Serbian Patriarch Porfirije met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, presenting him with a colorful Easter egg from a Serbian monastery as a symbol of piety and resurrection. During the meeting, Porfirije expressed a desire for Serbia to align with the "Russian world" amid future geopolitical shifts. He also accused Western-backed "colored revolutions" of targeting Serbian identity. The Patriarch emphasized the Serbian Orthodox Church's reliance on Russia regarding key regional issues, including Kosovo, Republika Srpska, and Montenegro, indicating that Serbia's political elite continues to view Montenegro as within its sphere of influence. The meeting underscored the close ties between the Serbian Orthodox Church and Russia, with Porfirije reportedly using the visit to counter domestic opposition from protesting students in Serbia.

Milorad Dodik, the president of the Republika Srpska, a Serb entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, has publicly claimed that the United Kingdom planned an assassination attempt against him. Dodik described the alleged plot as similar to mafia tactics. He is known for his pro-Russian stance and has recently proposed a lithium business deal worth $100 billion to the United States in exchange for political support. His actions and rhetoric have drawn criticism within the European Union, with calls for sanctions against him due to his secessionist agenda and alignment with Kremlin interests. Dodik has been characterized as a destabilizing figure in the Balkans, contributing to regional tensions.

The United Nations refugee agency has endorsed the Labour Party's plan to establish 'return hubs' for failed asylum seekers, where the UK could deport individuals to other countries. This proposal marks a shift in Labour's stance, adopting policies previously considered unpalatable. The Balkans region has been suggested as a potential location for these return hubs. Supporters argue that this approach could help manage the migrant crisis more effectively, contrasting with the UK government's earlier Rwanda scheme, which lacked broad international backing. Meanwhile, the UK is grappling with rising costs related to immigration and incarceration. Local councils have sought to pause asylum seeker intake due to soaring taxpayer expenses. Additionally, the indefinite prison sentences (IPP) scandal continues to draw criticism, with reports revealing that incarcerating prisoners serving abolished IPP terms cost British taxpayers £145 million in 2024 alone, contributing to an estimated £1.6 billion spent since the sentence was abolished. Human rights advocates describe the ongoing imprisonment under IPP as a form of psychological torture and call for urgent government action to end this injustice.

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik faces an international arrest warrant issued by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, yet enforcement remains limited, with only minimal police presence at his office in Banja Luka. Dodik, a fugitive wanted for charges related to secessionist activities, has not been apprehended despite calls for action from Bosnian state police and the EU-led mission in Bosnia (EUFOR). Meanwhile, Serbian businessman Milan Radoicic and 42 others have been indicted on terrorism charges and for endangering Kosovo's constitutional order, with only three arrests made so far. Interpol previously rejected requests to issue international arrest warrants for Dodik and another Bosnian Serb politician, Stevandić, although central arrest warrants exist within Bosnia. In a recent interview, Dodik accused the United Kingdom of planning his assassination, alleging that London intended to eliminate him, a claim reported by multiple news outlets.

The European Union Enlargement Commissioner has voiced support for the ongoing anti-corruption protests in Serbia, emphasizing the importance of the country’s return to the "European track." The commissioner described a new wave of EU enlargement by 2030 as "realistic," highlighting the strategic significance of integrating the Western Balkans for the stability of the EU. This stance aligns with calls from officials such as Serbian Prime Minister Rumen Zhelyazkov and EU officials like Marta Kos, who underscore the Western Balkans' integration as key to EU stability. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s Vice President has expressed criticism of recent shifts in the EU enlargement strategy. The EU Enlargement Commissioner also warned about external forces attempting to derail the EU integration process. The commissioner recently visited Sofia, Bulgaria, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding EU enlargement in the region.

Reports emerged that Bulgaria would join a new military alliance formed by Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo. Initial confirmations came from Kosovo's Minister of Defense, indicating discussions had taken place between Bulgaria and Croatia regarding Bulgaria's participation in the alliance. However, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister subsequently denied these claims, stating that neither the ministry nor Bulgaria had been consulted or expressed interest in joining the military pact. Despite these denials, some sources continued to suggest Bulgaria's involvement in the Tirana defense pact. The alliance, led by Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, has raised concerns among neighboring countries due to its ambiguous relations with Russia, prompting regional states to strengthen their defense agreements and investments.

NATO officials have engaged in a series of discussions and meetings focused on security and cooperation in the Western Balkans and support for Ukraine. Admiral Stuart B. Munsch welcomed representatives from the Order of Malta to Joint Force Command Naples, emphasizing shared missions in humanitarian aid and peacekeeping. Meanwhile, Ambassador Božena Forštnarič Boroje of Slovenia met with NATO officials to discuss The Hague Summit priorities and support for Ukraine. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska met with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Josip Brkić, reaffirming NATO's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, NATO is set to host a meeting with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on April 15, where joint remarks will be made, further highlighting NATO's ongoing support for the region. The organization also reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the Dayton Peace Agreement, crucial for stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sudan has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state, adding its name to the growing list of countries that acknowledge Kosovo's sovereignty. This recognition was announced following a meeting between officials from both nations at a diplomatic forum in Türkiye. The move comes as Serbia plans joint activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Sudan. In response, Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed skepticism regarding the legitimacy of Sudan's government, questioning its authority to recognize Kosovo amid the current political uncertainty in Sudan.

Evghenia Guțul, the head of Gagauzia, has requested an open court session regarding the extension of her house arrest in Moldova, as stated before a closed court hearing. Meanwhile, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin has condemned the European Union's proposed sanctions against him, asserting that Serbia will not ban Russian media under any circumstances. Vulin emphasized Serbia's historical ties with Russia in the fight against Nazism. In the context of rising tensions in the Balkans, Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska, has expressed his defiance against EU sanctions and questioned the EU's moral authority to sanction him. He also indicated that he does not plan to resign and discussed the potential for EU intervention in the Balkans. The EU has indicated it will not tolerate threats to Bosnia's territorial integrity, particularly in light of Dodik's secessionist rhetoric. The situation remains precarious as the EU, along with the U.S., is urged to act swiftly to prevent further destabilization in the region.

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, presenting him with a colorful Easter egg from a Serbian monastery as a symbol of piety and resurrection. During the meeting, Porfirije expressed a desire for Serbia to align with the "Russian world" amid future geopolitical shifts. He also accused Western-backed "colored revolutions" of targeting Serbian identity. The Patriarch emphasized the Serbian Orthodox Church's reliance on Russia regarding key regional issues, including Kosovo, Republika Srpska, and Montenegro, indicating that Serbia's political elite continues to view Montenegro as within its sphere of influence. The meeting underscored the close ties between the Serbian Orthodox Church and Russia, with Porfirije reportedly using the visit to counter domestic opposition from protesting students in Serbia.

Milorad Dodik, the president of the Republika Srpska, a Serb entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, has publicly claimed that the United Kingdom planned an assassination attempt against him. Dodik described the alleged plot as similar to mafia tactics. He is known for his pro-Russian stance and has recently proposed a lithium business deal worth $100 billion to the United States in exchange for political support. His actions and rhetoric have drawn criticism within the European Union, with calls for sanctions against him due to his secessionist agenda and alignment with Kremlin interests. Dodik has been characterized as a destabilizing figure in the Balkans, contributing to regional tensions.

The United Nations refugee agency has endorsed the Labour Party's plan to establish 'return hubs' for failed asylum seekers, where the UK could deport individuals to other countries. This proposal marks a shift in Labour's stance, adopting policies previously considered unpalatable. The Balkans region has been suggested as a potential location for these return hubs. Supporters argue that this approach could help manage the migrant crisis more effectively, contrasting with the UK government's earlier Rwanda scheme, which lacked broad international backing. Meanwhile, the UK is grappling with rising costs related to immigration and incarceration. Local councils have sought to pause asylum seeker intake due to soaring taxpayer expenses. Additionally, the indefinite prison sentences (IPP) scandal continues to draw criticism, with reports revealing that incarcerating prisoners serving abolished IPP terms cost British taxpayers £145 million in 2024 alone, contributing to an estimated £1.6 billion spent since the sentence was abolished. Human rights advocates describe the ongoing imprisonment under IPP as a form of psychological torture and call for urgent government action to end this injustice.

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik faces an international arrest warrant issued by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, yet enforcement remains limited, with only minimal police presence at his office in Banja Luka. Dodik, a fugitive wanted for charges related to secessionist activities, has not been apprehended despite calls for action from Bosnian state police and the EU-led mission in Bosnia (EUFOR). Meanwhile, Serbian businessman Milan Radoicic and 42 others have been indicted on terrorism charges and for endangering Kosovo's constitutional order, with only three arrests made so far. Interpol previously rejected requests to issue international arrest warrants for Dodik and another Bosnian Serb politician, Stevandić, although central arrest warrants exist within Bosnia. In a recent interview, Dodik accused the United Kingdom of planning his assassination, alleging that London intended to eliminate him, a claim reported by multiple news outlets.

The European Union Enlargement Commissioner has voiced support for the ongoing anti-corruption protests in Serbia, emphasizing the importance of the country’s return to the "European track." The commissioner described a new wave of EU enlargement by 2030 as "realistic," highlighting the strategic significance of integrating the Western Balkans for the stability of the EU. This stance aligns with calls from officials such as Serbian Prime Minister Rumen Zhelyazkov and EU officials like Marta Kos, who underscore the Western Balkans' integration as key to EU stability. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s Vice President has expressed criticism of recent shifts in the EU enlargement strategy. The EU Enlargement Commissioner also warned about external forces attempting to derail the EU integration process. The commissioner recently visited Sofia, Bulgaria, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding EU enlargement in the region.

Reports emerged that Bulgaria would join a new military alliance formed by Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo. Initial confirmations came from Kosovo's Minister of Defense, indicating discussions had taken place between Bulgaria and Croatia regarding Bulgaria's participation in the alliance. However, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister subsequently denied these claims, stating that neither the ministry nor Bulgaria had been consulted or expressed interest in joining the military pact. Despite these denials, some sources continued to suggest Bulgaria's involvement in the Tirana defense pact. The alliance, led by Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, has raised concerns among neighboring countries due to its ambiguous relations with Russia, prompting regional states to strengthen their defense agreements and investments.

NATO officials have engaged in a series of discussions and meetings focused on security and cooperation in the Western Balkans and support for Ukraine. Admiral Stuart B. Munsch welcomed representatives from the Order of Malta to Joint Force Command Naples, emphasizing shared missions in humanitarian aid and peacekeeping. Meanwhile, Ambassador Božena Forštnarič Boroje of Slovenia met with NATO officials to discuss The Hague Summit priorities and support for Ukraine. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska met with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Josip Brkić, reaffirming NATO's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, NATO is set to host a meeting with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on April 15, where joint remarks will be made, further highlighting NATO's ongoing support for the region. The organization also reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the Dayton Peace Agreement, crucial for stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sudan has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state, adding its name to the growing list of countries that acknowledge Kosovo's sovereignty. This recognition was announced following a meeting between officials from both nations at a diplomatic forum in Türkiye. The move comes as Serbia plans joint activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Sudan. In response, Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed skepticism regarding the legitimacy of Sudan's government, questioning its authority to recognize Kosovo amid the current political uncertainty in Sudan.

Evghenia Guțul, the head of Gagauzia, has requested an open court session regarding the extension of her house arrest in Moldova, as stated before a closed court hearing. Meanwhile, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin has condemned the European Union's proposed sanctions against him, asserting that Serbia will not ban Russian media under any circumstances. Vulin emphasized Serbia's historical ties with Russia in the fight against Nazism. In the context of rising tensions in the Balkans, Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska, has expressed his defiance against EU sanctions and questioned the EU's moral authority to sanction him. He also indicated that he does not plan to resign and discussed the potential for EU intervention in the Balkans. The EU has indicated it will not tolerate threats to Bosnia's territorial integrity, particularly in light of Dodik's secessionist rhetoric. The situation remains precarious as the EU, along with the U.S., is urged to act swiftly to prevent further destabilization in the region.