Southeast Europe / News
Serbian foreign minister's Moscow trip likely to spark fresh calls to freeze EU accession process
Ivica Dacic arrives in Moscow days after Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected in rigged election.
European Commission warns Romania risks losing funds over slow reforms
Officials say they are “very concerned” about fiscal slippage and lack of reform progress.
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No punitive action from Council of Europe against Turkey in Kavala and Demirtas cases
Despite calls for a tough move, human rights body opts to pursue more dialogue over Erdogan regime’s refusal to release philanthropist and Kurdish politician.
Slim hopes of EU enlargement progress ahead of European Parliament elections
EU members are pushing for the start of accession talks with Bosnia at this week’s EU Council, but wider progress unlikely before June elections.
Bulgaria thrown into new political crisis, snap general election likely
Hopes of progress on Schengen and Eurozone entry dashed after Gerb blows up talks with CC-DB on government rotation.
Warning over potential “Russian scenario” riots after North Macedonia elections
Junior ruling DUI points to Russian infiltration through political parties and media outlets sympathetic to Moscow's agenda.
Football fan Erdogan’s team Fenerbahce considers Turkish top league walkout
Club puts shock move on agenda after violence against players by fans who invaded pitch at end of match.
Russia warns Romania over building “largest Nato military base” in Europe
Expansion of Romania’s 57 Mihail Kogalniceanu air base on the Black Sea coast is intended to consolidate Nato’s Eastern Flank.
A surprise EU proposal to expand agricultural ”emergency brake” import restrictions will cost Ukraine €1.7bn
EU countries have overnight agreed to impose new restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural imports that will cost the cash strapped country €1.7bn and hurt its ability to fight the war against Russia.
Putin’s biggest fans in Southeast Europe hail election victory
Only the few remaining allies of the Russian president such as Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and Moldovan ex-president Igor Dodon welcomed Putin's victory.
Europe has €56bn shortfall to meet Nato 2% of GDP spending pledge
European nations within Nato are facing a €56bn shortfall in meeting the alliance's defence spending pledge of 2% of GDP this year, the Financial Times reported on March 16.
Bulgaria heading towards new snap election as talks on government rotation fail
Gerb's Mariya Gabriel has given CC-DB until noon to agree to the party's terms to form a new government, or Bulgaria will hold its sixth snap general election
Croatian President Milanovic declares his candidacy for PM
Milanovic aims to retake the more influential prime minister position in Croatia's April general election.
Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners nearing billion-dollar Balkan real estate deals
Reports have given rise to speculation that Kushner’s plans could have been facilitated by relationships established during his father-in-law Donald Trump's time in the White House.
Support for Nato membership falls sharply in Southeast Europe
Under half of Montenegrins now back Nato membership, and only 33% would help another member in case of attack.
Disappearances raise fears over Turkey and Central Asia regimes stepping up collaboration in transnational repression
Two Tajik dissident activists vanish without a trace. Rights defenders point to frightening frequency of state kidnappings.
Spat over police chief's appointment puts survival of Montenegrin government at risk
The stability of Montenegro’s government has been seriously shaken after a conflict between Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic and Prime Minister Milojko Spajic over the election of an acting police chief.
Romanian President Iohannis confirms bid for top Nato position
Iohannis stresses unconditional support for Ukraine as he takes on Dutch PM Mark Rutte in race to become next Nato secretary general.
European Commission recommends start of accession talks with Bosnia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Bosnia made more reform progress in the last year than the previous decade.
Western Balkans faces heightened risk of inter-ethnic violence in 2024, US intelligence report warns
Report says local nationalist leaders and external actors could heighten tensions for their own political gains in Bosnia and Kosovo.