Bulgaria to Open New Joint Border Checkpoints with Serbia and Turkey
Bulgaria is preparing to open new border crossings with both Serbia and Turkey as part of efforts to improve regional connectivity, the Cabinet’s press service reported
Kosovo PM Dismisses Controversial Ethnic Serb Minister
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
A protestor with Albanian national flag walks in front of the Kosovo police officers during a demonstration in Pristina, Kosovo, 27 January 2015. Photo: EPA
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa announced on Tuesday that the Minister of Communities and Returns Aleksandar Jablanovic, whose resignation was demanded by protesters, has been dismissed.
Jablanovic, who is a Serb Kosovar, infuriated Kosovo's Albanians by calling a group of protesters against Serbian pilgrims on the eve of Orthodox Christmas “savages”, the Balkan Insight reports.
The Minister made the comments on January 6, when around 100 protesters had prevented Serbs coming from Belgrade to visit an Orthodox church in Gjakova/Dakovica.
His comments resulted in three protests against him, deemed the largest since Kosovo declared its independence in 2008, which resulted in violent clashes with the police.
Protests were first organised in Gjakova and other towns in Kosovo, accusing Jablanovic of insulting the mothers of those who had died in the 1998-1999 conflict.
Although the Minister apologised publicly, the protests continued as it emerged that the government would postpone voting on the transformation of the Trepica mine complex.
The government also announced that the complex would be privatised within a period of 36 months, which was interpreted by opposition MPs as “surrender to Serbia”.
This unleashed a new wave of protests, this time in the capital Pristina, led by the opposition party Vetevendosje, demanding the resignation of Jablanovic.
Reports of English-language Kosovo media outlets suggest Jablanovic does not accept PM Mustafa's decision.
Related Articles:
Bulgaria Faces Border Gridlock as Truck Blockades With Serbia and North Macedonia Drag On
For a second day in a row, freight traffic at Bulgaria’s borders with North Macedonia and Serbia remains effectively paralyzed, with dozens of heavy trucks held up at key crossings
Society | January 28, 2026, Wednesday // 10:00
How Many Died in Iran's Protests? The Answer Disappeared With the Bodies
The numbers don't add up. Iran says 3,000. Human rights groups say at least 6,000, maybe 22,000. Some doctors claim 30,000 or more.
Protests in Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv Demand Resignation of Acting Prosecutor General Sarafov
Last night, demonstrations were held on Wednesday in Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv, with protesters demanding the resignation of Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov.
Politics | January 22, 2026, Thursday // 09:52
Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Radev’s Resignation as President
Nearly two-thirds of Bulgarians approve of Rumen Radev’s decision to step down as president, according to a public opinion survey conducted by Gallup for the Bulgarian National Television (BNT)
Politics | January 21, 2026, Wednesday // 16:19
Resignation Submitted: Rumen Radev’s Formal Exit from Presidency Marks New Political Chapter in Bulgaria
President Rumen Radev has formally submitted his resignation to the Constitutional Court, marking an unprecedented move in the modern political history of Bulgaria
Politics | January 20, 2026, Tuesday // 12:52
Fourteen Dead after Migrant Boat Crashes into Greek Coastguard Vessel
At least 14 people have died after a migrant speedboat collided with a Greek coastguard patrol vessel near the eastern Aegean island of Chios, according to Greek authorities. The incident occurred at sea, prompting an immediate large-scale search and resc
Greek Security Services Investigate Property Buying Boom by Bulgarians in Northern Greece
Greek national security agencies have launched an investigation into the growing number of land and property acquisitions in Northern Greece by citizens from Bulgaria and Turkey
North Macedonian President: Language Remains Core of Our National Identity
President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova stressed that the Macedonian language remains a fundamental pillar of national identity and cultural self-awareness, speaking at the opening of the Sixth Winter School of the International Seminar f
Greek Nationalists Criticize Bulgarian Property Purchases in Northern Greece
In Northern Greece, nationalist groups have expressed concern over the growing number of properties being purchased by Bulgarian citizens
Greece Draws the Line: Only Gaza for Peace Council Participation
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s commitment to a unified European stance while speaking with national media following a leaders’ meeting in Brussels.
Hungary's MOL Takes Control of Serbia’s Oil Giant NIS After Russian Exit
After prolonged negotiations triggered by US sanctions, the Russian-controlled stake in Serbia’s oil company NIS has been transferred, Serbian daily Politika reported. The move follows months of uncertainty surrounding the company’s ownership and operatio
