Southeast Europe / News
Construction bosses turn witness in Turkey’s investigation into “Imamoglu Crime Syndicate”
Prosecution secures confessions from multiple individuals who experience claimed enlightenment in jail. Critics contend probe is entirely political and bogus.
PSD dithering delays government formation and urgent fiscal reforms in Romania
Leader of Romania's largest party has yet to decide who to nominate for prime minister.
Boss of Turkish fuel retailer Teco arrested as part of Imamoglu operation
Regime says it's targeting "tentacles" of "octopus-like" crime syndicate under Istanbul mayor. Critics scoff at bogus investigation aimed at removing political threat to Erdogan.
Arrests made after Serbian student leader attacked by mob in Belgrade
A Serbian student who has become a symbol of opposition to ongoing university blockades was attacked near Student City in New Belgrade.
European Commission concludes Romania breached fiscal consolidation plan
Romania must come up with convincing corrective actions by the end of the month to prevent disciplinary measures.
Moldovan PM warns of Russian plan to deploy 10,000 troops in Transnistria
Dorin Recean says Moscow is intensifying efforts to interfere in Moldova's domestic politics to secure a more Kremlin-aligned government in Chisinau.
EU selects 13 global strategic raw materials projects to boost supply security
European Commission publishes list with projects in Emerging Europe, Central Asia, Africa and elsewhere as bloc strives to reduce dependency on a handful of global suppliers.
Bulgaria gets green light for eurozone entry as protesters gather in Sofia
Far-right, pro-Russian protesters block entrances to Bulgaria's parliament and central bank.
Regime order goes out to clear images of jailed mayor Imamoglu from Istanbul
Ban on materials featuring Erdogan's chief political rival applied to all public transport in city.
Kosovo's EU bid depends on dialgue with Serbia and functioning institutions, says Commissioner Kos
Kosovo remains the only Western Balkan country without EU candidate status.
Russia’s Gazprom has quietly shelved Turkey gas hub plan, says report
Project praised by Putin no longer seen as viable, sources at energy giant cited as saying.
Russia demands Ukraine's de facto capitulation with Istanbul demands
Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Istanbul for the second direct ceasefire talks on June 1 that made little progress in laying out the groundwork for the mooted 30-day ceasefire suggested by the Trump administration in March.
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.