Romania
Rival candidates seek to capture Romania’s far-right electorate after Georgescu banned from presidential race
AUR leader George Simion is now the leading far-right candidate, but he faces competition from several rivals.
OPINION: CEE infrastructure to take centre stage as Ukraine post-war reconstruction looms
The war in Ukraine appears to be drawing to a close and Central and Eastern Europe's infrastructure capabilities – or lack thereof – will soon be thrust into the global spotlight.
Briefings reveal Nato chief called on EU and Turkey to improve relations amid pressing security concerns
Mark Rutte said to have privately urged bloc leaders to step up engagement with Turkish leader Erdogan. Ankara keen for role in beefed up European defence format.
Romanian far-right politician Georgescu challenges ban on his presidential candidacy
Calin Georgescu was leading the polls before the Central Electoral Bureau blocked his candidacy, sparking violent protests in Bucharest.
Russia-backed, far-right politician Georgescu's presidential candidacy rejected
Central Electoral Bureau's decision greeted by a violent protest by Calin Georgescu's supporters — and angry tweets from Elon Musk.
Private consumption fuelled Romania's modest 2024 GDP growth
Romania's GDP grew by just 0.9% in 2024 as agriculture and consumption sectors shrank while industry stagnated.
Turkey’s investment flows boost Romania’s solar power potential
Turkey has emerged as a strong actor in Romania’s renewable energy sector through recent investments and joint ventures.
EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup
What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.
Romania’s retail sales show signs of fatigue in January
Retail sales volume in Romania increased by 4.1% y/y in January, half the 8.6% y/y advance in 2024 and 9.2% y/y in Q4 2024, according to data published by the statistics office.
Romania’s PMI inches up in February from record low in January
The Manufacturing PMI in Romania inched up in February to 48.3 from the record low of 46.1 in January, remaining significantly below the 50 neutral mark for the eighth consecutive month, according to BCR Romania.
EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine
EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.
Romania detains six over alleged Russian-backed far-right coup plot
Group led by retired major-general accused of forming a military-style organisation aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order in Romania.
EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit
EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.
Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.
Turkey invited to top table as Europe scrambles to rearm
With European powers facing sobering reality of possible future with little or no US defence support, attention has turned to Ankara's big defence manufacturing capacity and 800,000-strong army.
OPINION: The EU must bet on nuclear
For Central and Eastern Europe, over reliance on renewable energy for the green transition will compound the already significant challenge of shifting away from a predominantly coal and natural gas based energy network.
Romanian prosecutors leak evidence linking far-right politician Georgescu to coup d'etat plot
Armed group led by Georgescu's bodyguard Horațiu Potra reportedly planned to "trigger chaos" in Romania then seize state institutions.
Can Emerging European countries afford to rearm?
As European countries face a pressing need to rearm amid fears the US may pull back from its security commitments, an EBRD report shows higher defence spending is already putting pressure on public finances.
Romanian prosecutors investigate suspected ‘troll farm’ promoting far-right candidate
Prosecutors say Turkish IP addresses and Russian email accounts were to boost the online presence of Calin Georgescu ahead of the cancelled 2024 presidential election.
Europe will need Turkey in world with less or no Nato says foreign minister
Ankara has second largest land forces in military bloc. Turkish officials leverage the point in effort at obtaining long-sought EU membership.