News

Slovakia’s PM Fico backs EU resolution on Ukraine defence despite veto threat

bne IntelliNews March 7, 2025

Robert Fico had threatened to block the EU summit unless the conclusions contained a provision about the renewal of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

Lukashenko jumps on the exploration of rare earth metals bandwagon

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has jumped on the rare earth metal bandwagon and called for intensified efforts to explore and develop deposits within the country.

Question: Where in the world may you soon be advised to not take a “selfie”?

bne IntellIiNews March 6, 2025

Country’s language czars also frown on people getting a “cashback” or saying the Russian word “svetofor” for traffic light.

Venezuela naval vessels enter disputed Guyana waters near ExxonMobil site, Maduro regime approaches Caricom

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

Venezuela's coast guard vessels allegedly entered Guyanese waters on March 1, approaching an ExxonMobil production vessel in the disputed offshore region, Guyana's President Irfaan Ali announced.

EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.

Ukraine faces mounting challenges as US halts military aid, prospect of security guarantees dims

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

Following a disastrous meeting with President Trump in the White House on February 28 and the subsequent halting of US military aid to Ukraine, the country’s leadership has dug in its heels about prioritising security guarantees from the West.

Prosecutors summon Bosnian Serb leader Dodik for questioning over secessionist laws

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia March 6, 2025

Growing concerns over security situation in Bosnia after Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik takes steps towards secession.

Council of Europe reports dramatic decline in press freedoms in Georgia

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

Georgia’s decline was characterised by “escalating violence against journalists, restrictive legislation and political interference” says 2024 press freedom report.

Romania detains six over alleged Russian-backed far-right coup plot

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest March 6, 2025

Group led by retired major-general accused of forming a military-style organisation aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order in Romania.

Attack drone JV formed by Turkey’s Baykar, Italy’s Leonardo to target $100bn market in Europe

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

Venture’s first UAV may be capable of launching a cruise missile.

Rome doubles down on economic expansion with €3bn investment in Saudi Arabia

bnm Gulf bureau March 6, 2025

The Saudi Public Investment Fund has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) aimed at enhancing Italian companies' operations in Saudi Arabia.

Pemex seeks lifeline in Asia and Europe after Trump’s tariff blow

Alek Buttermann March 6, 2025

Mexican state oil company Pemex is seeking markets in Asia and Europe for its crude exports following President Donald Trump's recent imposition of tariffs on Mexican goods, according to Reuters.

Russian anti-war rapper Oxxxymiron accused of grooming and sexual assault

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

Russian rapper Oxxxymiron (real name Miron Fyodorov), known for his opposition to the Kremlin and the war in Ukraine, has been accused of grooming and sexually assaulting underage girls.

EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.

China signs latest hospital building contract in Iraq

bnm Gulf bureau March 6, 2025

Iraq’s Dhi Qar Governor Mortada Al-Ibrahimi announced on March 6 the signing of a contract with Chinese company “CCTE” to build a 100-bed hospital in Suq Al-Shuyukh district.

US enters unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, triggering Israeli response

bnm Tel Aviv bureau March 6, 2025

The Trump administration has established direct communication channels with Hamas to negotiate the release of US hostages held in Gaza and discuss a potential broader deal to end the war.

Iran plans Russian bazaar launch under new free trade pact

bnm Tehran bureau March 6, 2025

Iran is set to open a new trade centre in Russia following a free trade agreement between Tehran and member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2025

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.

Trump halts all military aid to Ukraine

bne IntelliNews March 4, 2025

US President Donald Trump has halted all military aid to Ukraine including that already in transit, while the White House assesses whether Kyiv is demonstrating a “good-faith commitment to peace.”

Azerbaijan says it is developing a nuclear programme

Cavid Aga in Ankara March 4, 2025

The Azerbaijani government is actively working on the peaceful development of its nuclear energy programme, Deputy Energy Minister Elnur Soltanov told a parliamentary committee hearing.

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