News

Turn 'brain drain' into 'brain gain' by attracting home skilled migrants, World Bank urges Central Asia

bne IntelliNews March 16, 2025

Report also underlines value of remittances said to contribute 45% of Tajikistan’s GDP, 24% of Kyrgyzstan’s and 14% of Uzbekistan’s.

Serbia could be heading for elections after largest protest in history

bne IntelliNews March 16, 2025

Serbia could be heading toward snap elections after the country saw its largest protest in history on March 15, raising pressure on the government and President Aleksandar Vucic to respond.

Serbian police reportedly use sonic cannon against protesters

bne IntelliNews March 16, 2025

Video footage shows protesters scattering during the 15-minute silence to honour the victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse.

Death toll from North Macedonia nightclub fire reaches 59

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje March 16, 2025

As investigations continue, the nation mourns one of its deadliest tragedies in recent history.

Nightclub fire kills over 50 in North Macedonia

bne IntelliNews March 16, 2025

A fire at a packed nightclub in the town of Kocani has killed at least 51 people and left more than 100 injured.

Over 100,000 people gather in Belgrade for mass protest

bne IntelliNews March 15, 2025

Students, workers and farmers travelled to Belgrade for Serbia's largest protest in decades.

Serbia braces for largest protest in years as students march on capital

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade March 14, 2025

Serbia's government is preparing for significant unrest ahead of the demonstration with tensions already rising in Belgrade.

Belarus asks Russia for a second nuclear power plant

Ben Aris in Berlin March 14, 2025

Belarus has formally requested Russia's assistance in building a second nuclear power plant within its borders as electricity consumption rises.

Iran Central Bank reluctantly releases massively devalued IRR2mn note

bnm Tehran bureau March 14, 2025

Iran's Central Bank has revealed the new IRR2mn (200,000 toman) banknote featuring enhanced security features as its value plummets to less than $3.

US escalates pressure on Panama over Canal control

bne IntelliNews March 14, 2025

The US is reportedly intensifying diplomatic and military manoeuvres to challenge Panama's sovereignty over the Panama Canal, with Washington drafting contingency plans that range from increased military cooperation to potential invasion.

Hungary demands removal of Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman from EU sanctions list

bne IntelliNews March 14, 2025

The Hungarian government, widely regarded as the most Russia-friendly in the EU, has repeatedly obstructed EU sanctions against Moscow and delayed military aid to Ukraine.

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan sign long-sought deal on border known for armed clashes

bne IntelliNews March 13, 2025

Soviet-era demarcation of frontier has plagued relations during three decades of two republics' independence.

Bulgaria’s ruling coalition loses majority after vote recount

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia March 13, 2025

After vote recount, Bulgaria’s Constitutional Court ruled that 16 MPs in the current parliament are not elected legally and should be dismissed.

US imposes sanctions Iran’s oil minister

Newsbase MENA syndicate March 13, 2025

The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran's Minister of Petroleum Mohsen Paknejad and several entities involved in transporting Iranian oil to China.

Putin leaves door open to 30-day ceasefire but avoids firm commitments

bne IntelliNews March 13, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stopped short of making definitive commitments, leaving key issues unresolved.

Volkswagen will not relocate Mexico plants despite tariff threats, CEO says

bne IntelliNews March 13, 2025

Volkswagen Group has confirmed it will maintain its plants in Mexico despite US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 25% tariffs on trading partners Canada and Mexico.

Al-Sharaa appointed as Syrian president for five years after signing constitutional declaration

bnm Gulf bureau March 13, 2025

Saudi-born Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a draft constitutional declaration, making him president of Syria for a five-year transitional period.

Afghan opium prices skyrocket amid ban, fuelling organised crime

bnm Tehran bureau March 13, 2025

Poppy production is again on the rise in Afghanistan as spring approaches and prices for opium increase.

Tusk hails Erdogan meeting as “historic breakthrough” as Poland, Turkey commit to joint defence, arms production work

bne IntelliNews March 13, 2025

"Our cooperation as two strong Nato partners has taken on a new significance today," he says.

Ecuador President Noboa taps Blackwater founder to combat gang violence

Mathew Cohen March 13, 2025

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has announced a “strategic alliance” with US businessman Erik Prince, founder of private security firm Blackwater.

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