News
Serbia’s dinar bonds included in J.P. Morgan index family
Serbia becomes one of five countries within the index family whose credit rating is not yet investment grade.
Rifts between Ljubljana and Brussels on public display at start of Slovenia’s EU presidency
Funding for public broadcaster and other divisive issues raised at tense joint press conference between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Slovenian PM Janez Jansa.
FPRI BMB Ukraine: New reform laws and decrees
Over the past week, the Ukrainian Parliament pushed through several pieces of legislation in the final reading, while also approving the second reading of other bills.
Russians had over 2mn questions for the Direct Line with Vladimir Putin
In Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual live question-and-answer session, he plays the good tsar, listens to petitions and fixes problems.
Ukraine launches its land market
After a decade of delays, millions of Ukrainians who own 32mn hectares of land will be allowed to sell it for the first time on a newly created land market that goes into effect on July 1.
Fitch upgrades Russian miner Metalloinvest to investment grade ahead of mooted IPO
International ratings agency Fitch has upgraded Russian metallurgy holding Metalloinvest to investment grade on June 29, ahead of the company’s possible IPO.
Montenegro aims to become EU member in 2024
Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic sets optimistic target but will struggle to make required reforms with ruling coalition deeply divided.
Murder and arson in Albania’s sun lounger wars
Interior minister promises police reform after four killed in turf wars over Albanian beaches.
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Kazakhstan: Russia’s Yandex taxi in court trouble as China’s Didi circles
The situation has arisen because of mischief-making by a so-called patent troll.
Trade dependency keeps Ukraine out of international condemnation of China and Belarus
The cash-strapped government of Ukraine has kept out of the international condemnation of China’s treatment of the Uighur and the latest round of sanctions on Belarus because of its trade dependency on both countries.
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Aeroflot restarts flights to tourist destinations as coronavirus infections in Russia explode
Russia formally restarted flights to major city destinations around the world on June 28, just as coronavirus (COVID-19) infections explode to levels not seen since January.
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EU pulls its punches on Belarus sanctions
The EU pulled some of its punches when imposing harsh sectorial sanctions on Belarus at a summit in Brussels on June 24-25.
Romania’s 2.3%-of-GDP May public deficit keeps full-year 7% target feasible
Deficit remains in line with the government's consolidation plans that received unexpectedly strong support from the fast economic recovery.
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Erdogan launches Kanal Istanbul construction despite chorus of environmental protest
Mega infrastructure has estimated cost of $65bn but critics say it's not needed. Observers see it as revenue spinner for backers of ruling party.
Belarus moves jailed opposition blogger Roman Protasevich and partner Sofia Sapega to house arrest
Belarusian authorities have released jailed opposition blogger Roman Protasevich and his Russian partner Sofia Sapega to house arrest after the pair had been in pre-trial detention for over a month.
Khamenei given Iran-made coronavirus vaccine shot
COVIran Barekat has greater efficacy than China’s Sinopharm, Iranians say.
Dutch PM tells Orban he is free to leave EU as pressure grows over Hungary’s anti-LGBT law
EU set to launch yet another infringement action against Hungary, as 17 EU leaders sign letter pledging to 'continue fighting against discrimination of the LGBTI community'.
Leaked documents indicate Russia spent €11.4mn ahead of Moldovan presidential election
Former president Igor Dodon denies receiving funds from Moscow, after leaked documents obtained by German Bild indicate financial support channelled to 'friendly' candidates.
Russian forces oppose the UK Navy’s Freedom of Navigation Operation off Crimea
The British 8,500-tonne destroyer HMS Defender was buzzed two days ago by Russian fast jets off Sevastopol. Moscow promptly claimed that Defender was trespassing in Russian Territorial Waters and refusing to follow Russian orders.
Turkey’s Antalya Airport operator TAV-Fraport forecloses on Onur Air’s eight aircraft
Court of bailiffs orders low-cost carrier to cease flying. Though planes are worth €145mn, the foreclosure is for just €26,000, sources complain to newspaper.
