Southeast Europe / News
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.
Serbia extends Russian gas supply deal until end-September
The temporary extension announced just days before agreement was due to expire as Belgrade and Moscow negotiate a new long-term energy deal.
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.