News
Alarm grows over Afghan security for Turkmenistan-to-India pipeline
Although the Taliban have pledged protection for the TAPI project, the Natural Resources Monitoring Network is anxious.
EU set for clash with US over law blocking Iran sanctions
Dealing with Donald Trump’s unpredictability is “not a joke now”, says European Council President Donald Tusk.
No “plan B” for Western Balkans’ EU future, Tusk says
First summit in 15 years intended to demonstrate the EU’s commitment to the region, which has been neglected for years, allowing rival powers to extend their influence.
Romanian private healthcare providers on acquisition spree
Private medical sector is booming as employers in Romania's tight labour market use healthcare and other benefits to attract and retain workers.
Ukraine, Turkey among the “vulnerable three" most at risk to US tightening - Fitch
Ukraine and Turkey are part of the “vulnerable” three most at risk to US tightening along with Argentina, Fitch said in a note on May 16.
Macedonian PM Zaev awaits verdict in bribery case
Zaev says the case brought against him when he was opposition leader was politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from releasing explosive evidence of crime and corruption among former top officials.
Medvedev confirmed plans to create offshore companies in Russia
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has confirmed plans to create special “on-shore off-shore” zones in Russia to allow sanctioned oligarchs to easily transfer ownership of their assets out of the reach of US and European courts.
Turkish banker Atilla gets lenient 32-months prison for Iran sanctions-busting
Focus now turns to whether US regulators will heavily fine state-owned Halkbank.
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Bulgarian government plans €1.7bn army modernisation programme
Parliament has been asked to approved acquisitions of 16 fighter jets and 150 armoured vehicles after defence budget was hiked to 4.2% of GDP this year.
Lithuania to restructure state rail company
Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai will be split into three in a bid to boost efficiency, though passenger services are expected to remain unprofitable.
BRICKS & MORTAR: Budapest's shopping mall market is buzzing
Futureal Group is the latest firm to start development of a new mall in the Hungarian capital as the booming economy has brought back investors.
Total set to abandon Iran deal unless US waiver is granted
First Western energy major to return to Islamic Republic since signing of nuclear deal nakedly exposed to Trump sanctions snapback.
Bulgarian government votes to restart Belene nuclear power project
Sofia will seek a strategic investor to build the country's second nuclear power plant, a project that opposition politicians argue will seriously threaten Bulgaria’s economic stability.
Turkey’s central bank speaks up after markets stunned by Erdogan shellac lira
Investors puzzled why president came to London and told them “exactly what they did not want to hear”.
George Soros foundation officially announces departure from Hungary
Decision comes as the right-wing Hungarian government prepares to impose further restrictions on NGOs through what it has branded its “Stop Soros” package of legislation.
Saudi fund lines up 51% of troubled Tajik bank amid anti-Iran rhetoric
Deal in principle for Tojiksodirotbank stake may be part of an attempt to drive a wedge between Dushanbe and Tehran by the Iranians’ arch-rival.
Romanian prosecutors ask for 7.5 year sentence for ruling party leader
Power struggle to ensue within Romania’s ruling coalition if Liviu Dragnea gets jail sentence in case concerning fake jobs for party workers.
Slovakia’s ruling Smer to lose powerful critic as President Kiska says he won’t stand for re-election
Pro-EU president seen as a beacon of democracy in an increasingly illiberal region will stand down after 2019 election with the aim of ending "era of political confrontation".
US sanctions Iran’s central bank governor as "specially designated global terrorist"
US imposes sanctions on governor of Iran's central bank after accusing him of supporting terrorist activities with scheme that funnelled millions of dollars to Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
Investors want “plain vanilla central banking in Turkey, not some big Erdoganite economic experiment”
Turkish president’s “market unfriendly” interview sends lira hurtling to fresh lows beyond 4.50/dollar.