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At a summit in Montenegro, EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pledged to accelerate the integration of six Western Balkan countries into the bloc, proposing 'gradual integration' and discussing new safeguards for future members. The move comes amid renewed geopolitical urgency following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
As defending champions Argentina prepare for their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria, Lionel Messi is set to make history with a record sixth World Cup appearance. The team, carrying 17 players from their 2022 triumph, aims to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive titles.
The parliament of Bosnia's Serb entity has approved a resolution calling for the abolition of the Office of the High Representative, a key institution established under the Dayton Agreement. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the legitimacy of the current High Representative, Christian Schmidt, and warnings from Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik about potential referendums on EU integration.
Thirty-four European countries, along with Australia, Costa Rica and the European Union, have agreed to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The move, endorsed by the Council of Europe, aims to fill a gap left by the International Criminal Court, which cannot try the crime of aggression in this context. Ukraine's leadership and the Council's secretary general hailed the decision as a historic step toward justice.
A clash between the Italian Open tennis final and the Rome derby threw the penultimate round of Serie A into chaos, with local authorities and the league initially at odds over when matches could be played. After a court intervention, a compromise was reached to schedule the involved fixtures for Sunday at 12pm with unified security. The tight race for Champions League places adds extra weight to the resolution.
A UN court has rejected a bid by convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić for early release, ruling that his medical needs can be met at the detention facility in The Hague. The 84-year-old, who is serving a life sentence for genocide and crimes against humanity, has suffered a suspected stroke and is reportedly in declining health. Victims' groups oppose his release, while Serbian officials say they would provide guarantees if he were transferred.
In a series of interviews with TASS, Republika Srpska President Sinisa Karan and Milorad Dodik emphasized the entity's strategic partnership with Russia, dismissed any impact of Karan's US visit on bilateral relations, and expressed expectations of continued Western pressure ahead of October elections.
In an interview with TASS, Milorad Dodik, chairman of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats of Republika Srpska, accused Europe of embodying lies and intolerance, and criticized Germany's support for Ukraine as an attack on truth. He also targeted EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, saying her leadership will shrink the bloc.
Christian Schmidt, the international High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, has resigned after nearly five years, a move that comes as the US lifts sanctions on Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and questions grow over the future of the role. The resignation has sparked debate over the viability of the Dayton Peace Agreement's oversight mechanism and the stability of the multi-ethnic state.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold multiple bilateral meetings with foreign leaders on May 9, during the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's Victory over Nazi Germany. Confirmed attendees include Slovak PM Robert Fico, Laos' president, and a delegation from Republika Srpska.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Al Jazeera reports the match schedule, group draws, and tournament format, with the opening match in Mexico City and the final in New Jersey.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed a deal to build a gas pipeline backed by investors connected to US President Donald Trump, aiming to reduce reliance on Russian gas. The European Union has warned that the project's lack of transparency could jeopardise Bosnia's EU membership bid, with officials urging compliance with bloc rules.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has accused Western countries of conducting a political, diplomatic, and psychological war against Russia in the Balkans, as part of broader efforts to contain Russian influence. In interviews with Russian state media, Grushko also addressed Ukraine peace prospects and alleged EU pressure on Serbia.
Italian sports and government figures have dismissed a suggestion by a U.S. special envoy that Italy replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Paolo Zampolli said he floated the idea to President Donald Trump and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino; Italian ministers called it inappropriate and shameful, while FIFA has insisted Iran remains set to participate.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow is doing 'everything we can' to ease the situation of Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb commander serving a life sentence for genocide. Republika Srpska and Serbian officials are pushing for his release on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health, while the international tribunal has yet to rule on a new request.
FIFA has introduced new, more expensive ticket categories for the 2026 World Cup, with top prices for some matches exceeding $4,000 and the final reaching nearly $11,000. The move has drawn criticism from fans and officials, while FIFA defends the pricing as reflecting US market conditions.
Italy's national football team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after a playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting widespread outrage. Coach Gennaro Gattuso has resigned, and the federation president is under pressure to step down. The crisis has sparked calls for a major overhaul of Italian football leadership.
Italy's football federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned and head coach Gennaro Gattuso stepped down after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a third consecutive miss. Gianluigi Buffon also resigned as general manager, prompting calls for broader reform in Italian football.
German authorities have banned a pro-Palestinian vigil planned for the 81st anniversary of Buchenwald's liberation, citing disrespect to Nazi victims. The organizing group, Kufiyas in Buchenwald, is challenging the ban in court, while German officials and Jewish organizations have condemned the event.
Iraq and DR Congo claimed the last two spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field, completing the lineup for the first tournament to feature the expanded format. Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1, while DR Congo edged Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, setting up group assignments in the June-July tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.