1: Long-range precision artillery and rocket systems, plus a wide range of reconnaissance and combat drones.
Group 2: Advanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and control systems, intelligence-gathering and processing tools, and cutting-edge electro-optical and night-vision systems.
In November, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić revealed plans to acquire precision multiple rocket launch systems. Elbit CEO Bezhalel Machlis confirmed the deal also includes industrial cooperation to strengthen Serbia’s domestic defense industry.
Serbian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Milan Mojsilović recently hinted at acquiring advanced digital systems under the “Digital Army” project — aiming to boost situational awareness, speed up decision-making, and enhance combat readiness.
Statements from Serbia’s top military officials align closely with Israel’s announcement, underlining the tight defense ties between the two countries.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇷🇸 Serbian Police Blame Protesters for Clashes Near Ruling Party HQs
At least 50 injured in the northern town of Vrbas after violent clashes Tuesday night between protesters, ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) activists, and police. Similar incidents occurred in Backa Palanka, Novi Sad, and Belgrade, all near SNS offices.
Local media claim violence began when rocks, bottles, and pyrotechnics were thrown from SNS premises, with baton-wielding individuals seen among SNS supporters. Police, however, restrained only the protesters.
Police chief Dragan Vasiljevic insists protesters alone are to blame, saying 200 protesters faced 800 SNS supporters and that “people came with bats, bars, and poles, clearly intending serious clashes.” He reported 17 injured police officers.
The unrest is part of a broader nationwide student-led uprising that began last November after the deadly collapse of Novi Sad railway station’s canopy. Protesters often wear masks and hoodies as tensions continue to escalate.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
At least 50 injured in the northern town of Vrbas after violent clashes Tuesday night between protesters, ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) activists, and police. Similar incidents occurred in Backa Palanka, Novi Sad, and Belgrade, all near SNS offices.
Local media claim violence began when rocks, bottles, and pyrotechnics were thrown from SNS premises, with baton-wielding individuals seen among SNS supporters. Police, however, restrained only the protesters.
Police chief Dragan Vasiljevic insists protesters alone are to blame, saying 200 protesters faced 800 SNS supporters and that “people came with bats, bars, and poles, clearly intending serious clashes.” He reported 17 injured police officers.
The unrest is part of a broader nationwide student-led uprising that began last November after the deadly collapse of Novi Sad railway station’s canopy. Protesters often wear masks and hoodies as tensions continue to escalate.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
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🇹🇷 Türkiye Expands Marine Protected Areas in Aegean & Mediterranean
Türkiye has added two new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to its National Maritime Spatial Planning Map, reinforcing both environmental protection and national sovereignty amid tensions with Greece.
New MPAs:
Off Gökçeada (Northern Aegean)
Fethiye–Kaş region (Mediterranean)
The move, prepared by Ankara University’s DEHUKAM and registered with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in June 2025, aims to safeguard sensitive ecosystems while protecting Türkiye’s maritime rights.
DEHUKAM CEO Mustafa Başkara stressed that MPAs are a legitimate right under international law, balancing resource use with environmental preservation. They can limit activities like oil and gas exploration, but must respect navigation rights of other states.
🇬🇷 Context: Comes after Greece’s recent declaration of marine parks in disputed waters, which Türkiye calls legally null and void. Ankara warns against using environmental measures as a “back door” for strategic gains.
Başkara: “Türkiye is proving it’s possible to protect the marine environment, meet global biodiversity goals, and safeguard national interests at the same time.”
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Türkiye has added two new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to its National Maritime Spatial Planning Map, reinforcing both environmental protection and national sovereignty amid tensions with Greece.
New MPAs:
Off Gökçeada (Northern Aegean)
Fethiye–Kaş region (Mediterranean)
The move, prepared by Ankara University’s DEHUKAM and registered with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in June 2025, aims to safeguard sensitive ecosystems while protecting Türkiye’s maritime rights.
DEHUKAM CEO Mustafa Başkara stressed that MPAs are a legitimate right under international law, balancing resource use with environmental preservation. They can limit activities like oil and gas exploration, but must respect navigation rights of other states.
🇬🇷 Context: Comes after Greece’s recent declaration of marine parks in disputed waters, which Türkiye calls legally null and void. Ankara warns against using environmental measures as a “back door” for strategic gains.
Başkara: “Türkiye is proving it’s possible to protect the marine environment, meet global biodiversity goals, and safeguard national interests at the same time.”
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇬🇷 Greece’s Pension System Under Pressure
Greece is facing a deepening demographic crisis. The working-age population is shrinking, while the number of elderly—especially retirees—is growing faster than in the rest of the EU.
Since 2008, Greece’s population has fallen by 720,000 (–8.5%).
Biggest drop: 30–44 age group (–683,000)
25–29 age group down almost 30%
65+ population up by 405,000
Economists say a healthy pension system needs a 4:1 ratio of workers to retirees. In Greece, it’s already 1.7:1 and falling. By 2030, there will be 46 retirees for every 100 workers—one of the worst ratios in Europe.
Birth rates have collapsed—down 40% since 2000 (vs –21.5% EU average). While inward migration now exceeds outward migration, it has sparked political and social tensions.
The country’s pay-as-you-go pension system is under mounting strain, raising questions about its long-term sustainability.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Greece is facing a deepening demographic crisis. The working-age population is shrinking, while the number of elderly—especially retirees—is growing faster than in the rest of the EU.
Since 2008, Greece’s population has fallen by 720,000 (–8.5%).
Biggest drop: 30–44 age group (–683,000)
25–29 age group down almost 30%
65+ population up by 405,000
Economists say a healthy pension system needs a 4:1 ratio of workers to retirees. In Greece, it’s already 1.7:1 and falling. By 2030, there will be 46 retirees for every 100 workers—one of the worst ratios in Europe.
Birth rates have collapsed—down 40% since 2000 (vs –21.5% EU average). While inward migration now exceeds outward migration, it has sparked political and social tensions.
The country’s pay-as-you-go pension system is under mounting strain, raising questions about its long-term sustainability.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
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🇦🇱 Albania: Media Freedom Undermined by Government Favours
The Albanian government’s “strategic investor” scheme – meant to boost the economy – is increasingly benefiting the owners of the country’s largest TV stations, raising serious doubts about editorial independence.
🔹 Top Channel – Lorela Hoxha, co-owner and executive director, secured ‘strategic investor’ status for a luxury development in Tirana, granting streamlined permits and tax breaks.
🔹 TV Klan – In 2023, Aleksander Frangaj’s company gained public land and tax cuts for a hotel project, after earlier receiving the same privileged status.
🔹 Vizion Plus – Owners have also enjoyed similar benefits.
The law, introduced in 2015 for just three years, has been repeatedly extended. Critics warn it has turned into a tool for political clientelism, rewarding media bosses with business favours while chipping away at press freedom.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
The Albanian government’s “strategic investor” scheme – meant to boost the economy – is increasingly benefiting the owners of the country’s largest TV stations, raising serious doubts about editorial independence.
🔹 Top Channel – Lorela Hoxha, co-owner and executive director, secured ‘strategic investor’ status for a luxury development in Tirana, granting streamlined permits and tax breaks.
🔹 TV Klan – In 2023, Aleksander Frangaj’s company gained public land and tax cuts for a hotel project, after earlier receiving the same privileged status.
🔹 Vizion Plus – Owners have also enjoyed similar benefits.
The law, introduced in 2015 for just three years, has been repeatedly extended. Critics warn it has turned into a tool for political clientelism, rewarding media bosses with business favours while chipping away at press freedom.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇭🇷 Over 100,000 foreign workers arrive in Croatia in 2025
In the first seven months of 2025, Croatia issued around 115,000 residence and work permits, slightly up from the same period last year.
Top countries of origin:
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Nepal
Serbia
Philippines
India
Most in-demand sectors:
Tourism & hospitality – 38,372 permits
Construction – 36,864
Industry – 13,704
Transport & communications – 7,723
Trade – 4,163
Officials say labour shortages stem from youth emigration, ageing demographics, and strong economic growth. Foreign workers are filling gaps in sectors where domestic labour is unavailable.
Employers welcome smoother permit procedures but warn against excessive wage growth, which could harm competitiveness. While regional and Asian workers make up the bulk, domestic workers remain the preferred choice.
https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
In the first seven months of 2025, Croatia issued around 115,000 residence and work permits, slightly up from the same period last year.
Top countries of origin:
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Nepal
Serbia
Philippines
India
Most in-demand sectors:
Tourism & hospitality – 38,372 permits
Construction – 36,864
Industry – 13,704
Transport & communications – 7,723
Trade – 4,163
Officials say labour shortages stem from youth emigration, ageing demographics, and strong economic growth. Foreign workers are filling gaps in sectors where domestic labour is unavailable.
Employers welcome smoother permit procedures but warn against excessive wage growth, which could harm competitiveness. While regional and Asian workers make up the bulk, domestic workers remain the preferred choice.
https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇸🇮 Slovenia’s economy rebounds in Q2
After contracting in Q1 for the first time in 5 years, Slovenia’s GDP grew 0.7% year-on-year in the second quarter, driven mainly by strong private consumption (+3.6%), boosted by higher public sector wages and improved consumer confidence.
🔹 Quarterly growth: +0.7%
🔹 Annual growth: +0.8%
🔹 Biggest drag: foreign trade (exports -0.8%, imports up)
🔹 Sectors: most expanded, but manufacturing & finance shrank
🔹 Jobs: slight fall, with steepest losses in manufacturing & construction
Despite weak exports, the central bank expects 1.3% growth in 2025, with forecasts ranging 1.3%–2% depending on trade recovery in the second half of the year.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
After contracting in Q1 for the first time in 5 years, Slovenia’s GDP grew 0.7% year-on-year in the second quarter, driven mainly by strong private consumption (+3.6%), boosted by higher public sector wages and improved consumer confidence.
🔹 Quarterly growth: +0.7%
🔹 Annual growth: +0.8%
🔹 Biggest drag: foreign trade (exports -0.8%, imports up)
🔹 Sectors: most expanded, but manufacturing & finance shrank
🔹 Jobs: slight fall, with steepest losses in manufacturing & construction
Despite weak exports, the central bank expects 1.3% growth in 2025, with forecasts ranging 1.3%–2% depending on trade recovery in the second half of the year.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇮🇱 Almost 50 Israeli tourists stranded in Sarajevo
At Hotel Hills, staff accidentally threw away their passports into the trash.
A total of 47 Israelis, along with some citizens of other countries, are now stuck in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They were supposed to fly back on Saturday but couldn’t board the plane.
They’ll have to stay until Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy in Belgrade issue new documents.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
At Hotel Hills, staff accidentally threw away their passports into the trash.
A total of 47 Israelis, along with some citizens of other countries, are now stuck in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They were supposed to fly back on Saturday but couldn’t board the plane.
They’ll have to stay until Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy in Belgrade issue new documents.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
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🇹🇷 Türkiye advances maritime drone technology
Turkish defense company Havelsan is pushing naval innovation by integrating fixed-wing VTOL drones with ships and unmanned maritime platforms.
Havelsan signed a deal with DESAN Shipyard to deploy the BOZBEY drone on a 99m multipurpose mission ship for Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) — its first maritime contract for VTOL drones.
The drones — BAHA, BOZBEY, and BULUT — offer:
Runway-independent takeoff & landing
Day/night autonomous missions
Recon, surveillance & intelligence gathering
Payloads up to 5 kg and endurance up to 6 hours
Strategic edge:
Extend naval reach far from shore
Integrate with unmanned surface vessels
Boost border security, disaster response & search-and-rescue
Operate in variable weather, resistant to electronic warfare
Havelsan’s modular systems and full autonomy reduce crew workload while strengthening maritime intelligence and deterrence.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Turkish defense company Havelsan is pushing naval innovation by integrating fixed-wing VTOL drones with ships and unmanned maritime platforms.
Havelsan signed a deal with DESAN Shipyard to deploy the BOZBEY drone on a 99m multipurpose mission ship for Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) — its first maritime contract for VTOL drones.
The drones — BAHA, BOZBEY, and BULUT — offer:
Runway-independent takeoff & landing
Day/night autonomous missions
Recon, surveillance & intelligence gathering
Payloads up to 5 kg and endurance up to 6 hours
Strategic edge:
Extend naval reach far from shore
Integrate with unmanned surface vessels
Boost border security, disaster response & search-and-rescue
Operate in variable weather, resistant to electronic warfare
Havelsan’s modular systems and full autonomy reduce crew workload while strengthening maritime intelligence and deterrence.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
🇬🇷 Greece weighs nuclear future
Public opinion in Greece is shifting in favor of nuclear power, with PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis signaling readiness to “join the nuclear alliance.”
🔹 At an Athens energy conference in June, Mitsotakis argued there’s “no way to carbon neutrality without nuclear” and floated ideas like nuclear-powered shipping and investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
🔹 Opposition party SYRIZA warned of opening a “nuclear Pandora’s box,” highlighting a heated debate in a country with no nuclear history.
🔹 The EU’s 2022 decision to label nuclear and gas as “climate-friendly” has fueled the discussion, as Greece aims for net zero by 2050.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Public opinion in Greece is shifting in favor of nuclear power, with PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis signaling readiness to “join the nuclear alliance.”
🔹 At an Athens energy conference in June, Mitsotakis argued there’s “no way to carbon neutrality without nuclear” and floated ideas like nuclear-powered shipping and investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
🔹 Opposition party SYRIZA warned of opening a “nuclear Pandora’s box,” highlighting a heated debate in a country with no nuclear history.
🔹 The EU’s 2022 decision to label nuclear and gas as “climate-friendly” has fueled the discussion, as Greece aims for net zero by 2050.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
Balkan Monitor
🇧🇦 Dodik Officially Accepts Verdict, Requests to Pay Fine Instead of Serving Prison Sentence Milorad Dodik’s legal team has formally requested the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina to convert his one-year prison sentence into a monetary fine — thereby officially…
🇧🇦 The Appellate Division of the Court of B&H has rejected Milorad Dodik’s appeal against the Central Election Commission’s decision to strip him of his mandate as President of Republika Srpska.
👉 From this moment, Dodik is no longer president of the entity.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
👉 From this moment, Dodik is no longer president of the entity.
🔗 https://news.1rj.ru/str/BalkanMonitor
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