Serbian news, Balkan regional updates, diaspora stories, sport, history, business, and interviews
A physical altercation occurred between participants Bora Santana and Anastasija Brčić in the bedroom of the "Elita 9" reality show. After Brčić reportedly threw an object at Santana, he slapped her multiple times before security intervened to separate them.
Serbian pop singer and dancer Aleksa Jelić underwent a successful surgery to have a stent implanted after experiencing health issues. He is reportedly recovering well and also spoke about his ongoing plans to become a parent through surrogacy.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić will make an official visit to China from May 24 to 28 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. In preparation, Vučić met with Chinese Ambassador Li Ming, describing the upcoming trip as the most significant of his political career and anticipating the signing of numerous agreements.
An air raid alert was declared in Lithuania, including the capital Vilnius, after a suspicious drone was detected near the border with Belarus. The country's President and Prime Minister were urgently evacuated to underground shelters, and flights at Vilnius airport were temporarily suspended.
Singer Sloba Vasić has been admitted for treatment at the Clinic for Psychiatric Diseases "Dr Laza Lazarević" in Belgrade. His hospitalization follows an incident where he was removed from a flight to Zurich, with reports and comments from neighbors suggesting issues with alcohol and aggressive behavior.
Persistent heavy rainfall has caused catastrophic floods across central and southwestern China, resulting in at least 25 deaths and numerous missing persons. Rescue teams are evacuating residents from submerged areas as authorities warn of continued rainfall and the risk of landslides.
Five Serbian directors of health and educational institutions were arrested in Gračanica and placed in police custody for up to 48 hours. Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić announced that any individuals who contributed to their detention will face legal consequences under Serbian law.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić attended a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the 'World in Serbia' program, which provides scholarships to students from Non-Aligned Movement countries. Vučić emphasized historical friendships with African and Asian nations and announced that the state would facilitate Serbian citizenship for foreign students who complete their studies in the country.
The Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, a significant Orthodox Christian relic from the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, has been sent to Belgrade. The relic will be received with high honors and made available for public veneration, and a book detailing its miracles has been published in anticipation of its arrival.
During a meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping adopted a joint declaration advocating for a multipolar world and a new type of international relations. The leaders condemned rising "neo-colonial tendencies" and emphasized that the relationship between their two countries has reached an "unprecedented level."
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that negotiations with the Hungarian company MOL regarding the Russian stake in the Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS) are not progressing well. He expressed a lack of optimism about reaching a deal but hoped the U.S. would understand Serbia's position to avoid potential sanctions.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced the launch of a new online portal named "Ko si bre ti?" ("Who are you anyway?"). The platform will allow citizens to directly submit complaints about the perceived arrogance and rudeness of individuals within the state system.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced a new law aimed at tackling police integrity, stating that there is a zero-tolerance policy for officers collaborating with criminals. He estimated that 2-5% of "dirty policemen" remain, with criminal tendencies stemming from the past, and recalled that police were involved in high-profile crimes in the 1990s and 2000s.
A balcony collapsed at a high school in Sevastopol while ten graduating students, aged 17 and 18, were posing for a traditional prom photograph. The students fell from the second floor and sustained severe injuries, including fractures and unconsciousness.
Serbian football club Crvena zvezda is reportedly in negotiations to sign Mohamed Abu Fani, a 28-year-old Israeli midfielder currently with Ferencvaros. Coach Dejan Stanković is familiar with Fani from his time with the Hungarian club.
Serbian Minister of Agriculture Dragan Glamocic met with EU Delegation Head Andreas von Baumgarten to discuss the importance of European funds for Serbian farmers. Glamocic noted an increased interest in the funds and reiterated Serbia's commitment to meeting its EU obligations.
Petar Petković, Director of the Serbian Government's Office for Kosovo and Metohija, stated that Pristina cannot form paramilitary units like a gendarmerie outside of existing agreements. He emphasized that KFOR is the only legitimate armed force in Kosovo and that new police formations in the north require consent from a working group involving Belgrade and the EU.
Miloš Vučević, President of the SNS, has called for stricter laws and sanctions against police officers who are involved with criminal groups. He stated that such behavior undermines public trust and national security.
The Church of Saint Sava in the southern part of Kosovska Mitrovica celebrated its patron saint's day, commemorating the Transfer of the Relics of Saint Sava. The occasion was marked with a festive liturgy attended by the local Serbian community.
The General Director of Moldovan Radio and Television, Vlad Turcanu, has resigned following public outrage over the country's jury votes in the Eurovision Song Contest. Protests erupted after the jury awarded low points to neighboring Romania, a country with which Moldova has strong cultural ties.
