Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to the Western Balkan state strengthens the so-called steel friendship that has developed between Beijing and Belgrade. In Serbia, China is seen as the strongest ally after Russia.

Another high-ranking official has stepped down during continued scrutiny of corruption. That has led to questions about how the political instability could affect the ruling Communist Party.

About a quarter of Germans cited immigration as their main priority in 2022, which rose to 44% in the 2024 survey. About a third were most concerned about climate change two years ago, falling below the 25% mark this time.