Croatia
Bosqar’s Mplus expands with Conectart and Valoris acquisitions
Croatia-based BPO company announces takeovers in Romania and Slovakia expanding its footprint in the CEE region.
New study reveals extent of Russian disinformation targeting Emerging Europe
'Pravda network' targeting regions of geopolitical interest for the Kremlin with negative impact on democracy and regional stability.
COMMENT: Could the US strike a deal to restart Nord Stream gas pipeline?
US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants to do business with Russia and tap into its vast raw material resources. But restarting the Nord Stream gas pipeline is the only US-Russian business project that looks viable.
Croatia faces labour market squeeze ahead of summer tourist season
Labour shortages have become a defining feature of Croatia’s post-pandemic economy, reflecting long-term demographic challenges facing one of Europe’s top tourist destination.
COMMENT: US tariffs set to squeeze European corporate earnings across multiple sectors – Fitch Ratings
US President Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs on European imports – set at 20% for EU member states and 10% for the UK – are poised to curtail revenue and profitability growth across several corporate sectors in Europe, according Fitch.
ING: Trump’s Tariffs - Europe’s worst economic nightmare just came true
A US 20% reciprocal tariff on the European Union will hurt. It's worsened the eurozone's short-term outlook. Now, so much depends on European governments to push through with their planned fiscal stimulus and reforms to strengthen domestic economies.
US tariffs on EU imports to hit Central and Southeast Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says bloc considering retaliatory moves after Trump announces 20% tariffs.
Emerging Europe risks being “cast adrift” from the West, think-tank warns
Ongoing geopolitical realignment accelerated by Trump’s return to office could plunge Emerging Europe into a cycle of instability and regional conflict, says a paper published by the ECFR.
Croatia plans defence spending boost to €2.7bn by 2027
PM Andrej Plenkovic says defence budget to be increased to €2.7bn by 2027, given "changed strategic circumstances".
SplxAI raises €6.45mn backed by Bulgaria-based LAUNCHub
Funding to be used to further develop SplxAI’s platform, which provides automated security testing, remediation and monitoring for AI agents and applications.
Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members
Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.
COMMENT: Is the EU going to fall apart?
Is the EU about to break apart under the stress of taking over the full weight of supporting Ukraine, the need to rearm and the hundreds of billions that must be invested if it is to become competitive again?
Albania, Croatia and Kosovo sign trilateral military alliance declaration
Declaration angers Serbia, where foreign ministry calls it a "provocation" and accuses signatories of undermining regional stability.
EU to soften gas storage rules to avoid price spikes
EU member states are considering softening the bloc’s binding gas storage targets in order to avoid sending gas prices soaring again ahead of what is anticipated to be a difficult year.
Croatia risks losing tourists as prices surge
Tourism Minister Tonci Glavina warns price hikes for taxis, beach bars and restaurants risk driving tourists away especially if quality doesn't keep up.
Croatia to start producing its own ammunition
Croatia is hiking military spending to 2% of GDP in line with Nato commitments, as PM says Europe can no longer neglect defence.
EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup
What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.
EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine
EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.
EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit
EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.
Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.