News
Hungary demands removal of Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman from EU sanctions list
The Hungarian government, widely regarded as the most Russia-friendly in the EU, has repeatedly obstructed EU sanctions against Moscow and delayed military aid to Ukraine.
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan sign long-sought deal on border known for armed clashes
Soviet-era demarcation of frontier has plagued relations during three decades of two republics' independence.
Bulgaria’s ruling coalition loses majority after vote recount
After vote recount, Bulgaria’s Constitutional Court ruled that 16 MPs in the current parliament are not elected legally and should be dismissed.
US imposes sanctions Iran’s oil minister
The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran's Minister of Petroleum Mohsen Paknejad and several entities involved in transporting Iranian oil to China.
Putin leaves door open to 30-day ceasefire but avoids firm commitments
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stopped short of making definitive commitments, leaving key issues unresolved.
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Volkswagen will not relocate Mexico plants despite tariff threats, CEO says
Volkswagen Group has confirmed it will maintain its plants in Mexico despite US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 25% tariffs on trading partners Canada and Mexico.
Al-Sharaa appointed as Syrian president for five years after signing constitutional declaration
Saudi-born Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a draft constitutional declaration, making him president of Syria for a five-year transitional period.
Afghan opium prices skyrocket amid ban, fuelling organised crime
Poppy production is again on the rise in Afghanistan as spring approaches and prices for opium increase.
Tusk hails Erdogan meeting as “historic breakthrough” as Poland, Turkey commit to joint defence, arms production work
"Our cooperation as two strong Nato partners has taken on a new significance today," he says.
Ecuador President Noboa taps Blackwater founder to combat gang violence
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has announced a “strategic alliance” with US businessman Erik Prince, founder of private security firm Blackwater.
Ryanair and Wizz Air to launch direct flights to Jordan in April
The Jordan Tourism Board has signed two agreements with low-cost air carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air to operate direct flights to Jordan starting in April.
Bolivia turns to crypto as fuel crisis deepens
As fuel shortages worsen in Bolivia, the government turns to cryptocurrency for imports. A lack of foreign currency, costly subsidies, and declining production fuel the crisis, sparking protests and straining the economy.
US 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium imports kick off
US 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports came into force on March 12, escalating trade tensions between Washington and its North American commercial partners.
EU braces for Hungarian veto on Russia sanctions extension
Brussels is preparing for the possibility that Hungary may block the renewal of European Union sanctions against Russia, a move that could unfreeze tens of billions of euros in assets and undermine Ukraine's financial aid structure.
Rival candidates seek to capture Romania’s far-right electorate after Georgescu banned from presidential race
AUR leader George Simion is now the leading far-right candidate, but he faces competition from several rivals.
Russian activist urges Kremlin to ban sex toys to combat demographic decline
A conservative Russian activist has called on the government to ban sex toys nationwide, arguing that their availability undermines traditional family structures and exacerbates the country’s demographic crisis
Iraq plans major tourism projects to attract 1mn visitors
Iraq wants to attract both Muslim and Christian tourists to its historical sites as it bids to build out new hotels and resorts.
Poland’s Tusk backs Turkey for Ukraine peace process role on Ankara visit
Trip also provides support to president Erdogan as he bids to make Turkish armed forces and defence industry prominent in Europe's plan to rearm and strengthen security architecture.
Turkey reportedly keeps up military strikes on PKK despite Kurdish group’s unilateral ceasefire
At same time, Ankara backs Damascus move to integrate Kurdish-dominated SDF militia into Syrian national army. Erdogan officials usually refer to SDF and PKK as one and the same “terrorist” entity.
Thousands rally in Bulgaria over attempt to sabotage general election recount
The Constitutional Court ordered a full recount of votes from the October 27 snap general election, which is expected to benefit the nationalist, pro-Russian Greatness party.