News
US Congress approves tougher Russia sanctions
The measures targeting Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential elections in the bill are combined with sanctions against North Korea and Iran.
Russia supplies 80% of Ukraine's coal imports
Russia remains the biggest supplier of coal to Ukraine, despite the conflict between the two countries, accounting for about 80% of imports.
Erdogan lashes out at Germany, Nato, says "God willing" he'll have Russian missiles soon
Turkish president’s fresh outburst towards the West and appetite for Russian defence hardware poses the question of whether Ankara might accelerate a political realignment.
Azerbaijan puts on military show of force amid new Armenia, human rights tensions
Baku sends forces to participate in armed forces challenges in Russia, Kazakhstan and China against a backdrop of renewed clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Rio Tinto to speed up giant Serbian lithium project
Global mining group signs memorandum with Belgrade on project to develop world-class deposits of lithium-borate in Serbia’s Loznica, as growing use of electric cars pushes up demand for lithium.
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Cumhuriyet journalists’ trial seen as test of Turkey’s press freedom begins
Reporters, editors, columnists and cartoonists accused of using “assymetric war methods” against Erdogan say they were arrested for asking the “wrong” questions.
Schaeuble: Erdogan “jeopardising centuries-old” German-Turkish partnership
Further strong words from the German finance minister as Ankara shows signs of nervousness that Berlin’s new approach to Turkey could have significant economic consequences.
EU allows Gazprom to use an additional 40% of OPAL gas pipeline's capacity
The EU has reportedly backed off and loosened restrictions on access of Russia’s Gazprom to the OPAL pipeline, which will allow the energy giant to send more gas to European clients via its Nord Stream pipeline.
$500,000 cash confiscated in raid on Ukraine's Motor Sich
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies raided the offices of Motor Sich, the leading producer of aircraft and helicopter engines in the CIS, and discovered $500,000 in cash. The Prosecutor General’s Office has opened several criminal cases.
Polish president delivers blow to government's judiciary reform
Polish President Andrzej Duda surprised as he announced he will veto two out of three controversial bills aimed at reforming the judiciary. But that's unlikely to prove the end of the story.
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Bulgaria prepares for battle over land sales to foreigners
The European Commission has threatened to refer Bulgaria to the EU Court of Justice unless it allows foreign citizens to purchase Bulgarian agricultural land without any restrictions.
Bosnia’s ruling coalition collapses
Long-standing disagreements between leaders of rival Bosniak parties bring down multi-ethnic coalition, spelling further uncertainty for Bosnia.
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"Crisis with Germany temporary," says Turkish economy minister but war of words worsens
Ankara government attempts to put brake on rapidly worsening tensions but Germany's Schaeuble aggravates Erdogan with comparison to the old communist East Germany.
IMF backsliding on Ukraine’s reform pressure, confirms it won't insist on land reform for next tranche
The backsliding amongst Ukraine’s international partners to cut the government some slack ahead of presidential elections continues, with the IMF confirming rumours that it will not insist land reforms are made before it releases its next aid tranche
Ukraine withdraws PwC bank audit licence over $5.5bn hole at PrivatBank
Central bank says international accounting firm failed to highlight credit risk exposure of the country’s largest lender.
Bulgarian prosecutors charge 18 over Corpbank collapse
Corpbank was Bulgaria's fourth largest lender until a bank run in 2014 deprived it of liquidity, and a later audit revealed a capital hole of almost €2bn.
"Cosmetic" Turkish cabinet reshuffle signals no major policy shifts
Deputy PM Mehmet Simsek, a favourite with investors, keeps his place as economic management team retained, but no major surprises in country entering second year of state of emergency.
Polish parliament passes law giving government control of supreme court
Donald Tusk warns that bill "will ruin the already dented reputation of Polish democracy" as Commission considers unprecedented move to strip Warsaw of EU voting rights.
Berlin hits Ankara with 'Tread carefully' warnings for German visitors, firms
Germany's foreign minister and business chambers respond to latest detentions with statements that will worry Turkey's already struggling tourism industry and unsettled investment enviroment.
Moldova's new electoral law ignites street protests
Opposition politicians believe the new law will prevent them from gaining parliament seats in future elections.