News

Nato chief downplays US troop withdrawal, reaffirms commitment to Romania

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest November 6, 2025

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to ease concerns over the recent withdrawal of a US infantry brigade from Romania.

First Russian wheat train reaches Armenia via Azerbaijan as Baku-Tbilisi route reopens after decades

Cavid Aga in Warsaw November 6, 2025

Azerbaijan has lifted all post-war restrictions on freight transit to Armenia.

Serbia braces for clashes as Kosovo Serbs join protests in Belgrade

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade November 5, 2025

Serbs from Kosovo have arrived in Belgrade after a week-long march, joining pro-government demonstrators calling for an end to over a year of student-led blockades and anti-government protests.

Croatia sees defence industry as key driver of economic growth

bne IntelliNews November 5, 2025

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić says global demand for defence equipment has surged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, creating new openings for Croatia’s high-tech manufacturers.

Pokrovsk update: Russia controls half the city in a chaotic battle

Ben Aris in Berlin November 5, 2025

The battle for Pokrovsk is raging and the Armed Forces of Russia (AFR) have captured half the city, but the situation is very confused. Reports from the city say there is no frontline as the Russians are using a “Brownian motion” tactic.

Turkmenistan reveals electricity export aspirations

Eurasianet November 5, 2025

Ashgabat building Caspian power plant.

Singapore introduces new law on caning with harsher penalties to combat scammers

bno - Surabaya Office November 5, 2025

Singapore has passed a new criminal law that mandates caning as part of the punishment for scam-related crimes, following a surge in financial fraud that has cost the nation nearly $4bn over the past six years.

Foreign companies pay Russia $60bn in taxes since Ukraine invasion

bne IntelliNews November 4, 2025

Foreign companies in Russia paid at least $20bn in taxes in 2024 alone, and cumulative tax payments since early 2022 exceed $60bn.

New members expected to join EU by 2030 as enlargement momentum builds


bne IntelliNews November 4, 2025

Top European Commission officials say admitting new member states to the European Union by 2030 is now a “realistic goal”.

Ex-parliament speaker Konjufca proposed as Kosovo’s next PM in attempt to break deadlock

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje November 4, 2025

Vetëvendosje leader and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has been unable to secure support to form a government since the February general election.

Russia floats missile supplies to Maduro as US pressure mounts

bnl editorial staff November 4, 2025

A prominent Russian lawmaker has suggested that Moscow could supply Venezuela with advanced weapons systems, including the new Oreshnik ballistic missile, as Caracas desperately seeks military assistance amid the escalating US military build-up.

IMF’s Georgieva says Eurozone entry no guarantee of higher living standards for Bulgaria

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade November 4, 2025

Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urged policymakers to stay focused on reforms to boost productivity, competitiveness and income growth ahead of accession in January 2026.

Russia closing the trap as its forces expand control of Pokrovsk

Ben Aris in Berlin November 4, 2025

The stronghold city of Pokrovsk in the heart of the Donbas now risks “becoming a graveyard for Ukraine’s finest,” Euromaidan Press reports as Russian forces expand their control and threaten to encircle hundreds of Ukraine’s best troops.

Czech election winner Babiš signs coalition agreement with SPD and Motorists

bne IntelliNews November 4, 2025

ANO and its partners are poised to form the most rightwing cabinet in the country’s history.

Rheinmetall invests €400mn in propellant powders joint venture in Romania

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest November 4, 2025

Partnership is part of Bucharest’s effort to attract defence investment and expand its domestic industrial capacity.

Hungary, US set to deepen nuclear energy ties during Orbán’s White House visit

bne IntelliNews November 4, 2025

Viktor Orban, seeking to secure a temporary waiver from US sanctions on Russian oil, will propose a pragmatic energy deal to Washington, offering deeper cooperation in the LNG and nuclear sectors.

EU’s Kallas warns Bosnia’s EU accession window could close if reforms stall

bne IntelliNews November 3, 2025

EU officials have repeatedly said that the bloc’s door remains open to Bosnia, but internal political divisions and delayed reforms have slowed progress toward membership.

Serbia moves to fast-track controversial Trump hotel project

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade November 3, 2025

$500mn luxury hotel and residential complex to be built on the site of the former Yugoslav defence ministry in central Belgrade, destroyed during the 1999 Nato bombardment.

Serbian police arrest dozens during clashes outside parliament

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade November 3, 2025

The confrontation erupted when anti-government protesters faced off with ruling party supporters camping opposite the parliament building.

Iran-US ties impossible, Supreme Leader Khamenei declares

bnm Tehran bureau November 3, 2025

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rules out cooperation with United States unless Washington withdraws regional military presence and support for Israel, speaking ahead of 1979 embassy takeover anniversary.

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