News
Macedonian parliament backs crucial constitutional changes
Opposition MPs defy party leadership to vote in favour of constitutional changes on name deal with Greece that will unblock Macedonia’s EU and Nato accession.
EU court stuns Poland’s PiS with order to suspend ejection of judges
European Court of Justice makes move in row over politicisation of the judiciary as Poles get set to vote in local elections.
Ukraine's cabinet hikes domestic gas tariffs 23% to meet IMF demands
Ukraine’s cabinet agreed to increase domestic as tariffs by 23% at a meeting on October 19, fulfilling a key International Monetary Fund (IMF) demand that may release a badly needed $1.9bn tranche before the end of the year, local media reports.
Poland’s local election gives opposition a chance to challenge PiS
Poles will vote on October 21 to decide who will be in charge of their districts, towns and regions for the next four years. But the importance of the vote goes far beyond that.
Russia's Sberbank reportedly seeks a blocking stake in internet major Yandex
Russia's largest state-controlled bank Sberbank has been in talks to buy a blocking stake in Russia’s most valuable digital company Yandex. The state-owned banking giant has been holding negotiations with the founder and main shareholder
EP Turkey rapporteur Piri visits jailed Kurdish leader Demirtas’ wife
Vocal critic of Erdogan’s “undemocratic” executive presidency pays call at a time when Turkey’s prospects of eventual EU membership are in the balance.
Poland signs 20-year contract for US LNG
State-controlled gas company PGNiG is building a portfolio of LNG supply deals as Poland works to diversify its gas supplies and reduce dependence on imports from Russia.
Romania’s central bank endorses tighter retail lending regulations
The BNR played down the macroeconomic impact of the decisions, but coming at a time of economic slowdown they are expected to further depress consumer and business confidence.
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Greek FM Kotzias quits as tensions over Macedonia name deal reverberate in Athens
As Macedonian MPs prepare to vote on the deal that resolved a decades-long conflict with Athens, ministers clashed within Greece's ruling coalition which is divided over the agreement.
US hitting bank vital to Iran’s food and medicine imports claims foreign minister Zarif
Trump administration accused of showing “utter disregard” for "human rights of an entire people" with its sanctions policy.
Open warfare within Bulgaria’s ruling coalition
Internal divisions have erupted within the United Patriots, Bulgaria’s far-right junior coalition member, that have spilled over into a very public conflict.
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Pompeo shuttles to Ankara as report details alleged grisly last moments of Khashoggi
Report says missing Saudi journalist was allegedly dismembered with a bonesaw while still alive.
Turkey raises $2bn from 5-year eurobond yielding 7.5%
Finance minister bills sale as evidence of Turkey's sound economic fundamentals and solidity against external shocks amid its economic difficulties.
Russia's Yandex.Taxi to benefit from high Uber IPO valuation
Uber Technologies could hold an IPO in 2019. The company has been valued at $120bn by Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, which is the double of current valuation and exceeds the value of General Motors, Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles combine
Armenian PM steps down to seek stronger mandate from snap vote
Election expected within 45 days as revolution victor Nikol Pashinian bets on “people power” translating into a ballot box triumph.
Hungarian central bank buys 2,300 bars of gold, raises gold reserves ten-fold
Hungary's central bank talked earlier of the need to keep gold reserves at a location that "ensures safety in case of geopolitical crises”.
World’s biggest uranium miner Kazatomprom to IPO 25% stake
Offering in flagship Kazakh corporation seen as helping to draw liquidity to recently launched Astana International Exchange.
Macedonian MPs debate constitutional changes on new country name
Vote to determine whether Macedonia goes ahead with name change that will pave the way for EU and Nato accession — or faces early elections this autumn.
Hungarian government to abruptly phase out home savings funds
Hungarians are rushing to sign up for new contracts ahead of a parliament vote expected to take place on October 16.
Lira gains head of steam as Brunson, Khashoggi events run to Turkey’s advantage
Developments give Ankara leverage over both US and Saudi Arabia.