Southeast Europe / News

Putin’s biggest fans in Southeast Europe hail election victory

bne IntelliNews March 18, 2024

Only the few remaining allies of the Russian president such as Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and Moldovan ex-president Igor Dodon welcomed Putin's victory.

Europe has €56bn shortfall to meet Nato 2% of GDP spending pledge

bne IntelliNews March 18, 2024

European nations within Nato are facing a €56bn shortfall in meeting the alliance's defence spending pledge of 2% of GDP this year, the Financial Times reported on March 16.

Bulgaria heading towards new snap election as talks on government rotation fail

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia March 18, 2024

Gerb's Mariya Gabriel has given CC-DB until noon to agree to the party's terms to form a new government, or Bulgaria will hold its sixth snap general election

Croatian President Milanovic declares his candidacy for PM

bne IntelliNews March 17, 2024

Milanovic aims to retake the more influential prime minister position in Croatia's April general election.

Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners nearing billion-dollar Balkan real estate deals

bne IntelliNews March 17, 2024

Reports have given rise to speculation that Kushner’s plans could have been facilitated by relationships established during his father-in-law Donald Trump's time in the White House.

Support for Nato membership falls sharply in Southeast Europe

bne IntelliNews March 17, 2024

Under half of Montenegrins now back Nato membership, and only 33% would help another member in case of attack.

Disappearances raise fears over Turkey and Central Asia regimes stepping up collaboration in transnational repression

bne IntelliNews March 14, 2024

Two Tajik dissident activists vanish without a trace. Rights defenders point to frightening frequency of state kidnappings.

Spat over police chief's appointment puts survival of Montenegrin government at risk

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia March 13, 2024

The stability of Montenegro’s government has been seriously shaken after a conflict between Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic and Prime Minister Milojko Spajic over the election of an acting police chief.

Romanian President Iohannis confirms bid for top Nato position

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest March 13, 2024

Iohannis stresses unconditional support for Ukraine as he takes on Dutch PM Mark Rutte in race to become next Nato secretary general.

European Commission recommends start of accession talks with Bosnia

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia March 13, 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Bosnia made more reform progress in the last year than the previous decade.

Western Balkans faces heightened risk of inter-ethnic violence in 2024, US intelligence report warns

bne IntelliNews March 13, 2024

Report says local nationalist leaders and external actors could heighten tensions for their own political gains in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Bosnia reportedly to get green light for EU membership talks amid push to meet last criteria

bne IntelliNews March 11, 2024

Political tensions and disagreements have blocked key reforms for years, but there is new impetus to pursue EU accession under the current government.

Ukraine court orders seizure of Turkcell units over oligarch Fridman links

Akin Nazli in Belgrade March 11, 2024

Company controlled by Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund argues Russian businessman has no influence over its Ukrainian subsidiaries.

Romania wins $6.7bn litigation over Rosia Montana gold mining project

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest March 10, 2024

Gabriel Resources sued Romania at the World Bank’s ICSID over the stalled Rosia Montana project back in 2015.

Albanian crown prince reports ex-wife to police after fight video goes viral

bne IntelliNews March 8, 2024

Crown Prince Leka II seeks police intervention for domestic violence, says ex-wife attacked him with “strong objects”.

Putin reportedly promises to "help" Moldova's pro-Russia Gagauz region

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest March 8, 2024

Gagauz governor Evghenia Gutul announced support from Russian president amid warnings that Moscow is carrying out a hybrid campaign to destabilise Moldova.

Croatia, Montenegro issue bonds to high investor interest

bne IntelliNews March 7, 2024

Croatia's 10-year Eurobond heavily oversubscribed, while Montenegro makes US dollar debut.

Ethnic Greek mayor’s conviction threatens to derail Albania’s EU accession process

bne IntelliNews March 6, 2024

Greek officials have warned for months that Albania risks jeopardising its EU accession progress if Beleri is not released.

Romanian hypermarket chain La Cocos expands in market dominated by foreign players

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest March 6, 2024

La Cocos reached €200mn turnover in 2023 and plans to more than double its number of stores in 2024-25.

Bulgaria’s PM Denkov tables resignation of government

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia March 5, 2024

Resignation aimed at triggering rotation of prime ministers, stalled by dispute between Gerb and CC-DB.

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