Southeast Europe / News

Croatian Bosqar Invest acquires bakery Mlinar in €100mn deal

bne IntelliNews December 20, 2024

Croatia-based holding company sees huge potential for food sector in Southeast Europe.

Formation of ruling coalition in Romania faces deadlock as Social Democrats suspend talks

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest December 20, 2024

PSD leader and PM Marcel Ciolacu accused potential partners of being "inconsistent and disrespectful" as he pulled out of coalition talks.

Syrian-Kurdish SDF’s fighters from outside Syria will leave if Turkey agrees ceasefire, says commander

bne IntelliNews December 20, 2024

Turkish president Erdogan, meanwhile, describes his country’s activities in other countries as part of a “sacred journey”.

Bulgaria’s interim PM Glavchev refuses to sign 10-year military support deal with Ukraine

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia December 19, 2024

Gerb also backs away from Ukraine deal as it seeks to secure pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party as a coalition partner.

Athens conditions support for Albania’s EU accession on protection for Greek minority

bne IntelliNews December 19, 2024

Athens backs the EU integration of the Western Balkans but has tied its support for neighbouring Albania to specific commitments.

Kosovo’s president slams EU’s “unfair” treatment

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje December 18, 2024

Vjosa Osmani criticises the EU for maintaining punitive measures on Kosovo, and failing to consider membership application.

Istanbul cruise port debt “re-restructured”, banks take 49% stake

Akin Nazli in Belgrade December 18, 2024

Dogus Galataport has three-year buyback option. With accrued interest, €1.5bn owed. Lenders may gain option to move to 51%-ownership if repayment plan fails.

Turkey launches Persian news media aimed at Iran

bne Gulf bureau December 18, 2024

Turkey's state television channel TRT launched its Persian-language service on December 18, the broadcaster announced.

Fitch cuts outlook on Romania’s rating to negative over political uncertainty

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest December 18, 2024

Fitch revised the outlook on Romania's long-term forex Issuer Default Rating to negative after the presidential elections were scrapped over alleged Russian interference.

Trump keeping Erdogan “on his toes” over unfolding Syria events, says analyst

bne IntelliNews December 18, 2024

Turkish leader now “not sure exactly where he sits” after US president-elect’s remarks on how the situation in Damascus is “controlled by Turkey”.

Senators threaten to hit Erdogan with sanctions if Syria ceasefire not declared with US-backed Kurdish fighters

bne IntelliNews December 17, 2024

As fears grow Turkey will attempt post-Assad attack on self-declared “Kurdistan” territories, lawmakers say “United States cannot stand idly by”.

EU Council says enlargement is a "geo-strategic investment in peace"

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje December 17, 2024

The enlargement process has been revitalised since the start of the war in Ukraine, but EU ministers say candidate countries must step up reform efforts.

North Macedonia’s ex-deputy PM Grubi reportedly flees to Kosovo to avoid detention in corruption case

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje December 17, 2024

Artan Grubi was recently blacklisted by the US State Department for alleged involvement in significant corruption.

Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan announces presidential candidacy

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest December 17, 2024

Dan seen as possible unifying candidate for mainstream parties to take on far right ahead of presidential election re-run.

Hungary's state utility giant buys E.ON’s energy supply operations in Romania

bne IntelliNews December 17, 2024

MVM will acquire a 68% stake in E.ON Energie Romania, which has close to 3.4mn customers, and a 98% stake in regional service provider E.ON Asist Complet.

Turkey will “hold key” to what happens in Syria, says Trump

bne IntelliNews December 17, 2024

By supporting anti-Assad forces, Ankara "did an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost", adds US president-elect.

Kosovo to set up its first ammunition factory with Turkish firm MKE

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje December 16, 2024

Kosovo is setting up a domestic arms industry amid heightened tensions with Serbia, which has been ramping up its defence procurement efforts.

Kosovo's PM Kurti misses special prosecution summons due to overseas visit

bne IntelliNews December 16, 2024

Kurti summoned to testify as a witness in an ongoing criminal investigation two months before February general election.

Moldova announces it has enough natural gas reserves for the entire winter

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest December 16, 2024

Moldovagaz says it has already purchased 747.9mn cubic metres of natural gas ahead of the expected cut-off of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine.

US, Turkey tread carefully over tensions on future of Kurdish forces in Syria

bne IntelliNews December 16, 2024

Washington says it’s “imperative” that fight to ensure Islamic State “doesn’t rear its head again” goes on. But Ankara wants Kurd-led YPG militia at head of that effort dissolved.

Dismiss