Hungary to challenge EU’s ban on Russian gas imports, vows to block REPowerEU

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto says the European Council’s decision to ban Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027 could jeopardise Hungary’s energy security.

Slovak Foreign Minister Blanár reiterates support for Ukraine’s EU bid

Juraj Blanár says Ukraine is "ready in a way" for accession, but notes objections from some EU member states.

Poland’s Empik prepares Warsaw IPO, reportedly to raise up to €200mn

Book and media retailer Empik is planning to launch an IPO on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2026.

Kremlin says leaders’ good relations helped Budapest secure summit

Hungary is expected to host a second summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on Ukraine after their talks in Alaska in August did not lead to a breakthrough.

India’s opposition slams Modi over Trump’s Russia oil claim

Indian National Congress leader Jairam Ramesh in an X post criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for staying silent over US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that India would cut back on oil imports from Russia.

EU sets 2028 deadline to end Russian gas imports under phased ban

European Union energy ministers have approved a plan to end all Russian gas imports by 2028, introducing a phased ban on new and existing contracts.

Investigation reveals EU funded phantom mussel farm in Bulgaria

Drones and divers find only sand at Black Sea offshore site that received over €210,000 from European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

EU mulls partial membership plan to ease enlargement and bypass veto risks

Move is aimed at moving forward with enlargement and overcoming resistance from EU members such as Hungary, but reaching consensus to be a challenge.

Colombia pulls ambassador from Washington as Trump threatens tariffs

Colombia has recalled its ambassador from Washington after President Donald Trump branded President Gustavo Petro an "illegal drug leader" and pledged to halt all financial assistance whilst threatening enhanced tariffs.

Top US military officer for Latin America quits amid Venezuela tensions

The head of the Pentagon's Southern Command is to step down at the end of the year amid mounting tensions over the Trump administration's military operations in the Caribbean targeting alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers

Iran's Khamenei calls Trump a 'real terrorist'

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei tells Trump "what business is it of yours" regarding nuclear industry, calling US president's positions lies and bullying whilst rejecting claims of supporting Iranian people.

Bolivia elects centrist Rodrigo Paz to lead a nation in chaos

Bolivia has entered a new political era after Rodrigo Paz secured the presidency with 54.5% of the vote, defeating former conservative leader Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.

Kazakhstan renews push for lifting of Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions

Visiting Astana official hopes for “speedy resolution.”

Minsk asks for talks with Kyiv, as Lukashenko seeks to end Belarus’ isolation

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has opened the door to direct dialogue with Kyiv as part of negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, as he launches a diplomatic drive to break the republic’s isolation and dependence on Russia.

Hungary offers Putin safe passage for Budapest summit despite ICC arrest warrant

North Macedonia’s right-wing VMRO-DPMNE heading for sweeping victory in local elections

Strong performance by North Macedonia's ruling party further consolidates Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s dominance on the national political stage.

Hong Kong cargo plane crash: authorities defend safety procedures amid ongoing probe

Hong Kong airport and rescue authorities have reaffirmed their confidence in the airport’s safety protocols after a cargo plane crashed into the sea early on October 20, killing two.

Kremlin envoy revives $8bn plan for Putin–Trump 'Runnel’ linking Russia and US

Russia’s sovereign wealth chief has revived a long-standing vision of physically connecting Eurasia and North America, proposing an $8bn “Putin–Trump Tunnel” beneath the Bering Strait as a symbol of post-war reconciliation.

Germany recalls ambassador to Georgia amid “hate campaign” by ruling party

Berlin says the Georgian authorities orchestrated a months-long “hate campaign” targeting Ambassador Peter Fischer personally.

Thousands rally in Tirana demanding justice for former KLA leaders on trial in The Hague

Albanian PM Edi Rama called the protest, urging all Albanians to unite behind what he described as a “national cause” — defending the honour and legacy of Kosovo’s wartime leaders.