News
Slovak Supreme Court cancels acquittal of main suspect in murder of journalist Ján Kuciak
Kuciak’s murder rocked the country and sparked the largest mass demonstrations in the history of independent Slovakia.
Taiwan’s leader urges renewed dialogue with China as tensions rise
Lai warned that any armed conflict would be disastrous for all parties and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities to deter any attempt by Beijing to seize the island by force.
Hungarian lawmakers approve withdrawal from ICC
Lawmakers approved Hungary’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on May 20 with 134 votes in favour and 37 against. The Orban government has become the first EU country to leave the Hague-based institution.
Kosovo's President Osmani receives death threats
Osmani called “anti-constitutional criminal” in anonymous email as Kosovo remains in deep political crisis.
Syria's security forces seize 4mn captagon pills in Latakia
Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced the seizure of more than 4mn of Captagon pills in the western city of Latakia, as part of a crackdown on drug trafficking. The shipment, intended for smuggling, was found hidden inside industrial equipment.
EU approves seventeenth sanctions package
The European Union approved the seventeenth package of sanctions against Russia on May 20, further tightening restrictions in response to Moscow’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
Turkish cement maker Cimko sells $300mn 5-year debut eurobond at 10.75% coupon
First Turkish eurobond sale to take place since market turbulence caused by jailing of Istanbul mayor and candidate for the presidency Ekrem Imamoglu.
Iran says unilateral sanctions violate international norms
Iran has condemned unilateral sanctions as contrary to international norms, while a senior reformist politician described the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US.
UK treasury chief says closer to signing trade deal with Gulf Arab states
The UK is closer to finalising a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said on May 20.
Iran's Khamenei doubts nuclear talks with US will succeed
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has raised doubts about the success of ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, warning against "excessive and outrageous" American demands regarding uranium enrichment.
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Brazil poultry sector hit as bird flu prompts global export bans
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a commercial farm, triggering immediate import bans from major markets including China and the EU.
Polish presidential frontrunners begin scrambling for support outside their natural environs
Karol Nawrocki and Rafał Trzaskowski are scrambling to win over voters who backed neither of them in the first round of Poland’s presidential election. The decisive second round will take place on June 1.
Markets rally as Romania's political outlook stabilises after Dan’s election victory
Positive market movements follow the election of reformist, pro-EU candidate Nicușor Dan, who defeated far-right rival George Simion in the May 18 runoff.
Serbia negotiates new long-term gas deal with Russia
Serbia has increased efforts to diversify its energy sources but remains heavily dependent on Russian gas.
€6bn UK-North Macedonia partnership to give huge boost to local construction companies
North Macedonia will significantly increase the participation of domestic firms in key infrastructure projects after the planned signing of a strategic partnership agreement with the UK, minister says.
Tensions in the Baltic Sea: Russia detains oil tanker that left Estonian port
Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned oil tanker, Green Admire, on May 18 after it departed from Estonia’s Port of Sillamae en route to Rotterdam, and was transiting Russia’s territorial waters along a previously agreed shipping corridor.
Iraq rediscovers its forgotten Somalian refinery after 45 years
An Iraqi oil refinery built in Somalia in the 1970s has remained abandoned for nearly 45 years, before re-emerging into public awareness during recent diplomatic talks.
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Latin American EV market accelerates threefold in 2024
The number of light electric vehicles in Latin America and the Caribbean saw a dramatic surge last year, tripling in size from 154,966 registered units at the end of 2023 to 444,071 vehicles by December 2024, according to data from Olade.
Milei's La Libertad Avanza secures crucial victory in Buenos Aires election
Argentine President Javier Milei's La Libertad Avanza party achieved a significant electoral breakthrough on May 18, securing first place in Buenos Aires City Legislature elections with 30.13% of the vote.
Nationalist gains upper hand in Polish presidential race despite first-round defeat
Historian Karol Nawrocki, running as independent with the backing of radical right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, came second in last night’s first round of presidential election in Poland that will make the run off a tight race.