News
Russia labels media outlet as ‘terrorist organisation’ for first time ever
Russia’s Supreme Court has declared regional media outlet Komi Daily a terrorist organisation – the first time such a designation has been applied to a publication.
Opposition leaders and media outlet CEO arrested at tense weekend protests in Batumi
High-profile arrests were made during anti-government demonstrations in Georgia’s Batumi on the nights of January 11 and 12, in a renewed wave of police repression.
Croatia’s incumbent President Milanovic wins landslide re-election
Preliminary results and exit polls show Zoran Milanovic took over 70% of votes cast, easily defeating the ruling HDZ’s candidate Dragan Primorac.
Venezuela’s Maduro sworn in for third term as international criticism mounts
Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a controversial third six-year term as Venezuela's president on January 10, amid widespread international condemnation and fresh sanctions from Western nations over claims of electoral fraud.
Serbia plans to buy out Russian stake in NIS following US sanctions
Sanctions reignited debates over Serbia’s foreign policy, as the country navigates its historic ties with Russia while facing Western pressure to align with EU and Nato policies.
President Milanovic poised for landslide re-election in Croatia
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic will face the ruling HDZ's candidate Dragan Primorac in the second round of the presidential election.
Iran reveals underground missile base used in Israel strikes
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unveiled an underground missile facility it says was used to launch recent attacks against Israeli military targets.
US imposes toughest oil sanctions ever on Russia to improve Ukraine and Trump’s leverage in mooted ceasefire talks
The Biden administration has unveiled its most extensive sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas business yet in a bid to give Ukraine and the incoming Trump admiration more leverage in widely expected ceasefire talks that may start soon.
New Syrian leadership pledges reforms in talks with Italy
Syria's new administration head Ahmad al-Sharaa met Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on January 10, as the country seeks to rebuild international ties.
Slovakia’s Fico steps up anti-Ukraine rhetoric over gas cut-off
Slovak premier threatens to veto Ukraine votes at EU level.
Poland says Netanyahu can come for Auschwitz anniversary despite ICC warrant
The issue has put the Tusk government in a tight spot, as the Polish leader made the rule of law a cornerstone of his successful election campaign.
Japan’s flu outbreak hits record high amid winter surge
Japan has seen a dramatic spike in flu cases, reaching the highest levels since record-keeping began in 1999.
EBRD delivers 26% expansion in investments in 2024, commits record €16.6bn across economies
Lender notes strong momentum in green and gender financing, in parallel with steadfast support for Ukraine and its real economy.
Armenia approves EU membership bid further straining ties with Russia
PM Nikol Pashinyan has pledged to hold a national referendum on EU accession, leaving the final decision to the Armenian people.
Cost of repairing Syria’s power infrastructure put at $40bn by electricity minister
Production facilities, transmission points, high voltage lines and distribution networks “ruined”, he says.
Georgian Dream lashes out at “Global War Party” and “deep state” networks
Georgian ruling party's extensive statement doubles down on old conspiracy theories whilst also throwing up some alarming new ones.
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado released after brief detention
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was detained by government forces on January 9 after being "violently intercepted" while leaving an opposition rally in Caracas's Chacao municipality, her campaign manager Magalli Meda confirmed.
Inspired by Trump, Bulgarian far-right leader wants to annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov says North Macedonia and the Ukrainian part of Southern Bessarabia should be added to Bulgaria.
Cancer centre inaugurated in Iran amid difficulties in medical imports
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian officially opened the Hashemi Rafsanjani Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Tehran on January 9 in front of top officials and medical staff.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convenes security panel on potential strike on Iran
Netanyahu is set to convene a security discussion on January 9 focusing on Israel's preparedness for potential military action against Iran.