Global lenders line up to finance North Macedonia’s €1.9bn high-speed rail project

16 international financial institutions and commercial banks have expressed interest in financing the ambitious Corridor X project.

Uzbekistan hits back at UN opinion on jailed daughter of former president Karimov

The government of Uzbekistan has issued a formal response challenging a UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention opinion on the criminal prosecution of Gulnara Karimova, the imprisoned daughter of ex-president Karimov

Saudi Cabinet approves updated foreign property ownership regulations

Saudi Arabia's Cabinet approved updated regulations allowing non-Saudis to own property in specific areas.

World Bank celebrates 75th year in Turkey

On July 7, 1950, the World Bank approved its first loan to Turkey, namely a $3.9mn facility for a grain storage project, the development bank said in a press release for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of its partnership with the country.

Viktor Orban's eldest daughter confirms reports to relocate to US

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's eldest daughter, Rahel Orban, confirmed reports that her family is preparing to relocate to New York, where she will pursue studies in the autumn.

Russian broadcaster RTVI launches in Mali

China reportedly operating Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, as economic ties deepen

China is now operating the former United States military facility at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, The Telegraph reports citing anonymous officials and satellite imagery analyses.

Trump announces tariffs on imports from Serbia and Bosnia

37% import tariffs for Serbia are among the highest globally. 

EC slams Hungary over rule-of-law backsliding in latest report

Hungary has made no progress on key rule-of-law concerns flagged in previous years, according to the European Commission’s latest rule-of-law report released on July 8.

Poland reintroduces border checks with Germany and Lithuania

Government says the measures respond to a growing threat of irregular border crossings.

Bulgaria gets final green light to join eurozone in January 2026

European Council and Parliament back Bulgaria to become the 21st member of the eurozone.

Trump's defence of Bolsonaro sparks diplomatic row with Brazil

Diplomatic tensions between Washington and Brasília escalated sharply on July 7 after US President Donald Trump publicly defended former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly plotting a coup in 2022.

Trump administration grants final window for Venezuelan LPG trade

The US has provided a final grace period for companies to complete liquefied petroleum gas shipments from Venezuela, extending authorisation until September 5 for cargoes loaded before this week's deadline.

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over women's persecution

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani on charges of committing crimes against humanity through the persecution of women and girls.

Ukraine says EU accession talks can proceed without Hungary’s consent

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration says that negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union can begin without the support of Hungary, as only 26 members are needed to start the talks.

Iran finds no evidence of Israeli depleted uranium weapons use

Iran's Nuclear Safety Centre said investigations had found no evidence that Israel had used depleted uranium munitions during the recent 12-day conflict between the two countries.

Trump says Gaza talks "going very well" as he hosts Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Hamas wants to end the 21-month conflict.

Sergei Lavrov lauds Hungarian government’s policy in interview with pro-Orban media

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has lauded the Hungarian government's foreign policy as "balanced and pragmatic", in an interview granted to pro-Orban daily Magyar Nemzet.

Trump to restart weapons deliveries to Ukraine

“We have to,” said US President Donald Trump, announcing that his administration would restart weapons supplies to Ukraine, which is facing intensifying bombardment by Russian missiles.

Albania issues arrest warrants in tax, money laundering probe targeting Bankers Petroleum

Chinese-owned Bankers is the developer of Albania's Patos-Marinza oil field, one of the biggest onshore oil fields in Europe.