Oct 11, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

Former Slovenian international figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their football careers and the state of Slovenian football ahead of the upcoming Eternal Derby between Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor.

Čeh, the former national team captain who spent over a decade as an assistant coach alongside Srečko Katanec across Europe and Asia, reflected on his lingering loyalty to Olimpija while maintaining strong respect for Maribor. Meanwhile, 27-year-old striker Mlakar detailed his third return to Maribor despite his origins in Ljubljana. Mlakar acknowledged that although rivals Olimpija currently face organizational difficulties, high-stakes derby fixtures present an opportunity for struggling sides to turn their fortunes around.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Tensions between Russia and Northern European countries continue to heighten alongside ongoing military developments in Ukraine. Authorities in Germany and Denmark have linked Moscow to hybrid operations, including explosive devices at Leipzig airport and sabotage schemes targeting Danish defense companies. Security analysts recommend a measured response to these non-military actions.

Concurrently, Kremlin officials accused Norway of "state terrorism" following NATO maneuvers and the impoundment of a Russian ship. On the front line, Ukrainian strikes targeted a major oil facility near Moscow, which Ukrainian sources report neutralized more than half of the site's processing capability. Strategic assessments indicate that although Russia can sustain its war effort for a prolonged period, its strategic maneuverability is diminishing, leading analysts to conclude that European security goals inherently depend on a Russian defeat.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter

A relentless heatwave continues to impact Southern and Western Europe, driving record-breaking temperatures and health warnings. Italian authorities extended red weather alerts to all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as the country faces its fourth heatwave of the season. Health officials advised citizens to remain indoors between 11:00 and 18:00, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius into next week.

The extreme weather is causing widespread mortality and drought risks across the continent. French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 heatwave days since May. Meanwhile, Austria recorded its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Forecasts indicate further high temperatures for Britain and France.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang).

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has announced that the nation’s 2027 budget will be passed on schedule, describing it as a realistic framework to guarantee economic stability as Bulgaria enters a "normal political cycle." Radev urged parliament to prioritize judicial and administrative reforms outlined in the ruling Progressive Bulgaria party's platform.

Concurrently, Progressive Bulgaria submitted its nominations for the parliamentary quota of the Supreme Judicial Council, stating that candidates meet updated legal criteria and possess strong professional backgrounds. However, media scrutiny continues over the party's internal structure, noting that four months after election victory, most of its 131 lawmakers remain virtually unknown to the public while operating under centralized leadership.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV.

Forensic identification procedures have commenced following the exhumation of remains belonging to at least 23 individuals across three sites in Zubin Potok, northern Kosovo. Operations in the municipality concluded on August 21, managed by Kosovo's Governmental Commission on Missing Persons alongside international partners.

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is conducting DNA analysis on bone samples to match genetic profiles against family reference databases. Samira Krehiq, ICMP head for the Western Balkans, emphasized that locating the remains is merely the initial step in a multi-stage identification effort. The victims are believed to be casualties from the 1998–1999 Kosovo conflict.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha.