News

European Court of Auditors flags concerns over EU's €6bn package for Western Balkans

bne IntelliNews February 15, 2024

ECA says better protection measures are needed to safeguard the additional EU funds to help the region's progress towards EU accession.

Bulgaria and Romania to revive €6bn Danube hydropower project

bne IntelliNews February 14, 2024

Neighbouring countries are updating old plans to build a major new hydropower plant on the Danube between Nikopol and Turnu Magurele.

Balkan governments mull military service amid regional and global tensions

bne IntelliNews February 14, 2024

Politicians in Croatia, Romania and Serbia have all discussed a potential move to a form of military service.

Polish farmers to step up protests by “complete blockade” of Ukrainian border

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw. February 14, 2024

Protests put Poland’s government in a precarious position ahead of local elections in April.

Romanian government blocks sale of Fondul Proprietatea’s stakes in Bucharest Airports, Constanta port and Salrom

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest February 14, 2024

Fondul Proprietatea fund manager Franklin Templeton aimed to sell stakes in three major portfolio companies.

Protesting Bulgarian farmers flood Sofia streets with milk

bne IntelliNews February 14, 2024

Bulgarian government signs agreement with two agricultural groups but other farmers hold out for higher subsidies and the resignation of Agriculture Minister Kiril Vatev.

Tusk says PiS government “100% purchased and used” Pegasus spyware

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw February 13, 2024

Ruling party claims its onetime election chief was spied on, as well as former prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

US 'hijacking' Venezuelan aeroplane, Iran says

bne correspondent in Tehran & Beunos Aires February 13, 2024

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the United States' "unjust seizure" of the Venezuelan plane is illegal and violates the basic principles of the UN Charter and International law

EU may sanction Chinese companies for the first time for facilitating Russia’s flourishing trade with friendly countries

bne IntelliNews February 13, 2024

The EU is contemplating the unprecedented step of imposing sanctions on three Chinese companies alleged to be aiding Russia's military actions against Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.

Austria mulls how to break free from Russian gas

Newsbase February 13, 2024

Austrian Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler said the government would look to end national gas company OMV’s long-term gas supply deal with Gazprom.

Iranian government targets cryptominers amid bitcoin rally

bne correspondent in Tehran February 13, 2024

Iran Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Company (Tavanir) is set to launch a new initiative to tackle unauthorised cryptomining amid the surge in cryptocurrency values and foreign exchange rates.

Ukrainian sugar industry at risk as EU mulls import curbs

bne IntelliNews February 13, 2024

The Ukrainian sugar industry faces a dire threat as the EU considers imposing restrictions on sugar exports from Ukraine, potentially leading to the closure of sugar factories, warns the National Association of Sugar Producers.

New details emerge on presidential pardon in paedophile cover-up case rocking Hungarian politics

Tamas Csonka in Budapest February 13, 2024

Zoltan Balog, former head of Reformed Church, alleged to be prime mover behind controversial pardon.

Pashinyan refuses to guarantee Putin's non-arrest if he visits Armenia

bne IntelliNews February 13, 2024

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has refused to give any assurances regarding the possible arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a possible visit to Armenia, following the country's recent accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Tusk visits Berlin to fix ties as risks of Trump’s return looms larger

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw February 12, 2024

Polish premier’s meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron will enable Tusk to announce Warsaw’s return to the centre of EU politics.

Magyar Suzuki reaches 4 millionth vehicle milestone

bne IntelliNews February 11, 2024

Japanese carmaker Suzuki marked the production of its 4 millionth vehicle, a Vitara GLX, at its plant in Esztergom, northern Hungary.

Orban sacrifices president and former justice minister in paedophile cover-up case

Tamas Csonka in Budapest February 11, 2024

Hungarian premier loses his top female henchmen to quell one of his regime's biggest crises.

Bosnian government makes push to adopt laws needed to unblock EU membership talks

bne IntelliNews February 11, 2024

Sarajevo warned it has just six weeks to adopt four key laws in order to get a green light for accession talks.

Fico’s coalition pushes judicial overhaul through Slovak parliament

Albin Sybera in Prague February 9, 2024

Legislative changes now likely to go to Constitutional Court and be reviewed by Brussels.

Orban tries to calm outcry over president’s pardon in paedophile case

Tamas Csonka in Budapest February 9, 2024

The scandal has wrecked the ruling Fidesz party's carefully burnished image as a defender of the family and children against Western Europen "gender ideologies".

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