Romania predicts growth in new coronavirus infections in August

The number of people infected with Covid-19 could reach 1,200-1,600 a day, according to a forecast by the Scientific and Technical Commission of Romania's National Emergency Committee, following an analysis of risk factors. The biggest contributor to the analysis is the factor of crowding in tourist areas. With the predicted grim scenario, the Romanian government justified extending the state of alarm in the country until August 15. For the last 24 hours, 777 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, bringing the total number of infected people to 35,000.

Coalition led by Zoran Zaev wins elections in North Macedonia

The early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia held amidst the Covid-19 pandemic lasted three days, Monday through Wednesday, due to anti-epidemic measures. The winner of the race is the “Mojem
(We can) coalition, led by the pro-European Social Democrats of former Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. They have a minimal advantage over the opposition VMRO-DPMNE. "Mojem" will have 46 deputies, but without a majority in the 120-seat parliament, and will probably look for an ally. VMRO-DPMNE with leader Hristijan Mickoski will have 44 seats. The Democratic Union for Integration party of ethnic Albanian Ali Ahmeti is third with 15 seats. Analysts expect tough negotiations to form a parliamentary majority.

4 years since the coup attempt in Turkey

The anniversary of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt in neighbouring Turkey, the most significant event in modern Turkish history, was marked in Istanbul and other Turkish cities. The draconian measures taken by the authorities against the opposition following the coup attempt led to a serious deterioration in Turkey-EU relations. The country's system of government was replaced by a referendum in the spring of 2017, and the head of state was given greater powers. The day is officially called the Day of Democracy and National Unity. On July 15, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan laid wreaths at a memorial to those killed. During the clashes four years ago, 250 people died and more than 2,200 were injured. According to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, nearly 283,000 people were detained during operations following the coup attempt. 26,000 people have been convicted and about 150,000 people believed to be connected to Fethullah Gulen's network have been fired from public service.

Kosovo leader Hashim Thaci denies committing war crimes

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was interrogated for four days by prosecutors at the Kosovo Specialists Chambers at the Specialized International Court of Justice in the Hague, as he denied committing crimes during the 1998-1999 war. Thaci was a commander in the Army for Liberation of Kosovo. He, along with former Parliament Speaker Kadri Veseli and others, has been charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes, including nearly 100 murders, torture, persecution and extermination. The Kosovo war killed more than 10,000 people, most of them ethnic Albanians. 1,641 people are still wanted. The war ended with the 78-day NATO air military campaign "Angel of Mercy" against Serbian troops.

Croatia attracts tourists despite the pandemic

The number of tourists in Croatia in the first 14 days of July was at 55% of last year's results, but still exceeds forecasts. The Croatian Tourist Association said 950,000 tourists stayed in the country during the period, spending more than 6.6 m nights. The good results are explained by the fact that the country has the best epidemiological picture on the shores of the Adriatic Sea and in the European Union. From the beginning of the year to mid-July, more than 2.6 m tourists and 14.3 m overnight stays were registered in Croatia. In Europe, most foreign guests came from Germany, Slovenia, Poland, Austria and Hungary. There are currently 786 hotels and 395 campsites operating in Croatia.

Compiled by Miglena Ivanova