Eurasia News

  P olitically , the collapse of the canopy in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024 served as a catalyst for debate over the accountability of both local and national authorities. The opposition sought to exploit the incident as evidence of government inefficiency and the opacity of the public procurement system, even pushing for early elections. Meanwhile, the ruling establishment sought to downplay the political implications of the accident, stressing instead “ individual errors ”. This once again underscored the deep-rooted mistrust between citizens and institutions, deepened further by the absence of clear and timely responses. Socially , the accident underscored a sense of insecurity and vulnerability among citizens in their daily lives in Serbia and the wider region. Concerns over the safety of public spaces have come to symbolise the absence of systemic care for people’s well-being, reinforcing the prevailing perception that the state prioritises political and economic interests abo...

  D irector of the International Institute for Middle-East and Balkan Studies ( IFIMES )[ 1 ]  Dr. Zijad Bećirović , met in Podgorica with  Dr. Dritan Abazović , former Prime Minister of Montenegro and President of the Civic Movement URA . In an open and dynamic conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on key political and social processes shaping the Western Balkans . Special attention was paid to the region's European integration, strengthening democratic institutions, the fight against crime and corruption, and the need for stability and security in times of global challenges. Dr. Bećirović emphasized that “ regional cooperation and mutual trust between the countries of the Western Balkans is a key prerequisite for accelerating the European path and long-term stability. ” Dr. Dritan Abazović emphasized that Montenegro remains committed to the European path, adding: “ Our mission must be to transform the Western Balkans into a space of stability, development a...