Serbians around the world mark one year after Novi Sad tragedy

On November 1, Serbians abroad will join the call of students in Serbia to mark the anniversary of the collapse of the canopy of the Novi Sad railway station, which claimed the lives of 16 people, it was reported. They will honour the memory of the victims and express solidarity with their families with commemorative gatherings and 16-minute silence in more than 50 cities around the world, BTA reported. "This tragedy cannot and should not be treated as an isolated incident. It is a symptom of a wider social illness: a deepening crisis of the rule of law and a crumbling democracy," reads a statement from the "Parliament of Serbs Abroad" - an informal initiative of Serbs abroad through which they take a stand on social and political issues in Serbia.

Romanian citizens protest against austerity measures

Thousands of people protested in Bucharest on October 29 against the austerity measures of the government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, blocking the city center. The demonstration was organized by the four largest trade unions. The protesters called for a more social state and an end to job cuts. The dissatisfaction is against the strict fiscal measures taken to control the budget deficit, which in 2024 reached a record 9.3% of GDP - the highest in the EU. In an attempt to control the deficit, the government introduced a freeze on wages and pensions, an increase in VAT and tax hikes against the backdrop of galloping inflation, which has further lowered the living standards of Romanians, Radio Romania International reports. According to the protesters, the measures introduced affect mainly ordinary people.

Remains of Frenchman who died fighting for Croatian independence in 1990s identified

The remains of a Frenchman who joined Croatian forces during Croatia's War of Independence in the 1990s have been found and identified, 34 years after he was killed in Vukovar, Minister for Croatian Veterans' Affairs, Tomo Medved, said. French volunteer Jean-Michel Nicolier, joined Croatian forces at the start of the war in July 1991, when he was 25 years old. He was wounded on the Vukovar front on November 9 of that year and was hospitalized in the city. When Vukovar was captured by the Yugoslav Army and Serbian paramilitaries opposing Croatia's secession from Yugoslavia, the paramilitaries took more than 200 people, including Nicolier, to a nearby pig farm. There they were shot. "He was not born in Croatia, but he left his heart here and gave his life for it," Medved said, quoted by BTA.

Nicolier was posthumously awarded in 2011 by then-Croatian President Ivo Josipović for "exceptional courage and heroism" during the defence of Vukovar.

Greece to introduce voluntary military service for women

Greece will introduce voluntary military service for women in 2026, with a new unit being created for the purpose, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced, BTA has reported, citing the Kathimerini newspaper. "We will form a unit of 100 to 150 volunteers to further strengthen the connection between women and our armed forces," Dendias said, noting that women currently make up about 17% of the Greek armed forces.

"We need to take another step forward - to create the necessary infrastructure, mindset and culture, so that if ever needed, women can serve alongside men in the Greek armed forces," he added.

The Albanian village of Lin became part of UNESCO's heritage

The picturesque Albanian village of Lin has been declared an "Urban Architectural Ensemble" and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, ATA reported, quoted by BTA. The village is located on the shore of Lake Ohrid, about 20 kilometers away from the town of Pogradec.

Lin is among the most picturesque destinations in Albania, reflecting the close connection between people, traditions and nature on the shores of the oldest lake in Europe. Following recent archaeological discoveries, Lin is also considered to be the earliest pile-dwelling settlement discovered on the continent. One of Lin’s most valuable treasures is the ruins of an early Christian basilica, discovered on a hill overlooking the village. The village is further enhanced by its cobblestone streets and architecture.

Compiled by: Miglena Ivanova

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photos: BTA, hotnews.ro, greekcitytimes.com, @FabienFieschi, abnase.com, dnevnik.hr