News
Dubai ranks 13th in world's best cities index
The United Arab Emirates' Dubai has secured 13th place in the 2025 World's Best Cities Index, outranking major global cities, including Los Angeles, Toronto, Seoul and Milan.
Serbian opposition leader arrested during blockade of historic Belgrade bridge
Pressure on the Serbian government has been mounting since the Novi Sad railway station disaster claimed 15 lives.
Georgian academics stand with student protesters occupying Tbilisi State University
Activists and students say they will stay until university rector Jaba Samushia, accused of collaborating with the government, resigns.
Award seen as Nobel Prize for human rights won by Kabul women’s rights activist and jailed Tajik lawyer
Jury recognises “exceptional courage and determination” in “deeply repressive environments”.
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Nicaragua unveils new canal route in bid to rival Panama
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has unveiled plans for a 445-kilometre interoceanic canal that would provide an alternative to the congested Panama Canal, presenting the proposal to Chinese investors at a regional business summit.
Venezuela faces fresh US pressure as Washington recognises opposition leader as president-elect
The US has ramped up pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro by formally recognising opposition candidate Edmundo González as the country's president-elect, marking the first time the Biden administration has used this designation.
Russia funding war in Ukraine via illegal gold mining in Africa – WGC report
"It is noteworthy how little concerted political will there has been to halt the illicit flow of profits from the exploitation of gold resources in Africa into the Russian war machine," the World Gold Council report says.
Russia ready to start peace talks in January, willing to make some “limited” concessions – Reuters
The Kremlin is ready to start ceasefire talks and is willing to make some “limited” territorial concessions, Reuters reported on November 20, citing five senior current and former Kremlin sources.
Hungary’s Masterplast in talks on refinancing debt after downgrade
Hungary's leading construction materials maker hit by Scope Ratings' downgrade, which was attributed to worsening credit metrics, driven by the prolonged weakness in the construction sector.
Romgaz lists €500mn bond on Bucharest Stock Exchange
Bond issue is part of Romgaz’s strategy to raise €1.5bn for projects including the Neptun Deep offshore gas field.
Finland’s Terveystalo reportedly eyeing €1bn acquisition of Romania’s Regina Maria
Romania's private healthcare market has garnered increasing attention from international investors.
A thousand days of Ukraine war
The war in Ukraine has reached its 1,000th day, marked by US permits missile strikes on Russia and North Korea deepening its involvement.
Georgian opposition reclaims protest site
Ten of thousands of demonstrators have reoccupied a key traffic intersection after being violently dispersed by police and special forces.
Czechia has sent military materiel worth €300mn to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion
But government faces criticism for not doing enough to cut the amount of Russian energy imports since the invasion.
Lithuanian president agrees to Social Democrat cabinet backed by populist party
President Gitanas Nauseda backs down and formally submits the nomination of Gintautas Paluckas as premier of left-leaning coalition.
Protestors block Serbian courthouse over deadly roof collapse
The roof collapse at Novi Sad railway station on November 1 claimed 15 lives, with critics blaming systemic corruption and poorly executed renovations.
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Iran, Venezuela forge closer industrial ties as sanctions-hit allies meet in Caracas
Iran and Venezuela launched their 10th Joint Economic Cooperation Commission at an event in Caracas on November 19, with high-level delegations from both countries attending amid strengthening bilateral ties.
Russian carmaker AvtoVAZ delays Iran market entry to 2025
Russian automaker AvtoVAZ has pushed back its planned entry into the Iranian market to 2025, the company's chief executive Maxim Sokolov announced on November 19, marking a significant delay from the previously targeted 2024 launch.
Qatar says Hamas office remains open in Doha
Qatar confirmed that Hamas leaders involved in Gaza ceasefire negotiations are not currently in Doha, while denying reports that it plans to close the Palestinian group's political office in the Persian Gulf state.
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Emirates suspends Iraq and Lebanon flights until end of November
Emirates airlines announced on November 19 it has suspended flights to and from Baghdad until the end of November, amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region.