Baltic States
EU to soften gas storage rules to avoid price spikes
EU member states are considering softening the bloc’s binding gas storage targets in order to avoid sending gas prices soaring again ahead of what is anticipated to be a difficult year.
Estonia’s Social Democrats kicked out of government
Current ruling coalition continues as a two-party government with Reform and Eesti 200 holding a narrow majority of 52 seats in the parliament.
EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup
What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.
EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine
EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.
EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit
EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.
Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.
Can Emerging European countries afford to rearm?
As European countries face a pressing need to rearm amid fears the US may pull back from its security commitments, an EBRD report shows higher defence spending is already putting pressure on public finances.
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Chinese threat to submarine cables emerges in Indo-Pacific
Taiwan's coast guard detained the Hong Tai 168, a Chinese-owned freighter, on suspicion of severing an undersea communications cable off its western coast. The incident is suspected to be part of China's "grey zone" tactics.
Relief in Emerging Europe at AfD’s election defeat, but concern over party's gains
Mainstream politicians across Central and Southeast Europe have expressed relief at the outcome of Germany's general election, which saw the far-right Alternative for Germany make gains but ultimately fall short of securing victory.
Potential US troop withdrawal from Europe to leave Kosovo exposed
Fears US may consider withdrawing its troops from Europe, including Kosovo, if Trump and Putin reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
Iraqi migrants face trial in Russia after EU-border jump to Latvia
Twenty-three men from Iraq's Kurdistan Region are awaiting trial in Russia following their detention at European Union borders, with one illegal migrant reportedly dying in custody.
Kaliningrad becomes an energy island after Baltic States cut Russian grid connection
The Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea has become an energy island after the Baltics States cut themselves off from the Soviet-era BRELL power grid on February 8, thus becoming vulnerable to sanctions.