News
North Macedonia mourns as 59 victims of Kocani nightclub fire laid to rest
Investigations have revealed the Pulse nightclub lacked basic safety measures and a valid operating permit, sparking outrage in North Macedonia.
Turkey signals panic with emergency rate hike
With markets shaken by detention of Erdogan rival Imamoglu, the central bank has made a surprise move. The trouble is the system is flooded with excess lira liquidity.
Serbian biotech Dren Bio sold to Sanofi for $1.9bn
Acquisition highlights the growing international recognition of innovations emerging from the Southeast Europe region.
Germany reopens Damascus embassy after 13-year closure
Germany has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria's civil war, as Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Europe needs "eyes and ears" on the ground during Syria's political transition.
Chevron presses Trump for Venezuela oil licence reprieve
Chevron is mounting a last-ditch effort to salvage its Venezuelan operations by engaging in intense lobbying at the highest levels of the US government.
Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei names 1404 "Year of Investment for Production" in Nowruz address
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has designated the new Persian year 1404 as the "Year of Investment for Production" in his annual Nowruz message.
French citizen Olivier Grondeau freed after 880 days in Iranian prison
Iran has released French citizen Olivier Grondeau after more than 880 days of imprisonment on the first day Persian new year Nowruz.
International responses to Turkish authorities’ move against Imamoglu slow in coming
Neither Europe nor US appear to have much to say about the detention of the man seen as Erdogan's potential nemesis.
Hungary's State Audit Office files criminal complaint over operation of National Bank foundations
Hungary's State Audit Office has filed a criminal complaint over multiple suspected offences related to the financial management of the foundations controlled by the National Bank.
Three main candidates emerge in race for Romania’s presidency
Bucharest mayor Nicusur Dan, the ruling coalition's candidate Crin Antonescu and far-right AUR leader George Simion are the most likely to make it to the second round of Romania's May presidential election.
Trump proposes taking control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants
President Trump has proposed that the US assume control of Ukraine's nuclear power plants to safeguard the country's energy infrastructure as part of a ceasefire plan, the president said during a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.
Brazil's Lula seeks to boost popularity with income tax cuts for middle class
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has unveiled a plan to exempt workers earning less than BRL5,000 ($880) monthly from income tax, fulfilling a key campaign promise as he struggles with low approval ratings.
Serbian president has dinner with Nato chief in Brussels
Meeting comes at a time of rising political tensions in the Balkans, particularly in Bosnia.
North Macedonia to close over 80% of nightclubs after fatal fire
Inspections of nightclubs and discotheques launched after a deadly fire at the Pulse club in Kocani revealed serious regulatory violations.
Severe floods in Morowali, Indonesia tied to nickel mining expansion
Heavy rains and strong winds battered Bahodopi Sub-district, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, on March 17, triggering severe flooding in Lalampu and Labota villages.
China stalls BYD's Mexican electric vehicle plant approval over US tech concerns
Beijing is delaying approval for carmaker BYD to build a plant in Mexico amid concerns that the smart car technology developed by China's biggest electric vehicle maker could leak across the border to the US, the FT reported.
Markets discuss whether Imamoglu detention endangers Turkey’s attempt at economic turnaround
Big sell-off seen in local currency bond curve.
Thousands of students defy authorities to protest on Istanbul University campus against Imamoglu arrest
Reports of angry crowds in metro stations chanting anti-government slogans. Big crowd rallies outside city hall.
Gerb leader Borissov suggests Bulgarian government to struggle on until end-July
Bulgaria's four-party coalition lost its majority when seats were reallocated in parliament.
Trump sets two-month deadline for Iran nuclear deal amid Houthi warnings
US President Donald Trump has given Iran a two-month deadline to reach a new nuclear deal while simultaneously warning Tehran to immediately cease its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen.