Southeast Europe / News
Bosnia’s Republika Srpska mulls setting up reserve police force
Creation of auxiliary police force is widely seen as a move towards formalising the existence of paramilitary groups in Bosnia's Serb entity.
No condemnation of US strikes on Iran from Turkey
Turkish president Erdogan is all too ready to hit out at Netanyahu for Israel's attacks on the Iranians, but when it comes to Trump, interestingly, he's rather restrained.
Kosovans urged to save energy as production shortfall coincides with hike in air conditioner use
Energy supply company KESCO is calling on all consumers to take immediate measures to save electricity.
Fitch further downgrades Istanbul-listed Vestel Elektronik to B- with negative outlook
Company moved to six notches below investment grade. Layoffs announced. Sales in Europe under pressure from Chinese competition.
Serbia boosts military capabilities in response to regional defence pact
Serbian president calls trilateral defence agreement between Albania, Croatia and Kosovo a an emerging military bloc against Serbian interests.
Romanian president appoints Ilie Bolojan as prime minister after month-long coalition talks
PNL leader's appointment concludes a deadlock over fiscal policy that had delayed the nomination of a new prime minister.
Separatists in Transnistria face deep economic contraction as Russia restricts subsidies
Transnistria’s industrial output fell by 43% in the first five months of 2025.
Indian PM’s first Croatia visit boosts trade and cultural ties
According to a press release by India’s Press Information Bureau, the Indian leader was welcomed with a ceremonial reception at the Banski Dvori palace, following a personal reception by Prime Minister Plenković at the airport earlier in the day.
Opposition warns political deadlock is weakening Kosovo's position in dialogue with Serbia
Prolonged failure to form a new government since February general election has harmed Kosovo’s international standing.
North Macedonia seeks nearly €2bn for high-speed railway project via global lenders
Railway to form part of Corridor X, a major trans-European transport route that connects Central Europe with the southeastern Balkans.
Usain Bolt named ambassador for Belgrade’s Expo 2027
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has been named the first official ambassador for Expo 2027 Belgrade.
Kosovo's PM calls for pressure on Belgrade after Trump comments on talks with Serbia
US President Donald Trump says he will address tensions between Pristina and Belgrade.
US resists EU and UK push to cut Russian oil price cap at G7 summit
The US is resisting calls from European governments to reduce the G7 price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, frustrating efforts by the EU and UK to increase financial pressure on Moscow as leaders meet for a G7 in Canada.
Serbian President Vucic signals elections by early 2027
Serbian government remains under pressure after student-led protests persist for more than six months.
Airlines scrap week’s worth of Turkey flights to Iran, Iraq and Jordan as Israel keeps up its bombing of Iranians
To avoid danger zone, aircraft diverted to airports in locations including Istanbul, Baku and Cyprus.
Israel’s Iran missiles hit Borsa Istanbul
Turkey's stock exchange leads global losses, even exceeding those seen in Tehran and Tel Aviv. Ankara, meanwhile, keeps nervous eye on oil price.
Kosovo’s LDK leader proposes unity government to break political deadlock
MPs have failed repeatedly to form a new government or even elect a parliament speaker since the February general election.
Ukraine’s “enemies database” adds foreign leaders over Moscow ties
A Ukrainian website that catalogues perceived "enemies of Ukraine" has added several prominent Russia-friendly foreign leaders to its database, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Romania’s coalition talks stall as minority cabinet without PSD emerges as an option
Romania's largest party has indicated it is ready to go into opposition two days of intense discussions fail to yield even limited consensus.
Gas crisis prompts Moldova's separatist Transnistria to extend economic state of emergency
President Vadim Krasnoselsky cited the worsening socio-economic crisis and severe energy shortages in the tiny breakaway republic.