Southeast Europe / Features
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Credit card allowance difference between survival and oblivion for millions of Turks amid inflation crisis
Inflation variously measured at from 70% to 157% has wiped out pay rise gains. There are now more credit cards than people in Turkey.
Where the 11 Southeast European states stand on the Ukraine war
Southeast Europe is split over the issues of sanctions on Russia and military aid to Ukraine, with some states firmly in the western camp, some staying neutral and others internally torn.
Shortages force North Macedonia to change its farm policy
North Macedonia is struggling with record-high food prices and shortages of cooking oil, wheat and flour.
Bulgaria’s president, government in open conflict over military aid for Ukraine
The war in Ukraine drew a clear line in Bulgarian political life, with President Rumen Radev positioning himself firmly on Moscow’s side and opposing the government’s plans to approve military aid to Ukraine.
Young Moldovans respond to Transnistria blasts with anger, sadness and resignation
Four young women from Moldova and Transnistria tell bne IntelliNews how a series of unexplained attacks in the separatist republic affected their lives.
Serbia’s pro-Russian media turn on Putin
Russia risks losing one of its last remaining European friends after President Vladimir Putin hints Moscow may drop support for Serbia on Kosovo issue.
Expected IPOs of major state companies to revive Belgrade stock exchange
New start for the Belex after the government’s adoption of a capital markets development strategy and the Athens Stock Exchange’s acquisition of a 10.24% equity stake.
Gagauzia’s pro-Russian people open their arms to Ukrainian refugees
The majority of Gagauzians are pro-Russian and take Russia’s side in the war in Ukraine, but many are still offering aid to refugees from the conflict.
Serbia won’t abandon Russia as West mulls ever-tighter sanctions
Refusal to impose sanctions on traditional ally Russia risks permanently damaging Serbia’s relations with the West and EU accession prospects.
North Macedonia’s census reveals sharp population decline and change in ethnic mix
Mass emigration contributed to almost 10% decline in North Macedonia's population since previous census in 2002.
EBRD slashes 2022 growth forecasts but only nations embroiled in war to enter recession
Ukraine's economy forecast to contract by 20% and projections worsen across emerging Europe — except for Eurasian oil and gas producers Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
Serbia’s general and presidential elections to be a clash of generations
Young Serbs tell bne IntelliNews they dream of change, but polls show President Vucic and his ruling SNS are heading for yet another victory.
Bulgaria, Nato’s (dis)loyal partner
Bulgarians have turned against Russia and its President Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine, but politicians remain conflicted in what was for many years one of the EU’s most pro-Russian states.
Ukrainian refugees rely on generosity of strangers in Moldova
While Moldovans work tirelessly to provide accommodation for fleeing Ukrainians with uncertain futures, welcome centres are still desperately underfunded and depend on volunteers
Balkan flashpoints after Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Since the invasion of Ukraine, there have been warnings of Russian efforts to destabilise the Western Balkans.
Eastern EU member states divided over sanctions on Russian oil and gas exports
Central and Southeastern European countries are among the most vulnerable to any cut-off in Russian energy exports, but this has not stopped some of them from being very vocal in demanding tougher action.
LONG READ: Winners and losers from the war in Ukraine (and Russia has already lost, even if it wins)
Russia loses from war in Ukraine, even if it wins. China wins from the war irrespective of whether Russia wins or loses. The US also wins from both a Russian victory and a defeat, but its win is less if Russia wins. Everyone else loses.
Grain-hungry nations look to second-tier emerging Europe producers
The war between two of the world’s top grain exporters, Russia and Ukraine, has sent prices to record levels and forced importers to urgently seek out alternative sources.
EXPLAINER: The Moldovan separatist republic of Transnistria
What to expect from the Russia-backed separatist republic on Ukraine's western flank.
EXPLAINER: The Moldovan separatist republic of Transnistria
What to expect from the Russia-backed separatist republic on Ukraine's western flank.
