Southeast Europe / News
Turkey advances Syria engagement with energy plans and refugee return
Turkey has announced multiple initiatives to engage with Syria's new government, including planned energy cooperation and a framework for refugee returns.
Tens of thousands rally in Belgrade demanding accountability over Novi Sad railway station disaster
The canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station on November 1 has become a rallying point for public dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
Croatian Bosqar Invest acquires bakery Mlinar in €100mn deal
Croatia-based holding company sees huge potential for food sector in Southeast Europe.
Formation of ruling coalition in Romania faces deadlock as Social Democrats suspend talks
PSD leader and PM Marcel Ciolacu accused potential partners of being "inconsistent and disrespectful" as he pulled out of coalition talks.
Syrian-Kurdish SDF’s fighters from outside Syria will leave if Turkey agrees ceasefire, says commander
Turkish president Erdogan, meanwhile, describes his country’s activities in other countries as part of a “sacred journey”.
Bulgaria’s interim PM Glavchev refuses to sign 10-year military support deal with Ukraine
Gerb also backs away from Ukraine deal as it seeks to secure pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party as a coalition partner.
Athens conditions support for Albania’s EU accession on protection for Greek minority
Athens backs the EU integration of the Western Balkans but has tied its support for neighbouring Albania to specific commitments.
Kosovo’s president slams EU’s “unfair” treatment
Vjosa Osmani criticises the EU for maintaining punitive measures on Kosovo, and failing to consider membership application.
Istanbul cruise port debt “re-restructured”, banks take 49% stake
Dogus Galataport has three-year buyback option. With accrued interest, €1.5bn owed. Lenders may gain option to move to 51%-ownership if repayment plan fails.
Turkey launches Persian news media aimed at Iran
Turkey's state television channel TRT launched its Persian-language service on December 18, the broadcaster announced.
Fitch cuts outlook on Romania’s rating to negative over political uncertainty
Fitch revised the outlook on Romania's long-term forex Issuer Default Rating to negative after the presidential elections were scrapped over alleged Russian interference.
Trump keeping Erdogan “on his toes” over unfolding Syria events, says analyst
Turkish leader now “not sure exactly where he sits” after US president-elect’s remarks on how the situation in Damascus is “controlled by Turkey”.
Senators threaten to hit Erdogan with sanctions if Syria ceasefire not declared with US-backed Kurdish fighters
As fears grow Turkey will attempt post-Assad attack on self-declared “Kurdistan” territories, lawmakers say “United States cannot stand idly by”.
EU Council says enlargement is a "geo-strategic investment in peace"
The enlargement process has been revitalised since the start of the war in Ukraine, but EU ministers say candidate countries must step up reform efforts.
North Macedonia’s ex-deputy PM Grubi reportedly flees to Kosovo to avoid detention in corruption case
Artan Grubi was recently blacklisted by the US State Department for alleged involvement in significant corruption.
Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan announces presidential candidacy
Dan seen as possible unifying candidate for mainstream parties to take on far right ahead of presidential election re-run.
Hungary's state utility giant buys E.ON’s energy supply operations in Romania
MVM will acquire a 68% stake in E.ON Energie Romania, which has close to 3.4mn customers, and a 98% stake in regional service provider E.ON Asist Complet.
Turkey will “hold key” to what happens in Syria, says Trump
By supporting anti-Assad forces, Ankara "did an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost", adds US president-elect.
Kosovo to set up its first ammunition factory with Turkish firm MKE
Kosovo is setting up a domestic arms industry amid heightened tensions with Serbia, which has been ramping up its defence procurement efforts.
Kosovo's PM Kurti misses special prosecution summons due to overseas visit
Kurti summoned to testify as a witness in an ongoing criminal investigation two months before February general election.