China's Premier Li Keqiang visited Croatia to inspect the Mali Ston Bay bridge project, symbolizing China's growing infrastructure influence in Europe. Amidst skepticism, China aims to reassure European nations of its peaceful intentions, especially after Italy and Greece joined the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative. The '16 plus 1 Group', now '17 plus one' with Greece's entry, has seen varied responses from member countries, with some cooling on China due to unmet investment promises and cybersecurity concerns. Chinese investment in Europe has declined, and the European Commission has recently taken a more defensive stance, calling China a 'systemic rival'. Despite this, Li promises support for European integration and fair treatment of companies.

Croatia is set to hold its first parliamentary elections since joining the EU, with the migrant crisis and the country's response being a central issue. The Social Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, has maintained an open-border policy, while the opposition hints at stricter controls. Milanovic's party has recently regained support, and the country has seen slight economic growth despite high unemployment rates. Opinions on the government's performance are mixed, with some criticizing its economic policies but admiring its handling of the migrant crisis.

Thousands of migrants and asylum seekers are trapped in the Balkans due to tightened borders by key European nations. Over 17,000 migrants have been blocked from Hungary, rejected by Serbia, and unable to proceed to Slovenia, causing a humanitarian crisis in Croatia, a region with its own sectarian challenges and unprepared for such an influx. Migrants' belongings are scattered along Croatian roads, and individuals like 25-year-old Iraqi construction worker Ibrahim Yusuf are considering returning home due to the dire conditions.

In a violent incident at the Serbia-Hungary border, Hungarian riot police used water cannons, batons, tear gas, and pepper spray against migrants who were throwing rocks and setting small fires. Despite the violence, migrants continued to arrive at the border, hoping Hungary would allow them passage. As Hungary remained firm, the migrants began to divert towards Croatia, seeking new routes into western Europe to escape war and poverty.

An ISIS-affiliated group in Egypt, Sinai Province, claimed to have beheaded Croatian worker Tomislav Salopek, marking a new phase in the insurgency by targeting a foreigner. This act challenges President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's efforts to portray Egypt as safe and undermines his attempts to attract foreign investment and tourism. The militants' tactics are increasingly mirroring those of ISIS, with a growing threat to civilians and foreigners. The Egyptian government's response has been criticized as ineffective, while the militants have escalated their attacks, including assassinations and assaults on tourist destinations.