South Eastern Europe / News
Bulgaria enforces dual pricing ahead of 2026 euro adoption
Tough penalties for businesses that fail to display prices in euro and lev as euro adoption date approaches.
World Bank projects growth upturn for Western Balkans from 2027
But region needs to focus on job creation and reforms to catch up with average EU living standards within the next 40 years.
Romania's Electrica seeks shareholder approval to borrow €1bn for acquisitions
State-controlled electricity utility group is eyeing acquisitions including Distribuție Energie Oltenia, currently owned by Macquarie.
Austria and Slovenia advocate qualified majority voting to unblock EU enlargement
Dropping unanimity requirement could accelerate the accession process for Ukraine, Moldova and potentially Western Balkans, but faces opposition from within the EU.
Rifts on show at EU-Western Balkan summit in Albania
Differences apparent over EU reform as well as friction between Serbia and Kosovo.
Russia struggles to restore gas payments to Moldova’s separatist Transnistria region
Russia is seeking a new intermediary to facilitate payments for natural gas deliveries to Transnistria after European banks reportedly blocked financial transfers routed through Dubai.
Judge shot dead in Albanian courtroom
A man on trial opened fire in a courtroom in Tirana, killing a judge Astrit Kalaja and injuring two other people.
Serbia reaffirms EU commitment as accession talks stall over foreign policy
Officials in Belgrade acknowledged that accession talks have slowed amid pressure on the country to align with the EU's Russia sanctions.
Moldova's election commission seeks to disqualify PPDA party over undisclosed social media campaign
PPDA is accused of using a network of fake social media accounts to disseminate campaign materials ahead of the September 28 general election.
Croatia prepares to reintroduce military service in response to Europe's new security situation
Reintroduction of military service 17 years after it was abolished reflects altered security conditions across Europe, defence minister says.
Croatia ready to scale up FPV drone production to millions annually, defence minister says
Defence Minister Ivan Anusic says Croatia has positioned itself as a leading country within Nato for FPV drone production.
European leaders caught on video mocking Trump for confusing Albania with Armenia
Video shows Albania’s Edi Rama joking with French President Emmanuel Macron and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev at EPC summit over US president’s repeated geographic blunders.
Bosnia adopts reform agenda to unlock EU funds
Bosnia could secure up to €917mn in EU funding after adopting the reform agenda, though the country has already forfeited about €108mn due to delays.
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EU presses ahead with December signing of divisive Mercosur deal
The European Commission is gearing up to sign its contentious trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur on December 5 in Brazil, possibly sealing the fate of an accord that has languished in negotiations for more than a quarter-century.
Bulgaria aims to become regional leader in small modular reactors, says energy minister
Bulgaria will leverage its favourable geographical location and diverse energy mix, Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov said.
Romanian cold cuts producer Cris-Tim confirms Bucharest IPO plans
Cris-Tim Family Holding is one of the largest meat processors and ready meal producers in Romania.
Moldova aims for rapid EU accession process after PAS election victory
Ruling PAS has set the goal of completing EU accession chapters by 2028, before the next general election.
Russia could use UN Security Council presidency to destabilise Bosnia, ISW warns
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia will use its United Nations Security Council presidency to “review the implementation of the Dayton Accords”, indicating Kremlin aims to create instability in the Balkans.
Bulgarian transport inspectors detained for demanding bribes from Robbie Williams concert trucks
Bulgarian inspectors stopped UK-registered trucks carrying equipment for Robbie Williams' Sofia concert and reportedly requested cash before allowing them to proceed.
Preliminary results show pro-EU PAS keeps its majority in Moldova
PAS victory will allow Moldova to continue work towards EU accession and keep dream of joining by 2028 alive.