Southeast Europe / News
Turkey seizes fast food chain Maydanoz Doner over prosecution aimed at Gulenists
Total of 1,371 companies seized over links to clan since military coup attempt of 2016.
Serbian energy sector faces crisis as banks set to close NIS accounts
Foreign banks will halt transactions with NIS before US sanctions take effect on February 28, which could effectively paralyse the oil company’s operations.
EU plans €1.9bn Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova
New facility to support reforms, advance Moldova's EU integration and mitigate the impact of Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine.
Potential US troop withdrawal from Europe to leave Kosovo exposed
Fears US may consider withdrawing its troops from Europe, including Kosovo, if Trump and Putin reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
Moldova’s top anti-corruption prosecutor resigns over ‘anti-democratic’ bill
Veronica Dragalin said new law would dismantle the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and weaken prosecutors’ ability to investigate top politicians.
Erdogan fires back at business association that attacked his administration
Turkish president accuses Tusiad of meddling in politics, undermining government. Prosecutor expands probe.
European Parliament report calls for removal of EU measures against Kosovo
The measures introduced in response to tensions in Serb-majority north Kosovo included freezing EU funds and suspension of high-level meetings with Kosovo officials.
Russia reportedly considers selling 6% stake in NIS to Serbia after US imposed sanctions
Serbia is considering a range of solutions to ensure NIS’s continued operations, all of which carry economic and geopolitical risks.
Visibly tired and upset Zelenskiy holds Ukraine war press conference with Erdogan in Istanbul
Says Turkey should be among countries with seat at any peace talks table. Turkish president says that table should be in Ankara.
AIIB to extend $5bn in infrastructure loans to Turkey
Country is Beijing-based AIIB’s second largest market after India. Turkish finance minister launched charm offensive to attract funds from development banks.
Far-right politician Diana Sosoaca to enter Romanian presidential race
SOS Romania leader Diana Sosoaca makes new attempt to run for presidency after she was barred in 2024 for posing a threat to democracy.
Country wants to see an “honest fight”, contender to unseat Erdogan tells Turkey’s leader
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu says “Mr President” trying to sideline him from politics.
Croatian retail boycott expands to telecoms and banks
With Croatia facing the highest inflation rate in the EU and prices remaining high, consumers are pushing back against retailers and other service providers.
Russian foreign minister accuses West of trying to destabilise Serbia
Sergei Lavrov slams sanctions on oil company NIS and claims ongoing protests are a foreign-backed effort to instigate a ‘colour revolution’ in Serbia.
North Macedonia’s PM slams EU ‘double standards’ on human rights and identity
Hristijan Mickoski tells Munich Security Conference the EU's widely touted merit-based system for accession negotiations has not been applied fairly to his country
Trump administration reportedly pressured Romania to lift restrictions on Tate brothers
Disgraced influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in December 2022 on charges including human trafficking, sexual misconduct and money laundering.
Southeast Europe’s far right revel in Vance’s attack on Europe
Right-wing and pro-Russian politicians across Southeast Europe applauded US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of the European Union at the Munich Security Conference.
Serbs hold mass protest in Kragujevac on Statehood Day
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Kragujevac, central Serbia, as anti-corruption demonstrations show no signs of abating.
Business attacks Erdogan
Tusiad association, known in recent years for keeping its head down, launches into stinging state-of-the-nation criticisms of Turkey's government at AGM.
Trump Gaza plan backed by “murderer” Netanyahu “major threat to world peace”, says Erdogan
On visit to Pakistan, Turkish leader asserts: “The homeland for which the Palestinians have sacrificed tens of thousands of their children is not up for bargaining.”