Southeast Europe / News
Turkey reportedly still loading Azerbaijani oil for Israel despite “total trade ban”
Trade ministry said “all products” are subject to boycott, but tankers on Ceyhan to Haifa crude export route appear unaffected.
Rights groups call on Tajikistan to disclose whereabouts of “forcibly disappeared” opposition leader
“Devastating reports” say Suhrob Zafar may have lost ability to walk following torture. Turkey suspected of role in rendition.
Serbs see Russians as main ally, US as biggest threat
IRI’s Western Balkan survey also reveals Albanians and Kosovars most committed to EU and Nato membership; support flagging in other countries.
Turkey reportedly freezes all trade with Israel
Under pressure from religious conservatives, Turkish leader Erdogan is said to have blocked all exports and imports. Move draws angry rebuke from Israelis.
German chancellor says 4-year timeline for Montenegro's EU membership is realistic
Montenegro is the closest to accession among the Western Balkan countries, but progress has been stalled by political instability in recent years.
Serbia's new government to have ministers under US sanctions for Russia links
Former spy chief Aleksandar Vulin, dubbed ‘Moscow’s man’ in Belgrade, to join Milos Vucevic’s new cabinet.
World's longest-serving central bank chief heading for another term in Romania
PM Marcel Ciolacu wants Mugur Isarescu to continue in post he has held since 1990 to ensure monetary stability.
Kosovo to become first Muslim-majority country to legalise same-sex marriage
PM Albin Kurti's government plans to legalise same-sex marriages in May, as Pristina aims for Council of Europe membership.
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Europe’s top human rights body has no plans to sanction Turkey over failure to free Kavala
No willingness on part of member states to penalise Ankara amid Ukraine war and other crises requiring solidarity, says Council of Europe.
Gaza aid flotilla unable to depart Turkey after Guinea-Bissau withdraws vessel flagging
Organisers of mercy mission say Israel pressured West African nation.
Fitch believes Bulgaria unlikely to enter eurozone in January 2025
Return to political instability has put Sofia’s eurozone entry target date at risk.
Bulgaria to lose €665mn under recovery plan after delaying liberalisation of power market
Experts suggest the country could lose all of the remaining €4.4bn allocated under the recovery plan over delayed or failed reforms.
Kuwait reacts angrily to being cut out of Iraq and Turkey’s transport project
Kuwait witnessed a wave of angry reactions on April 25 after Iraq, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey signed a quadrilateral memorandum of understanding in Baghdad to establish the "Development Road" project, linking Turkey with the Gulf.
Russia already treating Bosnia’s Republika Srpska as an independent state
Use of Republika Srpska’s flag alongside national flags at St Petersburg conference seen as a possible green light by Russia for Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik’s secession plans.
North Macedonia’s opposition VMRO-DPMNE candidate takes strong lead in first round of presidential election
Incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski trails Gordana Siljanovska Davkova as voters punish ruling SDSM.
Turkey, Iraq, Qatar and UAE ink initial Development Road transit corridor agreement
Route competing with rival India-Middle East-Europe option. Ankara wants Baghdad to commit to stamping out Kurdish PKK militants said to threaten project security.
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Romanian fuel distribution company JT Grup Oil plans Bucharest IPO
IPO announcement comes after Premier Energy announced a similar step earlier in April.
Moldova's pro-Russian opposition forms new political bloc at Moscow meeting
Fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor seeks to consolidate pro-Russian opposition ahead of autumn presidential election.
Serbia takes aim at investment grade rating from S&P by end-2024
Earlier this month, S&P upgraded its outlook on Serbia to positive from stable, maintaining the country's 'BB+/B' ratings.
North Macedonia’s presidential election to test commitment to EU accession
Slow accession progress and unhappiness with ruling coalition’s policies may push voters towards opposition VMRO-DPMNE candidate.