Southeast Europe / News
Albania aims to revive domestic defence industry as it hosts top Nato officials
Albania ended domestic arms production after the collapse of its communist regime but is now working to restart the industry.
Moldovan police investigate suspected pro-Russian propaganda financing ahead of general election
Moldova law enforcers have intensified operations against propaganda and vote-buying schemes to benefit pro-Russian candidates.
Moldova launches new stock exchange with support from Bucharest bourse
PM Dorin Reckon says new exchange to connect Moldova to European markets and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, foreign investors and the Moldovan diaspora.
Ukraine hits multiple Russian oil refineries, Trump calls for more EU oil sanctions
Ukraine is expanding its campaign of trying to cut the Kremlin off from its oil export income with a campaign of targeting Russia’s oil refining and pipeline assets, using its new long-range drones and missiles.
Serbian students allege police deployed toxic gas at protest
Students at the University of Novi Sad said that independent laboratory tests showed police had used a banned form of tear gas against demonstrators during clashes earlier this month.
Skopje residents rise up against landfill fires and toxic pollution
Combination of heat and toxic smoke from multiple fires has left residents trapped inside their homes.
US suspends strategic dialogue with Kosovo amid political deadlock
Washington singles out Kosovo's caretaker PM, leftwing nationalist Albin Kurti, who has a strained relationship with the Trump administration.
Albania names world’s first AI-generated minister as Rama unveils fourth-term cabinet
Albania's long-serving Prime Minister Edi Rama names his new cabinet with a view to securing EU accession.
European Parliament backs faster accession talks with Moldova
Resolution calls for an increase in financial and technical assistance to Moldova to strengthen its resilience against pressure and hybrid attacks from Russia.
Von der Leyen pledges unwavering support for Ukraine, unveils competitiveness reforms in EC state of the Union speech
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her annual EU State of the Union address on September 10 to reaffirm the bloc’s commitment to Ukraine, signal a tougher stance on Israeli settler violence, and outline reform
Croatia's Rijeka Gateway container terminal begins operations after €380mn investment
Opening the terminal contributes to Zagreb’s efforts to position Croatia as a gateway to Central Europe for both goods transport and energy.
Romania lowers 2025 growth forecast to 0.6% on weaker consumption
Revised forecast assumes slower household income growth, leading to reduced private consumption.
Lavrov hosts Dodik in Moscow, blames West for Bosnia tensions
Dodik has been seeking support from Russia and other allies after being stripped of his mandate as Republika Srpska president.
Pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc narrowly ahead of pro-EU PAS in new Moldovan poll
Poll shows bloc formed by Moldova's Socialist and Communist parties has narrow lead, with smaller parties expected to become kingmakers post-election.
Kosovo announces €1bn military budget and “Made in Kosovo” drones
Acting PM Albin Kurti outlines an ambitious security and defence agenda, but formation of Kosovo's next government remains on hold.
EU rebukes Serbian president for calling European Green Party leaders 'scumbags'
Vula Tsetsi and other Green Party officials took part in an anti-government protest in Serbia's Novi Sad.
Trump chews coalition of the willing leaders out over Russian oil imports
US President Donald Trump got into another shouting match over the Ukraine conflict, this time with Europe’s top leaders of the coalition of the willing, in a phone call following the end of the Paris summit on September 4.
Romania’s President Dan says securing stable government his top achievement in first 100 days
Nicușor Dan rates his performance at “seven to eight out of ten”, citing government stability and efforts to rein in Romania's deficit.
The coalition of the willing meet in Paris to try and stop the war in Ukraine
President Zelenskiy travelled to Denmark and France on September 3 to meet with leaders from 35 countries that make up the coalition of the willing (COW) and discuss the need for strong measures to pressure Russia to negotiate an end to the war.
Moldova expects EU’s accession support to double country’s GDP growth rate
Economic development ministry says consistent implementation of investments under the EU accession programme could hike growth to 4.3% in 2028.