News
COMMENT: Israel is attempting to destabilise Syria, split Druze minority
Israel is trying to destabilise Syria with airstrikes near Damascus and is supplying hardliners in the Druze minority with weapons, say analysts.
Albania’s 2025 general election to test democratic institutions
May 11 vote follows changes to the electoral system and the introduction of out-of-country voting, points out OSCE/ODIHR report.
Aid ship to Gaza hit by drone strikes near Malta in international waters
A ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's mission to break Israel's blockade has reportedly been hit by drone strikes in international waters near Malta.
Israeli fighter jets strike targets near the Syrian presidential palace
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) fighter jets conducted a strike adjacent to the area of the Palace of Hussein al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Trump threatens sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil, sending markets soaring
US President Donald Trump on May 1 ratcheted up pressure on Iran, threatening sanctions on any country or individual purchasing Iranian oil or petrochemical products.
Far-right candidate leads Romania presidential race as mainstream rivals battle for runoff spot
AUR leader George Simion tops the polls ahead of Romania’s May 4 presidential election first round.
MOL and TPAO bring upstream partnership to Hungary
Hungarian oil and gas company MOL and Turkish peer TPAO are partnering on hydrocarbon exploration and production in the west of Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said.
Gold mine no cash cow for Kyrgyz government
Revenue sags as gold price soars.
Italy and Europe must raise their voices against coup in Turkey, opposition leader tells Italian daily
Ozgur Ozel gives interview as Turkish president Erdogan, accused of jailing man he knows he can’t beat in an election, visits Rome.
Israel treats injured Syrian Druze, strikes Damascus regime forces
Israel has permitted injured Syrian Druze to enter its territory for medical treatment, as the minority continues to fight against the new Damascus government.
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US, Ukraine sign watered down minerals deal
The governments of Ukraine and the US have signed off on a watered down and much fairer minerals deal, giving US President Donald Trump a PR boost and ensuring Kyiv will continue to have some access to US support on April 30.
ECLAC cuts Latin America growth forecast amid global uncertainties
The UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has downgraded its 2025 growth forecast to 2%, adding to a chorus of international institutions painting a bleak outlook for the region.
Putin and Lukashenko speak on Union State ties and united historical memory at Volgograd forum
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political and economic integration between their two countries.
Israel faces major wildfires in Jerusalem hills as authorities evacuate villages
Multiple wildfires are spreading rapidly through the Jerusalem hills area, forcing evacuations, closing major highways, and prompting Israel to request international firefighting assistance.
Russia proposes joint aviation venture with Belarus as part of expanded industrial cooperation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to establish a joint aviation enterprise with Belarusian specialists as part of deepening industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Trinidad opposition sweeps to power in decisive election victory
Trinidad and Tobago's parliamentary elections on April 28 delivered a victory for Kamla Persad-Bissessar's centre-left United National Congress (UNC) party, which secured 26 of 41 seats in the House of Representatives.
Hungarian policymakers keep rates on hold at 6.5%
The Monetary Council of the National Bank left the base rate unchanged at 6.5% with the overnight deposit and lending rates maintained at 5.50% and 7.50% respectively at a monthly policy meeting on April 29, in line with expectations.
Moldova approves €8bn development plan for 2026-2028, but faces major funding gap
Cost of updated plan is equivalent to nearly half of Moldova’s 2024 GDP.
Hungary faces potential EU legal action for quitting ICC
Hungary may face infringement proceedings from the European Commission after announcing to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move that could breach EU law despite the ICC not being an EU institution.
Pakistan airspace closure impacts around 600 Indian flights
Pakistan's airspace closure, in force since April 24, has significantly disrupted international flight operations for Indian carriers, primarily Air India and IndiGo.