News
Tensions rise over peace treaty talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia
Reports of ceasefire violations along the border have intensified, further complicating the fragile peace process.
Poll shows Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan most likely to win Romanian presidential election
Latest poll indicates Dan will face George Simion or another far-right challenger in the second round of Romania's May election — but political volatility makes the outcome hard to predict.
Hungarian lawmakers move legislation in fast-track vote to ban Pride March
Hungary's parliament has approved an expedited procedure to pass legislation that would effectively ban Pride marches, with a final vote expected on March 18.
_Cropped_0.jpg)
Red Sea tensions escalate as US and Houthis launch attacks
The US and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched fresh attacks amid growing concerns over the safety of Red Sea shipping routes.
Hungarian PM seems to backtrack from controversial "bedbug" analogy after uproar
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban offered a retrospective "interpretation" of his controversial speech on March 15, in which he referred to political opponents, judges, journalists and civil activists as bedbugs, causing widespread outrage.
Serbia invites FBI to investigate use of sonic weapon at protest
Videos posted social media show protesters scattering after a loud sound, with some speculating that it was caused by a sonic cannon.
Putin extends diplomatic lifeline to Venezuela's Maduro in Victory Day invitation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to Moscow's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, celebrating the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Former Georgian president Saakashvili gets a further 4.5 years in prison for illegal border crossing
Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia from 2004-13, has been found guilty of illegally crossing the Georgian border in September 2021 and sentenced to four years and six months in jail by the Tbilisi City Court.
US pays El Salvador $6mn to house Venezuelan gang members in controversial prison deal
El Salvador has received 238 alleged members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang and 23 MS-13 members from the United States, establishing what analysts describe as an unprecedented model of cross-border incarceration services.
Nightclub fire sparks violent protests in North Macedonia
Fury over systemic corruption as nightclub where 59 died in fire revealed to be operating without even minimal safety standards.
Only rich people should be allowed to own cryptocurrency, Russia says
The Central Bank of Russia has proposed restricting cryptocurrency transactions to the wealthiest individuals, preventing most citizens from trading digital assets unless they meet stringent financial criteria.
Iran releases opposition leader Karroubi from house arrest after 14 years
Iran's judiciary has ordered the release of Mehdi Karroubi, an 87-year-old green movement leader who had been under house arrest for 14 years, expected in April, according to his son.
Ecuador's oil future at a crossroads as presidential candidates seek divergent paths
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa's plan to revitalise the country's largest oil field appears to be unravelling amid his challenging re-election campaign ahead of the April 13 runoff vote.
Hezbollah attack on journalists on border condemned by new Syrian regime
Syria's newly reformed Ministry of Information has condemned the direct targeting of a group of journalists and Al-Arabiya journalists.
Russia demands its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of ceasefire deal
Russia will insist on its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of any ceasefire deal to end the conflict in Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in remarks published on March 17.
Azerbaijan expands crackdown on government critics at home and abroad
The Azerbaijani authorities have targeted political dissidents both inside the country and abroad, initiating criminal proceedings and issuing official summons for several prominent government critics.
Viktor Orban vows to crack down on media, judiciary, NGOs in holiday speech
Viktor Orban delivered a combative speech promising an Easter cleanup of “bedbugs”, referring to journalists, judges, opposition forces and NGOs critical of the government.
EU to soften gas storage rules to avoid price spikes
EU member states are considering softening the bloc’s binding gas storage targets in order to avoid sending gas prices soaring again ahead of what is anticipated to be a difficult year.
Croatia risks losing tourists as prices surge
Tourism Minister Tonci Glavina warns price hikes for taxis, beach bars and restaurants risk driving tourists away especially if quality doesn't keep up.
Serbians call for systemic change at country's largest-ever protest
Around 300,000 people flooded the streets of Belgrade in an unprecedented display of discontent with President Aleksandar Vucic's government.