In a statement issued Monday, Milanovic said Israeli diplomat Nissan Amdur “has not received, nor will receive” presidential approval to serve as ambassador in Zagreb.

Amdur was nominated in November to replace Israel’s current envoy to Croatia and is expected to arrive at the end of May in the capacity of chargé d’affaires, a diplomatic role that does not require formal presidential consent, according to Israeli media reports.

“Granting or withholding approval for proposed ambassadors is the sovereign right of the Republic of Croatia,” Milanovic said, while also accusing Israel of violating diplomatic convention by publicly announcing the nominee before Croatian approval had been secured.

The dispute reflects widening divisions within Croatia’s political leadership over the Gaza conflict. Milanovic, a left-leaning president known for outspoken criticism of Israeli military operations in Gaza, has repeatedly condemned the scale of civilian casualties since the outbreak of the war in October 2023.

Croatia’s conservative government has adopted a more supportive stance toward Israel and strongly condemned the Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered the conflict.

Although Croatia’s president holds largely ceremonial powers, the office retains constitutional authority over the confirmation of foreign ambassadors.

The diplomatic disagreement comes amid continued international scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 72,000 people have been killed in the territory since the start of the conflict, with the United Nations and international agencies warning of worsening humanitarian conditions.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October, violence has persisted in Gaza, with Israeli forces and Hamas accusing each other of repeated violations of the truce.

An EU spokesperson said the proposed meeting was being organized at the request of several member states seeking cooperation on deportation procedures for Afghan migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected or who are considered security risks under European law.

No date has been finalized for the talks, the spokesperson said, stressing that the meeting would not constitute formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government.

Western governments have largely avoided official engagement with the Taliban since the Islamist movement seized control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces and the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan administration.

Despite the lack of formal recognition, European officials have gradually expanded technical contacts with Taliban authorities on issues including migration, humanitarian assistance and airport operations.

The EU spokesperson said officials from the bloc had already traveled to Kabul in January for preliminary discussions and were now considering a follow-up technical meeting in Brussels with what the EU described as Afghanistan’s “de facto authorities.”

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have sought asylum across Europe since the Taliban takeover, creating political pressure on European governments facing rising anti-immigration sentiment and strained asylum systems.

European countries have struggled to deport Afghan nationals because diplomatic relations with Kabul remain limited and there are few formal mechanisms for coordinating returns.

The spokesperson said Sweden was assisting in coordinating the planned discussions. Swedish authorities did not immediately comment on the initiative.

The move highlights the increasingly pragmatic approach adopted by some European governments toward the Taliban administration, despite continuing concerns over human rights restrictions, particularly those affecting women and girls in Afghanistan.

Frederiksen, leader of the Social Democrats, is seeking a third term after leading both a minority government and a cross-bloc coalition, while her rivals from the liberal Venstre party and the centrist Moderates aim to reshape the governing alliance.

Frederiksen, 48, has led Denmark since 2019 and took over the Social Democrats in 2015. Her tenure has been defined by a tougher stance on migration, aimed at preserving the country’s welfare model, and strong support for Ukraine in the face of regional security tensions.

She was initially credited for Denmark’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic but later faced criticism over the “mink crisis,” involving the culling of millions of animals in a decision later deemed unlawful.

In her current term, Frederiksen has headed an unusual left-right coalition, seeking to counter the rise of far-right parties while maintaining fiscal and social stability. She has also clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump over his stated interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.

Poulsen, 49, leader of Venstre and currently deputy prime minister, has emerged as a key challenger advocating a right-leaning coalition. He has warned against higher taxation under a Frederiksen-led government and emphasised economic competitiveness.

A veteran of multiple cabinet roles, Poulsen has served as both economy and defence minister and has overseen the early stages of Denmark’s military rearmament amid heightened tensions with Russia and strategic concerns surrounding Greenland.

Though less publicly visible than his rivals, Poulsen has gained prominence as a consensus candidate within the right, despite earlier indications he might step back from politics.

Rasmussen, a former prime minister and current foreign minister, brings extensive political experience and has positioned himself as a centrist broker. Leader of the Moderates party, which he founded in 2021 after leaving Venstre, he played a central role in post-election negotiations that led to the current coalition government.

Rasmussen has been active in diplomatic efforts, including discussions linked to U.S. interest in Greenland. His political career has weathered controversies, including scrutiny over party spending, but he remains a prominent figure capable of influencing coalition dynamics.

The election outcome is expected to hinge on coalition negotiations, with no single party likely to secure a majority in Denmark’s fragmented political landscape.

Voters will decide on a proposal to separate the careers of judges and public prosecutors, splitting the self-governing High Council of the Judiciary (CSM) into two distinct bodies.

Though focused on institutional reform, the vote has evolved into a broader political contest between the government-backed “Yes” campaign and opposition forces advocating “No.” No turnout quorum is required for the referendum to be valid.

Analysts say the campaign has been marked by sharp rhetoric and limited public understanding of the legal changes at stake.

Fabrizio Masia, head of pollster EMG, said most voters were likely to base their choice on political loyalties rather than the substance of the reform.“Only a small minority of Italians knows much about the issue,” Masia said, adding that party leaders on both sides were focused on mobilising supporters to secure a narrow win.

Opinion polls released before a mandated two-week blackout period showed a closely contested race, with the “No” camp gaining ground amid indications that some right-wing voters may abstain. Meloni has ruled out resigning if the referendum fails, a move widely interpreted as an effort to dampen opposition turnout driven by the prospect of weakening her government.

Her ruling coalition, which includes Brothers of Italy, the League and Forza Italia, continues to poll ahead of the left, which has struggled to consolidate around the Democratic Party and the 5-Star Movement.

A rejection of the reform could inject momentum into efforts to unite centre-left forces and potentially expose internal strains within the governing bloc, Masia said. Conversely, approval of the measure would strengthen Meloni’s political standing as she approaches the latter part of her term.

Political scientist Emanuele Massetti said a government victory would reinforce its longer-term agenda, particularly with an eye on the 2027 election, as Italy navigates external geopolitical pressures and a sluggish domestic economy.

Surviving two consecutive no-confidence votes, Lecornu’s administration has now gained valuable momentum to present the 2026 national budget, signaling resilience, compromise, and a commitment to stability in a challenging political environment.

The votes, held on Thursday, marked a defining early moment for Lecornu’s days-old government.

Despite fierce debate, his leadership succeeded in maintaining parliamentary confidence, reflecting his ability to build bridges across France’s diverse political spectrum.

The result underscored the willingness of several parties — including the Socialist Party — to prioritize dialogue and cooperation over political division, a promising sign for France’s governance moving forward.

In recent days, Lecornu demonstrated a pragmatic approach to leadership by extending an offer to suspend President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform, a move that helped secure vital support from the Socialists.

His decision highlighted his readiness to engage in meaningful discussion and adapt policy priorities to achieve a greater national consensus. By opening the door to constructive dialogue, Lecornu positioned his government as one focused on unity, reform, and fiscal responsibility.

The success of the confidence votes not only ensures continuity of leadership but also allows the French government to concentrate on its key goals — delivering a balanced 2026 budget, supporting social welfare, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Lecornu has emphasized that this budget will focus on practical solutions for the French people while maintaining France’s fiscal discipline and social commitments.

Many observers view this outcome as a reaffirmation of France’s democratic strength and institutional stability.

In a politically complex era, the ability of the government to secure parliamentary backing reflects a collective determination to preserve stability and prevent further political fragmentation.

The Socialist Party’s choice to support the government — despite differing views — demonstrated a spirit of cooperation that bodes well for the months ahead.

“This result gives us the opportunity to move forward together,” Lecornu said following the vote. “It is time to focus on what unites us — the future of France’s economy, the well-being of our citizens, and the values that define our Republic.”

The budget discussions are expected to be vigorous but constructive. The government aims to reduce deficits responsibly while continuing to support critical investments in healthcare, education, and green transition initiatives.

France’s economic fundamentals remain sound, and Lecornu’s administration has emphasized growth through innovation, job creation, and energy transition — key pillars of a modern, forward-looking economy.

Financial markets responded calmly and positively following the confidence votes. The French bond market remained steady, reflecting investor confidence in the stability of France’s political and economic outlook.

Analysts noted that the outcome was widely anticipated and would help reassure both domestic and international investors that France’s governance remains predictable and stable.

Political analysts have also noted Lecornu’s inclusive leadership style. His ability to balance reform with compromise may mark a new phase in French politics — one defined by collaboration rather than confrontation.

As France moves toward its 2026 fiscal goals, his pragmatic approach could set a precedent for effective coalition-building and long-term national planning.

Observers believe the government’s next steps will focus on strengthening public services, boosting competitiveness, and advancing sustainable energy goals in line with France’s European and global commitments.

Lecornu’s leadership has already won praise for being decisive yet conciliatory, a balance that may prove crucial in navigating future legislative challenges.

In the broader context, France’s political and economic direction remains firmly anchored in progress and stability. With Lecornu at the helm, the country now looks poised to continue implementing thoughtful reforms that balance fiscal prudence with social responsibility.

His government’s victory in parliament sends a strong message — that dialogue, resilience, and compromise remain central to France’s democratic spirit.