Croatia
EXCLUSIVE: Cyprus acts as a “third force” in EU sanctions extension vote
EU presidency chair Cyprus has changed its stance on lifting EU sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and now opposes it due to historical disputes with Turkey, a bne IntelliNews source familiar with the Coreper discussions in the EU.
Europe looks on in disbelief as US appropriates its weapons for Iran war
European allies are looking on in disbelief and growing concern as the US appropriates weapons they've paid for use in the Operation Epic Fury that started on February 28.
IntelliNews Lambda: Europe’s gas storage drawdown slows as heating season ends, but EU will struggle to refill tanks this summer
Europe’s gas market is emerging from a difficult winter in its weakest position for years after a sharp acceleration in withdrawals from January, triggered by the “big freeze”, left storage levels well below their long-term norm.
Norway rare earth discovery could reshape Europe’s supply chains
A rare earth deposit discovered in Norway is about 80% larger than initially estimated, potentially making it one of the world’s biggest sources of the critical minerals used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence systems.
Croatia proposes nuclear energy law to boost low-carbon power by 2040
The government aims to nearly the double share of nuclear power in electricity generation in the next 15 years.
Croatia’s Bosqar Invest posts record 2025 results
Group says results reflect Bosqar’s success in capturing growth in sectors vital to addressing demographic change, digitalisation and rising food demand, with revenues growing 66% y/y in 2025.
Italy calls for suspension of EU carbon market in escalation of climate policy fight
Italy has called for the European Union to suspend its flagship Emissions Trading System (ETS), intensifying pressure on Brussels to overhaul the bloc’s cornerstone climate policy amid mounting industrial unrest.
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EU Commission triggers provisional application of Mercosur trade pact
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on February 27 that Brussels would provisionally implement the controversial trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur.
Watchdog warns EU climate policy risks capture by corporate lobbying
Europe’s climate agenda risks becoming a “lobbyists’ playground” as industry groups are capturing control over changes to the EU’s green legislation, according to a watchdog report cited by Euronews on February 25.
MOL gives ultimatum to Janaf and warns of legal steps in Russian oil dispute
MOL Group claims EU sanctions rules allow Russian oil shipments if the Druzhba pipeline cannot operate for reasons beyond the country’s control.
EBRD lifts growth outlook as regional economies prove resilient to trade tensions
Growth in Emerging Europe and other EBRD regions of operations projected to reach 3.6% in 2026, helped by stronger than expected external demand, EBRD chief economist Beata Javorcik tells bne IntelliNews.
Hungary to block €90bn EU loan for Ukraine until oil transit via Druzhba pipeline resumes
PM Viktor Orban accused Ukraine of preventing the transit of cheap Russian oil to Hungary, creating what he described as an energy security threat.
Croatia unveils €1.68bn climate social plan targeting vulnerable households
Funding aimed at vulnerable households, energy-poor citizens and small businesses facing higher costs from the green transition.
Central Europe's new convergence challenge
As consumption led growth fades, Poland is betting on investment to catch up with the UK.
Hungary cuts fuel supply to Ukraine, accuses Kyiv of political blackmail by delaying resumption of crude deliveries
Hungary has accused Ukraine of trying to create an oil crisis by deliberately delaying the restart of Druzhba pipeline deliveries, a move Budapest claims is direct interference in Hungary's upcoming general election.
Czech minister of industry offers Slovakia oil supplies via Druzhba pipeline
Slovakia's oil supplies via the Russian Druzhba have been disrupted since the end of January, following Russia’s military operations in the east of Ukraine.
Croatia’s PM condemns far-right chant by coalition MP, but says government remains stable
Josip Dabro of the rightwing Homeland Movement was filmed singing a song that glorifies Ante Pavelić, the leader of the Nazi-backed Ustaša regime.
Von der Leyen proposes beefing up the EU’s own Article 5 collective security deal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed beefing up the EU’s own Article 5-like collective security deal, Article 42/7 of the EU founding treaty, that acts like Nato's Article 5 clause.
Europe calls for defence autonomy as Munich conference exposes widening Washington, Brussels gap
Europe’s elite gathered at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and laid out plans to boost their security autonomy from the US but pleaded with the White House not to abandon Nato completely.
Croatia’s Iskra Shipyard wins €17.5mn contract to build coastal patrol vessel for interior ministry
Croatia’s Iskra Shipyard Šibenik has secured a €17.5mn contract to build a new 35‑metre coastal patrol vessel for the country’s interior ministry, with the ship to be home‑ported in Split.