Southeast Europe / News
The EU is preparing a new, fourteenth package of sanctions
The EU is preparing a new fourteenth package of sanctions that is slated for adoption in the coming months, but is unlikely to introduce any new products and will focus mostly on enforcing the existing thirteen rounds of sanctions.
EBRD announces profit of €2.1bn in 2023
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a significant rebound in its financial performance, recording a robust profit of €2.1bn for the year 2023, up from losses of €1.1bn in 2022.
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US Treasury Secretary won’t rule out tariffs on China’s green exports, EU launches probe
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, while visiting China, said she will not rule out more tariffs on China’s green exports such as solar products and electric vehicles.
Vucic agrees purchase of Rafale fighter jets with Macron
Serbian president also underscored the potential for expanded cooperation with companies such as Thales and Airbus.
Belarus the latest European country to suspend the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered the suspension of Belarus’ participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) on April 5, as Belarus continues to militarise and keep its ties with Russia tight.
Turkey hits Israel with trade restrictions after months of “words not action”
Tit-for-tat commerce war under way as Israelis vow response. Ankara says export bans to apply until Gaza ceasefire is announced.
Europe exits the winter heating season with record gas stocks
The EU has exited the heating season with a record volume of gas in storage, following another mild winter and as a result of reduced industrial demand and a concerted effort by policymakers to boost stockpiles.
Turkish holidays sold with butt lifts and tummy tucks alarm UK advertising regulator
Ads appear to breach rules by trivialising risk of cosmetic operations.
Smarter US sanctions seen driving down Turkey-Russia trade
Turkish exports to Russia fall one third in first quarter.
Turkey cancels visa-free travel for Tajiks as Tajikistan rejects Kremlin’s claims Ukraine recruits mercenaries in Dushanbe
Moscow’s assertion has no basis in fact, says Tajik foreign ministry.
Turkish exporters demand dual exchange rate system, push for 40 to dollar minimum
IHBIR trade group says companies forced to sell 40% of FX revenues to central bank at rate far behind inflation.
Romania holds policy rate at 7%
Inflation is expected to continue decline, but still unclear if central bank will launch monetary easing cycle in May.
Euromax Resources mulls international arbitration over North Macedonia mine dispute
Canada-based exploration company says its rights were "trampled on" by Skopje.
Romanian bank analysts don't expect rate cut before May
Ahead of BNR rate-setting meeting, BCR and ING analysts say they expect no change in April but policy rate to be reduced to 5.75-7% by end-2024.
Turkey’s official March annual inflation up 2 pp at 69% y/y, but monthly figure falls again
ENAG’s alternative headline figure calculated at 125% y/y.
Romanian president's hopes of leading Nato fade
Estonia and Lithuania announced support for rival candidate Mark Rutte on April 2, while the US also confirmed its backing for the Dutch PM.
Czech spy agency says pro-Kremlin media ring targets European Parliament elections in several states
Far-right politicians across the EU have been promoted on the Voice of Europe media platform ahead of the European Parliament elections.
Local elections victory is Turkish main opposition party’s first national polls win since 1977
AKP loses 11 cities it controlled since last municipal vote. For ruling party, big consolation is that next general election is not due until 2028.
Turkey’s opposition sweeps to big city victories in local elections, dealing blow to Erdogan
CHP party now faces challenge to re-energise and seek avenue to snap polls that could bring down regime. Next scheduled major vote is not until 2028.
Bulgaria and Romania join air and sea Schengen area
After long delays and vetoes by Schengen members, Bulgaria and Romania celebrate partial entry to Europe's border-free Schengen area.