Bulgaria is arming itself – at sea as well
Bulgaria — for the first time in more than 100 years — has launched a newly built, domestically produced warship.
Balkan countries
A collection of 58 posts
Serbia's oil refinery to close after U.S. refuses to extend NIS license
Serbia failed to remove Russian capital from NIS despite extensions; leaving its refinery unlicensed and oil reserves secure only until year-end.
Silent tribute in Novi Sad marks anniversary of tragic roof collapse
After the one-year anniversary of the Novi Sad canopy collapse, the political repercussions continue to unfold.
Poland tops employment rankings - OECD report
The EU’s employment rate reached a record high of 70.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). But while this marks a major milestone for the bloc, the picture in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is more complex, as
Greece plans to repay Eurozone's bailout loans whole decade in advance
Greece has announced plans to repay its first bailout loans a decade ahead of schedule, in a move that officials say underscores the country’s economic recovery and new fiscal credibility. The repayment strategy would see Greece pay off the remaining EUR 31bn of its initial EUR 53bn in bailout
CEE economies tougher than you may think - ING
Despite their export-driven economies and strong manufacturing bases, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries may be more resilient to global trade tensions from US tariff policies, than previously assumed, ING bank writes in a new report. Economies have shown resilience - ING While CEE's close ties with Germany
CEE leaders weigh in on security, expansion, energy at Antalya forum
Attendees from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) nations including Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova and others discussed policy priorities at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in south west Turkey on 11-13 April. The forum's theme "Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World" set the tone for
Serbia, Hungary deepen defence, energy ties
When Croatia, Albania and Kosovo recently formed a new military alliance, Serbia and Hungary followed suit, reshaping the security situation in South East Europe. Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic and Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky earlier this month signed a bilateral military cooperation agreement in the Serbian capital of Belgrade.
Dodik dodges arrest warrant, surfaces in Moscow
Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik announced that he had arrived in Moscow on Monday 31 March, after Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) prosecutors ordered an international arrest warrant for his alleged flouting of the BiH Constitution. BiH is facing its biggest political challenge in years, as Dodik escalates a legal
CEE startups outpace Western Europe rivals
Startups in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are growing faster than in Western Europe and the CEE startup ecosystem is now worth EUR 243bn, according to the CEE Startups 2025 report. While funding and valuations have surged in recent years, structural challenges remain, including geographic fragmentation, uneven investor coverage, and
Croatia eyes Russia's share in Serbian oil firm NIS
Croatian Economy Minister Ante Susnjar said state-owned oil pipeline operator Jadranski Naftovod (Janaf) could acquire Russia’s stake in Serbian oil company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), calling the potential deal a “natural business symbiosis”, local media reported. Janaf transports around 80% of the crude oil refined by NIS at its
Poland's GDP to grow by 3.7%, CEE by 2.6%
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is set for stronger economic growth in 2025, with GDP expected to expand by 2.6%, according to a report by Erste Group. The forecast marks an improvement from previous years, driven by higher consumer spending, increased investment, and inflows of EU funds. Poland boosted
Poland, Czechia back 'coalition of the willing', Hungary, Slovakia align with Trump
As political landscapes shift across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), governments are recalibrating their approaches to Ukraine, European security, and internal governance. The region remains split between pro-European integration and nationalist, often pro-Kremlin, forces: Czechia and Poland reinforce their commitments to Ukraine, while Hungary and Slovakia align with Moscow. Meanwhile,
Historic demo in Belgrade rocks Vucic gov't
Crowds flooded the streets of the Serbian capital of Belgrade on Saturday, 15 March, in the largest demonstration of the recent anger towards the government to date, and possibly the biggest protest in the Balkan country’s history. The students leading the protests are demanding government accountability regarding the collapse
CEE to get four AI factories under EU initiative
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is set to play a key role in the EU’s push to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence under the new funding initiative Invest AI. European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen announced the plan at the AI Action Summit