News
EU allies prepared to back Moldova’s EU accession bid without Ukraine if Hungary’s veto not lifted
EU member states most supportive of Ukraine are ready to move forward with accession talks for Moldova without Ukraine, if Hungary continues to block progress for Kyiv.
Hungarian Commissioner delays EU plan to curb Russian energy dependence
Hungary's EU Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi raised a last-minute objection to delay the approval of the EU's roadmap for ending the bloc's Russian energy reliance.
Romania’s PM Ciolacu resigns
Political instability looms as no new government expected until presidential election runoff between far-right George Simion and pro-EU reformer Nicusur Dan.
Hungary's Fiscal Council raises red flag over government 2026 draft budget plans
Hungary's Fiscal Council has raised concerns over the government's draft budget for 2026, warning that it rests on overly optimistic growth assumptions and contains multiple risks.
First commercial flight arrives in Georgia’s separatist Abkhazia region after 33 years
Tbilisi protested over resumption of "illegal" direct flights from Moscow to Sokhumi.
Israel launches airstrikes on Yemen port city
Israel has carried out airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeida, a day after the unrecognised Yemeni regime launched a missile that hit Israel's main airport a day earlier.
Iran bans skateboards and scooters in public spaces
Iran has officially banned the use of skates, skateboards and scooters in public spaces, a move that authorities argue is necessary to ensure road safety and prevent accidents.
Turkey’s opposition leader assaulted in Istanbul
Sequence of events led to Ozgur Ozel departing funeral via front door, where he was attacked in front of camera crews.
Brazilian police foil bomb plot targeting Lady Gaga's 2mn people Rio concert
Brazilian police have thwarted what they described as a planned bomb attack at Lady Gaga's free concert on Copacabana Beach, which attracted a record-breaking crowd of 2.1mn people on May 3.
Iran unveils new ballistic missile, vows to respond to Israeli aggression
Iran's upgraded missile can now target 1,200km without the need for GPS, the country claims.
Israel to respond against Yemen for missile on Tel Aviv airport
Israel is preparing to retaliate against a Yemeni missile attack that targeted Ben-Gurion Airport on May 5, following a security cabinet decision.
George Simion takes decisive lead in Romanian presidential election first round
AUR leader Simion took over 40% of the vote in the first round, giving him a strong chance of victory in the runoff.
Press freedom declines sharply in several Balkan countries
Declines reported in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania in the latest global ranking from Reporters Without Borders.
Hungary requests activation of national escape clause
Hungary is one of a dozen EU members to have formally requested the activation of the national escape clause under the bloc's Stability and Growth Pact, according to a statement by the European Commission.
Romanian nationalist politician Simion is strong frontrunner in presidential election first round
A win for AUR leader George Simion could lead to political instability and alter Romania’s stance on regional issues, including the war in Ukraine.
Serbian president stable after falling ill during US visit
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was briefly hospitalised in Belgrade on May 3 after abruptly cutting short a visit to the United States due to health concerns.
Singapore election outcome a ‘clear signal of trust, stability and confidence’, says PM Lawrence Wong
Wong says strong mandate strengthens Singapore’s position amid global uncertainty.
Albanese defies ‘incumbency curse’ with a landslide re-election in Australia
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defied expectations and the so-called “incumbency curse” to secure a resounding second-term victory, with his centre-left Labor Party predicted to secure a landslide victory.
Turkey pushes up exporter obligation to sell FX to central bank to 35% of revenues
Since detention of Erdogan's main political rival Imamoglu, government has struggled to ease pressure on the lira.
Turkey’s interference with judiciary has deepened, says Amnesty report
Erdogan regime continues to simply ignore local court and European court rulings that it does not like.