News
Americans should know threats against Iran will lead nowhere, Supreme Leader says
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned the United States during his speech to the faithful in northern Tehran.
European Commission launches inquiry over BYD’s Hungarian investment
The European Commission has launched an investigation into whether BYD received unfair state subsidies from China to support the construction of its Hungarian factory.
Slovak PM Fico insists his policies are ‘sovereign’ after not blocking EU’s Ukrainian policy
Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico insisted his policies are “sovereign” after he took part in the EU summit, which he had threatened to boycott earlier.
Hungarian PM vetoes joint declaration at EU summit
"I have vetoed the joint declaration regarding Ukraine because we cannot support any joint position before Hungarians express their opinion on Ukraine's European Union membership," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on March 20 in a video.
Powerful eruption of Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi sparks panic in East Flores
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted violently on the evening of March 20, sending local residents into a panic
Korean opposition to push for impeachment motion against acting president
As South Korea awaits a final ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea is reported to be pushing to impeach acting-President Choi Sang-mok.
Indonesia expands military role in government, protesters clash with police in Jakarta
Indonesia’s parliament has approved a controversial amendment granting military personnel greater access to government positions, despite concerns over its implications for civilian governance.
Turkey’s detention of Imamoglu “depressing” says German chancellor Scholz
“A very, very bad sign” for Turkish democracy, he adds. Erdogan, meanwhile, breaks his silence on the plight of his chief political rival.
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.