Oct 24, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to attract two major international investors to the city of Kraljevo over the next twelve months. Speaking during a local visit, Vučić emphasized that securing these investments is crucial for the region's economic growth, with expectations that the projects will generate around 1,000 new employment opportunities for residents.

In a separate political development in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly adjourned its proceedings on Monday evening after addressing several scheduled legislative agenda items. Lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday at 10:00 AM to continue deliberations on the remaining parliamentary agenda.

Sources: Tanjug

Polish military experts and analysts are calling for comprehensive structural reforms to match the country's rising defense spending, which is projected to reach 200.1 billion zlotys—or 4.81 percent of GDP—by 2026.

While major procurement programs bring F-35 fighter jets, Abrams tanks, and HIMARS artillery into service, think tanks including Rozwój Plus and the Defence Institute stress that hardware alone is insufficient to deter potential Russian aggression. Experts emphasize that Poland must overhaul its defense procurement framework, reform command structures, and address personnel shortages. The focus, analysts argue, must shift toward rapid mobilization capacity, sustained combat readiness, and efficient institutional management to ensure the armed forces are built for warfighting rather than mere expansion.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal has collected the endorsements required to enter the October left-wing primary ahead of France's 2027 presidential election. Jointly organized by the Socialist Party and Place Publique, the primary will feature seven declared candidates, including Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure.

Royal stated that she had "kept many friendships within the PS" to obtain her sponsorships. However, her campaign has drawn attention following criticisms aimed at primary rival Raphaël Glucksmann, departing from her earlier pledge to avoid internal disputes. Separately, Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel announced he will pursue an independent presidential bid outside the primary system.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération.

The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining military forces from Iraq, ending a military presence spanning over two decades. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the pullout, calling it a "great day for America" and asserting that local forces are equipped to maintain stability. The drawdown concludes an agreement negotiated during the Biden administration.

While military analysts note that Iraq is currently more stable than during the 2011 troop exit, security experts warn that the departure could leave a power vacuum. Concerns remain that regional militant groups and Iranian-backed factions could leverage the move to extend their influence. Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Defense is reviewing its wider deployment across the Persian Gulf following recurring attacks on American facilities in the region.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Vote counting following Sweden’s general election indicates an opposition lead of 176 seats to the governing bloc's 173, as projections point toward an opposition victory. Amid the tight margin, Social Democrats have demanded Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s resignation, while the Left Party recorded notable gains.

The right-wing Sweden Democrats experienced their first national parliamentary decline, dropping to 17.5 percent from 20.5 percent in 2022 after losing voters to the Moderates and younger demographics. Party official Tobias Andersson acknowledged the result as troubling. However, party leader Jimmie Åkesson rejected claims of defeat, stating "there is no obvious winner in this election" while continuing to demand cabinet positions. In contrast to national losses, the party secured a municipal victory in Färgelanda, winning 39 percent of the local vote following disputes over school closures.

Sources: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Sydsvenskan, SVT