News
Only rich people should be allowed to own cryptocurrency, Russia says
The Central Bank of Russia has proposed restricting cryptocurrency transactions to the wealthiest individuals, preventing most citizens from trading digital assets unless they meet stringent financial criteria.
Iran releases opposition leader Karroubi from house arrest after 14 years
Iran's judiciary has ordered the release of Mehdi Karroubi, an 87-year-old green movement leader who had been under house arrest for 14 years, expected in April, according to his son.
Ecuador's oil future at a crossroads as presidential candidates seek divergent paths
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa's plan to revitalise the country's largest oil field appears to be unravelling amid his challenging re-election campaign ahead of the April 13 runoff vote.
Hezbollah attack on journalists on border condemned by new Syrian regime
Syria's newly reformed Ministry of Information has condemned the direct targeting of a group of journalists and Al-Arabiya journalists.
Russia demands its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of ceasefire deal
Russia will insist on its own “ironclad” security guarantees as part of any ceasefire deal to end the conflict in Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in remarks published on March 17.
Azerbaijan expands crackdown on government critics at home and abroad
The Azerbaijani authorities have targeted political dissidents both inside the country and abroad, initiating criminal proceedings and issuing official summons for several prominent government critics.
Viktor Orban vows to crack down on media, judiciary, NGOs in holiday speech
Viktor Orban delivered a combative speech promising an Easter cleanup of “bedbugs”, referring to journalists, judges, opposition forces and NGOs critical of the government.
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.
Serbians call for systemic change at country's largest-ever protest
Around 300,000 people flooded the streets of Belgrade in an unprecedented display of discontent with President Aleksandar Vucic's government.
Turn 'brain drain' into 'brain gain' by attracting home skilled migrants, World Bank urges Central Asia
Report also underlines value of remittances said to contribute 45% of Tajikistan’s GDP, 24% of Kyrgyzstan’s and 14% of Uzbekistan’s.
Serbia could be heading for elections after largest protest in history
Serbia could be heading toward snap elections after the country saw its largest protest in history on March 15, raising pressure on the government and President Aleksandar Vucic to respond.
Serbian police reportedly use sonic cannon against protesters
Video footage shows protesters scattering during the 15-minute silence to honour the victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse.
Death toll from North Macedonia nightclub fire reaches 59
As investigations continue, the nation mourns one of its deadliest tragedies in recent history.
Nightclub fire kills over 50 in North Macedonia
A fire at a packed nightclub in the town of Kocani has killed at least 51 people and left more than 100 injured.
Over 100,000 people gather in Belgrade for mass protest
Students, workers and farmers travelled to Belgrade for Serbia's largest protest in decades.
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Serbia braces for largest protest in years as students march on capital
Serbia's government is preparing for significant unrest ahead of the demonstration with tensions already rising in Belgrade.
Belarus asks Russia for a second nuclear power plant
Belarus has formally requested Russia's assistance in building a second nuclear power plant within its borders as electricity consumption rises.
Iran Central Bank reluctantly releases massively devalued IRR2mn note
Iran's Central Bank has revealed the new IRR2mn (200,000 toman) banknote featuring enhanced security features as its value plummets to less than $3.
US escalates pressure on Panama over Canal control
The US is reportedly intensifying diplomatic and military manoeuvres to challenge Panama's sovereignty over the Panama Canal, with Washington drafting contingency plans that range from increased military cooperation to potential invasion.