Southeast Europe / News
Moldova says it won't be able to make next payment to Gazprom
Failure to make the up-front payment may result in disruption of gas supplies in the first days of September.
John Malkovich to turn Skopje into Hollywood of the Balkans
Actor who calls himself a “son of the Balkans” plans to set up film and music studios in North Macedonia’s capital to shoot Hollywood-calibre movies.
Envoy says start made on construction of Turkish attack drone factory in Ukraine
Kremlin responds that plant would obviously be target for its missiles.
Croatian president says Western sanctions aren’t working
Often criticised for his soft stance on Moscow, President Zoran Milanovic claims sanctions are hurting Croatia but not Russia.
Kosovo’s PM Kurti says risk of new conflict with Serbia is high
Albin Kurti claims Russia contributed to recent standoff between Kosovo and Serbia, and fears new wars could break out in Moldova and the Western Balkans.
Western capitals wonder what kind of sanctions deal Erdogan may have cooked up with Putin
Mindful of Turkey’s own economic and strategic interests—and his poor re-election prospects—the Turkish leader met his Russian counterpart in Sochi.
Leaders of Serbia and Kosovo to meet as they pull back from brink of conflict
Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo’s Albin Kurti to meet after Pristina’s decision not to recognise Serbian ID documents escalated tensions.
Bulgaria’s caretaker government mulls new long-term contract with Gazprom
Suspicions President Rumen Radev picked new cabinet to bring Bulgaria back into the Russian orbit.
Moldova makes rate hike to 21.5% to contain soaring inflation
Inflation reached 31.8% in June and the outlook is gloomy as energy price hikes have yet to be fully passed through to consumer goods prices.
Turkey’s port warehouses reportedly packed full with goods bound for Russia
US said to be wary of Nato member country turning into an anything-goes bolthole for Russians looking to shield business and assets from Western sanctions.
First ship leaves Odesa carrying Ukrainian grain as Russian blockade finally lifts
Ukrainian grain has finally left the port of Odesa for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion, NV Ukraine reported on August 1.
Drought damage to European grain harvest piles on top of Ukraine war impact
Extreme heat and droughts across several European countries have led to forecasts for this year’s harvests being reduced.
Bulgaria heading for snap election after reformist parties fail to form majority
Without a government in place Bulgaria risks failing to complete reforms needed to unlock EU funds and launch urgent measures to ease inflationary pressure on households
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Abandoned Ankara ‘wonderland’ transferred to opposition council
Towards a billion dollars said to have been splashed out on failed amusement park that Erdogan said was a “symbol of pride” for all of Turkey.
Putin suggested Turkey’s Baykar set up attack drone factory in Russia, Erdogan reported as saying
In same week, producer’s CEO said the company would never supply the Russian armed forces.
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Huge Chinese-built bridge connects Dubrovnik to rest of Croatia
Long-awaited opening of Peljesac bridge gives Croatia continuous access along its coastline — despite concerns raised by Bosnia.
Bosnian politicians call for protests as high representative prepares to amend electoral law
Christian Schmidt's proposed changes aim to end years-long disputes over the elections of MPs and members of the tripartite presidency, but Bosnian Muslims argue they would favour the country's Croat population.
Transnistria restates its commitment to independence, merger with Russia
Comments from Moldovan separatist republic's foreign minister seen as preparing the ground for potential recognition by Russia as war rages in neighbouring Ukraine.
Ukraine and Russia sign agreement freeing up Ukrainian grain exports, but Kyiv warns Moscow of "military response" if provoked in Black Sea
Kyiv and Moscow signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 ensuring the safety of Ukrainian grain exports, despite apprehensions that the lengthy talks between Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN would fall apart.
UK blacklists Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha
Albanian opposition leader and former president Sali Berisha said he has been banned from entering the UK because of alleged links to criminal groups.
