Southeast Europe / News

Romania’s president pitches to be CEE's candidate for Nato top seat

bne IntelliNews February 23, 2024

The alliance's CEE countries had hoped to be strong contenders to helm the alliance this time around, but the Netherlands' Mark Rutte appears to have it in the bag already.

Indications grow Turkey-Russia trade hit by tightened US sanctions

bne IntelliNews February 22, 2024

Turkish exports to Russia sank 30% in January. Turkey’s banks facilitating payments wary of being shut out of US financial system.

Minister says Serbia 'sitting on billions' in new push to exploit lithium resources

bne IntelliNews February 22, 2024

Mining and Energy Minister Djedovic Handanovic the latest to call for revival of Rio Tinto’s stalled lithium mine project.

Hyundai E&C picked to build new reactor at Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia February 21, 2024

Bulgaria plans to boost energy security by expanding the Kozloduy NPP, which has only two working units dating back to the Soviet era.

Albanian opposition protesters hurl Molotov cocktails at prime minister's office

bne IntelliNews February 21, 2024

The demonstration was part of a campaign of civil disobedience by supporters of Sali Berisha, opposition leader and former president and prime minister of Albania.

Romania starts €200mn dredging operation at port used for Ukraine exports

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest February 21, 2024

Expanding capacity of Romania’s Constanta Port will help Ukrainian grain exporters bypass Poland, where farmers’ protests have erupted.

Turkey releases top exec detained after gold mine landslide disaster within hours

Akin Nazli in Belgrade February 19, 2024

Experts say ultimate cost of accident likely to be many multiples of money saved on mining operations through inadequate construction and/or operation of leach heap in gold extraction.

Effigy of Serbian president causes new rift in relations with Croatia

bne IntelliNews February 18, 2024

Effigies of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin were burnt at the annual carnival in Kastel Stari.

US Secretary of State Blinken bolsters Albania ties amid regional stability concerns

bne IntelliNews February 16, 2024

Blinken uses Tirana visit to assure Western Balkan countries of Washington’s support for their integration into the European Union.

European Court of Auditors flags concerns over EU's €6bn package for Western Balkans

bne IntelliNews February 15, 2024

ECA says better protection measures are needed to safeguard the additional EU funds to help the region's progress towards EU accession.

Bulgaria and Romania to revive €6bn Danube hydropower project

bne IntelliNews February 14, 2024

Neighbouring countries are updating old plans to build a major new hydropower plant on the Danube between Nikopol and Turnu Magurele.

Balkan governments mull military service amid regional and global tensions

bne IntelliNews February 14, 2024

Politicians in Croatia, Romania and Serbia have all discussed a potential move to a form of military service.

Romanian government blocks sale of Fondul Proprietatea’s stakes in Bucharest Airports, Constanta port and Salrom

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest February 14, 2024

Fondul Proprietatea fund manager Franklin Templeton aimed to sell stakes in three major portfolio companies.

Protesting Bulgarian farmers flood Sofia streets with milk

bne IntelliNews February 14, 2024

Bulgarian government signs agreement with two agricultural groups but other farmers hold out for higher subsidies and the resignation of Agriculture Minister Kiril Vatev.

EU may sanction Chinese companies for the first time for facilitating Russia’s flourishing trade with friendly countries

bne IntelliNews February 13, 2024

The EU is contemplating the unprecedented step of imposing sanctions on three Chinese companies alleged to be aiding Russia's military actions against Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.

Bosnian government makes push to adopt laws needed to unblock EU membership talks

bne IntelliNews February 11, 2024

Sarajevo warned it has just six weeks to adopt four key laws in order to get a green light for accession talks.

European Parliament calls for independent probe into alleged vote-rigging in Serbia

bne IntelliNews February 8, 2024

MEPs say EU funding for Serbia should be halted if Belgrade fails to cooperate or if election irregularities are found.

Moldova starts screening laws as it prepares for EU accession talks

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest February 8, 2024

President Maia Sandu says step is crucial for the country's European path, as it sets the stage for accession negotiations.

Serbia prepares for new push into African markets

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow February 8, 2024

Serbian Chamber of Commerce head says Africa is a market of the future thanks to demographics, rising purchasing power and natural resources.

Turkey’s finance minister Simsek reportedly asked Erdogan to remove central bank governor Erkan

bne IntelliNews February 8, 2024

Chief of regulator, previously billed as a Wall Street star who would help end country’s economic crisis, said she quit amid a “smear campaign”.

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