Regional tensions rise over Belgrade's diplomatic absence and Ibar bridge security

Political tensions in the region are highlighted by diplomatic absences and disputes over security conditions in Kosovo. The Belgrade committee of the Serbia Center (SRCE) party criticized Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić for failing to attend the Sarajevo Mayors Summit 2026. The party noted that while mayors from cities such as Zagreb, Ljubljana, Podgorica, and Pristina participated in discussions regarding sustainable development and digital transition, Belgrade's absence left an empty seat.

Separately, Petar Petković, Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, issued a protest letter to EU special envoy Peter Sørensen regarding the potential reopening of the main bridge over the Ibar River. Petković argued that the European Union's assessment that conditions for opening the bridge have been met is inaccurate. He stated that key prerequisites, such as the demarcation of the Suvi Do cadastral zone, remain unresolved. Petković also emphasized that the current security situation in northern Kosovo makes opening the bridge unsafe for the local Serbian population.