Southeast Europe / News
Elections in Moldova’s separatist Transnistria unlikely to bring clarity on region's future
Obnovlenie — the political vehicle of Sheriff holding — is expected to maintain its dominance in Transnistria's November 30 elections.
Kosovo’s first ammunition factory to start producing in 2026
Kosovo is among several Western Balkans countries investing in defence capacity, with plans to set up a Defence Industrial Zone near Gjakova.
Bulgaria to withdraw 2026 budget after mass protest
The political turmoil over next year's budget comes as Bulgaria prepares to join the eurozone in January 2026.
Romanian cold cuts producer Cris-Tim makes strong debut on Bucharest exchange
Opening price gives Cris-Tim a market capitalisation of €277mn, as it plans investments in cold cuts and ready meals divisions.
Serbia allocates €90mn to restart mandatory military service
Move comes amid rising militarisation in the Western Balkans and follows Croatia's decision to reintroduce conscription.
EU urgently working on a bridge loan for Ukraine if Reparation Loans deal fails
The ongoing discussions on a possible US sponsored peace deal to end the Ukraine war has put fresh pressure on the EU to come up with a solution to Ukraine’s acute funding shortfall.
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Fighter jets deployed after Russian drones fly deep into Romanian territory
Drones found in both Romania and Moldova after incursions.
Serbia gives Russia 50-day deadline to sell majority stake in NIS
President Aleksandar Vucic warned Belgrade could take control of oil company NIS if no buyer is found.
US sanctions push Serbia’s only refinery toward shutdown
Serbia’s sole oil refinery could halt operations within days unless Washington grants a new licence to allow majority Russian-owned NIS to continue processing crude.
Moldova’s High Court resumes trial of former president Igor Dodon
"Kuliok" ("the bag") case concerns allegations Dodon took a bribe from Moldovan oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc.
Dodik proxy wins presidential election in Bosnia’s Republika Srpska
Sinisa Karan, backed by ex-president Milorad Dodik’s ruling SNSD, secured just over half of the vote in Republika Srpska, narrowly ahead of opposition candidate Branko Blanusa
EU-Mercosur trade pact faces dual threat from Paris and internal rifts
The long-negotiated EU-Mercosur trade agreement is set to enter a decisive phase amid French opposition and broader tensions within the South American bloc.
Bosnia’s Republika Srpska to hold pivotal early presidential election
Election in Bosnia's Serb entity to have broader implications for Bosnia's internal stability and progress on EU accession.
Croatia’s Tokić makes stock market debut after fully subscribed IPO
ZSE chief executive Ivana Gažić says latest listing adds momentum to Croatia’s capital market, which has seen a spike in IPO activity this year.
Bosnian minister sends Nazi helmet and insulting letter to international envoy
Foreign Trade Minister Staša Košarac accuses High Representative Christian Schmidt of being “the embodiment of political evil and ill will towards my homeland”.
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US to present a 28-point ceasefire plan to Ukraine as a fait accompli
A new US 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine suddenly burst on to the scene on November 20, as the White House hopes to use the growing pressure on Ukraine to force terms on Kyiv as soon as this week.
Prime minister’s spending cuts plan prompts tensions within Romania’s ruling coalition
PM Ilie Bolojan's proposed 10% cut to the total personnel budget across all ministries was strongly criticised by the Social Democratic Party and public sector unions.
Kosovo headed for early elections after Konjufca fails to secure majority for new government
Kosovo has been in political deadlock since the February general election.
Albanian PM accuses UK home secretary of using “populist far-right rhetoric”
Edi Rama slams Shabana Mahmood for pledge to deport hundreds of Albanian families whose asylum applications have been rejected in latest spat between Tirana and London over migration.
Russia agrees to sell stake in Serbian oil firm NIS
The Russian owners of Serbia’s oil company NIS have agreed to sell their 56.15% stake and are in talks with a potential buyer, as Belgrade races to meet US demands for a full Russian exit from the company.