News
Belarus’ president gives citizenship to Iranians, Lebanese and Syrians in surprise move
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree accepting 311 for citizenship, including Iranians, Lebanese and Syrians among dozens of other nationaities.
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake rocks much of Southeast Asia
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar on Friday, March 28 at 2.20 pm, with the tremors felt as far away as neighbouring Thailand and China to the northeast as well as Bangladesh and India to the west.
Detained photojournalist says Turkey wants to make it impossible to send protest images to world
Day nine of demonstrations also brings detention of Ekrem Imamoglu’s lawyer.
Hungary opposes Ukraine's EU accession due to unclear borders, says cabinet chief
The head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office described the push for Ukraine's fast-track EU membership as "absurd," citing unresolved issues in agriculture, labour markets and cohesion, but also due to its unclear borders.
US Senate committee passes MEGOBARI Act to sanction Georgian government officials
The bill reaffirms support for pro-EU protesters in Georgia and mandates sanctions on members of the governing Georgian Dream party.
Hungary's National Bank warns full-scale trade war could knock 0.5pp from 2025 growth
Hungary's central bank has sharply downgraded its economic forecasts, warning that inflation will remain elevated for longer than expected while growth prospects continue to dim amid weak investment and a fragile external environment.
Romania offers to monitor Black Sea ceasefire alongside Bulgaria and Turkey
Interim President Ilie Bolojan says Romania has a strategic interest in continuing to support Ukraine.
US sends Kyiv an even harsher fourth version of the mineral deal
A new draft of the proposed US-Ukraine minerals deal has drawn criticism in Kyiv as the new demands are even harsher than the previous three versions.
EU Paris summit breaks up with little achieved, highlighting Europe’s increasing irrelevance in Ukraine conflict
The latest EU emergency meeting in Paris broke up again with little decided, significant backtracking on earlier commitments to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine and Europe’s increasing irrelevance to Ukraine’s fate in its conflict with Russia.
Albania and Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by 2026-27, enlargement commissioner says
But Marta Kos warns "external forces" actively seeking to block certain countries from EU accession.
Elon Musk's Tesla turns to Saudi Arabia amid collapsing sales
US electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Inc. will enter the Saudi Arabian market in early April 2025
_1743091801.jpg)
Lithuania’s former chief of defence tells bne IntelliNews: “Several key questions need to be answered”
The four American troops who went missing during an exercise at the Pabrade training area in Lithuania on March 25 are presumably dead, and their vehicle has been found in a swamp.
Kyrgyzstan: Seeking Elon Musk-like figures to lead the government
Parliament ready to lower qualifications for top government posts.
Bosnian court asks Interpol to issue arrest warrant for Republika Srpska President Dodik
Request made after top Bosnian Serb officials defied travel bans to leave country.
Iran is ready for indirect talks with US, says official
Chairman of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations comments after news of the US military build-up at the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean.
.png)
Huge Istanbul demonstration over Imamoglu, democracy planned for Saturday
Protest also declared as start of opposition campaign to make jailed politician Turkey's next president.
Europe pulls back from peacekeeper plans as unworkable
European countries are struggling to establish a some sort of security framework for Ukraine to prevent a second invasion should a ceasefire be agreed.
Poland tightens asylum rules
Poland has imposed a 60-day restriction on asylum applications at its border with Belarus, with the measure taking effect immediately on March 27.
Hungary to expand energy cooperation with Russia, foreign minister says in live stream from Red Square
Hungary views the operations of its oil company MOL in Russia as highly successful and expects further expansion, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said during his visit to Moscow.
Moldova detains pro-Russian Gagauzia governor in crackdown on Russia-linked party
Evghenia Gutul faces charges related to the illegal financing of the banned Shor Party.