Turkey
Turkey delivers third consecutive 250-bp rate cut in line with expectations
Policy rate now stands at 42.5% versus official inflation of 39%.
Hyundai to launch electric vehicle production at Turkey plant in 2026
Korean giant plans to move to a zero-tailpipe emissions portfolio of vehicles in Europe by 2035.
PMI shows Turkish manufacturing endured another tough month in February
Manufacturers proved reluctant to take on staff or invest in buying in new materials. Headwinds around inflation continued to build.
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.
Turkey's official inflation edges below 40% in February
ENAG research group of economists contends rate actually stands at 80%.
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.
COMMENT: The multipolar world has no place for US-Russia imperialism
As the US and Russia collude to revive their cold war dominance, Europe must forge a new path. A revitalised EU could challenge imperial powers and contribute to building a true multipolar order.
Turkey releases official GDP growth of 3.2% for 2024
The finance industry sought a technical recession and got one. That has now been exited.
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.
ISTANBUL BLOG: PKK leader’s call to disarm not first of its kind. Nor is it serious
Not-so-negligible note circulated by Abdullah Ocalan’s messengers missed by international media.
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.
Emirates NBD intermediates 26 eurobond sales by Turkish issuers in 2024
Turkey's eurobond sellers last year raised $33bn from 46 papers, setting an annual record, while redeeming $16bn on 19 papers.
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.
Lebanon's rail revival paves the way for economic growth and unity
Lebanon is seeking to revive its dormant railway network, aiming to reconnect with neighbouring Syria and Iraq while positioning itself as a potential link in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Borsa Istanbul extends short selling restriction to avoid collapse
Local investors, who dominate the highly manipulated market, have turned to deposits and money market funds. There are no IPOs in the pipeline.
Turkey’s Kazancı plans to invest €1bn in North Macedonia's energy sector
North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says Kazancı's investment will strengthen energy independence and tackle air pollution.
Turkey confirms it expects 1.3 bcm of Turkmen gas flows by end-2025
Country continues to push its ambition to become a gas re-export hub, but if sanctions on Russia are lifted amid a deal on Ukraine, that hope could fall apart.
Erdogan challenger Imamoglu hit with new probe day after he applies to run for Turkish presidency
Investigation shows “how much they fear” his candidacy says opposition leader.