Southeast Europe / Features
Montenegro mega beach deal reignites debate over UAE investments in Western Balkans
A plan to develop Montenegro’s Velika Plaza beach has become the latest battleground in a growing backlash against UAE-backed real estate deals across the Western Balkans.
How Europe has weaned itself off Russian gas in the last three years
In 2021, Eastern European countries imported almost half of their gas from Russia. Only two countries in the region – Albania and Kosovo – were wholly independent of Russian gas.
Retail markets in Zagreb, Ljubljana and Belgrade hold “significant potential”, says CBRE
The retail real estate sectors in Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia are showing strong potential for further development, according to new research by global real estate consultancy CBRE.
"Republic of prison campuses" Turkey has so many inmates, 100,000 sleep on floor
To deal with overflow, authorities often choose to put hardened criminals on probation rather than political prisoners.
Western Balkans countries struggle to reverse demographic decline
Governments turn to short-term fixes and immigration push to tackle deepening demographic crisis but shy away from deeper reforms, says OSW report.
Romanian geothermal expert Green Tech International has dual listing in sight after Bucharest IPO
Company aims to triple its active geothermal capacity, double installed capacity to 1 GWt by 2028 and expand into downstream business lines, COO Dragoș Gavriluță tells bne IntelliNews.
The rise of war-hardened Balkan crime groups in South America’s cocaine market
Global Initiative report reveals organised crime groups from the Western Balkans have firmly embedded themselves in South America’s cocaine trade.
Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members
Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.
Russia's leading discount store Fix Price to move into Serbia
Russian discount retailer Fix Price is preparing to enter the Serbian market, with plans to open several stores by the end of 2025. This marks the company's second attempt to establish a presence in Europe.
Turkey in undeclared state of emergency following detention of Erdogan rival Imamoglu
Lira drops 14% as markets take fright. Barring an exceptional pushback from opposition, however, on past performance, country will soon go back to “normal”.
Southeast Europe erupts in weekend of protests
Protests in Serbia, Georgia and Hungary reflect mounting discontent over corruption and democratic backsliding, while Romanians turn out to show commitment to EU values in face of rising far right.
Turkmenistan is trying to come out of its shell
Economic necessity is the mother of diversification.
EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup
What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.
Can Emerging European countries afford to rearm?
As European countries face a pressing need to rearm amid fears the US may pull back from its security commitments, an EBRD report shows higher defence spending is already putting pressure on public finances.
Lebanon's rail revival paves the way for economic growth and unity
Lebanon is seeking to revive its dormant railway network, aiming to reconnect with neighbouring Syria and Iraq while positioning itself as a potential link in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
‘Perp walk’ pictures of businessmen who attacked Erdogan draw mocking response from opposition
Finance minister advised to hold up photo and say, “This is how favourable the investment environment in Turkey is.”
Romania's retail market expands despite economic slowdown, says Colliers
Growth reflects improved purchasing power, with Romania outpacing major economies in the region – and even some Western European countries – in per capita spending on clothing and footwear, says new Colliers report.
Turkey, Germany strike arms deal to ramp up production of 155mm artillery shells
Move comes as US downgrades its role in Nato defence of Europe and concern grows over how Russia is racing ahead in weapons manufacturing.
Russian holiday-makers return to Europe as demand for trips abroad surges
Russian tourists are increasingly booking trips to Europe, with a sharp rise in hotel reservations for Spain, France and Italy, according to leading online travel aggregators.