Southeast Europe / News
Serbia withdraws embassy staff from Macedonia over Kosovo
Belgrade says Prime Minister Zoran Zaev is planning to change Macedonia's stance and support Kosovo's Unesco membership.
Erdogan urges Turks in Germany not to vote for Merkel or Social Democrats
Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel described Erdogan's comments as an "unprecedented act of interference in the sovereignty of our country".
Belarus in top three holiday spots popular with Russians
Belarus is in the top three spots popular with Russian holidaymakers, according to Yandex.Money, which analyzed the countries the Russians headed to for their breaks this summer.
Macedonia's opposition VMRO-DPMNE seeks to dismiss three government ministers
Conservative VMRO-DPMNE puts pressure on new Social Democrat-led government with no-confidence motions against foreign, finance and agriculture ministers.
Balkan trade war averted as Croatia backs down over inspection fee hike
Croatian agriculture ministry will repeal a decree increasing inspection fees for imports of fruits and vegetables from non-EU countries aimed at protecting local farmers.
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Turkey’s ruling AKP ‘too busy restructuring to consider early elections’
Simultaneous parliamentary and presidential polls will not be brought forward from end of 2019 says party, described by Erdogan as “fatigued”.
Turkey’s Anadolu, AB InBev brew up merger to take on contracting Russian, Ukrainian markets
Turkey’s leading brewer Anadolu Efes announces initial agreement with world’s largest brewer AB InBev for 50:50 merger of Russia and Ukraine businesses, new enterprise to take on beer markets suffering longstanding decline.
Erdogan back on the war path against “profiteering” Turkish banks
Demanding cheaper loans to stimulate the economy, president asks how lenders' profits can rise 40% when GDP only expands 2.9%.
Leaked data on profits at privatised utility KEDS put pressure on Kosovo’s PDK
Figures obtained by local daily Zeri show Turkish consortium Calik-Limak recovered its investment just one year after buying majority stake in KEDS, in revelations likely to embarrass PDK as it tries to form new government.
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Slovenia’s Cimos starts closing Balkan plants
Car industry supplier is closing plants in Bosnia and Serbia as it embarks on restructuring following takeover by Italian fund.
Kosovan PM appoints new ministers as formation of new majority remains uncertain
New ministers will be part of the acting government until a new executive is voted in by lawmakers - a remote scenario given the failure to elect a parliament speaker since the June general election.
Croatia’s neighbours warn of trade war over new customs rules
Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia agree to take measures to protect their interests after Croatia hikes customs duties on imports from non-EU states to protect its farmers.
Lucifer heatwave strains infrastructure, emergency services in Southeast Europe
Lucifer heatwave that brought scorching temperatures across Southeast Europe highlighted infrastructure shortcomings, while drought takes its toll on agriculture along the Adriatic coast.
Bosnia accused of breaking Energy Community rules over Ugljevik power plant expansion
Energy Community opens case against Bosnia over environmental impact assessment of controversial Ugljevik III construction.
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Macedonia risks hike in budget deficit, Fitch warns
Ratings agency says lower tax revenues and higher social spending will push budget deficit up to 3.3% of GDP this year, as it lowers 2017 GDP forecast and assigns Macedonia’s BB rating a negative outlook.
Bulgarian president urged to veto controversial judicial reforms
Ruling GERB is trying to revive judicial reform process as required by the European Commission but critics say the latest changes violate the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence.
Turkey vows closer security ties with China, promises to target hostile media
Ankara’s pledges to Beijing come as Turkey looks to position itself to gain from the massive One Belt, One Road initiative, but may disappoint EU leaders wary of slide to authoritarian rule.
Croatia's neighbours angered by hike in customs duties
Exporters from non-EU members on Croatia's borders hit by high import duties and new sanitary tests as Zagreb seeks to protect local farmers.
Deal struck to save Bosnian state broadcaster
BHRT faced closure after the previous model for collecting licence fees expired and the broadcaster racked up $20mn worth of debt.
US VP affirms support for CEE allies as relations with Russia deteriorate
“America has no small allies, only strong allies,” says Mike Pence as he visits Estonia, Georgia and Montenegro days after US Congress votes for tough new sanctions on Russia.