Oct 17, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and Maribor striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their footballing careers and domestic league dynamics.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia's national team during its historic qualification era, discussed his transition into coaching as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec, a role that included seven years in Asia. Despite his strong ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian side Grazer AK, he expressed high regard for rival club Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar reflected on his third spell at Maribor, where he targets his first PrvaLiga championship. Addressing long-standing transfer rumors, Mlakar stated, "I was never close to joining Olimpija," adding that despite their recent internal difficulties, Olimpija remains dangerous in derby fixtures.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

The European Union has extended sanctions against Russia after a missile attack struck a train near the Polish-Ukrainian border. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized the strike as an attempt to divide and intimidate European nations. The diplomatic escalation coincides with statements from US President Donald Trump claiming Moscow and Kyiv agreed to cease targeting energy infrastructure, though fighting persists across several fronts. Recent shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region killed two people and injured 14 others, while Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia's Belgorod region and Sochi wounded seven people. Domestically, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued an executive order officially removing the country's prosecutor general from office.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, has urged parliament to begin preparations for future elections. Although martial law currently prohibits national votes during wartime, Fedorov emphasized that establishing legal and logistical frameworks now is vital to safeguard democratic standards once fighting ceases.

Future elections face significant hurdles, including facilitating voting for millions of displaced Ukrainians, overseas refugees, and active military personnel stationed along the front lines. Parliamentary leadership has not yet committed to a timeline or concrete legislation. Fedorov’s public statements highlight growing political discussions in Kyiv regarding the nation’s post-war governance structure.

Sources: Le Monde

Recent developments across Northern and Eastern Europe highlight mounting security pressures connected to the conflict in Ukraine. A Ukrainian drone attack reportedly disabled over half the refining capacity at a major oil facility near Moscow. Simultaneously, Kremlin officials targeted Norway with sharp rhetoric following NATO drills and the impoundment of a Russian vessel.

Meanwhile, European security services report growing hybrid threats, including drone activity in Germany and alleged sabotage plans against Danish defense manufacturers. While security officials advise governments to remain calm, defense analysts note that Russia retains the capacity to sustain prolonged warfare despite a shrinking space for action. Observers argue that achieving long-term stability in Europe may ultimately require a strategic Russian defeat.

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

France's Constitutional Council has validated legislation introducing a conditional right to assisted dying, paving the way for its official promulgation. The court issued three interpretative reservations, notably confirming a conscience clause that permits private and religious healthcare facilities to decline administering end-of-life procedures. In its ruling, the Council noted that it could not substitute its own assessment for parliamentary judgment on a societal reform of such magnitude.

Concurrently, the Council struck down the central provision of a digital regulation bill that sought to prohibit social media access for minors under 15 years old. Justices ruled that a general prohibition constitutes a disproportionate infringement on public liberties.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Politico Europe (Defense)