Southeast Europe / News
Poll shows narrowing gap between Simion and Dan ahead of Romanian presidential runoff
Result of the May 18 runoff could hinge on turnout and the mobilisation of undecided voters.
Serbia’s Vucic heads to Moscow for Victory Day parade
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic departed for Moscow to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, defying EU warnings that the visit could further derail Serbia’s stalled path toward EU membership.
Romania's Interior Minister Predoiu appointed interim prime minister
Predoiu takes over as interim PM but leading presidential candidate George Simion says he will install far-right politician Calin Georgescu in the position if he wins May 18 runoff.
Bosnia faces risk of disintegration, high representative warns
Christian Schmidt says Bosnia faces a serious political crisis which may lead to its breakup, following secessionist actions by Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.
Kremlin says Serbia’s Vucic will attend Moscow parade
Move risks a serious rupture with Brussels as Serbia takes an increasingly ambivalent stance to EU enlargement.
Serbia's protesting students demand snap elections
Demand signals a more direct confrontation with the government and the ruling Serbian Progressive Party SNS after months of protests.
Economy a key battleground as Albania heads for general election
Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha are trading barbs over growth, taxes and the cost of living.
EU allies prepared to back Moldova’s EU accession bid without Ukraine if Hungary’s veto not lifted
EU member states most supportive of Ukraine are ready to move forward with accession talks for Moldova without Ukraine, if Hungary continues to block progress for Kyiv.
Romania’s PM Ciolacu resigns
Political instability looms as no new government expected until presidential election runoff between far-right George Simion and pro-EU reformer Nicusur Dan.
Turkey’s opposition leader assaulted in Istanbul
Sequence of events led to Ozgur Ozel departing funeral via front door, where he was attacked in front of camera crews.
George Simion takes decisive lead in Romanian presidential election first round
AUR leader Simion took over 40% of the vote in the first round, giving him a strong chance of victory in the runoff.
Press freedom declines sharply in several Balkan countries
Declines reported in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania in the latest global ranking from Reporters Without Borders.
Romanian nationalist politician Simion is strong frontrunner in presidential election first round
A win for AUR leader George Simion could lead to political instability and alter Romania’s stance on regional issues, including the war in Ukraine.
Serbian president stable after falling ill during US visit
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was briefly hospitalised in Belgrade on May 3 after abruptly cutting short a visit to the United States due to health concerns.