Southeast Europe / News
Serbia holds emergency talks on fate of Gazprom-owned NIS
Serbia’s government held an emergency session to decide whether to nationalise oil company NIS after the US rejected a request to extend the firm’s operating licence and demanded a full exit of its Russian owners.
Leaked documents show Belgrade signed secret deal with Kushner to redevelop protected site
Serbia’s government signed a JV with a company owned by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, to redevelop the former General Staff headquarters in central Belgrade, investigative weekly Radar found.
Bulgaria’s parliament overturns president’s veto on Lukoil refinery law
Bulgaria’s parliament overturned President Rumen Radev’s veto on a law that gives the government more control over the local assets of Russia’s oil company Lukoil, less than ten days before new US sanctions take effect.
Rio Tinto postpones Serbia lithium project amid permitting delays
Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has postponed development of its multi-billion dollar Jadar lithium project in western Serbia, after years of delays and public opposition.
Bulgarian president vetoes law on seizure of Lukoil assets
The veto comes just ten days before new US sanctions on Lukoil take effect, which could block the operation of its Bulgarian assets.
Russia signals readiness to give up control of Serbia’s NIS amid US sanctions
Russia is prepared to relinquish control of Serbia’s oil company, NIS, to a third party to resolve US sanctions that threaten the firm’s operations and Serbia’s energy security.
Milan prosecutors probe claims Italians paid to shoot civilians in Bosnian war
Investigators are seeking to identify Italian citizens who allegedly travelled to Bosnia to take part in what witnesses have described as a “human safari”.
Paval Holding, Zabka and Auchan reportedly eye Carrefour’s Romanian operations
Carrefour is understood to have appointed BNP Paribas to explore investor interest in its Romanian operations.
Bulgaria and Romania seek to delay sanctions against Lukoil
Sanctions imposed by US authorities on Lukoil's global operations expected to cause costly disruptions at the Russian group's local refineries.
Serbia’s parliament approves law clearing way for Kushner-backed Belgrade project
Lex specialis enables construction of a $500mn luxury hotel and residential complex backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
Serbia plans record spending ahead of Expo 2027
2026 budget prioritises infrastructure investments linked to the government’s Leap into the Future – Serbia 2027 programme.
Bulgaria moves to seize Lukoil refinery to shield it from US sanctions
Bulgaria is preparing to take control of Russian oil company Lukoil’s Burgas refinery, the country’s only oil-processing facility, to protect it from US sanctions.
Nato chief downplays US troop withdrawal, reaffirms commitment to Romania
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to ease concerns over the recent withdrawal of a US infantry brigade from Romania.
Serbia braces for clashes as Kosovo Serbs join protests in Belgrade
Serbs from Kosovo have arrived in Belgrade after a week-long march, joining pro-government demonstrators calling for an end to over a year of student-led blockades and anti-government protests.
Croatia sees defence industry as key driver of economic growth
Defence Minister Ivan Anušić says global demand for defence equipment has surged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, creating new openings for Croatia’s high-tech manufacturers.
New members expected to join EU by 2030 as enlargement momentum builds
Top European Commission officials say admitting new member states to the European Union by 2030 is now a “realistic goal”.
Ex-parliament speaker Konjufca proposed as Kosovo’s next PM in attempt to break deadlock
Vetëvendosje leader and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has been unable to secure support to form a government since the February general election.
IMF’s Georgieva says Eurozone entry no guarantee of higher living standards for Bulgaria
Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urged policymakers to stay focused on reforms to boost productivity, competitiveness and income growth ahead of accession in January 2026.
Rheinmetall invests €400mn in propellant powders joint venture in Romania
Partnership is part of Bucharest’s effort to attract defence investment and expand its domestic industrial capacity.
EU’s Kallas warns Bosnia’s EU accession window could close if reforms stall
EU officials have repeatedly said that the bloc’s door remains open to Bosnia, but internal political divisions and delayed reforms have slowed progress toward membership.