Southeast Europe / News
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.
Europe will need Turkey in world with less or no Nato says foreign minister
Ankara has second largest land forces in military bloc. Turkish officials leverage the point in effort at obtaining long-sought EU membership.
Bosnia’s Serb entity moves toward secession with law banning state police and judiciary
Nato and EUFOR troops reportedly standing by ready to intervene in case of a threat to peace in Bosnia.
Serbian students march to Niš for March 1 rally
Students from across Serbia are making their way on foot and by bicycle to Niš, the country's third-largest city, ahead of a large protest rally scheduled for March 1.
PKK Kurdish separatist leader Ocalan issues historic call to lay down arms, end 40-year bloody conflict with Turkey
Doubts all factions will heed message emerge. Peace could advance Ankara’s ambition to play main role in reconstruction of post-war Syria.
Romanian prosecutors probe far-right politician Georgescu’s suspected Wagner links
Prosecutors announce six charges against Calin Georgescu, while investigating suspected connections between his bodyguard and Russia’s paramilitary Wagner Group.
Bosnia’s Serb entity rejects authority of state-level institutions
Republika Srpska's parliament takes steps towards secession after the conviction of its president, Milorad Dodik.
Romanian far-right presidential candidate taken in for questioning
Elon Musk tweets support for Calin Georgescu after Romanian politician is detained and probed by prosectors for allegedly supporting illegal organisations.