Southeast Europe / News
Moldova announces it has enough natural gas reserves for the entire winter
Moldovagaz says it has already purchased 747.9mn cubic metres of natural gas ahead of the expected cut-off of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine.
US, Turkey tread carefully over tensions on future of Kurdish forces in Syria
Washington says it’s “imperative” that fight to ensure Islamic State “doesn’t rear its head again” goes on. But Ankara wants Kurd-led YPG militia at head of that effort dissolved.
Turkish carmaker Tofas axes 13% of workforce, Stellantis restructuring failures hit JV
Problems competing with imported Chinese vehicles also taking toll.
US expected to impose sanctions on Serbia's NIS over Russian ownership
Serbia president says US sanctions targeting Gazprom-owned NIS will take effect in the coming days, with the UK likely to follow.
Turkish embassy reopens in Damascus after 12-year hiatus
Turkey’s embassy in Damascus resumed operations on December 14.
Orban continues freelance peace mission with visit to Ankara
Orban's solo diplomacy at the start of his rotating EU presidency almost led to Hungary being stripped of its presidency.
Moldova enters state of emergency, Transnistria stockpiles firewood
The separatist Transnistria region will stockpile firewood and introduce rolling blackouts after the expected end of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine.
€685mn action plan launched to tackle Croatia’s population crisis
Zagreb aims to ease the financial burden of starting a family and encourage more people to stay in Croatia.
Russia spent €69mn on propaganda and interference in Bulgaria and Romania, Bulgarian cybersecurity group reveals
Funds were used to spread Russian influence and promote far-right discourse in both Bulgaria and Romania.
Massive student protests erupt in Belgrade as unrest sweeps Serbia
Protests follow weeks of unrest triggered by a deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad that killed 15 people and critically injured two others.
EU admits Bulgaria, Romania to full Schengen membership
Southeast European countries welcome membership of border-free area after years of vetoes by Schengen members.
Bulgaria’s central bank slams spending hike in 2025 budget
Central bank warns caretaker government to raise spending to unprecedented level, and jeopardise Bulgaria’s eurozone entry.
US “scrambles” to respond to Turkish-backed Syria offensive targeting partner force Kurds
Israel has also spoken out in defence of Kurdish forces that were instrumental in defeating Islamic State caliphate.
North Macedonia secures second €500mn loan from Hungary to repay 2018 Eurobond
Loan is the second part of a broader €1bn agreement with Hungary, which has a close relationship with North Macedonia's new rightwing government.
Bucharest Stock Exchange mulls expansion in Moldova
Moldova's Purcari Winery is already listed on the BVB while other major Moldovan companies are considering IPOs.
Four Romanian parties begin talks on joint ruling platform
Four pro-EU parties likely to form an expanded version of the grand coalition that ruled Romania ahead of the December general election.
Qatar-Turkey-Europe gas pipeline ambition could be back on following fall of Assad
Plan was rejected by Syria 15 years ago as, according to some observers, Damascus moved to protect ally Russia’s interests.
Serbia signs €720mn contract with PowerChina on first phase of Belgrade metro
Significant step towards construction of the Belgrade metro, which has been under consideration for nearly a century.
Bulgaria threatens to cut transit of Russian gas to Serbia
Caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov warns Bulgaria could end gas transit to Serbia to avoid breaching new US sanctions on Gazprombank.
Serbian president says he's not Assad and he's not leaving
“Even if you think I’m Assad... that I’m going to run away somewhere — I’M NOT,” said President Aleksandar Vucic in late-night Instagram post.