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.

Putin's meeting with Trump in Budapest is a slap in the face for the EU

As preparations get underway for a highly anticipated summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump in Budapest, attention is turning to an unusual but politically sensitive detail: how will Putin get there?

Zelenskiy leaves Washington empty handed, Trump and Putin head to Budapest to talk business

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy went into a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump on October 17 hoping for a big arms deal. He came out of the meeting empty handed.

Taiwan’s KMT elects new leader

Cheng Li-wun, the only female contender among six candidates, defeated former Taipei mayor Hau Lung‑bin by a wide margin, winning over 50% of the ballot in the leadership race for Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang on October 18.

Gold price in Sri Lanka plunges

The sudden drop of around LKR20,000 in both 22- and 24-carat sovereigns adds to a volatile recent run for precious-metals pricing in the island nation: only days earlier, gold prices were noted to be climbing.

US warns Serbian banks over sanctions breach involving NIS

US sanctions on NIS prohibit transactions with the Serbian oil company involving US-linked financial instruments, including payments using Visa, Mastercard and other foreign-issued cards.

Mongolia’s PM ousted as party infighting topples government

Right to challenge sacking means battle may not be over. Observer says confrontation is linked to desire for control of country’s vast coal resources.