Croatia adopted the euro on January 1, 2023, leading to public concern over perceived price hikes in cafes and other businesses. The government intervened, warning against unjustified price increases and enforcing price levels from December 31, 2022. State inspectors took action against nearly 200 retailers. Despite consumer worries, the National Bank Governor, Boris Vujcic, believes euro adoption has protected Croatia from severe inflation. The euro adoption, along with Schengen Area membership, is expected to boost tourism, as noted by Dubravko Miholic of the Croatian National Tourist Board. Prices must still be displayed in the former currency, the kuna, until the end of the year to reassure consumers.

Following Serbia's presidential election on April 2, which resulted in a decisive victory for PM Aleksandar Vucic, thousands of mainly university-aged protesters have taken to the streets of Belgrade and other cities daily, decrying what they see as increasing authoritarianism. The protests are marked by the absence of political party symbols, with participants instead branding themselves as 'anti-dictatorship.' Concerns over media bias in favor of Vucic and his Progressive Party, as well as government interference, are central to the demonstrators' grievances. The protests have remained peaceful, with police exercising restraint.

The article discusses a surprising outcome in a recent election where a coalition, humorously named 'Hit It Hard' or 'Keep It Strong' based on translation, secured 20% of the vote. The result was unexpected and left the student, his friends, and the general public astonished by the coalition's significant electoral success.

Doctors Without Borders [MSF] is alerting to a dire situation in Serbia, where thousands of individuals lack accommodation in the nation's asylum centers. With temperatures plunging below freezing, many are forced to sleep in derelict structures near Belgrade's main train station, as reported by correspondent Guy Delauney.

Bosnia is experiencing political challenges with its complex governance structure and ethnic divisions. The Republika Srpska's president, Milorad Dodik, is pushing for a referendum that could lead to secession by 2018, while Croat nationalists are discontent with sharing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Bosniaks. Political leaders' rhetoric contrasts with citizens' frustrations towards a malfunctioning state, as evidenced by protests. The Dayton peace agreement's legacy, creating divisions and patronage networks, is seen as the root of current issues. International figures are urged to take responsibility for change, while recent events may present an opportunity for Bosnia to move towards a functional future.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's complex political system, established by the Dayton Peace Agreement, is under scrutiny as citizens express discontent with the high youth unemployment and perceived political corruption. With 14 prime ministers and a tripartite presidency rotating every eight months among the major ethnic groups, the country struggles with decision-making. Mladen Ivanic, the current Serb member of the presidency, advocates for focusing on reforms over ideological disputes. Protests in 2014 have prompted calls for international intervention, and the EU, with an Anglo-German plan, is encouraging economic and social reforms without initially insisting on constitutional changes. The prospect of EU membership is seen as a way to transcend internal divisions and prevent future conflict.

Serbia is holding elections with the Progressive Party aiming to secure an overall majority and its leader, Aleksandar Vucic, seeking the prime minister's office. The Democratic Party is facing internal challenges, with former president Boris Tadic forming a new party. Vucic, who has renounced his ultra-nationalist past, is pushing for EU-aligned reforms to address Serbia's economic crisis. The Progressives have initiated EU accession talks and normalized relations with Kosovo, claiming to have fulfilled their promises. The opposition warns against the potential for a one-man regime under Vucic. The election outcome will impact ongoing negotiations with Kosovo and the EU accession process.

Cambodia's railway system is undergoing modernization, with the Phnom Penh to coast line already renovated and the rest of the tracks to be renewed in the coming years. An Australian-Cambodian joint venture, Toll Royal Railway, has been granted the rights to operate the railway for 30 years, focusing initially on goods services. The Asian Development Bank has funded the majority of the restoration, which is expected to improve Cambodia's access to regional and global markets. The traditional 'bamboo railway' is on borrowed time due to the upgrades, which will allow trains to run at speeds unsafe for the makeshift transport.

The first defendant at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, Comrade Duch, appeared in court, signaling the start of the tribunal after years of delays. Duch, charged with crimes against humanity for his role at Tuol Sleng prison, is appealing for bail after eight years in jail without trial. The tribunal has faced budget overruns and time constraints, with officials indicating the need for more funds and time beyond the planned 2009 end date. The recent arrests of senior Khmer Rouge leaders like Ieng Sary and Khieu Samphan have sparked optimism and public interest in Cambodia, with many hoping for justice.