Southeast Europe / News
Separatists in Transnistria face deep economic contraction as Russia restricts subsidies
Transnistria’s industrial output fell by 43% in the first five months of 2025.
Indian PM’s first Croatia visit boosts trade and cultural ties
According to a press release by India’s Press Information Bureau, the Indian leader was welcomed with a ceremonial reception at the Banski Dvori palace, following a personal reception by Prime Minister Plenković at the airport earlier in the day.
Opposition warns political deadlock is weakening Kosovo's position in dialogue with Serbia
Prolonged failure to form a new government since February general election has harmed Kosovo’s international standing.
North Macedonia seeks nearly €2bn for high-speed railway project via global lenders
Railway to form part of Corridor X, a major trans-European transport route that connects Central Europe with the southeastern Balkans.
Usain Bolt named ambassador for Belgrade’s Expo 2027
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has been named the first official ambassador for Expo 2027 Belgrade.
Kosovo's PM calls for pressure on Belgrade after Trump comments on talks with Serbia
US President Donald Trump says he will address tensions between Pristina and Belgrade.
US resists EU and UK push to cut Russian oil price cap at G7 summit
The US is resisting calls from European governments to reduce the G7 price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, frustrating efforts by the EU and UK to increase financial pressure on Moscow as leaders meet for a G7 in Canada.
Serbian President Vucic signals elections by early 2027
Serbian government remains under pressure after student-led protests persist for more than six months.
Airlines scrap week’s worth of Turkey flights to Iran, Iraq and Jordan as Israel keeps up its bombing of Iranians
To avoid danger zone, aircraft diverted to airports in locations including Istanbul, Baku and Cyprus.
Israel’s Iran missiles hit Borsa Istanbul
Turkey's stock exchange leads global losses, even exceeding those seen in Tehran and Tel Aviv. Ankara, meanwhile, keeps nervous eye on oil price.
Kosovo’s LDK leader proposes unity government to break political deadlock
MPs have failed repeatedly to form a new government or even elect a parliament speaker since the February general election.
Ukraine’s “enemies database” adds foreign leaders over Moscow ties
A Ukrainian website that catalogues perceived "enemies of Ukraine" has added several prominent Russia-friendly foreign leaders to its database, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Romania’s coalition talks stall as minority cabinet without PSD emerges as an option
Romania's largest party has indicated it is ready to go into opposition two days of intense discussions fail to yield even limited consensus.
Gas crisis prompts Moldova's separatist Transnistria to extend economic state of emergency
President Vadim Krasnoselsky cited the worsening socio-economic crisis and severe energy shortages in the tiny breakaway republic.
Serbia's Vucic makes surprise visit to Ukraine
The visit risks aggravating already tense relations with Moscow, after Russian intelligence scolded Serbia for supplying weapons to Ukraine.
World Bank, Erste and ING all slash Romania's 2025 growth forecasts
Downward revisions made amid growing concerns over fiscal imbalances, sluggish investment and political uncertainty.
Bulgaria’s Constitutional Court rejects president’s request for referendum on euro adoption
Sofia recently got the green light from the European Central Bank and the European Commission to join the eurozone on January 1, 2026.
Romania's coalition talks drag on past deadline
Missed deadline does not bode well for formation of multi-party coalition able to launch urgent fiscal reforms.
Bosnia’s Republika Srpska arrests opposition leader
SDS accused Republika Srpska's ruling SNSD of a "terror" campaign against the opposition after party leader Milan Milicevic's arrest.
Russia seeks to resume 5+2 talks on Transnistria, hints at new energy crisis
Fears Moscow could trigger a new energy crisis in separatist Transnistria if the pro-EU PAS wins Moldova's autumn general election.