Southeast Europe / News
Croatia to start producing its own ammunition
Croatia is hiking military spending to 2% of GDP in line with Nato commitments, as PM says Europe can no longer neglect defence.
Russia-backed, far-right politician Georgescu's presidential candidacy rejected
Central Electoral Bureau's decision greeted by a violent protest by Calin Georgescu's supporters — and angry tweets from Elon Musk.
EU sends more troops to Bosnia to "maintain safety and security"
Growing risk of violent clashes between Republika Srpska and the state-level authorities prompt increase in EUFOR presence.
Vucic and Putin discuss US sanctions on NIS, new gas contact
Serbia, which maintains strong historical ties with Russia, has walked a delicate line between its allegiance to Moscow and its aspirations to join the EU.
Turkey backs call for Ukraine War air, sea truce
Poland’s Donald Tusk, meanwhile, speaks of diplomatic offensive to find new security format in Europe that would include involving Turkish forces in a closer role.
EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine
EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.
Prosecutors summon Bosnian Serb leader Dodik for questioning over secessionist laws
Growing concerns over security situation in Bosnia after Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik takes steps towards secession.
Romania detains six over alleged Russian-backed far-right coup plot
Group led by retired major-general accused of forming a military-style organisation aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order in Romania.
Attack drone JV formed by Turkey’s Baykar, Italy’s Leonardo to target $100bn market in Europe
Venture’s first UAV may be capable of launching a cruise missile.
EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit
EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.
Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.
Serbian president accuses protesters of ruining the economy
Political instability has stymied Serbia's efforts to secure and investment-grade rating, but country is still set to achieve one of Europe's highest growth rates this year.
Turkey invited to top table as Europe scrambles to rearm
With European powers facing sobering reality of possible future with little or no US defence support, attention has turned to Ankara's big defence manufacturing capacity and 800,000-strong army.
Emerging Europe’s Ukraine critics unleashed by Trump’s attack on Zelenskiy
Leaders of Bulgaria, Georgia and Hungary back Trump in row with Ukrainian president and slam Europe's handling of the war.
Romanian prosecutors leak evidence linking far-right politician Georgescu to coup d'etat plot
Armed group led by Georgescu's bodyguard Horațiu Potra reportedly planned to "trigger chaos" in Romania then seize state institutions.
Europe at a "crossroads" as EU leaders gather in London to respond to growing defence crisis
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged European leaders to “step up” to a “once-in-a-generation moment” for the continent’s security at an emergency summit called in London on March 2.
Tens of thousands protest in Serbia’s southern city Niš
Protest marks four-month anniversary of deadly canopy collapse at Novi Sad station, that has become a powerful symbol of public dissatisfaction.
High representative says Republika Srpska’s ruling coalition aims to destabilise Bosnia
The parliament of Republika Srpska adopted a set of lawsbanning the work of state-level judicial institutions on its territory and establishing local ones, in a move towards secession.
Tajikistan again in spotlight as “terrorism hub” after New York arrest
Accused allegedly sent tens of thousands of dollars Islamic State extremists overseas and trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in US.
PKK declares immediate ceasefire with Turkey
President Erdogan says there is an “historic opportunity” to end the 40-year-insurgency. Talks could unravel, but process could also help bring stability to Syria.