Southeast Europe / News
Kosovo gets parliament speaker but months-long political stalemate persists
Prolonged political deadlock had prevented Kosovo's assembly from functioning and blocked the formation of new state institutions since the February general election.
Serbia caps retail margins, cuts loan rates to fight inflation
Belgrade aims to ease economic strain that has contributed to a wave of anti-government protests in recent months, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the political climate and living conditions.
Brussels warns Kosovo putting relations with EU at risk by excluding Serb parties from elections
EU statement says "inclusive" elections are crucial for future relationship between Kosovo and the bloc.
Bosnia’s Republika Srpska votes for referendum, escalating standoff with central authorities
MPs reject Central Election Commission’s decision to revoke Milorad Dodik as president of Bosnia’s Serb entity.
Serbia in talks with Russia on long-term gas deal
Energy Minister Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic says Serbia is in advanced negotiations with Russian energy giant Gazprom.
Poll shows Moldova’s pro-EU PAS leads but lacks majority ahead of September elections
Party of Action and Solidarity to remain largest party in new parliament but without majority, with Renato Usatii’s Our Party likely to play kingmaker.
Ruling SNS calls for rallies across Serbia
Serbian Progressive Party urges its supporters to turn out in response to ongoing anti-government protests and growing civil unrest.
EU calls for restraint amid violent protests in Serbia
Clashes between protesters, riot police and pro-government supporters have escalated over the past week.
Bulgaria sees rising public support for euro adoption in 2026
Support for Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro is growing among both citizens and businesses, according to a survey by Alpha Research.
Peace turns on possible new Western security deals for Ukraine
Mixed results for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy following the historic meeting with US President Donald Trump and seven European leaders on August 18 in the White House.
Prime minister of Bosnia's Republika Srpska resigns
Resignation of Radovan Višković, wanted by police for undermining Bosnia's constitutional order, follows decision to remove Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik from his post.
Turkey frees Croatian captain of coal bulk carrier found loaded with cocaine
Vessel arrived from Colombia. Turkish routes to Europe have become popular with drug-runners. Big diplomatic effort was launched to secure release of seaman.
High stake talks in Washington between Trump, Zelenskiy and EU leaders
Following the underwhelming Alaska summit, US president Donald Trump has invited five European leaders, NATO, and the EU to the Oval Office as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to close a deal that could end the war on August 18.
Police detain about 70 people at pro-Russian rally in Moldova
Police confiscate dozens of tents, thwarting Kremlin-backed protesters' plans to set up protest camp in Chisinau ahead of September general election.
Hundreds of Kosovan businesses get power supply cut in row over market liberalisation
Business representatives say cutoffs will trigger job losses, higher prices, reduced competitiveness and plant closures.
Violent clashes in Serbia raise fears of state-sanctioned thuggery
Tensions flared across Serbia as anti-government protests turned violent in several cities.
Serbia rocked by second night of violent clashes
Clashes erupted across Serbia for a second consecutive night, as anti-government demonstrators and supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party confronted one another in several cities.
Romania to target profit-shifting by multinationals as it seeks to boost revenues
Finance minister says Bucharest wants multinationals to invest "but they must pay corporate tax".
Bulgaria’s Uni Energy to acquire NIS petrol network for over €30mn
NIS, majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom and its subsidiary Gazprom Neft, is divesting its Bulgarian assets amid increasing pressure from secondary US sanctions.
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Dozens injured in Serbia as anti-government protests turn violent
At least 50 people were injured in the town of Vrbas, where protesters, members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and police clashed outside local party offices.