Southeast Europe / News
Moldova approves €8bn development plan for 2026-2028, but faces major funding gap
Cost of updated plan is equivalent to nearly half of Moldova’s 2024 GDP.
Croatia to prioritise economic cooperation as chair of Three Seas Initiative
Zagreb will focus on boosting economic, energy and infrastructure cooperation as it assumes the rotating presidency of the Three Seas Initiative, announced Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
“We stand with Ekrem Imamoglu,” Florence mayor writes on city hall wall
Chief political opponent to Turkey's leader Erdogan remains imprisoned facing what he says are politically-motivated fake charges.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Jailed Istanbul mayor Imamoglu shares illustration of his cell
As regime launches new wave of detentions, Imamoglu mocks Turkish leader Erdogan over a lack of evidence.
US postpones sanctions on Serbia’s NIS until June 27
Sanctions on NIS were first introduced by Washington on January 10 as part of a broader package targeting Russian-linked entities in response to the war in Ukraine.
Last three New York prosecutors resign in protest at Trump pressure in 'Turkish House' mayor bribery case
Eric Adams was charged with accepting bribes from Turkish nationals in exchange for an illegal consulate permit.
Far-right candidate George Simion leads poll ahead of Romanian presidential election
Simion set to lose in the second round to either of his main challengers, but the race for second place is tightening.
Serbia’s Vucic to attend Moscow Victory Day parade despite EU warnings
Brussels has warned that Vucic’s presence at the May 9 parade could effectively end Serbia’s European integration process.
International envoy blocks funding for ruling Bosnian Serb party
Decision follows a series of steps by Republika Srpska towards secession from Bosnia, triggered by the entity’s President Milorad Dodik.
Inhabitants of earthquake-hit Istanbul spend night in parks and other open spaces amid aftershock fears
Frustration as stores hike prices of first-aid kits and tents.
First attempt to arrest Bosnian Republika Srpska President Dodik fails
Representatives of the State Investigation and Police Agency (SIPA) surrounded Republika Srpska’s government building, but were prevented from entering.
Kosovo shuts down Serbian-run water company in Strpce as tensions rise
Closure is part of Pristina’s efforts to curb parallel institutions operating under Belgrade’s directives within Kosovo.
Panic grips Istanbul as inhabitants flood onto streets following 6.2-magnitude earthquake
151 people hurt jumping from buildings. Mobile networks collapse. Roads gridlocked as people attempt to exit city.
Turkey restricts planned caesarean deliveries, MP protests at latest assault on women's rights
Lawmaker objects to mentality that "sees women as nothing more than birth machines".