News
IMF suspends Colombia's flexible credit line amid fiscal concerns
The IMF has suspended Colombia's access to its Flexible Credit Line (FCL), worth approximately $8.1bn and in place since 2009, citing concerns over the country's fiscal management.
Hungarian analysts are split on MNB’s future course as rate hold looks imminent
The National Bank is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.5% at Tuesday's policy meeting, but analysts are split on the course of monetary policy for the remainder of the year.
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Romania to invest €2.5bn in Black Sea airbase with or without US support
The expanded Mihail Kogălniceanu base is expected to become one of Nato's most strategically important military installations.
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Serbian students end two-week blockade of state broadcaster
A two-week blockade of Serbia’s public broadcaster by student protesters came to an end after authorities met a key demand for reform of the country’s media regulatory body.
Hungarian opposition MPs banned from Parliament for first time since regime change
Hungary’s parliament on April 28 approved the suspension of six opposition lawmakers for their role in the chaotic March 18 session, when they protested against legislation restricting assembly rights, specifically banning Budapest Pride.
Japanese official warns of wider Asian security impact of Trump tariffs
Former defence minister Itsunori Onodera, speaking in Washington at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expressed particular concern about the potential impact on Southeast Asia.
India bans Pakistani Youtube channels over provocative content after Kashmir attack
The ban, announced on April 28, 2025, is in response to content described by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as inflammatory, communally charged, and aimed at undermining trust in India’s armed forces and security institutions.
North Korea acknowledges deployment of troops to support Russia in Kursk region
In North Korea the ruling Workers’ Party characterised this move as a demonstration of the “highest strategic level” of the enduring military alliance between the two nations.
Hungary and Slovakia warn EU against scrapping unanimity rule over Ukraine membership bid
The leaders of Hungary and Slovakia warned on April 28 against changing the European Union’s unanimity rule, after proposals emerged to bypass their opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession bid.
Putin declares three-day Victory Day ceasefire to mark 80th anniversary of end of WWII
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a second temporary ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine for the May 9 80th anniversary of the end of the WWII that will last three days.
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Kyrgyz PM gets polite brush off by US business executives
But he secures IMF and World Bank development agreements.
Albania probes Democratic Party’s $6mn US lobbying contract
Investigation into Democrats' contract with former Trump lawyer launched days before Albania's May general election.
Turkish billionaire to transform New York air base into yoghurt plant with $1.2bn investment
Project billed as largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history.
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Venezuela embraces Russian GLONASS in challenge to US satellite dominance
Russia is accelerating the expansion of ground correction stations for its GLONASS satellite navigation system across Latin America, with Venezuela set to become the latest country to host the technology within weeks.
Iran and Azerbaijan sign key MOUs during presidential visit
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Baku on April 28, during which Iran and Azerbaijan signed seven memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering sectors such as political consultation, transportation, cultural exchange, health, media, and investment.
Donald Trump Jr. tells business forum in Budapest: My job is to connect governments and the private sector
Donald Trump Jr has hailed the strong personal relationship between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump as a potential foundation for deepening economic ties between the two countries.
Romania’s High Court rejects appeal to resume annulled presidential elections
Far-right politician Calin Georgescu won the first round of the election that was annulled in December 2024, but has been barred from standing in the May 2025 re-run due to his extremist views.
OTP’s AGM approves record dividend, board decides to split CEO and chairman posts
The board of OTP Bank, Hungary's biggest commercial lender, has decided to split the roles of chairman and CEO effective May 1, chairman-CEO Sandor Csanyi told shareholders at the AGM on April 24.
Montenegro’s parliament speaker urged to resign over nephew's shooting spree from official vehicle
Danilo Mandic opened fire from a parliament car in central Podgorica, injuring two people and raising fresh concerns about gun violence in the Western Balkans.
Death toll in Iran port explosion rises to 28 people, 1,000 more injured
At least 28 people killed in Iran port explosion with 1,000 more sustaining injuries.