Southeast Europe / News
Strike breaks out at construction site where Russia is building Turkey’s first nuclear power plant
Rosatom blames unpaid wages on “unfriendly countries” blocking project funds. Launch of first reactor years behind schedule.
Analyst warns Kosovo risks economic and political isolation as Albania moves closer to EU
Kosovo may face a return to “hard borders” with Albania and Montenegro within the next five to seven years if current political trends continue.
Kosovo's public broadcaster RTK on verge of collapse as financial crisis deepens
Broadcasting associations urge the Kosovo government to immediately ensure funding for RTK and safeguard its independence.
Serbia seeks 180-day extension of US sanctions waiver for NIS
Belgrade has argued that sanctions on NIS would jeopardise energy supply across the Balkans and worsen Serbia's economic outlook.
Russia and Ukraine agree to expand prisoner exchanges at third Istanbul talks, no progress on ceasefire
Russia and Ukraine have concluded a third round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, agreeing to another large POW swap and including civilians for the first time, but no other progress was made.
Syria’s transitional government requests support from Turkey in strengthening defence capabilities
US, meanwhile, says it has "no position" on the prospect of a defence pact between the neighbours.
Ten workers perish battling wildfires in Turkey
Minister says personnel became “trapped inside” a blaze after a change in the direction of the wind.
Hungary holds trilateral talks on construction of new oil pipeline to Serbia with Russia
Hungary and Serbia are moving ahead with plans to build a new cross-border oil pipeline that could transport up to 5mn tonnes per year of crude, as both countries deepen energy ties with Russia despite EU sanctions.
Serbia facilitated arms transit to Ukraine despite Russian warnings
Serbia continued to permit arms shipments destined for Ukraine to transit its territory even after receiving direct warnings from Moscow, according to a BIRN investigation.
Nigel Farage proposes sending UK prisoners to El Salvador following Trump model
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced plans to send British prisoners to El Salvador if he becomes prime minister, mirroring a controversial arrangement between US President Donald Trump and his Salvadoran counterpart Nayib Bukele.
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.