News
Snake Island liberated, but Moscow accuses Ukraine of spreading fake news
Ukraine has reclaimed the famed Snake Island in the Black Sea, but the battle continues in the information sphere as Russia accuses Kyiv of spreading disinformation about the island’s liberation.
Protesters march in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan to defend right to secession
Rare show of public dissent prompted by Uzbekistan’s ongoing constitutional reforms.
New Putin decree could force foreign stakeholders out of Sakhalin-2 gas project
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that will transfer all rights and obligations of the Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project to a new Russian entity, in effect giving the Kremlin the power to nationalise foreigners' stakes.
CJEU finds Lithuania’s migrant policies violate EU law
Laws that prevent irregular migrants from applying for asylum and put them in automatic detention are contrary to European directives, rules European Court of Justice.
Volvo to build €1.2bn new assembly plant for electric cars in Slovakia
Slovakia – already the world's largest car manufacturer per capita – wins a fifth big car plant.
Russia threatens to sever diplomatic relations with Bulgaria over diplomat expulsions
Russian ambassador in Sofia says that Moscow may cut diplomatic ties with Nato member Bulgaria after Sofia rejected ultimatum to cancel expulsion of 70 diplomats.
Poland’s tweaks to judiciary reforms do not yet meet EU criteria, says Jourova
Poland has not yet met the milestones set by the Commission in order to receive €36bn in grants and loans from the EU’s pandemic recovery fund, says Commission vice-president.
Slovak government approves €1.6bn purchase of armoured vehicles from Sweden
The need for modern infantry fighting vehicles has become even more pressing since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Macron says compromise found for Sofia-Skopje dispute
North Macedonia urged to accept French proposal that would unlock its EU accession progress and that of neighbouring Albania.
_1656614618.jpg)
As Turkey gets Biden backing for F-16s, Greece steals Erdogan thunder by moving for F-35s
Turkish president says objections to Sweden and Finland joining Nato were all about terrorists and militants. Analysis still suggests a bigger issue in play is the autocrat’s determination to get his hands on warplanes.
Serbians turn against EU accession, pick Putin as favourite world leader
Poll shows 51% of Serbs would vote against joining the EU, while overwhelming 80% are against joining sanctions on Russia.
Belgrade accuses Kosovo of ‘threatening war’ with new entry rules for Serbs
PM Albin Kurti announces controversial new rules for crossing the border into Kosovo with Serbian ID cards and licence plates.
Belarus will make its Eurobond payments in Belarusian rubles
Belarus' Council of Ministers adopted a decree to service its eurobonds in Belarusian rubles after Minsk struggled to pay its debts through international clearing and depository systems.
Belarus could execute over 60 people on terrorism charges
Following the recent amendments to its law on the death penalty, Belarus could execute over 60 people on terrorist charges.
Albania ranked among world’s top cannabis producers
Despite government efforts to wipe out cannabis plantations, UNODC lists Albania seventh worldwide for cultivation and distribution of the drug.
PPF group confirms plans to sell Chinese operations
Czech investment group also says it is looking at acquisition opportunities in telecommunications, probably involving a merger with another financial or investment partner.
Uzbekistan hit twice in a week by Ukraine war sanctions
Tashkent loses bank deal and suffers blow as company accused by US of supplying microchips to Russian military-industrial complex.
Nato agrees 'fundamental shift' to counter Russia
Security alliance’s leaders agree a big increase in troop deployments on its Eastern Flank, more help for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression, and a new Strategic Concept.
Bulgaria a step closer to early election as Socialists pull out of coalition talks
Pro-Moscow BSP says it won't continue talks on a new coalition with outgoing PM Kiril Petkov's Change Continues after mass expulsion of Russian diplomats.
Czech energy company CEZ switches away from Russian nuclear fuel
CEZ signs contract with US nuclear power technology company Westinghouse and French Framatome.
