Albania's former president Ilir Meta arrested in corruption case

Meta is accused of engaging in illegal financial activities and failing to declare significant assets.

IranAir redirects flights to Istanbul to avoid EU sanctions

Close race in Moldova’s pro-EU referendum and presidential election

Partial results show very small advantage for 'yes' camp in referendum, while incumbent President Maia Sandu leads in presidential race.

Serbian President Vucic speaks to Putin for first time in over two years

Phone conversation renews direct diplomatic communication between the two leaders, amid growing claims that Serbia is shifting its foreign policy Westward.

Bird flu outbreak forces closure of Skopje Zoo

Management threatens to sue Food and Veterinary Agency, claiming bird "massacre" was intended to damage zoo's reputation.

Pro-EU vote expected in Moldova on October 20

Moldova’s charismatic pro-EU President Maia Sandu is predicted to win both the referendum and the first round of the presidential election.

Romania’s Hidroelectrica unveils four-year, €280mn investment plans

Romanian hydropower group aims to spend €281mn on upgrades, modernisations and acquisitions.

Azeri investor reiterates claims over Moldova’s sole sea port

Long-drawn-out legal procedures may hinder the expansion of a port that Moldova urgently need to develop.

Albania opens first chapter of EU accession negotiations

With this step, Albania has joined Montenegro and Serbia as the third Western Balkan country to open negotiation chapters in accession talks with the EU.

Synagogues in Turkey attacked amid Israel’s expanding wars

"Bloody hands" vandalism occurs on first anniversary of fateful day of October 7.

Von der Leyen announces €1.8bn assistance package for Moldova

The money will be used for business development, school renovation, hospital construction and infrastructure projects.

Serbia signs MoU with North Macedonia for gas interconnector

Serbia has taken another step to diversify its energy supply by agreeing a plan for a pipeline to link to the liquefied natural gas terminal in Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Romania’s Liberal Party leaves ruling coalition but not the government

It is not clear how much of a difference the PNL's gesture will mean in practice, either before the general elections or in the coalition negotiations afterwards.

Opposition protesters in Albania set fire to ruling Socialist Party headquarters

Thousands-strong protest was sparked by anger over the imprisonment of Democratic Party official Ervin Salianji.

Far-right politician Sosoaca rejected as presidential candidate in Romania

Decision looks set to boost the position of the more moderate far-right candidate George Simion.

Turkey’s fight against inflation cannot be called successful, says economics professor

Fiscal squeeze not enough when real black hole in record budget deficit is due to costly PPP contracts, analysts say.

Floods kill at least 18 in Bosnia

Heavy rainfall flooded areas of Bosnia and Montenegro, killing at least 18 people and leaving dozens still missing.

Serbia achieves first-ever investment grade rating

Standard & Poor's rating decision positions Serbia as the first country in the Western Balkans and the only EU candidate country to achieve investment-grade status.

Europe needs Draghi’s reforms to boost growth, says IIF

Europe has a significant lag in productivity growth compared to the United States and China. Despite similar levels of spending, Europe is falling behind.

North Macedonia's foreign minister says Skopje still committed to European values despite EU accession setbacks

North Macedonia has been an EU accession candidate since 2005 but has failed to progress to the negotiation stage.