Southeast Europe / News
Romania’s president expects fiscal plan by June 5, new government by mid-June
PNL interim president Ilie Bolojan seen as most likely next prime minister.
Croatia’s Žito Grupa announces plans for IPO on Zagreb Stock Exchange
Agricultural and food production group to use IPO proceeds to support long-term strategic growth and strengthen Croatia’s domestic food production.
Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Fund reveals massive secret energy cartel
NGO’s investigation finds cartel comprising over 150 companies with turnover of €2.6bn owned by controversial businessman Hristo Kovachki.
Russo-Ukraine ceasefire talks in Istanbul break up with no progress
Russia and Ukraine held direct talks for the third time since the war started on June 2, but the meeting broke up with no real progress made.
Kosovo Chamber of Commerce sues over abrupt electricity market liberalisation
Lawsuit follows protest by businesspeople demanding a transition period before full liberalisation.
Israel and Turkey open round-the-clock direct line to avoid undesired engagements in Syria
Israelis, meanwhile, said to want to ensure their jets stay off Turkish radar in order to keep Syrian airspace 'dark' for any potential Iran bombing mission.
Thousands of Bulgarians rally against euro adoption
Protesters waved Bulgarian and Russian flags and chanted ‘Freedom for the Bulgarian lev, death to the euro’.
Canal Istanbul land allegedly stolen from under noses of Kuwaiti investors
Forging of signatures said to have enabled illicit takeover of plot that could jump in value with delivery of megaproject.
COVID is back - a new "NB.1.8.1" strain is spreading across continents
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is back. Reports from health authorities around the world have detected a new highly contagious strain of the virus that has been spreading through Asia and has now reached Russia.
China launches international mediation organisation in Hong Kong
China has launched a new international mediation organisation in Hong Kong on May 30, signed by 31 countries
Bosnia’s top court annuls secessionist laws passed by Republika Srpska
Legislation deemed an attempt to undermine Bosnia’s central authority.
Croatian president says EU making “false promises” to Western Balkans
Zoran Milanovic says no new members will join the EU except perhaps Montenegro.
Watchdog warns Montenegro's UAE development deal puts EU accession at risk
Environmental groups and sections of civil society have criticised the deal as a potential land grab that threatens natural resources and democratic oversight.
Bulgarians divided on euro adoption
Bulgaria has set a target date of January 1, 2026 for euro adoption, but the government's commitment to Eurozone entry faces political opposition.
Critical delay hits Russia’s building of Turkey’s first nuclear plant as $7bn fails to show up
Moscow believed to be seeking financial concessions from Ankara.
Bulgarian PM says Eurozone accession not up for debate
Government aims for euro adoption on January 1, 2026, but faces opposition from President Rumen Radev and the ultranationalist, pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party.
Newly-reelected PM Rama vows to use fourth term to “change Albania forever”
After the Socialists' fourth consecutive election win, Edi Rama outlines plans for sweeping reforms and to secure Albania's long-awaited accession to the EU within this decade.
Czech PPF bosses are ready to take on Netflix and HBO in PPF’s home markets
PPF executives say the group's local content gives it a competitive advantage over international players in small CEE markets.
Romania’s new president sworn in, pledges institutional reform and fiscal reset
Nicușor Dan promised a sweeping overhaul of state institutions and immediate steps to stabilise the country’s fiscal policy.
EU sanctions cost Kosovo over €600mn in delayed and lost development projects
Punitive measures on Kosovo have had severe financial and developmental consequences, says a new report by Pristina-based GAP Institute.