News
Opium output down in Afghanistan as synthetic drug trade increases: UN
Afghanistan’s opium cultivation fell sharply this year, yet the United Nations has warned that the country’s illicit economy is increasingly shifting towards synthetic drugs.
Serbia plans record spending ahead of Expo 2027
2026 budget prioritises infrastructure investments linked to the government’s Leap into the Future – Serbia 2027 programme.
Turkey arrests directors of fuel retailer TP after SOCAR complaint
Police describe around 18,500 tonnes of fuel as "missing".
Poland plans to become US gas hub to supply Slovakia and Ukraine
Poland will seek to become a regional distribution centre for American gas to supply neighbouring Slovakia and Ukraine, President Andrzej Nawrocki said while on a visit to Bratislava.
Bulgaria moves to seize Lukoil refinery to shield it from US sanctions
Bulgaria is preparing to take control of Russian oil company Lukoil’s Burgas refinery, the country’s only oil-processing facility, to protect it from US sanctions.
Lebanon faces year-end deadline for $250mn World Bank reconstruction loan
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber warns delays raise concerns funding could be cancelled if the loan is not approved by December 31.
Telefónica pulls out of its last Spanish-speaking markets in Latin America
Telefónica SA has entered a decisive phase of restructuring, marking a retreat from Latin America’s Spanish-speaking markets as it consolidates operations in Europe and Brazil.
Defence firms replace IT companies as key driver of Ukraine’s office real estate market
Ukraine has become an increasingly important hub for international defence firms seeking to co-develop and test weapons systems, finds consultancy UTG.
Nigeria's Ondo State announces $50bn investment framework for proposed 500,000bpd refinery, free trade zone
Ondo State signed a $50bn investment agreement with a consortium of international firms, including China Harbour Engineering Company and Honeywell OUP, to build a 500,000-bpd refinery and develop a 1,471-hectare free trade zone.
Nato chief downplays US troop withdrawal, reaffirms commitment to Romania
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
Azerbaijan has lifted all post-war restrictions on freight transit to Armenia.
Serbia braces for clashes as Kosovo Serbs join protests in Belgrade
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
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
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
Ashgabat building Caspian power plant.
Singapore introduces new law on caning with harsher penalties to combat scammers
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
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
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
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
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.