Latest Updates

Russia fires Oreshnik cruise missiles at Kyiv as tit for tat cycle of violence continues

Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults of the war against Kyiv on May 24, firing two Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles alongside hundreds of drones and cruise missiles in retaliation for Ukraine's strikes a week earlier.

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Turkey’s wealth fund moved aggressively in equity, bond markets as opposition chief was ousted

Brokers talk of heavy and coordinated intervention.

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Mass protest in Serbia ends in violent clashes with police

Police fired teargas and clashed with protesters in the Serbian capital after tens of thousands gathered to demand early elections and an end to the decade-long rule of President Aleksandar Vucic.

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Slovenian MPs vote to bring back Janez Janša for fourth term as PM

Jansa has been a prominent figure in Slovenian politics for more than three decades as leader of the rightwing SDS.

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CAUCASUS BLOG: Russia's South Ossetia treaty edges toward annexation

New treaty amounts to de facto annexation of separatist Georgian republic, analysts and Georgian opposition figures say.

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Can Chinese investors revive Nigeria’s troubled state-owned refineries?

Nigeria may give Chinese firms long-term operational and ownership stakes in the troubled Port Harcourt and Warri refineries; repeated state-led rehabilitation efforts have failed to restore stable operations.

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The geopolitical chokehold on Taiwan's polymer lifeline

For Taiwan, the sudden evaporation of naphtha and crude oil is not just a market fluctuation but a national security threat that will force an involuntary and painful "detoxification" from its plastic addiction.

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EU’s foreign policy boss Kallas is undermining Europe’s credibility

Kaja Kallas has done it again. The EU’s top foreign policy high representative called China a “cancer” that needs decisive treatment with chemotherapy rather than temporary relief with morphine.

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Russian attack damages landmarks across Kyiv in one of war’s largest aerial assaults

Iran says no deal without frozen asset release as nuclear commitments denied

South Korea’s Posco International to build US-based rare earth plant

Russian attack damages landmarks across Kyiv in one of war’s largest aerial assaults

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 90 missiles and 600 drones during an attack that lasted several hours.

Iran says no deal without frozen asset release as nuclear commitments denied

Details of a potential US-Iran deal are emerging, with a 60-day ceasefire extension and Strait of Hormuz reopening among the reported terms, as Trump says the agreement is largely negotiated.

South Korea’s Posco International to build US-based rare earth plant

Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly invest $200mn to build a rare earth separation and refining plant in the US with annual production capacity of 6,000 tonnes.

News

Iran says it shot down Israeli Orbiter surveillance drone over Hormozgan

Iran's south-east air defence region says it has shot down an Israeli Orbiter reconnaissance drone over Hormozgan province, with the wreckage recovered by the Hormozgan coast guard.

India blocks parody ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ website

India’s viral parody political movement, the “Cockroach Janta Party”, says its website has been blocked just days after launching, as its online following continues to surge past 20mn.

Over 80 killed in China coal mine gas explosion

More than 80 people have been killed and two remain missing after a gas explosion at a coal mine in central China, officials said, in the country’s deadliest mining disaster since 2009.

Russia steps up economic pressure on Armenia ahead of pivotal election

Russia has intensified trade restrictions and public warnings over energy pricing against Armenia, as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan steers the country closer to the European Union.

Malaysia's McDonald's plans MYR1bn investment and 100 new restaurants by 2030

McDonald's Malaysia plans to invest $252mn over five years, opening 100 new restaurants and targeting 30% franchise ownership by 2035, with a focus on East Malaysia expansion.

Iran says it shot down Israeli Orbiter surveillance drone over Hormozgan

5 hours ago

India blocks parody ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ website

19 hours ago

Over 80 killed in China coal mine gas explosion

19 hours ago

Russia steps up economic pressure on Armenia ahead of pivotal election

23 hours ago

Malaysia's McDonald's plans MYR1bn investment and 100 new restaurants by 2030

1 day ago

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Tech

Taiwan to manufacture 100,000 drones monthly by 2030

Taiwan projects its drone industry will expand massively to manufacture 100,000 units per month by 2030 and export half of them, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on May 21.

Poland's cyber_Folks and Shoper to merge in €1bn e-commerce tech push

Polish IT firms cyber_Folks and Shoper announced plans to join forces, strengthening their position as the leading e-commerce technology provider in CEE. The combined entity's market capitalisation is seen at around €1bn.

Kyrgyzstan’s security service set to get expanded surveillance mandate

Use of facial recognition to be legalised.

Ukraine tests balloon-launched drone system to extend strike range

Ukraine has tested a balloon-assisted launch system designed to greatly extend the operational range of its intermediate range attack drones and improve its strike capabilities against Russian targets.

Autonomous trucks clock 250,000 km a week on Russian highways

Autonomous freight trucks are travelling around 250,000 kilometres each week on Russian federal highways, according to Alexey Raikevich, chief executive of JSC GLONASS, as Moscow accelerates plans to expand driverless logistics operations.

Taiwan to manufacture 100,000 drones monthly by 2030

2 days ago

Poland's cyber_Folks and Shoper to merge in €1bn e-commerce tech push

2 days ago

Kyrgyzstan’s security service set to get expanded surveillance mandate

2 days ago

Ukraine tests balloon-launched drone system to extend strike range

3 days ago

Autonomous trucks clock 250,000 km a week on Russian highways

3 days ago

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Opinion

COMMENT: Russia and China deepen strategic alignment as partnership reaches “highest level in history”

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping set out an expansive vision for their bilateral relationship in a joint statement issued during a state visit to Beijing this week, marking 30 years of strategic partnership.

ASH: UK cocks up on Russian sanctions

At the least a PR disaster for the UK around its Russia sanctions regime. At the worst the UK has been pushed by Trump’s war on Iran to easing up sanctions on Russia.

Energy, transit and geopolitics reshape ties between EU and Azerbaijan

The European Union and Azerbaijan are rebuilding relations after years of strain, says a Carnegie Politika analysis.

COMMENT: What to expect from the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum

The fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) will take place on June 16–18, 2026 just as the government floated the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund (UzNIF) on the London Stock Exchange. The economy is booming and FDI is rising fast.

COMMENT: UzNIF’s IPO marks a milestone for Uzbekistan’s capital markets

The listing of the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund (UzNIF) on the London Stock Exchange marked a landmark development whose importance extends far beyond a single financial transaction. It signifies a new phase in Uzbekistan’s transformation.

COMMENT: Russia and China deepen strategic alignment as partnership reaches “highest level in history”

3 days ago

ASH: UK cocks up on Russian sanctions

3 days ago

Energy, transit and geopolitics reshape ties between EU and Azerbaijan

4 days ago

COMMENT: What to expect from the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum

5 days ago

COMMENT: UzNIF’s IPO marks a milestone for Uzbekistan’s capital markets

5 days ago

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Data

Bets placed on 300-bp Turkey rate hike as move to crush opposition rattles markets

Court order to bring back former CHP leader seems to be part of a divide-and-rule approach.

Turkey sacrifices American treasury holdings in defence of lira amid Iran war

US paper stock plummeted from $16bn in February to $2bn in March.

Russia’s ruble best performing currency in the world in 1Q26

The Russian ruble has become the world’s best-performing currency for a second consecutive year, buoyed by high oil revenues, capital controls and tight monetary policy that analysts say have entrenched structural imbalances in the economy.

Fuel prices cast a dark shadow over Asia travel season

There will be no real winners in traditional tourism this summer – only airlines, tourist destinations and central banks left counting the cost.

Polish bourse's blue-chip index seen approaching all-time high, if banks continue to soar

The Warsaw Stock Exchange's blue-chip WIG20 index could approach its all-time highest level set in 2007 if positive sentiment towards banks, fuelled by interest rate hike expectations, steps up, a brokerage director said.

Bets placed on 300-bp Turkey rate hike as move to crush opposition rattles markets

1 day ago

Turkey sacrifices American treasury holdings in defence of lira amid Iran war

3 days ago

Russia’s ruble best performing currency in the world in 1Q26

4 days ago

Fuel prices cast a dark shadow over Asia travel season

4 days ago

Polish bourse's blue-chip index seen approaching all-time high, if banks continue to soar

4 days ago

More Data

Features

Western Balkans face rising trade barriers despite deeper EU integration, Bruegel says

Businesses operating in the Western Balkans say the practical costs of accessing EU markets remain high.

The baby bust: how a global demographic crisis crept up on everyone

Just a decade ago, the dominant demographic narrative was of "dying Russia" — a population hollowed out by the chaos that followed the Soviet collapse, shrinking through a combination of low birth rates, high mortality and mass emigration.

Can a satirical social media movement change Indian politics?

While not a new concept, the Cockroach Janta Party, has a similar aesthetic quality to the Gen-Z movements that led to political regime changes in India’s neighbouring countries, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Who is going to run out of men sooner and be forced to end the war: Russia or Ukraine?

Who is going to run out of men sooner and have to end the war? Russia or Ukraine? Much has been made of the slowdown of Russia’s volunteer recruitment drive which is now unable to replace the estimated 30,000 dead and wounded a month.

Washington turns Venezuela playbook on Cuba, but finds a harder nut to crack

Indictment, warships, a poisoned chalice of aid: the Trump administration turned every screw on Cuba in a single day. But Cuba is no Venezuela — and Washington may be about to find that out the hard way.

Western Balkans face rising trade barriers despite deeper EU integration, Bruegel says

2 days ago

The baby bust: how a global demographic crisis crept up on everyone

2 days ago

Can a satirical social media movement change Indian politics?

2 days ago

Who is going to run out of men sooner and be forced to end the war: Russia or Ukraine?

3 days ago

Washington turns Venezuela playbook on Cuba, but finds a harder nut to crack

3 days ago

More Features

Blogs

Venezuela unveils draft oil rules to guide foreign investment push, economy expands

Venezuela has begun circulating draft regulations linked to its newly approved hydrocarbons law.

MOSCOW BLOG: Trump eats humble pie in Beijing

US President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing ends today and he has been forced to eat humble pie after coming out of the gate last year with an extremely aggressive policy on China.

VISEGRAD BLOG: Hungary’s post-Orban reckoning

PM Peter Magyar pledged to dismantle the institutional and financial legacy of Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule, with implications beyond Hungary’s borders.

MOSCOW BLOG: Russia's social contract has broken down

Something has quietly shifted in Russia. Not the social and economic meltdown Western pundits have been confidently predicting almost continuously for the last two decades. But something has changed and the people are not happy.

BALKAN BLOG: Wave of Trump-linked Balkan investments sparks transparency concerns

Mega deals announced by Trump-linked companies brings up concerns over corruption and environmental impact similar to those raised over Chinese and Middle Eastern investments in the past.

Venezuela unveils draft oil rules to guide foreign investment push, economy expands

4 days ago

MOSCOW BLOG: Trump eats humble pie in Beijing

9 days ago

VISEGRAD BLOG: Hungary’s post-Orban reckoning

10 days ago

MOSCOW BLOG: Russia's social contract has broken down

12 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: Wave of Trump-linked Balkan investments sparks transparency concerns

24 days ago

More Blogs

bneGREEN

Tehran Energy Exchange prepares to list first solar power plant project fund

Iran's Energy Exchange is preparing to list the country's first solar power plant project investment fund, with subscription expected to open within a month, the exchange's market development deputy has said.

Wind and solar overtake coal in Turkey’s power generation for first time - EMBER

Wind and solar energy generated more electricity than coal in Turkey for the first time in April 2026, marking a milestone in the country’s energy transition as strong rainfall also boosted hydroelectric output, according to Ember.

Romania seeks to secure €771mn RRF grant tied to renewable energy land reform

Romania is still on track to meet a key Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) milestone linked to a €771mn grant for renewable energy investments, acting Agriculture Minister Tanczos Barna said.

Vietnam plans 270MW floating solar across hydropower reservoirs

Vietnam’s state-owned power producer EVNGENCO1 has proposed adding 270MW of floating solar capacity across three hydropower reservoirs in southern Vietnam

Taiwan’s renewable energy push is a combination of ambition, delays, and dependence

The government originally targeted a 2025 electricity mix of 20% renewables, 50% LNG and 30% coal. That target has since quietly slipped, with officials now acknowledging that the 20% renewables goal will likely not be reached until after 2026.

Tehran Energy Exchange prepares to list first solar power plant project fund

2 days ago

Wind and solar overtake coal in Turkey’s power generation for first time - EMBER

3 days ago

Romania seeks to secure €771mn RRF grant tied to renewable energy land reform

3 days ago

Vietnam plans 270MW floating solar across hydropower reservoirs

5 days ago

Taiwan’s renewable energy push is a combination of ambition, delays, and dependence

5 days ago

More bneGREEN

Latest Updates

News

Iran's south-east air defence region says it has shot down an Israeli Orbiter reconnaissance drone over Hormozgan province, with the wreckage recovered by the Hormozgan coast guard.

India’s viral parody political movement, the “Cockroach Janta Party”, says its website has been blocked just days after launching, as its online following continues to surge past 20mn.

More than 80 people have been killed and two remain missing after a gas explosion at a coal mine in central China, officials said, in the country’s deadliest mining disaster since 2009.

Russia has intensified trade restrictions and public warnings over energy pricing against Armenia, as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan steers the country closer to the European Union.

McDonald's Malaysia plans to invest $252mn over five years, opening 100 new restaurants and targeting 30% franchise ownership by 2035, with a focus on East Malaysia expansion.

Tech

Taiwan projects its drone industry will expand massively to manufacture 100,000 units per month by 2030 and export half of them, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on May 21.

Polish IT firms cyber_Folks and Shoper announced plans to join forces, strengthening their position as the leading e-commerce technology provider in CEE. The combined entity's market capitalisation is seen at around €1bn.

Use of facial recognition to be legalised.

Ukraine has tested a balloon-assisted launch system designed to greatly extend the operational range of its intermediate range attack drones and improve its strike capabilities against Russian targets.

Autonomous freight trucks are travelling around 250,000 kilometres each week on Russian federal highways, according to Alexey Raikevich, chief executive of JSC GLONASS, as Moscow accelerates plans to expand driverless logistics operations.

Opinion

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping set out an expansive vision for their bilateral relationship in a joint statement issued during a state visit to Beijing this week, marking 30 years of strategic partnership.

At the least a PR disaster for the UK around its Russia sanctions regime. At the worst the UK has been pushed by Trump’s war on Iran to easing up sanctions on Russia.

The European Union and Azerbaijan are rebuilding relations after years of strain, says a Carnegie Politika analysis.

The fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) will take place on June 16–18, 2026 just as the government floated the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund (UzNIF) on the London Stock Exchange. The economy is booming and FDI is rising fast.

The listing of the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund (UzNIF) on the London Stock Exchange marked a landmark development whose importance extends far beyond a single financial transaction. It signifies a new phase in Uzbekistan’s transformation.

Data

Court order to bring back former CHP leader seems to be part of a divide-and-rule approach.

US paper stock plummeted from $16bn in February to $2bn in March.

The Russian ruble has become the world’s best-performing currency for a second consecutive year, buoyed by high oil revenues, capital controls and tight monetary policy that analysts say have entrenched structural imbalances in the economy.

There will be no real winners in traditional tourism this summer – only airlines, tourist destinations and central banks left counting the cost.

The Warsaw Stock Exchange's blue-chip WIG20 index could approach its all-time highest level set in 2007 if positive sentiment towards banks, fuelled by interest rate hike expectations, steps up, a brokerage director said.

Features

Businesses operating in the Western Balkans say the practical costs of accessing EU markets remain high.

Just a decade ago, the dominant demographic narrative was of "dying Russia" — a population hollowed out by the chaos that followed the Soviet collapse, shrinking through a combination of low birth rates, high mortality and mass emigration.

While not a new concept, the Cockroach Janta Party, has a similar aesthetic quality to the Gen-Z movements that led to political regime changes in India’s neighbouring countries, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Who is going to run out of men sooner and have to end the war? Russia or Ukraine? Much has been made of the slowdown of Russia’s volunteer recruitment drive which is now unable to replace the estimated 30,000 dead and wounded a month.

Indictment, warships, a poisoned chalice of aid: the Trump administration turned every screw on Cuba in a single day. But Cuba is no Venezuela — and Washington may be about to find that out the hard way.

Blogs

Venezuela has begun circulating draft regulations linked to its newly approved hydrocarbons law.

US President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing ends today and he has been forced to eat humble pie after coming out of the gate last year with an extremely aggressive policy on China.

PM Peter Magyar pledged to dismantle the institutional and financial legacy of Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule, with implications beyond Hungary’s borders.

Something has quietly shifted in Russia. Not the social and economic meltdown Western pundits have been confidently predicting almost continuously for the last two decades. But something has changed and the people are not happy.

Mega deals announced by Trump-linked companies brings up concerns over corruption and environmental impact similar to those raised over Chinese and Middle Eastern investments in the past.

bneGREEN

Iran's Energy Exchange is preparing to list the country's first solar power plant project investment fund, with subscription expected to open within a month, the exchange's market development deputy has said.

Wind and solar energy generated more electricity than coal in Turkey for the first time in April 2026, marking a milestone in the country’s energy transition as strong rainfall also boosted hydroelectric output, according to Ember.

Romania is still on track to meet a key Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) milestone linked to a €771mn grant for renewable energy investments, acting Agriculture Minister Tanczos Barna said.

Vietnam’s state-owned power producer EVNGENCO1 has proposed adding 270MW of floating solar capacity across three hydropower reservoirs in southern Vietnam

The government originally targeted a 2025 electricity mix of 20% renewables, 50% LNG and 30% coal. That target has since quietly slipped, with officials now acknowledging that the 20% renewables goal will likely not be reached until after 2026.

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