Features
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Turkey is run by mobsters, says film director Fatih Akin in Cannes interview
Award winner speaks out in response to jailing of his manager Ayse Barim in move observers see as part of regime’s preparation for the “Imamoglu operation”.
So what is at stake in Polish elections?
Whoever will emerge victorious on Sunday, his term will sooner or later become underpinned by the political conflict that has defined Poland for 20 years now.
Is Kazakhstan guilty of “resource nationalism” in pursuing massive revenue claims against oil majors?
Efforts put into play by new generation of political elites “talk to ‘gut’ of people”, says one observer.
Ukrainian startup FortuneGuard dominates war risk insurance market
A Kyiv-based start-up has emerged as Ukraine’s leading provider of war risk insurance, launching a facility backed by Lloyd’s of London and now preparing to expand to become an international player.
Polish farmers call for sanctions to stop a flood of Russian cucumber imports
The cucumber rules supreme in the cuisine of Eastern Europe. No salad is complete without a humble cucumber, which is a staple on any kitchen table across the region. But now a cucumber war has broken out between Poland and Russia.
INTERVIEW: Being small and agile is an advantage in turbulent times, says Slovenia’s finance minister
Slovenia is one of Europe’s smallest countries, but Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič tells bne IntelliNews that gives the country an edge in today’s fast-changing global environment.
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INTERVIEW: Bosqar Invest founder says EU needs new focus on creating global champions
Europe must back scale-up companies to compete with US and China, Stjepan Orešković tells bne IntelliNews.
Russia escalates drone and missile strikes on Ukraine as EU and US weigh stronger response
Russia launched more than 900 drones and dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities over a three-day period starting on May 23 in a devastating barrage, killing at least six people and injuring 24 others, Ukrainian authorities report.
Ukraine risks €2bn EU funding cut over unmet reform benchmarks, EU trade relations in limbo
Ukraine risks losing up to €2bn in European Union financial support after missing four EU chapter reform targets required under the Ukraine Facility programme in the first quarter of the year. Trade relations with the EU are also in limbo.
COMMENT: Why Japan-China relations remain key to Asian economic and regional stability
While headlines often dwell on the China-United States rivalry or regional disputes in the South China Sea, it is Sino-Japanese relations that may well determine the trajectory of Asia’s economic prosperity.
Ukraine’s two biggest EU export-earners of corn and metals falling in 2025 as tariff-free deal set to expire
The exports of two of Ukraine’s biggest export earners, corn and metal, are falling, which will squeeze the already cash strapped government and make a €20bn trade deficit with the EU worse in 2025.
Iraq secures return of three rare ancient artefacts from New York
The Embassy of Iraq in Washington announced the recovery of three rare artefacts from New York, marking another step in the country's efforts to protect its cultural heritage.
Poland’s WIG index climbs 28.6% in 2025 on Ukraine peace hopes and economic stability
The Warsaw Stock Exchange’s (WSE) benchmark WIG index has gained 28.6% since the beginning of 2025, outperforming major global markets amid investor optimism over a potential peace settlement in Ukraine.
Vietnam rising - the future powerhouse of Southeast Asia
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, there is strong reason to believe that Vietnam will not just keep pace with Southeast Asia's leading economies – it may well outstrip most of them in influence and innovation.
Lee VS Kim; a look at South Korea’s leading presidential candidates on foreign policy issues
Whichever way it goes, the result of the presidential election in Korea will play a crucial role in shaping both South Korea and the wider East Asia region’s geopolitical landscape for the foreseeable future.
LONG READ: Wanderlust wins: Russia’s travel boom defies the times
Russia’s $50bn+ tourism industry has been one unexpected beneficiary of the war in Ukraine.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
Thailand: Southeast Asia’s sleeping tiger
While countries like Indonesia and Vietnam stride forward, Thailand seems to be treading water, encumbered by internal strife, inconsistent foreign policy, and economic inertia.
Russia pushes to grow its influence in Africa’s nuclear future
Russia, under sanctions from the West over the war in Ukraine, is using nuclear partnerships to grow its influence in Africa.
Viktor Orban makes huge political misstep in supporting Simion, Hungarian analyst says
The outcome has been a defeat for Viktor Orban as ethnic Hungarians overwhelmingly supported the pro-European candidate, Nicusor Dan.