Infrastructure debates in Croatia and Serbia

Discussions have resurfaced regarding the construction of the low-altitude railway connecting Zagreb and Rijeka in Croatia. Two primary routes are being debated: the ‘Kupska’ variant, which passes through a tunnel under Gorski Kotar toward Brod na Kupi, and the ‘Drežnička’ variant, which follows the coast and rises toward Drežnica. While the Kupska route is lower in altitude, the Drežnička variant is longer by 25 km and is being promoted as a more cost-effective option that aligns with the future Adriatic railway.

In Serbia, political campaigning is underway in Zaječar, with Đurđević Stamenkovski calling for support for the ‘United Serbia’ list in the upcoming October 25 elections. The campaign focuses on infrastructure promises, specifically the construction of a high-speed road connecting Paraćin, Zaječar, and Negotin to stimulate investment and job creation. The rhetoric also highlights a special support package for eastern Serbia announced by Aleksandar Vučić to address demographic challenges and regional development.