The proposal to exhume and relocate the remains of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito from Belgrade to his birthplace in Croatia has sparked a heated debate in Serbia. Belgrade's nationalist mayor, Aleksandar Šapić, supports the move, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić opposes it, emphasizing Tito's historical significance in Serbia. The issue has caused divisions within Serbia's ruling coalition and among intellectuals. Tito, a key figure in Yugoslav history, is remembered for his moderate socialist policies and leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement. The debate highlights the ongoing complexities of Tito's legacy and Serbia's political landscape.

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo have escalated as leaders exchange accusations amidst stalled EU-mediated talks. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti have intensified their rhetoric, with Vučić calling for new elections in northern Kosovo and Kurti enforcing Kosovo's constitutional authority. The EU's attempts to mediate have been unsuccessful, with both leaders attending a meeting in Brussels but not engaging in dialogue. The situation remains volatile, with NATO involved in peacekeeping and both sides accusing each other of obstructing progress.

Marta Kos, a Slovene nominee for the European Commission's enlargement portfolio, is set to oversee the EU membership applications of Ukraine and Moldova. Known for her left-leaning stance, Kos has expressed both supportive views towards Ukraine and a conciliatory tone towards Russia. Her past diplomatic roles and political affiliations, including ties to Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, are under scrutiny. The European Parliament will evaluate her suitability for the role, amidst concerns from Kyiv and Chișinău about the potential delays in their EU accession. The enlargement process faces internal EU resistance and necessitates reforms, particularly in agricultural policy and the European Commission's structure.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's efforts to secure a lithium supply deal with the EU have sparked significant domestic opposition, with mass protests against the environmental impact of the proposed mining project. Critics accuse Vučić of autocratic behavior and exploiting Serbia's resources for Western interests, while the EU faces criticism for supporting him despite democratic concerns. The project, involving Rio Tinto, has faced backlash over potential environmental damage, with activists determined to halt its progress. Vučić's foreign policy strategy involves balancing relations with both Western and Eastern powers, including Russia and China.

Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, has secured a 99-year permit to develop a luxury compound in Belgrade, sparking controversy due to the site's historical significance related to the U.S.-backed NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. The deal, involving Serbia's political elite, has faced public outrage and opposition protests, with critics suggesting it may serve as a political favor for potential future Trump administration ties. The Serbian government plans to include a memorial complex on the site, but skepticism remains about its potential to resonate with Serbian sentiments.

Journalists in Croatia are under threat from the far-right Homeland Movement party, which has formed a coalition with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's center-right party. The Homeland Movement aims to suppress independent media, particularly targeting the investigative outlet Novosti. The Croatian Journalists’ Association and the European Federation of Journalists have condemned these actions, warning of a potential violation of the rule of law. The situation poses a challenge for Plenković, who is considered for a significant EU role, as it could undermine Croatia's media freedom.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his ruling party, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), are projected to win a significant victory in the snap elections, according to early exit polls. Prime Minister Ana Brnabić announced that the SNS is expected to secure 47 percent of the vote, which would allow them to form a coalition with a parliamentary majority. However, the election has been marred by accusations of major irregularities, including reports of 'carousel voting' and an inflated electoral roll with 'phantom voters'. Election observers have raised concerns about potential widespread election fraud. Despite these allegations, Brnabić has dismissed the claims of irregularities as lies.

Tens of thousands protested in Belgrade against alleged vote fraud in the recent Serbian election, calling for more EU scrutiny. Srđan Cvijić, an election monitor, criticized President Aleksandar Vučić for only promoting European values during visits from EU officials. The Russian Ambassador backed Vučić's claim that external forces are behind the protests, a narrative similar to Putin's. The ruling party likened the protests to Ukraine's Maidan uprising. Observers from the OSCE and European Parliament condemned the election fraud. Actress Svetlana Bojković and opposition politician Marinika Tepić, who is on a hunger strike, spoke at the rally. Student organizations also held a 24-hour blockade. The protests, ongoing since the election, have seen police detentions and forceful responses.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, to protest against alleged election fraud in the recent Serbian election. Srđan Cvijić from the Belgrade Center for Security Policy, who was an election monitor, criticized President Aleksandar Vučić for only promoting European values when EU officials visit. The Russian Ambassador backed Vučić's claim that external forces are behind the protests. The protests have been likened to Ukraine's Maidan uprising. Observers from the OSCE and European Parliament have condemned the election fraud. Actress Svetlana Bojković and opposition politician Marinika Tepić, who is on a hunger strike, spoke at the protest. Student organizations also held a 24-hour blockade as part of the demonstrations. The protests are a response to the manipulation of votes and the decay in democratic norms.

In Belgrade, Serbia, protests have erupted following the December 17 elections, with accusations of rampant irregularities and calls for improvements in the voting process from Brussels. On December 24, anti-riot police clashed with protesters at the city hall. The EU has expressed concerns and called for an investigation into the election irregularities. Opposition leaders and election monitors like CRTA have highlighted issues such as inflated electoral rolls and fake names. CRTA's program director, Raša Nedeljkov, has pointed out the manipulation of voter lists and the import of voters from neighboring countries. Russia's ambassador to Belgrade has accused the West of inciting the protests, while President Aleksandar Vučić has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the elections were the cleanest yet. CRTA insists on an independent audit before any election rerun and calls for EU or expert assistance. Opposition leader Marinika Tepić has started a hunger strike, demanding international attention to the situation.