Southeast Europe / News
MSCI upgrades Bulgaria to frontier market status
Decision reflects improvements in the accessibility and investment environment of the Bulgarian market.
Croatia pitches itself as gateway to Central Europe for Canadian investors
PM Andrej Plenkovic points to large Croatian diaspora in Canada and potential to deepen economic ties during Toronto visit.
Bulgaria reaches limit on military aid to Ukraine, PM says
Rumen Radev's stance on military air follows suggestion Sofia could block parts of the EU’s proposed new sanctions package against Russia.
Western Balkans coal plants continue to breach pollution limits despite legal deadlines, report says
CEE Bankwatch Network study finds coal-fired power plants emitted sulphur dioxide at more than six times legal limits in 2025, with dust pollution reaching its worst level since current emissions rules entered force.
EU leaders reaffirm Moldova’s future in bloc at Brussels summit
European and Moldovan officials stated that bilateral relations had reached a new level and reiterated that "the future of Moldova and its citizens lies in the European Union".
Romanian PM-designate Vestea loses confidence vote, prolonging political crisis
Failed vote increases pressure on President Nicusur Dan to find a candidate with cross-party support, or Romania will face a snap election.
Greece aims to bring Montenegro into the EU during its 2027 EU Council presidency
Greek officials argue that Russia's war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and the growing influence of external powers in the Western Balkans have made EU enlargement more strategically important.
Hungary nears exit from Article 7 procedure after Magyar-Metsola talks
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola have agreed that the long-running Article 7 procedure against Hungary should be concluded by autumn 2026.
EU clears most of Bulgaria's recovery targets, unlocks €1.1bn
Sofia has successfully completed most of the reforms tied to the payment request, but some commitments remain outstanding.
Serbian prosecutors accuse student group of plotting ‘sound cannon’ hoax
Serbian prosecutors say they have obtained evidence suggesting a student group planned to stage a simulated “sound cannon” incident at a major protest last year in order to accuse state authorities.
_Cropped_1782118463.jpg)
Croatia announces overhaul of state-owned firms
Croatia has unveiled regulations underpinning a sweeping overhaul of governance in state-owned companies.
Romanian president softens stance on far right in coalition negotiations
President Nicusur Dan declined to comment on reports that his nominee for prime minister is seeking support from AUR and other nationalist parties.
Bulgaria to veto EU Russia sanctions if Patriarch Kirill targeted
Bulgaria will veto the EU’s next sanctions package against Russia if it includes measures targeting Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said.
European Parliament calls for sustained reforms across Western Balkans
MEPs reaffirming support for Western Balkan countries' membership aspirations while urging sustained reforms in the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and democratic governance as conditions for progress.
US blocks Serbia Zijin copper imports over forced labour concerns
US measure could disrupt access to the American and other markets for one of Serbia’s key copper mining and processing facilities.
Romanian president's second pick for PM faces uphill battle to secure majority
Adrian Veştea courts MPs with pledge to install a cross-party cabinet and continue the governing strategy agreed last June.
Isolated surges mask weak FDI trend in emerging Europe
wiiw research shows slight rise in FDI inflows with gains concentrated in a handful of economies. Romania stands out with a 45% hike.
Bulgaria PM says coffers empty as EU deficit procedure looms
"There is no money in the treasury,” Rumen Radev said as his government works to prepare its 2026 budget amid mounting fiscal pressures.
EU unanimously approves opening of first accession talks cluster with Ukraine and Moldova
Decision moves the accession process for the two countries beyond the legislative screening stage and into substantive negotiations aimed at aligning their laws and institutions with EU standards.
Romanian president makes new PM nomination in attempt to end political deadlock
Nomination triggers a confrontation within the centre-right PNL and opens a new chapter in efforts to rebuild a pro-European governing coalition on shaky foundations.