Oct 11, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC

Ahead of the Eternal Derby between rivals Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor, former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and Maribor forward Jan Mlakar shared perspectives on their careers and team rivalries.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its acclaimed international qualification era and subsequently spent over a decade as an assistant coach under Srečko Katanec, reaffirmed his deep ties to Olimpija and Austrian side Grazer AK, while expressing professional respect for Maribor. Meanwhile, Ljubljana-native Mlakar discussed his third return to Maribor's Ljudski vrt. Addressing his hometown roots, the 27-year-old forward clarified that he was never close to signing with Olimpija. Mlakar added that although Olimpija is currently dealing with internal challenges, derby fixtures give rival clubs a chance to reset their season.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Nordic media outlets report intensifying regional friction and strategic challenges regarding Russia. Russian authorities have leveled accusations of "state terrorism" against Norway following recent NATO exercises and the seizure of a Russian vessel. Meanwhile, security officials in Germany and Denmark have linked Moscow to hybrid operations, including drone activity at Leipzig airport and sabotage plans targeting Danish defense contractors. Analysts advise maintaining a calm, measured approach to these non-military threats.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian drone strikes hit a major oil refinery near Moscow, reportedly disabling over half its refining capacity. Analysts note that while Russia possesses the resources to sustain its war effort, its strategic flexibility is diminishing. Commentary across regional outlets suggests that achieving European security goals will ultimately require a Russian defeat.

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

DNA testing is underway to identify the remains of at least 23 individuals exhumed from three sites in the municipality of Zubin Potok, northern Kosovo. The exhumation operations concluded on August 21 and were conducted by Kosovo's Governmental Commission on Missing Persons alongside international partners.

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is performing genetic analysis to match bone samples with DNA profiles provided by families of the missing. Samira Krehiq, head of ICMP for the Western Balkans, highlighted that locating the remains is the initial phase in a multi-stage forensic process. The deceased are suspected to be casualties from the 1998–1999 Kosovo conflict.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha.

A report by The Wall Street Journal has detailed the involvement of US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle in helping Greek infrastructure firm Aktor secure a $6 billion natural gas supply agreement in Albania.

According to the investigation, Guilfoyle met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana in March, accompanied by company leadership and energy lobbyist Christos Marafatsos. The supply deal was signed the following month. Scrutiny has centered on Marafatsos, who acted concurrently as a close advisor to the ambassador while lobbying on behalf of private commercial energy interests. Observers and regional media have highlighted the overlapping boundary between American diplomatic representation, corporate lobbying, and Greek energy projects in South-Eastern Europe.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha

Southern and Western Europe continue to endure severe weather as a fourth major heatwave brings extreme temperatures across the continent. Italian authorities issued red health alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures were forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius. Officials urged the public to stay indoors during peak daylight hours.

Meanwhile, Austria recorded its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius in a suburban area of Vienna. In France, health officials reported over 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 heatwave days since May, with elevated temperatures persisting into late summer. Weather services warned that extreme heat, drought conditions, and wildfire risks will remain critical across Britain and France in the coming days.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG.