Southeast Europe / News
EU-US rift deepens as European leaders warn Zelenskiy not to trust Trump - Der Spiegel
Deep divisions have emerged between the US and Europe as the first serious attempt to halt the war in Ukraine gets underway. EU leaders warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy not to trust the White House, as it could “betray” Kyiv.
EU proposes emergency powers to raise €210bn from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
The European Commission will invoke “emergency powers” to raise up to €210bn for Ukraine using frozen Russian state assets, in a move that could bypass the need for unanimous approval by member states and sidestep potential vetoes.
Romanian investors plan €1bn DraculaLand entertainment park near Bucharest
Complex to include theme park, shopping mall and hotels, and will have its own metaverse and DraculaCoin digital coin.
Moldova reportedly working with EU and US on plan to reintegrate Transnistria
The renewed focus on reintegration comes as Chișinău accelerates its EU accession efforts and seeks stronger Western backing for its security agenda.
Croatia to invest nearly €2bn in drones, howitzers and tanks
Sweeping military modernisation effort backed by EU SAFE facility loan is part of Croatia's efforts to reinforce its defence capacity since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
US lawmaker warns Western Balkans remain “tinderbox”
House Europe Subcommittee chairman calls Western Balkans “the most unstable region in Europe” aside from Ukraine.
Bulgarian president demands snap elections after mass protests
Rumen Radev called for early elections after the government pulled its contentious 2026 budget proposal in response to the biggest protests the country has seen in years.
Serbia’s sole oil refinery shuts down after US sanctions block crude oil supply
NIS, majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom group, has been unable to secure new crude shipments since the sanctions took effect on October 9.
Bosnia fails to advance laws needed for EU accession as Cabinet of Ministers session blocked
Bosnia is trying to meet conditions to open EU accession negotiations, but political divisions have led to repeated delays.
Bulgaria withdraws 2026 budget after biggest protests in years turn violent
Mass protests against the plan drew tens of thousands of people onto the streets and triggered clashes between police and demonstrators.
ECB refuses to back EU’s plan for €140bn Ukraine loan
The European Central Bank has refused to support a €140bn EU loan package intended for Ukraine, dealing a significant blow to a controversial initiative that sought to finance Kyiv using a cash pile from the investment of Russian frozen assets.
Kosovo’s Vetëvendosje forms broad coalition for December snap election
Vetevendosje failed to form a government after the February general election, which left no party with a clear majority and coalition talks at a standstill.
Moldova temporarily closes airspace after Russian drones cross territory
Two Russian drones crossed its territory during a large strike on Ukraine on the night of November 28-29, in the third such incident in nine days.
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.