Southeast Europe / News
Romanian energy companies report hike in profits
Two major Romania energy companies — natural gas and electricity producer Romgaz and nuclear power company Nuclearelectrica — have reported sharp hikes in their profits for the first half of 2022.
Albania steps in to help Kosovo avoid electricity rationing
Kosovo's energy companies had planned restrictions on power use as the coal-dependent country faces a crisis in the energy sector.
Bosnia's Republika Srpska seeks stronger economic ties with Russia
New trade opportunities expected for Republika Srpska after Bosnian Serb politicians block imposition of sanctions over Ukraine invasion.
Moody’s downgrades Turkey to six notches below investment grade
Increasingly unorthodox policies from Erdogan administration unlikely to restore macroeconomic stability, says rating agency.
Gunman kills 11 people in Montenegro after family conflict
Gunman randomly shot passers-by on the street including children before being shot dead by police.
Entain buys Croatia’s SuperSport as it expands into Emerging Europe
LSE-listed Entain acquires Croatian gaming and sportsbook operator SuperSport Group in a deal that values the company at €920m.
Moldova says it won't be able to make next payment to Gazprom
Failure to make the up-front payment may result in disruption of gas supplies in the first days of September.
John Malkovich to turn Skopje into Hollywood of the Balkans
Actor who calls himself a “son of the Balkans” plans to set up film and music studios in North Macedonia’s capital to shoot Hollywood-calibre movies.
Envoy says start made on construction of Turkish attack drone factory in Ukraine
Kremlin responds that plant would obviously be target for its missiles.
Croatian president says Western sanctions aren’t working
Often criticised for his soft stance on Moscow, President Zoran Milanovic claims sanctions are hurting Croatia but not Russia.
Kosovo’s PM Kurti says risk of new conflict with Serbia is high
Albin Kurti claims Russia contributed to recent standoff between Kosovo and Serbia, and fears new wars could break out in Moldova and the Western Balkans.
Western capitals wonder what kind of sanctions deal Erdogan may have cooked up with Putin
Mindful of Turkey’s own economic and strategic interests—and his poor re-election prospects—the Turkish leader met his Russian counterpart in Sochi.
Leaders of Serbia and Kosovo to meet as they pull back from brink of conflict
Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo’s Albin Kurti to meet after Pristina’s decision not to recognise Serbian ID documents escalated tensions.
Bulgaria’s caretaker government mulls new long-term contract with Gazprom
Suspicions President Rumen Radev picked new cabinet to bring Bulgaria back into the Russian orbit.
Moldova makes rate hike to 21.5% to contain soaring inflation
Inflation reached 31.8% in June and the outlook is gloomy as energy price hikes have yet to be fully passed through to consumer goods prices.
Turkey’s port warehouses reportedly packed full with goods bound for Russia
US said to be wary of Nato member country turning into an anything-goes bolthole for Russians looking to shield business and assets from Western sanctions.
First ship leaves Odesa carrying Ukrainian grain as Russian blockade finally lifts
Ukrainian grain has finally left the port of Odesa for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion, NV Ukraine reported on August 1.
Drought damage to European grain harvest piles on top of Ukraine war impact
Extreme heat and droughts across several European countries have led to forecasts for this year’s harvests being reduced.
Bulgaria heading for snap election after reformist parties fail to form majority
Without a government in place Bulgaria risks failing to complete reforms needed to unlock EU funds and launch urgent measures to ease inflationary pressure on households
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Abandoned Ankara ‘wonderland’ transferred to opposition council
Towards a billion dollars said to have been splashed out on failed amusement park that Erdogan said was a “symbol of pride” for all of Turkey.
