Southeast Europe / News
Romanian far-right parties call for protests after presidential election defeat
AUR and the Party of Young People want to capitalise on mounting discontent over proposed austerity measures.
Weekend protests renew pressure on Serbian government
Thousands of demonstrators marched in cities across Serbia over the weekend, demanding early parliamentary elections amid simmering public anger over corruption.
Europe's troublemakers meet in Belgrade
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on May 23, in a display of solidarity between two of Europe’s most defiant political figures.
I don’t plan to stand for president again – Erdogan
Top US senator, meanwhile, introduces resolution calling for release of jailed main political rival Imamoglu unless Turkey can present credible evidence against him.
Romania’s Constitutional Court rejects request to annul presidential election
Court validates victory of Bucharest mayor Nicusur Dan, who defeated nationalist AUR leader George Simion.
Far-right leader accuses Bulgaria’s central bank governor of “treason” over euro adoption
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov and other pro-Russian politicians are trying to block Bulgaria’s entry to the Eurozone, expected in January 2026.
Bosnia’s Dodik offers Republika Srpska’s mineral resources to Trump
After Ukraine talks debacle, beleaguered Bosnian Serb leader sees offer of critical minerals as a way to gain US president’s support.
Turkmen labour migrants turning elsewhere as Turkey is less welcoming
Uzbekistan and Belarus new, hot destinations.
Trump admirer Simion challenges Romanian presidential election result
George Simion has announced plans to ask the Constitutional Court to annul the May 18 presidential election.
Kosovo's President Osmani receives death threats
Osmani called “anti-constitutional criminal” in anonymous email as Kosovo remains in deep political crisis.
Syria's security forces seize 4mn captagon pills in Latakia
Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced the seizure of more than 4mn of Captagon pills in the western city of Latakia, as part of a crackdown on drug trafficking. The shipment, intended for smuggling, was found hidden inside industrial equipment.
Turkish cement maker Cimko sells $300mn 5-year debut eurobond at 10.75% coupon
First Turkish eurobond sale to take place since market turbulence caused by jailing of Istanbul mayor and candidate for the presidency Ekrem Imamoglu.
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Brazil poultry sector hit as bird flu prompts global export bans
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a commercial farm, triggering immediate import bans from major markets including China and the EU.
Markets rally as Romania's political outlook stabilises after Dan’s election victory
Positive market movements follow the election of reformist, pro-EU candidate Nicușor Dan, who defeated far-right rival George Simion in the May 18 runoff.
Serbia negotiates new long-term gas deal with Russia
Serbia has increased efforts to diversify its energy sources but remains heavily dependent on Russian gas.
€6bn UK-North Macedonia partnership to give huge boost to local construction companies
North Macedonia will significantly increase the participation of domestic firms in key infrastructure projects after the planned signing of a strategic partnership agreement with the UK, minister says.
Romanian pro-EU presidential candidate Dan defeats far-right rival Simion
Romania's new president Nicusur Dan will have to urgently negotiate the formation of a ruling majority to tackle Romania’s acute fiscal and budgetary challenges.
Protesters against euro adoption block roads in Bulgaria
Roads blocked in Bulgaria's biggest cities as activists step up their campaign to prevent country's entry to the Eurozone in January 2026.
European leaders in Tirana for EPC summit amid “relentless attacks” on international order
European leaders focus on continent's mounting challenges: Russia’s war in Ukraine, economic security and democratic resilience.
Russo-Ukraine Istanbul ceasefire talks break up without result
The first direct meeting between the Kremlin and Bankova for negotiations since the start of the war in Ukraine in Istanbul on May 16 ended in failure with little progress being made.