South Eastern Europe / News

Protests resume in Serbia over Rio Tinto lithium project

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade July 25, 2025

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in the western Serbian city of Valjevo, reigniting protests against Rio Tinto’s controversial lithium mining project.

Romania avoids downgrade to junk

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest July 25, 2025

S&P affirms Romania’s fragile BBB- rating citing fiscal consolidation measures.

Analyst warns Kosovo risks economic and political isolation as Albania moves closer to EU

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje July 24, 2025

Kosovo may face a return to “hard borders” with Albania and Montenegro within the next five to seven years if current political trends continue.

Kosovo's public broadcaster RTK on verge of collapse as financial crisis deepens

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje July 24, 2025

Broadcasting associations urge the Kosovo government to immediately ensure funding for RTK and safeguard its independence.

Serbia seeks 180-day extension of US sanctions waiver for NIS

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade July 24, 2025

Belgrade has argued that sanctions on NIS would jeopardise energy supply across the Balkans and worsen Serbia's economic outlook.

Hungary holds trilateral talks on construction of new oil pipeline to Serbia with Russia

bne IntelliNews July 23, 2025

Hungary and Serbia are moving ahead with plans to build a new cross-border oil pipeline that could transport up to 5mn tonnes per year of crude, as both countries deepen energy ties with Russia despite EU sanctions.

Serbia facilitated arms transit to Ukraine despite Russian warnings

bne IntelliNews July 23, 2025

Serbia continued to permit arms shipments destined for Ukraine to transit its territory even after receiving direct warnings from Moscow, according to a BIRN investigation.

Nigel Farage proposes sending UK prisoners to El Salvador following Trump model

bne IntelliNews July 23, 2025

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced plans to send British prisoners to El Salvador if he becomes prime minister, mirroring a controversial arrangement between US President Donald Trump and his Salvadoran counterpart Nayib Bukele.

Romanian government plans overhaul of state enterprises to increase transparency

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest July 23, 2025

Reforms are part of broader government effort to support urgently needed fiscal consolidation measures.

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc detained in Greece over $1bn bank fraud case

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest July 23, 2025

Plahotniuc has been under international investigation for his alleged involvement in Moldova’s infamous $1bn bank fraud scandal.

Minth to invest nearly €2bn in new automotive plants across Serbia

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade July 22, 2025

Serbia is emerging as a manufacturing base for global automotive and EV producers thanks to its improving macroeconomic conditions and pro-investment policies.

Romania signs €2bn air defence agreement with Israel’s Rafael

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest July 22, 2025

The SHORAD and VSHORAD systems are critical components in Romania’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Serbia and Hungary advance plans for joint oil pipeline by 2027

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade July 21, 2025

Planned 128-kilometre pipeline will link Serbia to the Druzhba pipeline network via Hungary.

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