Southeast Europe / News
Euromax Resources mulls international arbitration over North Macedonia mine dispute
Canada-based exploration company says its rights were "trampled on" by Skopje.
Romanian bank analysts don't expect rate cut before May
Ahead of BNR rate-setting meeting, BCR and ING analysts say they expect no change in April but policy rate to be reduced to 5.75-7% by end-2024.
Turkey’s official March annual inflation up 2 pp at 69% y/y, but monthly figure falls again
ENAG’s alternative headline figure calculated at 125% y/y.
Romanian president's hopes of leading Nato fade
Estonia and Lithuania announced support for rival candidate Mark Rutte on April 2, while the US also confirmed its backing for the Dutch PM.
Czech spy agency says pro-Kremlin media ring targets European Parliament elections in several states
Far-right politicians across the EU have been promoted on the Voice of Europe media platform ahead of the European Parliament elections.
Local elections victory is Turkish main opposition party’s first national polls win since 1977
AKP loses 11 cities it controlled since last municipal vote. For ruling party, big consolation is that next general election is not due until 2028.
Turkey’s opposition sweeps to big city victories in local elections, dealing blow to Erdogan
CHP party now faces challenge to re-energise and seek avenue to snap polls that could bring down regime. Next scheduled major vote is not until 2028.
Bulgaria and Romania join air and sea Schengen area
After long delays and vetoes by Schengen members, Bulgaria and Romania celebrate partial entry to Europe's border-free Schengen area.
Ex-defence minister Milos Vucevic to lead Serbia’s next government
Vucevic to take over Serbian government at time of heightened tensions with Kosovo.
Bulgaria moves towards sixth snap general election since 2021
Agreement between Gerb and CC-DB for a joint government with a rotating PM has broken down.
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Council of Europe committee gives the nod for Kosovo's admission, angering Serbia
President Aleksandar Vucic has warned Serbia may quit the Council of Europe if Kosovo gains membership.
Romania’s budget deficit up sharply as public spending spirals
The general government budget deficit rose by 70% y/y to €5.8bn, one-third of the full-year deficit target, in the first two months of 2024.
Over 22,000 Serbs sign petition to save bombed Belgrade landmark from Kushner development plans
Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former US president Donald Trump, plans to develop the site of the General Staff building, bombed by Nato in 1999.
Moscow terror attack suspects likely received instructions in Turkey, Russian daily reports
Ankara confirms two of accused entered Turkey, but denies they were radicalised while there.
Serbia threatens to quit Council of Europe if Kosovo is allowed to join
Belgrade does not recognise Kosovo's independence and has lobbied intensively to keep the new country out out international organisations.
Bulgaria moves closer to deal on selling Russian-made reactors to Ukraine
Reactors originally intended for Belene NPP project now likely to sold to Ukraine to compensate for loss of Zaporizhzhia NPP to Russia.
Israel incensed as Erdogan vows to ‘send Netanyahu to Allah’
Turkey’s envoy summoned to foreign ministry for “serious reprimand”. Top diplomat tells Turkish leader “there is no God who will listen” to those who support Hamas atrocities.
Penta mulls sale of Fortuna gambling chain
Central Europe's largest betting company reportedly valued at up to €2bn.
Croatian president to defy Constitutional Court and run for PM
Zoran Milanovic calls Constitutional Court a "mortal threat to Croatian democracy" after it warns he cannot run in general election while serving as president.
Bosnia gets green light for start of EU membership talks
Bosnia has made strong reform progress over the last year, and will start talks as soon as it fulfils conditions set by the European Commission.