Southeast Europe / News
Romanian government plans overhaul of state enterprises to increase transparency
Reforms are part of broader government effort to support urgently needed fiscal consolidation measures.
Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc detained in Greece over $1bn bank fraud case
Plahotniuc has been under international investigation for his alleged involvement in Moldova’s infamous $1bn bank fraud scandal.
Extreme heat to hit Istanbul, residents urged “stay indoors”
Holiday favourite Antalya also struggling with 40°C-45°C heatwave temperatures that could smash records.
Minth to invest nearly €2bn in new automotive plants across Serbia
Serbia is emerging as a manufacturing base for global automotive and EV producers thanks to its improving macroeconomic conditions and pro-investment policies.
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Romania signs €2bn air defence agreement with Israel’s Rafael
The SHORAD and VSHORAD systems are critical components in Romania’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Serbia and Hungary advance plans for joint oil pipeline by 2027
Planned 128-kilometre pipeline will link Serbia to the Druzhba pipeline network via Hungary.
Turkey’s Iran “sanctions-busting” Halkbank quietly returns to eurobond market after nine-year absence
Does Trump’s return to the White House mean its troubles with US legal proceedings are over?
Maspex secures 21% of Bucharest-listed Purcari winery on first day of takeover bid
Maspex aims to broaden its product portfolio beyond its core soft drinks and food businesses.
Hindi language poster in a Croatian supermarket sparks a culture war
Far-right junior ruling party furious at posters in Zagreb Kaufland supermarket, exposing tensions over the growing number of Asian migrant workers in Croatia.
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Serbia polls spell trouble for Vucic
Recent polling suggests President Aleksandar Vucic would lose the next Serbian election by a large margin.
Romania's fiscal plan seen reducing deficits but slowing growth, says ING
Romania’s new fiscal consolidation package is likely to reduce the country’s twin deficits over the next two years, but at the cost of significantly slower economic growth, analysts said.
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Trio of Turkmen opposition activists face deportation from Turkey as Ankara “indulges” Ashgabat
Erdogan builds Turkic ties, loses patience with Turkmen critics.
China and Serbia to hold first joint military training exercise
China and Serbia will conduct their first-ever joint military training exercise later this month in northern China’s Hebei Province.
Etihad Airways announces seven new routes from Abu Dhabi hub
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will launch seven new destinations from Abu Dhabi between November 2025 and March 2026, expanding its network across the Middle East.
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RSF urges EU action over police violence against journalists in Serbia
Press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders warned abuses threaten the country’s EU accession process.
Serbia weighs nuclear options
Serbia is exploring the development of nuclear energy with two potential pathways – conventional nuclear power plants and small modular reactors.
Migration pushes EU population to record high, but CEE countries continue to shrink
Immigration outweighed the natural population decline in 2024 in just three of the newer EU member states – Croatia, Czechia and Slovenia.
Kosovo's opposition accuses Vetevendosje of power grab as political crisis deepens
With Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje falling short of a majority in the February general election, MPs have been unable to form a new ruling coalition.
Trump hits EU, Mexico with whopping 30% tariffs
US President Donald Trump escalated his trade war with Mexico and Europe by slapping whopping 30% tariffs on both, after neither of them managed to cut a new trade deal before the July 9 deadline.
Žito Grupa raises €130mn in Croatia's largest private sector IPO
Agriculture and food group to use funds raised to support investments aimed at strengthening its market position and enabling sustainable growth.