News
European Commission targets Hungary’s mandatory markup caps
The European Commission on June 18 launched infringement procedures against Hungary over mandatory markup caps on a range of food and non-food products that the government introduced to counter inflation.
Ruling Fidesz prepares for spending blitz as Hungary lifts campaign limits
Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has pushed through legislation to scrap campaign spending limits, paving the way for what analysts expect will be the country's most expensive election campaign to date.
Armenian authorities detain Russian-Armenian tycoon Samvel Karapetyan
Arrest follows intensifying dispute between the businessman and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration.
Czech cabinet survives no-confidence vote filed over bitcoin scandal
The Czech centre-right cabinet of Prime Minister Petr Fiala survived the no-confidence vote filed by the opposition parties over the scandal involving the bitcoin donation of CZK1bn (€40mn) to the Ministry of Justice from a sentenced drug dealer.
Indian PM’s first Croatia visit boosts trade and cultural ties
According to a press release by India’s Press Information Bureau, the Indian leader was welcomed with a ceremonial reception at the Banski Dvori palace, following a personal reception by Prime Minister Plenković at the airport earlier in the day.
Hurricane Erick bears down on Mexico's Pacific coast
Hurricane Erick has rapidly intensified as it approaches Mexico's southwestern Pacific coastline, with meteorologists warning it could develop into a major hurricane before making landfall on June 19.
Lula-Zelensky meeting falls through again at troubled G7 summit
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva departed the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, on June 17 without holding a planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Kyiv’s request for bilateral talks.
Iran's Supreme Leader warns US military intervention would bring irreparable damage
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any US military intervention would result in "irreparable damage," whilst declaring the Iranian nation will not surrender to imposed war or peace.
Cambodia-Thailand border flare-up escalates
On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire in a disputed “no man’s land” along their 800‑km shared frontier. Both sides claimed self‑defence.
Argentina pivots to asset sales and tax amnesty to rebuild reserves
In a bid to reinforce Argentina’s fragile foreign currency reserves without fuelling monetary emissions or distorting the exchange market, President Javier Milei’s administration has unveiled a complex and multi-tiered strategy.
European Commission concerned about proposed changes to Slovak constitution
The European Commission is concerned about the changes to the Slovak constitution, which the left-right cabinet of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico is trying to push through the country’s parliament this week.
Hungarian Parliament approves 2026 budget amid mounting fiscal risks
Hungary’s parliament has approved the 2026 state budget with a projected deficit target of 3.7% of GDP, a goal that analysts widely consider unsustainable given the country's current fiscal trajectory.
Pakistan evacuation speaks volumes as diplomats’ families, non-essential staff depart Iran
Pakistan has begun evacuating the families of its diplomatic personnel and some non-essential staff from Iran, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry confirmed on June 17.
India’s civil aviation regulator finds no major safety issues in Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet
India’s civil aviation regulator said it found no major safety lapses in Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, following enhanced surveillance prompted by a recent crash that killed at least 271 people.
Xi signs treaty to elevate China's ties with Central Asia at Astana summit
Document refers to "permanent good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation". Chinese leader takes jab at US, saying trade and tariff wars "produce no winners".
Armenians fear regional conflict as Iran-Israel war continues
Growing unease in Armenia that a destabilised Iran could give Azerbaijan the confidence to pursue its territorial ambitions.
Opposition warns political deadlock is weakening Kosovo's position in dialogue with Serbia
Prolonged failure to form a new government since February general election has harmed Kosovo’s international standing.
North Macedonia seeks nearly €2bn for high-speed railway project via global lenders
Railway to form part of Corridor X, a major trans-European transport route that connects Central Europe with the southeastern Balkans.
Taliban ban women under 40 from entering Uzbekistan border trade hub
Termez market suffers sharp decline in footfall. Move a blow to efforts at building up economic relations with Afghanistan.
ISRAEL-IRAN WAR: Tehran forms central headquarters to oversee essential goods distribution
Iran has established a central command centre to coordinate the distribution of essential goods across the country as authorities seek to prevent shortages and profiteering during the current war with Israel.