Southeast Europe / News
Austria agrees to lift veto on full Schengen accession for Bulgaria and Romania
Austria has pledged to lift its veto at the EU Council meeting in December, giving Bulgaria and Romania full membership of the border-free zone.
Romania's ruling coalition poised for election wins with hybrid strategy
PM Marcel Ciolacu is expected to take the presidency, while his PSD’s grand coalition with the PNL is set to secure another term in the general election.
Former minister and 10 others arrested over deadly Serbian railway station disaster
Collapse of Novi Sad railway station canopy killed 15 people, sparking widespread protests in Serbia.
Croatian retailer Studenac launches €80mn IPO to fund expansion plans
IPO proceeds to fuel retailer's aggressive growth strategy, which includes opening new stores, acquiring competitors in Croatia and Slovenia and reducing its financial leverage.
Nationalist Simion, reformist Lasconi compete for a spot in Romanian presidential runoff
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is the clear frontrunner in Romania’s presidential race, but the competition for second place remains open.
Serbian opposition leader arrested during blockade of historic Belgrade bridge
Pressure on the Serbian government has been mounting since the Novi Sad railway station disaster claimed 15 lives.
Bulgaria faces constitutional crisis as four attempts to elect parliament speaker fail
Bulgaria heading for its eighth general election since April 2021, with no end to the political crisis in sight.
Romgaz lists €500mn bond on Bucharest Stock Exchange
Bond issue is part of Romgaz’s strategy to raise €1.5bn for projects including the Neptun Deep offshore gas field.
Finland’s Terveystalo reportedly eyeing €1bn acquisition of Romania’s Regina Maria
Romania's private healthcare market has garnered increasing attention from international investors.
Protestors block Serbian courthouse over deadly roof collapse
The roof collapse at Novi Sad railway station on November 1 claimed 15 lives, with critics blaming systemic corruption and poorly executed renovations.
Moldova’s government replaces three ministers in cosmetic reshuffle
Reshuffle promised by President Maia Sandu to tackle public discontent with pro-EU administration falls short of expectations.
Candidate quits Romanian presidential race in last minute attempt to unify centre-right
Ludovic Orban’s decision to step aside likely too late to prevent division of centre-right vote among multiple candidates, benefitting far-right politician George Simion.
Watchdog warns Western Balkan banks are conduits for money laundering
Criminal networks are exploiting banks and other financial institutions across the Western Balkans to move illicit money across borders, says a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
Moldova calls out new Russian ambassador for propaganda
Foreign ministry denies envoy’s claim Moldova is economically dependent on Russia, pointing out that over 65% of exports now go to the EU.
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Croatian health minister sacked after arrest in corruption probe
EPPO says Vili Beros was involved in scheme to secure lucrative contracts for medical robotic devices at inflated prices.
Montenegro probes suspected plot to assassinate President Milatovic
Security stepped up after secret service reveals plot allegedly organised by an ex-army officer from an unnamed neighbouring country.
Russian consulate that was closed for espionage continues to work secretly in Bulgaria's Varna
Consulate revealed to still be working secretly at the premises of the pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party.
Erdogan says Turkey and Elon Musk could work together on tech
Turkish president hopes to capitalise on his relationship with rising star of the second Trump administration.
PPF mulling bid for United Group's telecom assets in Southeastern Europe
United Group’s telecoms assets in southeastern Europe have been put up for a potential sale.
Russia, Turkey and Iran condemn Israel's actions in Syria
Russia, Turkey and Iran have adopted a joint statement on Syria at the Astana format meeting, condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank.