Southeast Europe / News
Turkey’s banks ‘hire Ernst & Young to analyse forming asset management company for billions in bad debt’
Lira remains under pressure amid economic anxiety and worries over course of Syria and Libya conflicts. Erdogan set to speak to Putin on Idlib standoff.
Turkey ‘asks US for Patriot missiles to help counter Russia-backed Syrian troops’
Trump’s latest word on Syria is that he and “tough guy” Erdogan “are working together on seeing what can be done”.
Russian investor to give up Chisinau International Airport
Speculation is swirling in Moldova about the reasons behind Russian billionaire Andrei Goncearenko's announcement he is ready to sell his stake in the operator of Moldova's main airport.
Hot spring looms in Albania as president urges people to rise up against government
President Ilir Meta has called on all Albanians to join mass protests against the government in March, signalling a return to the unrest that marked the first half of last year.
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Joy as Turkish court acquits “Gezi park” defendant Kavala but tears as he's rearrested
After surprise verdict, pundits consider whether under-pressure Erdogan might want to see businessman and philanthropist free as a sop to the West.
US promises up to $1bn in energy infrastructure financing for Three Seas Initiative
The financing will go primarily to strengthen energy security across the initiative’s countries, which consider it necessary to end, or at least reduce, dependence on Russia as an energy supplier.
Opposition party warns of possible run on the Bulgarian lev over delayed ERM2 entry
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov unexpectedly said his government will not push for entry into the Exchange Rate Mechanism, one of the key steps towards adoption of the euro.
Bosnia’s Dodik calls for RSexit
Milorad Dodik wants a "RSexit" secession referendum for Republika Srpska, as Bosnian Serb politicians say they will block the work of state-level institutions.
Romania ready to develop new nuclear reactor without foreign partners
Prime Minister Ludovic Orban announced last month that Bucharest will scrap its deal with China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) to expand the Cernavoda nuclear power plant.
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US attorney general ‘at Trump’s request made effort to help Turkey’s Halkbank sidestep indictment’
Turkish president Erdogan who has been implicated in the sanctions-busting affair in which lender is embroiled said to have pushed for White House action.
Serbia and Kosovo agree to restore railway, motorway links
The new agreements, signed shortly after Belgrade and Pristina agreed to resume direct flights between their capitals, represent a breakthrough in relations — but the new government in Pristina has raised objections.
Fiat halts production in Serbian plant as coronavirus disrupts supply chains
Fiat is the first automaker to halt operations at a plant in Europe as a consequence of the coronavirus, but others are expected to follow.
Bosnia’s President Dodik renews threat for Republika Srpska secession referendum
Despite now being a member of Bosnia’s tripartite state-level presidency, Dodik has renewed his calls for the referendum that — if Bosnian Serbs voted to secede — could lead to the breakup of Bosnia and destabilisation of the region.
Turkcell prepaying club loan and intensifying cooperation with Huawei
Telco to use Huawei Mobile Services app ecosystem developed after Donald Trump placed a ban on Chinese company using Google's Android.
Turkey’s top opposition party boycotts CNN Turk in protest at pro-government bias
CHP says channel sold to pro-Erdogan business group two years ago is "working like an advertising agency in line with the government's discourse".
Erdogan issues ultimatum to Syria
Warns Turkey will strike its Russian-backed forces if from now on even one Turkish soldier suffers “the smallest injury”.
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Substantial losses hit Turkey ETF
Analysts puzzled by latest lira decline as foreigners “not involved”. Negative real interest rate a concern. Recent drop in 10-yr bond yield seen as unsustainable and driven by state bank support. Syria war fears deeply unsettling for markets.
Turkey moves to shore up lira’s defences but analysts don’t see it holding the line
One strategist expects 20% depreciation versus dollar to 7.50 by year’s end. Policymakers have “limited firepower” he says.
Istanbul-listed refiner Tupras’ shares fall 2% as BlackRock shifts positions
Traders, meanwhile, treating Turkish Airlines shares as lira funding source by shorting them, following introduction of short-selling bans on most active banking stocks.
Turkey selling 5-year and 10-year eurobonds
Initial price guidance reportedly stood at around 4.65% and 5.65%, respectively.