Southeast Europe / News
Far-right leader accuses Bulgaria’s central bank governor of “treason” over euro adoption
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov and other pro-Russian politicians are trying to block Bulgaria’s entry to the Eurozone, expected in January 2026.
Bosnia’s Dodik offers Republika Srpska’s mineral resources to Trump
After Ukraine talks debacle, beleaguered Bosnian Serb leader sees offer of critical minerals as a way to gain US president’s support.
Turkmen labour migrants turning elsewhere as Turkey is less welcoming
Uzbekistan and Belarus new, hot destinations.
Trump admirer Simion challenges Romanian presidential election result
George Simion has announced plans to ask the Constitutional Court to annul the May 18 presidential election.
Kosovo's President Osmani receives death threats
Osmani called “anti-constitutional criminal” in anonymous email as Kosovo remains in deep political crisis.
Syria's security forces seize 4mn captagon pills in Latakia
Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced the seizure of more than 4mn of Captagon pills in the western city of Latakia, as part of a crackdown on drug trafficking. The shipment, intended for smuggling, was found hidden inside industrial equipment.
Turkish cement maker Cimko sells $300mn 5-year debut eurobond at 10.75% coupon
First Turkish eurobond sale to take place since market turbulence caused by jailing of Istanbul mayor and candidate for the presidency Ekrem Imamoglu.
_0_1747734818.jpg)
Brazil poultry sector hit as bird flu prompts global export bans
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a commercial farm, triggering immediate import bans from major markets including China and the EU.
Markets rally as Romania's political outlook stabilises after Dan’s election victory
Positive market movements follow the election of reformist, pro-EU candidate Nicușor Dan, who defeated far-right rival George Simion in the May 18 runoff.
Serbia negotiates new long-term gas deal with Russia
Serbia has increased efforts to diversify its energy sources but remains heavily dependent on Russian gas.
€6bn UK-North Macedonia partnership to give huge boost to local construction companies
North Macedonia will significantly increase the participation of domestic firms in key infrastructure projects after the planned signing of a strategic partnership agreement with the UK, minister says.
Romanian pro-EU presidential candidate Dan defeats far-right rival Simion
Romania's new president Nicusur Dan will have to urgently negotiate the formation of a ruling majority to tackle Romania’s acute fiscal and budgetary challenges.
Protesters against euro adoption block roads in Bulgaria
Roads blocked in Bulgaria's biggest cities as activists step up their campaign to prevent country's entry to the Eurozone in January 2026.
European leaders in Tirana for EPC summit amid “relentless attacks” on international order
European leaders focus on continent's mounting challenges: Russia’s war in Ukraine, economic security and democratic resilience.
Russo-Ukraine Istanbul ceasefire talks break up without result
The first direct meeting between the Kremlin and Bankova for negotiations since the start of the war in Ukraine in Istanbul on May 16 ended in failure with little progress being made.
Albanian PM shoots down Starmer’s hopes of asylum seeker “return hub”
Edi Rama firmly rejects allowing the UK to set up a “return hub” on Albanian territory, saying Tirana will only host migrants for Italy.
Syria’s Foreign Minister al-Shaibani meets US Secretary Rubio in Antalya amid sanctions lift announcement
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 15 that Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, to discuss the details of lifting sanctions on Syria.
Putin slaps Zelenskiy in the face, skipping the Istanbul meeting, sending a low-level delegation in his place
Russian president Vladimir Putin was a no-show at direct talks he proposed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and sent a low-level delegation instead that didn't include a single minister, in what has been called a “slap in the face”.
Lula presses Putin to attend Ukraine peace talks as Russian leader sends deputies instead
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva joined the chorus of voices piling pressure on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to personally attend proposed peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, but to no avail.
EU Council president urges Kosovo to de-escalate tensions in the north
Antonio Costa said Kosovo’s progress on its European path hinges on both calm in the north and the normalisation of relations with Serbia.