- + Turkey, Syria tandem could mean piped Qatari gas for Europe and a supercharged Middle East clean energy transition—Prize could be huge for Ankara and Damascus if the Syrian fighting is really over. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Iranian ambassador claims US sets conditions on Syrian-Iranian relations—Iran's ambassador to Lebanon has alleged that the United States has established specific conditions regarding Iran's future role in Syria. [Author: bn...
- + PROFILE: Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili —Zourabichvili has emerged as an unexpected leader of the protest movement against the ruling Georgian Dream party. [Author: Liza Zhvania in Tbilisi]
- + PANNIER: Why the Turkmenistan, Iran gas “friendship” is back on—In tough struggle to find new export markets, Turkmen even agree to Iranian contractors building infrastructure in tightly controlled Central Asian co...
- + Russia’s CBR keeps key rate at 21% under pressure—In a surprise decision CBR governor Elvia Nabiullina kept interest rates on hold at 21% as she comes under mounting pressure from Russian President Vl...
- + Syria's new leader al-Sharaa declares "end of Iranian project" —Syria's new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has declared that the opposition's victory has "set back Iran's regional project by 40 years" while pledging that...
- + Azerbaijan trades barbs with French and US diplomats in online "Twiplomacy"—Azerbaijani foreign ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada calls France a "failed state" and slams US "hypocrisy" in heated exchanges on X. [Author: bn...
- + 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”. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Telia willing to sell its Latvian operations back to government if price is right—If the Latvian government's offer fails to meet the Swedish group's expectations, it is prepared to make an offer to buy out the state-owned shares in...
- + Iran to add 500MW solar capacity by year-end, targets 4GW expansion—Iran plans to add 500MW of solar power capacity by the end of the current Iranian year, as part of a broader initiative to expand its renewable energy...
- + Hungary grants political asylum to fugitive former PiS minister—Hungary justified its decision by raising concerns over the fairness of legal proceedings in Poland, sparking bilateral row. [Author: Wojciech Kosc in...
- + 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. [Author: Iu...
- + Polish industrial production disappoints in November as output falls 1.5% y/y —Seasonally adjusted, output expanded 1.1% y/y in November, following a gain of 3.9% y/y the preceding month, GUS data showed. [Author: Wojciech Kosc i...
- + Moldova's economy shrinks by 1.9% y/y in Q3—Economic performance was dragged down by agriculture, while manufacturing sector grew. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Kosovo's population down 12% since 2011—Falling population attributed to departure of many Kosovars to work abroad in search of a better life, a trend that persists across the Balkans. [Auth...
- + Russia’s arms exports slump, Kremlin preparing for possible war with Nato—Russian arms exports have plummeted by 92% since 2021, according to defence policy expert Pavel Luzin, as the Kremlin redirects all its military produ...
- + North Korea’s missile support to Russia raises alarms at UN—North Korea’s involvement in supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine has become a matter of serious international concern, as fresh ...
- + EU peacekeepers in Ukraine move from 'unthinkable' to 'discussed' – Reuters—The possibility of deploying a European peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine during a potential ceasefire is shifting from being an unthinkable idea to ...
- + South Korea's acting president rejects six controversial bills amid growing tensions—Acting President Han Duck-soo has sparked a fresh political storm by vetoing six contentious bills on December 19, triggering a fierce dispute between...
- + Blinken warns Taiwan crisis could trigger global economic turmoil—Taiwan is not just a regional issue; it’s everyone’s business, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised in a recent address, highlighting the g...
- + Ukraine invasion was ‘spontaneous’ and unplanned, Putin claims—Russian President Vladimir Putin has described his decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022 as “spontaneous,” admitting the operation was carried o...
- + Polish producer price deflation eases further in November—The PPI has been on a declining trend, reflecting the still relatively low demand linked to sluggish Germany economy and the domestic expansion only b...
- + Turkish-American billionaire owner of Chobani to acquire Bosphorus mansion for $45mn—Local media report "yoghurt king" will buy himself the "pearl" of the strait. [Author: Akin Nazli in Belgrade]
- + Uncertain future for Russian IT growth—Almost three years after the departure of major Western IT firms, Russia's tech market is on the rise, but the growth is unlikely to be sustainable. [...
- + International highway tears through Bosnia’s rural heartlands—Corridor Vc has been portrayed as a panacea for Bosnia’s economic woes, but local residents say it threatens their hard-won peace and prosperity. [Aut...
- + The EU Council calls for a European geothermal action plan—The energy ministers in the EU Energy Council approved the outline of a European geothermal energy action plan on December 17. [Author: bne IntelliNew...
- + Azerbaijan’s Aliyev lines up with Russia and Trump, admits Georgia interference —Azerbaijan’s president voices rightwing narratives and slams Western meddling in Rossiya Segodnya interview. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Russia's political repressions intensify in 2024—Political repression continued in Russia in 2024, as “justification of terrorism” overtook “discrediting the Russian army” as the most prosecuted “cri...
- + IEA: Access to energy improving worldwide, driven by renewables —Having a reliable electricity supply is something many of us take for granted – including for sending and reading emails like this one. But hundreds o...
- + 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. [Author: bne Intelli...
- + Czech EPH signs agreement with Italian Enel to buy its stake in Slovenske Elektrarne—Italian utility sells out to politically well-connected partner EPH after years of rowing with Slovak government over country's main power group. [Aut...
- + Korean won dips to crisis levels amid US rate cuts and market volatility—The Korean won plunged to a level not seen since the global financial crisis of 2009, briefly breaching the KRW1,450 mark against the US dollar on Dec...
- + TikTok says it has stepped up moderation ahead of Croatian presidential election —Statement issued after cancellation of Romanian presidential election prompts European Commission investigation into how the hugely popular platform m...
- + Fukushima's forgotten victims as Japan shifts back to nuclear power—A controversial shift in Japan's energy policy has sparked outrage among those still reeling from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. [Author: bno - ...
- + North Korean troops face heavy losses in Russia-Ukraine War as conflict intensifies—North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have suffered significant losses, with “several hundred” killed or wounded during c...
- + Uzbek national arrested in Moscow bombing that killed Russian chemical defence chief Kirillov—Russian authorities have detained a 29-year-old Uzbek national suspected of organising the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of ...
- + Uzbekistan’s Moscow embassy “clarifying” details on man detained after scooter-bomb assassination of Russian general—Speed of arrest of Uzbek suspect will inevitably prompt some scepticism over whether the accused is a scapegoat. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Adylbek Kasymaliev appointed new chief of Kyrgyzstan’s cabinet ministers, predecessor dismissed amid tax corruption scandal—National security chief says fiscal fiddle may have cost country toward $350mn. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Iran boosts oil, gas output amid US crackdown on sales—Iran’s oil and gas output has ramped up over the past three months, Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Bovard said on December 18, as the country is poised to ...
- + Saudi central bank approves third digital bank to begin operations—The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has granted operational approval to D360 Bank, marking the launch of the kingdom's third licensed digital bank as ... [A...
- + Al Rajhi Bank launches Marriott Bonvoy credit card in Saudi Arabia—Al Rajhi Bank has partnered with Marriott Bonvoy to launch a co-branded credit card in Saudi Arabia, offering cardholders automatic Gold Elite status ...
- + Saudi developer signs deal to build 86 factories in Sudair Industrial City—Abr Al Mamlaka Real Estate Company has signed an investment agreement with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) to ....
- + Mexican cartel boss who created fearsome Zetas returns to face justice after US deportation—Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, one of the most feared figures in Mexico’s narco history, has returned to Mexican soil following his deportation from the Unit...
- + 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. [Author: bne Gulf bureau]
- + Turkey expands Sahel presence with mercenaries in Niger—Turkey has deployed private military contractors to Niger, escalating its involvement in the Sahel region amid the fragile security dynamics in ... [A...
- + MOSCOW BLOG: EU under intense pressure to confiscate Russia’s frozen $300bn—The EU is under intense pressure to seize Russia’s frozen $300bn of reserves, as crises in funding the war in Ukraine and finding the funds to pay for...
- + INTERVIEW: FLNG and FSRUs are key to meeting gas demand growth—As natural gas demand continues to rise and countries increasingly prioritize energy security, the FLNG and FSRU sectors are well positioned to grow, ...
- + Russia sells stakes in Kazakhstan uranium JVs to China—Move kicks off debate on whether move illustrates a loss of Kremlin influence in Central Asia. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Israeli settlers from extremist sect cross into Lebanon, IDF confirms—The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that settler activists crossed into Lebanese territory earlier this month near the village of Maroun al-...
- + FDI in Emerging Europe hit by geopolitical uncertainty and German slowdown —wiiw report warns lower investment trend could continue as Central and Eastern Europe's role as a production hub for Western companies is waning. [Aut...
- + London-based EAAIF pledges $19mn to help build 136MW solar project in Zambia—The Emerging Africa and Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) has pledged $18.9mn to CEC Renewables' $96.7mn green bond to build a 136-megawatt (MW) solar ...
- + 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”. [Aut...
- + Transparency International slams Czech government for giving up on anti-corruption drive—NGO accuses ruling ODS of obstructing legislation to tackle country's embedded corruption. [Author: Albin Sybera]
- + Hungarian households have joint lowest consumption levels in EU—Hungarians and Bulgarians had the lowest spending power among EU member states. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Budapest]
- + 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 R...
- + 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”. [Au...
- + Valuation questions raised over Blackstone's $2.1bn IPO of India’s International Gemmologist Institute—In what looks like a very good deal for Blackrock, the private equity house has bought the diamond certification company IGI for $569mn and will likel...
- + North Korean troops suffer casualties in Ukraine conflict—North Korean soldiers have been reported killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region of Russia, according to US offi...
- + South Korea intensifies military drills to bolster defences against North Korean drone threat—South Korea is stepping up its military readiness with a series of high-stakes drills aimed at enhancing its defences against North Korean drone incur...
- + Ukrainian bomb kills Russian Nuclear Forces general in Moscow—A senior Russian general has been killed in an explosion outside his apartment building in southeastern Moscow, in the latest targeted assassination r...
- + Unplanned bank closures spark public outcry amid Iran's gas crisis—Iranian banks faced massive queues and public frustration on December 17 as widespread branch closures due to gas shortages entered their second week....
- + Iranian official jumpstarts country's delayed solar programme on energy crunch—Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has announced emergency plans to develop 30,000 MW of solar power capacity. [Author: bne Tehran bureau]
- + Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and Italian groups sign declaration backing continued gas transit through Ukraine—Russia’s contract to transit gas through Ukraine is due to expire at the end of this year, putting 14 bcm per year of gas supply to Europe at risk. [A...
- + Saudi Arabia extracts lithium from oilfield runoff, plans commercial pilot—Saudi Arabia has successfully extracted lithium from brine samples from national giant Aramco's oilfields and plans to launch a commercial pilot progr...
- + Tajikistan: Officials announce discovery of major rare earth deposits—Still a way to go before rare earths will generate revenue. [Author: Eurasianet]
- + EU, France move to re-engage with Syria as diplomatic shifts accelerate—rance raised its flag over its Damascus embassy on December 17 for the first time in 12 years [Author: bnm Gulf bureau]
- + EBRD, UK, and EU extend $30mn to finance wastewater project in Jordan —The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), UK and EU have extended a $30mn (€28.5mn) financing package to support the expansion of w...
- + Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales faces formal charges of human trafficking—The case stems from accusations that Morales, while serving as president, maintained a relationship with a 14-year-old girl, who allegedly gave birth ...
- + Iran's Khamenei gives Syria speech in front of women-only audience—Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said the "resistance movement" is far from over. [Author: bne Tehran bureau]
- + COMMENT: Russia’s losses in Syria are Turkey’s gains—Russia’s hand in the Middle East has been dramatically weakened by the departure of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey’s has been strength...
- + Hungary blocks EU military help to Ukraine and some sanctions against Georgia and Russia—European Commission set to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Budapest]
- + Czech government to push against ETS 2 emissions trading system implementation—The Czech government is also opposing the European Commission’s proposal to lower emissions in 2040 by 90% compared to 1990 and wants to revise EU goa...
- + 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. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bu...
- + Boldly brewing where no one has brewed before: Japanese sake to be made in space—Asahi Shuzo Co., renowned for its premium Dassai sake, has unveiled a pioneering plan to brew rice wine on the International Space Station (ISS) in 20...
- + Poland’s core inflation comes in at 4.3% y/y in November—Poland’s core inflation, an indicator that measures price growth without including food and energy, picked up its expansion rate to 4.3% y/y in Novemb...
- + Taiwan boosts defence with advanced Abrams tanks amid rising Chinese tensions—Taiwan's military capabilities have received a significant boost with the arrival of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams battle tanks from the United States, the ...
- + 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 Comp...
- + Balancing growth and sustainability: Southeast Asia’s energy dilemma—With its rapidly growing economies, booming populations, and increasing urbanisation, Southeast Asia is witnessing a tremendous surge in energy demand...
- + Turkey will “hold key” to what happens in Syria, says Trump—By supporting anti-Assad forces, Ankara "did an unfriendly takeover without a lo`t of lives being lost", adds US president-elect. [Author: bne Intelli...
- + Russia’s HIV Crisis: 30,000 annual deaths of working-age people undermine dwindling labour force—Around 30,000 Russians of working age die annually from HIV, according to Vadim Pokrovsky, the head of Russia’s Federal Methodological Centre for HIV/...
- + UK officials meet new Syrian leader al-Sharaa in Damascus—British officials met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian leader and former head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on December 16. [Author: bnm Gulf bure...
- + China’s leftover “gutter” cooking oil becomes bio-sustainable aviation fuel wonder—China’s notorious “gutter oil” was once a source of food safety scandals, but has undergone a green revolution that has made it worth more than kerose...
- + Israel establishes “winter military positions” in Syrian territory—The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated a comprehensive operation to establish long-term military positions inside Syrian territory. [Author: bn...
- + Iraq explores joining Abu Dhabi's digital exchange platform—Iraq's Securities Commission is in talks to join Abu Dhabi's digital trading platform, marking a potential significant step in regional market ... [Au...
- + Iran orders mandatory closure of industry amid growing energy crisis—Iran has mandated the temporary shutdown of industrial towns nationwide as the country grapples with severe electricity shortages. [Author: bne Tehran...
- + Russia to ban discounted alcohol in bid to crack down on problem drinking—The Russian government is planning to prohibit discounts on alcoholic beverages and restrict their placement near checkout counters as part of a broad...
- + Hungary and Slovakia block EU sanctions on Georgian Dream —EU foreign ministers consider sanctions on top Georgian Dream officials and limiting the visa-free regime for Georgians. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Libyan eastern government bans celebrations of New Year’s Eve, Santa Claus imports—The Libyan eastern-based government led by Osama Hamad has officially banned all celebrations of New Year’s Eve, including the sale and importation .....
- + Rising demand pushes US dollar to new highs in Tehran—The dollar rose 1.2% to reach an all-time high of IRR762,500, according to market data, extending an upward trend that began two months ago. [Author: ...
- + World Bank must wake up to Rogun mega dam “nightmare” in Tajikistan, say activists ahead of financing vote—Institution urged to listen to civil society. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Ukraine raises key interest rate to 13.5% amid rising inflation—The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has raised its key interest rate from 13% to 13.5% per annum, citing accelerating inflation and the need to stabili...
- + 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. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Amnesty accuses Serbia of spying on journalists and activists—Human rights group says Serbian authorities conducted covert surveillance on journalists, activists and civil society members using advanced spyware a...
- + IMF: The 2004 EU enlargement was a success story built on deep reform efforts —New accession candidates will need to undertake equally ambitious reforms to make the next expansion a comparable success. [Author: Robert BeyerClaire...
- + Advanced economies have lower out-of-pocket healthcare spending —According to the Global Health Expenditure Database by the World Health Organization (WHO), the global average out-of-pocket expenses related to healt...
- + Assad breaks silence from Moscow—Disgraced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued his first public statement from Moscow on December 16, detailing the circumstances of his dep...
- + Iran is grinding to a halt due to weather and grid failure—Iranian authorities closed schools and offices in Tehran for a second consecutive day on December 16 due to "cold weather and energy consumption manag...
- + Russia moves to maintain Libya foothold following reduced influence in Syria—An air bridge between Russia and Libya was established earlier this week with two Ilyushin-76TD aircraft (RA-76841 and RA-76845) operating shuttle ......
- + Drilling of two gas wells in Egypt Zohr Field to start next week, says petroleum minister—Drilling of two gas wells in Egypt's main Zohr Field will start next week targeting 220mn cubic feet per day of production with the arrival of a rig ....
- + Tizeti set to become first Nigerian startup to list on NGX—Tizeti, an internet service provider backed by Y Combinator, is poised to become the first Nigerian startup to list on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), .....
- + More help needed for Ukraine’s ravaged energy sector—A multi-million-euro fund launched by Ukraine’s European allies to help the war-ravaged energy sector is running low on cash as power providers strugg...
- + Kosmos, Tullow in early talks on potential merger to create West Africa-focused producer—US oil and gas company Kosmos Energy on December 12 confirmed it was in early talks for an all-share acquisition of Tullow Oil, a London-headquartered...
- + Growing Islamic Finance in Central Asia to unlock GCC investment—The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) joined forces to spotl...
- + Hungary’s automotive sector grapples with slowdown of export markets—Automotive output down 3.9% year-on-year in October. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Budapest]
- + UK government approves Křetínský’s takeover of Royal Mail—UK government will retain a “golden share” in the postal service, giving it special rights. [Author: Albin Sybera]
- + 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. [Autho...
- + Slovak healthcare labour union accuses ministry of escalating health crisis—Slovakia's health system is facing a critical period this Christmas as doctors threaten to quit and parliament bans them from doing so. [Author: Albin...
- + Slovak finance ministry accuses Moody’s of political bias after rating lowered—Rating lowered to "A3", the lowest for 20 years. [Author: Albin Sybera]
- + Romania’s industrial output shows partial recovery in October—Output rises 1.3% y/y but figure indicates continued stagnation in industrial activity. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + 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 h...
- + Ice-free Arctic Ocean could occur within years —Researchers have simulated Arctic ice trends starting from 2023. Their findings indicate that even with sharp cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the in...
- + Slovak inflation hits 3.2% y/y in November—Inflation accelerated slightly on the 3.1% y/y growth in October and was the third highest this year amid a continued rise in food prices. The m/m rat...
- + Korean political upheaval: PPP leader steps down amid impeachment chaos—The leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, announced his resignation on December 16, marking a dramatic turn in the c...
- + Saudi Awwal Bank launches second regional agriculture innovation programme—Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and Goumbook, a sustainability organisation, announced on December 15 the second edition of their MENAT Regenerative ... [Autho...
- + Slovak inflation grows by 3.2% y/y in November—Inflation accelerated slightly on the 3.1% y/y growth in October and was the third highest this year amid a continued rise in food prices. The m/m rat...
- + Polish inflation rate eases to 4.7% y/y in November—The Polish consumer price index reduced its expansion rate to 4.7% year on year in November (chart) from 5% y/y in October, data from Poland’s statist...
- + Iran to resume Damascus embassy operations soon, says ambassador—Iran plans to resume operations at its embassy in Damascus, exiled Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari said late on December 15. [Author: bne T...
- + COMMENT: Will the US exit Syria, return its oil fields?—The United States is now confronting a complex decision about its military presence in the country's oil-rich northeast. [Author: bnm Gulf bureau]
- + Uzbekistan’s universities claim places in prestigious rankings for first time—Enrollment in country’s higher education system has surged from 9% in 2016 to 38%, or 1.3mn students, this year. [Author: Mokhi Sultanova in Tashkent]
- + Geothermal energy poised for major global expansion, says IEA chief Fatih Birol—"Geothermal energy could see transformative global growth thanks to advancements in technology and expertise from the oil and gas sector," the Interna...
- + First major oil spill by Russia's shadow fleet as major storm rips oil tanker apart in Kerch straits—A major storm ripped a Russian oil tanker apart, tearing off its nose on December 15. A total of two ships have reportedly sunk as a result of the sto...
- + Russia withdraws equipment from Syrian bases, but will not abandon them, in new deal talks with HTS —Russia began to withdraw substantial amounts of equipment from its two bases in Syria on December 13, but it has not abandoning the country and is now...
- + First major oil spill by Russia's shadow fleet as major storm rips an oil tanker apart in the Kerch straits—A major storm ripped a Russian oil tanker apart, tearing off its nose on December 15. A total of two ships have reportedly sunk as a result of the sto...
- + Novi Robot tops Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Turkey 2024 ranking—Developer of robotic automation systems for manufacturing plants is country's fastest growing tech startup. [Author: Akin Nazli in Belgrade]
- + #BREAKING: A major storm rips a Russian oil tanker apart in the Kerch straits—A major storm ripped a Russian oil tanker apart, tearing off its nose on December 15. A total of two ships have reportedly sunk as a result of the sto...
- + Russia withdraws equipment from Syrian bases, but not abandoning them, in new deal talks with HTS – Reuters —Russia began to withdraw substantial amounts of equipment from its two bases in Syria on December 13, but it has not abandoning the country and is now...
- + Syria reopens schools for first time since fall of Assad regime—Syrian schools resumed classes on December 15 for the first time since opposition forces ousted President Bashar al-Assad. [Author: bnm Gulf bureau]
- + Force majeure at Libya’s Zawiya Refinery threatens exports and oil expansion plans—The declaration of force majeure at Libya’s Zawiya Refinery by Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) on December 15 has put plans to boost crude prod...
- + 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. [Author: Tatyana Kek...
- + New Syrian authorities accuse Israel of unlawful attack on country—A representative of the Syrian leadership that came to power after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad said that the Israeli authorities unlawf...
- + Turkish embassy reopens in Damascus after 12-year hiatus—Turkey’s embassy in Damascus resumed operations on December 14. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili voted in as Georgia’s next president in single candidate election—Crowds gathered outside the parliament to protest against the election of far-right Georgian Dream loyalist Kavelashvili. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Georgians gather outside parliament to protest single-candidate presidential election —The ruling Georgian Dream party is due to elect its candidate, far-right former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as president in a vote protesters say ...
- + South Korean president impeached, Constitutional Court to sit December 16—South Korea's National Assembly has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his highly controversial imposition of martial law, in the process s...
- + How Assad turned Syria into a narco-state—A video circulating on social media this week shows a warehouse in Syria filled with Captagon. This highly addictive amphetamine-based drug has transf...
- + COMMENT: Could Iran open new fronts against Israel and Azerbaijan?—Hikmat Hajiyev, assistant to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, met with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusa...
- + UPDATE - South Korean government impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol—The South Korean government has impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. [Author: bno - Taipei Office]
- + Freedom Holding Corp brings FIDE world rapid & blitz chess championships to Wall Street—The worlds of finance and chess may seem very different. However, there are some surprising similarities between chess and business when it comes to s...
- + EU launches air bridge to Syria, boosts humanitarian funding to €163mn—The European Commission announced a new humanitarian air bridge operation in Syria and an increase in aid funding to €163mn ($177mn) for 2024 on Decem...
- + Tbilisi paralysed by protests ahead of presidential election—Tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets across Tbilisi on the eve of the country’s presidential election. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Presidential election to entrench Georgia’s growing constitutional crisis—President Salome Zourabichvili says she will not leave when her term ends on December 16, arguing that an "illegitimate" parliament cannot elect her s...
- + Key Donbas coal mine shuts down that will impact metal production and exports, as Russian forces advance on Porkovsk—Ukraine's largest steel producer, Metinvest, has suspended operations at its Pischane coal plant near the front-line town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblas...
- + COMMENT: Russia and Syria will remain partners even after Assad —Russia looks to be staying put in on Syria's coast despite efforts by its enemies to boot it out of Syria. [Author: bnm Gulf bureau]
- + Russia’s economic woes starting to overflow into Kazakhstan—Kazakh currency takes a plunge. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Tajikistan: Rogun Dam is a white elephant in the making – report—Dushanbe needs to diversify power generation sources. [Author: Eurasianet]
- + 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....
- + Slovakia will continue supplying Czechia with processed Russian oil for another six months—Slovakia prolongs exemption from EU sanctions on oil products from imported Russian oil. [Author: Albin Sybera]
- + €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. [Author: Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague]
- + 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. [Author: Denitsa Koseva in Sofia]
- + 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. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Bud...
- + China eyes yuan depreciation to tackle Trump’s tariff threat in 2025—China is reportedly considering allowing the yuan to weaken in 2025 as part of its response to the looming threat of higher US tariffs under a second ...
- + India’s second-largest clean energy company ReNew plans to go private —Key investors in ReNew Energy Global, India’s second-largest clean energy producer, have proposed to take the company private in a deal valued at $2.8...
- + China slams South Korean president's espionage accusations—China has expressed its "deep surprise and dissatisfaction" with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent remarks that appeared to implicate Chin...
- + Key policy challenge as Russia’s inflation keeps accelerating in end-2024—Russian consumer price inflation keeps accelerating to 8.9% year on year in November 2024 from 8.5% y/y seen in October, revised upwards from previous...
- + Tusk says no talks underway to send Polish troops to Ukraine once fighting stops—Speculation follows comments by incoming Trump administration about European forces policing ceasefire. [Author: Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw]
- + Iran's currency drops to lowest rate ever against the dollar—Iran's currency plunged to historic lows following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, with the Iranian rial dropping over 20% in recen...
- + Russian sex workers are moving to occupied Ukraine to make six figures servicing soldiers—Russian sex workers are increasingly relocating to occupied territories in Ukraine, attracted by potential earnings of as much as RUB1.5mn ($14,000) p...
- + COMMENT: A stable Syria could become a major energy hub —It’s been a pipe dream for decades, but with the fall of the Assad regime a stable Syria means a pipeline connecting Qatar to Turkey is possible, whic...
- + 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. [Aut...
- + For the Baltic states, bigger defence spending may never be enough—The significant increase in the Baltic states’ defence spending is already starting to strain their economies. [Author: Linas Jegelevicius in Vilnius]
- + American released from Syrian prison after smuggled entry—Syrian authorities have released US citizen Travis Timmerman from Ez-Ziabia prison on the southern outskirts of Damascus. [Author: bnm Gulf bureau]
- + Trump considers Grenell for Iran envoy role amid policy shift—This posting is the latest potential overture from the Trump team to Iran, which has softened its stance against the incoming administration and radic...
- + Latin America urged to boost tax take and private investment to close development gap—Latin American and Caribbean nations must radically strengthen tax collection and private sector involvement to bridge a $99bn annual sustainable fina...
- + Iranian UFO “mothership” off coast of New Jersey, US congressman says—A US congressman alleged that Iran had positioned an “Iranian mothership” off the East Coast to launch drones over New Jersey in a bizarre interview w...
- + EU admits Bulgaria, Romania to full Schengen membership —Southeast European countries welcome membership of border-free area after years of vetoes by Schengen members. [Author: Denitsa Koseva in Sofia]
- + Belarus tests new BUK missile system as a low-key arms race in Eastern Europe gathers momentum—Belarus conducted a test launch of a new Buk-MB2 air defence missile near its border with Ukraine on December 10, Ukrinform reports, as all parties to...
- + 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. [Author: Denitsa Koseva in...
- + Hungarian state reduces stake in MBH Bank—State-owned asset manager Corvinus BHG sold 8.2% of its shares in MBH Bank to the lender in an OTC transaction, reducing its stake to 20.01%, it was ....
- + Rising inflation may force Moldova's central bank to reconsider its expansionary monetary policy—Consumer price inflation accelerated to 5.4% y/y in November from 5.3% in October. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Russian Sberbank maintains high ROE in November under RAS—Russia’s largest bank, state-controlled Sberbank (Sber), posted RUB117bn net profit in 11M24 under Russian Accounting Standards (RAS) and RUB1.4 ... [...
- + Japan plans tax hike to fund $280bn military buildup—Japan is gearing up to increase taxes as early as April 2026 to finance its ambitious plan to double its defence budget to 2% of GDP. This move comes ...
- + INTERVIEW: Jeet Chandan, co-founder of Indian investment platform BizDateUp—The electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments have the highest growth potential in the overall India electric vehicle (EV) space, Jeet Chandan, ...
- + US boosts military aid to Taiwan in 2025—The United States is poised to significantly bolster its military support for Taiwan, with the inclusion of substantial funding and initiatives [Autho...
- + India's Competition Commission approves major steel industry acquisition—India's Competition Commission has approved the acquisition of Thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel India by Jsquare Electrical Steel Nashik, a wholly-owned ...
- + Ukraine's international reserves rise as financial aid ensures budget stability—Ukraine's international reserves grew by 9.1% in November, reaching $39.92bn, boosted by substantial financial inflows from international partners and...
- + Russia hopes for deal on bases in Syria—Russia is seeking to secure agreements with Syria's new authorities regarding its military facilities in the country following the sudden overthrow of...
- + COMMENT: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China accelerate efforts to expand the Middle Corridor—Pressing need for expanded infrastructure as freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route increases. [Author: Seymur Mammadov...
- + Life and commerce slowly return to Syrian capital Damascus—Daily life is gradually resuming in Damascus as banks and commercial establishments begin reopening their doors, marking a significant shift in the Sy...
- + Saudi Arabia wins 2034 World Cup bid, beating Australia—Saudi Arabia secured the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup on December 11. [Author: bne Gulf bureau]
- + US-Cuba rum war spills over as Biden law stirs Havana Club row—A new US law has revived a decades-old dispute over one of the spirits industry's most contentious trademarks, with Cuba denouncing the legislation as...
- + Saudi Arabia wins 2034 World Cup bid beating Australia—Saudi Arabia secured the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup on December 11, local construction news agency NEMNNA reported. [Author: bne Gulf ...
- + Czechs choose the nuclear option—Given the huge cost of this nuclear drive, environmental and energy analysts warn that the investments will influence the shape of the entire Czech en...
- + Rebels torch Assad family mausoleum in Syria's Latakia province—Opposition fighters set fire to the mausoleum of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad in his ancestral hometown of Qardaha on December 11 [Author: b...
- + Russian military expands presence in Mali despite Wagner turmoil, says CSIS—Russian forces in Mali continue to develop their base at Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport, despite leadership upheavals within the ... [Aut...
- + IMF: Breaking Latin America’s cycle of low growth and violence—Violent crime and insecurity cost Latin America 3.4% of GDP annually, fueling a vicious cycle of low growth, emigration, and instability. Breaking thi...
- + Iran's supreme leader blames Syrian regime collapse on US, Israel—Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said the collapse of the Syrian government on December 8 was a product of a "joint American-Zionist plan" [Author: ...
- + Satellite images show Russian forces still at Syrian air base, navy anchored offshore—Syrian rebels Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have rapidly taken control of the whole country in only 11 days, but are treading cautiously when it comes to...
- + Shares in Hungary’s 4iG skyrocket amid speculation over SpaceX collaboration—4iG’s HUSAT satellite programme will be the first of its kind in the CEE region to develop satellite-based telecommunications and Earth observation ca...
- + US finally approves $20bn contribution to the G7's $50bn Ukraine loan—After months of wrangling, the US finally released a $20bn loan to Ukraine on December 10, funded by profits from Russia’s frozen $300bn reserve asset...
- + Hungary's inflation accelerates to 3.7% in November—Month-on-month inflation was 0.5%. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Budapest]
- + BCR’s venture capital company invests in SaaS platform FieldOS—BCR Seed Starter investment to help FieldOS finance product development, accelerate growth in the local market and expand its operations in North Amer...
- + 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. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Romania’s trade deficit reaches new record in October—Imports soared by 8.6% y/y an all-time high of €12.2bn, while exports advanced by only 0.5%. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + 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. [Author: Iuli...
- + EBRD applauds reduction in NPL of Hungarian banks—Hungary saw the largest reduction in the volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) among the 17 Central and Eastern European economies, according to ...
- + US finally approves it $20bn contribution to the G7 $50bn Ukraine loan—After months of wrangling, the US finally released a $20bn loan to Ukraine on December 10, funded by profits from Russia’s frozen $300bn reserve asset...
- + RAGOZIN: Does the exiled Russian opposition have a future?—One the eve of the Russian antiwar and anti-Putin march in Berlin held on November 17, Ukrainian ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeiev published an op...
- + Xi warns 'no winners' in US-China trade war amid economic struggles—Chinese President Xi Jinping has cautioned that trade wars between the United States and China will yield "no winners" as tensions between the two cou...
- + North Korea slams Yoon's martial law move, brands it 'insane'—North Korea has strongly condemned South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law declaration, describing it as an “insane” act remini...
- + Japan's atomic bomb survivors awarded Nobel Peace Prize—In a historic moment of recognition, Japan’s atomic bomb survivors, represented by Nihon Hidankyo, have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for th...
- + South Korea's disgraced defence minister attempts suicide—South Korea's former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who took responsibility for President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law last w...
- + BCPG to invest $945mn in power projects, prioritising clean energy—BCPG Plc, the power generation arm of Bangchak Corporation, plans to invest over THB32bn ($945mn) in 2025 to fund new power projects, primarily focuse...
- + Malaysia’s industrial growth slows in October following mixed sector performance—Malaysia’s industrial output expanded in October, but at a slower-than-anticipated pace, with gains in factory production and electricity generation o...
- + Russia is “close to achieving all its war goals and holds the "strategic initiative in all areas of the war", says Russian spy chief —Russia’s spy chief, Sergei Naryshkin, said that Russia is “close to achieving all its war goals and holds the "strategic initiative in all areas of th...
- + Paraguay stands firm with Taiwan amid growing Chinese pressure —Paraguay’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan remain intact despite increasing pressure from China, following the expulsion of Chinese diplomat Xu Wei. [Auth...
- + Czech inflation stays at 2.8% in November—Consumer price indices (inflation) increased by 2.8% year on year, the same as in October. Month on month, inflation increased by 0.1%. [Author: bne I...
- + Syrian Airlines removes Assad images, suspends bookings amid transition—Syrian Airlines, the country's national carrier, has removed all images of former President Bashar al-Assad from its official website. At the same tim...
- + Slovak industry maintains growth of 1.3% y/y in October—Slovakia’s industrial output maintained growth of 1.3% year on year in October amid the continued strong production of transportation equipment. [Auth...
- + Notorious Russian activist demands Santa Claus be labelled ‘Foreign Agent’—Vitaly Borodin, a prominent pro-Kremlin activist, has called on Russian authorities to designate Santa Claus as a “foreign agent,” arguing the Western...
- + 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. [Author...
- + Israel to establish “sterile” buffer zone in southern Syria—Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the creation of a "sterile security zone" in southern Syria without permanent Israeli presence. [Author: ...
- + Mohammed Al-Bashir appointed head of Syrian government until March 2025—Syrian armed factions have appointed Mohammed Al-Bashir to take over as the acting head of government in Syria until March 1 [Author: bnm Egypt bureau...
- + INTERVIEW: Giorgi Gakharia, Georgian opposition leader —Gakharia tells bne IntelliNews the government has "effectively killed" Georgia's European future, but people are fighting back. [Author: Liza Zhvania ...
- + Uzbekistan’s first unicorn Uzum to launch a second funding round and fuel faster growth—Uzum is Uzbekistan’s leading tech giant and has doubled in size since its launch in 2022. It already raised $144mn this year, giving it a valuation of...
- + Liberia’s plan to engage Turkey’s Albayrak Group for RIA modernisation sparks controversy—The Liberian government’s proposal to enlist Turkey-based Albayrak Group to modernise Roberts International Airport (RIA) has stirred controversy ... ...
- + UPDATED: Israeli tanks reach southern Damascus countryside—Israeli tanks were observed approximately 20 km from Damascus on the morning of December 10, according to Israeli media citing Arab reports, marking ....
- + Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu arrives in court over corruption charges—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make history as the first sitting Israeli prime minister to testify in his own corruption trial on...
- + Bulgarian prosecutors target ex-PM Petkov, putting coalition talks at risk —Request to lift parliamentary immunity made immediately before Petkov’s CC-DB was due to start talks with Gerb. [Author: Denitsa Koseva in Sofia]
- + Poland's PragmaGO acquires Romanian digital factoring company Telecredit—Telecredit’s operations to be significantly expanded after takeover by private equity-backed PragmaGO. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Serbia allocates €1bn in first-ever green budget for 2025—Serbia's first green budget prioritises infrastructure and environmental protection. [Author: Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade]
- + Czech unemployment inches upwards to 3.9% in November—Unemployment in Czechia inched upwards to 3.9% in a mild increase of 0.1 percentage points or 1,422 persons on the October level. [Author: bne Intelli...
- + Czech industrial production falls by 2.1% y/y in October—Czech industrial production fell by 2.1% year on year and by 0.7% month on month in October. [Author: Albin Sybera]
- + Myanmar junta to allow observers for controversial 2025 election amid ongoing conflict—Myanmar's military-controlled Union Election Commission has announced plans to permit domestic and international observers to monitor the country's fo...
- + Georgian demonstrators mobilise against “titushky” thugs —Protesters have set up a “defence group” in response to aggression by masked “titushky” that have carried out a series of attacks during the protests....
- + EXPLAINER: US sanctions on Gazprombank and what they mean for Russian gas in Europe—The sanctions have created some uncertainty and difficulties, but are unlikely to cause disruptions to gas flows, especially now that Russia has eased...
- + South Korea imposes travel ban on President Yoon over martial law investigation—South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country as authorities investigate his role in a controversial martial law decl...
- + Thousands evacuated as Mt. Kanlaon erupts, threatening more explosive activity—A powerful eruption at Mt. Kanlaon in the Philippines has forced thousands of residents to evacuate, as authorities brace for further explosive activi...
- + Nuclear envoys from South Korea, US, and Japan strengthen coordination amid North Korean tensions—Top nuclear envoys from South Korea, the United States, and Japan have pledged to intensify their cooperation to manage future provocations from North...
- + Vietnam faces challenges in meeting carbon emission targets—Vietnam is facing significant challenges in meeting its climate change commitments, particularly in the area of greenhouse gas emissions [Author: bno ...
- + Trump Organization expands Saudi presence with two new hotels—The Trump Organization and Saudi luxury developer Dar Global announced plans for two new real estate projects in Riyadh on December 9. [Author: bne Gu...
- + Where does nuclear power-use stand in post-COP29 Asia?—It is now a month since COP29 opened its doors to delegates from around the world in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan on November 11 [Author: bno - Taipei...
- + Lebanon may be at the dawn of a new economic era—Economic issues have returned to the spotlight in Lebanon, with prospects of a financial collapse taking centre stage as the country reels from its mo...
- + Brutal gang violence over failed voodoo spell claims nearly 200 lives in Haiti's capital—At least 184 people were killed in Haiti's Cite Soleil district over the weekend in what officials describe as targeted attacks against elderly reside...
- + Russian soldiers ordering taxis to evacuate front line as army bans private cars—Russian forces in Ukraine are increasingly relying on civilian taxis to evacuate wounded soldiers from the front lines in the occupied Donetsk region....
- + Russia, facing loss of Syrian base for Africa operations, seen turning to war-torn Sudan or divided Libya—If Putin wants to quickly develop Port Sudan as an alternative to Russia's naval base in Syria, he may need to finally pick a side and align with the ...
- + Israel attacks more than 250 military targets in Syria in 48 hours—Israel has conducted one of its largest air operations in history, striking more than 250 military targets across Syria over the past 48 hours followi...
- + ISTANBUL BLOG: After “conquering” Damascus, Erdogan turns his eye to the Kurds—US controls eastern Euphrates airspace. Will Trump White House return mean Kurdish forces lose their air cover? In wider picture, fears Syria will bec...
- + COMMENT: Trump’s White House picks signal rocky start with Latin America—Trump's return to power sets up a confrontational start with Latin America, threatening tariffs and strict border controls. Mexico pushes back firmly ...
- + Zimbabwe's plan to revert to total local currency use early disrupting markets, business lobby says—A Zimbabwean business lobby group has said the country's plan to return to a mono-currency system earlier than originally announced is undermining ......
- + SYRIA BLOG: Putin joins George W Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” club—Given the fall of the Assad regime, the Russian leader’s 2017 victory address at Russia’s Syrian air base of Hmeimim is set to age very badly. [Author...
- + What now for Russia in Syria?—The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now poses complex challenges for Russia. [Author: bnm Gulf bur...
- + Syrian opposition bans forced wearing of hijab—Syria's armed opposition leadership has issued a decree prohibiting the forced wearing of hijabs [Author: bnm Gulf bureau]
- + Azerbaijan continues crackdown on independent media—Detentions of six journalists associated with Meydan TV follow similar actions against other independent media outlets. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Toppled Syrian dictator Assad flees to Moscow—Diplomatic sources confirmed Russia has offered asylum to Assad. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + As jubilant Syrian refugees in Turkey celebrate Assad downfall, analysts wonder what comes next in power vacuum—Ankara, meanwhile, already criticised for trying to use chaos as cover for attacks on Kurds as it tries to change map in its favour. [Author: bne Inte...
- + Lebanon's Christian factions rejoice over Assad regime fall —Celebrations erupted across several areas in Lebanon following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. Opposition factions took control of Dama...
- + Moldova's separatist Transnistria region prepares for the end of free Russian gas—Unrecognised republic faces heightened energy concerns as the current transit contract for Russian gas through Ukraine is set to expire on January 1. ...
- + European Commission questions viability of Hungarian government’s medium-term economic forecast under EDP procedure—Fiscal plans are missing significant information and are based on unreliable data, says Dombrovskis. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Budapest]
- + Romania’s GDP grows by just 0.8% y/y in 9M24—Private consumption remained the main growth driver in the third quarter of 2024. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Bulgaria's GDP grows 2.4% in Q4 2024—Consumption drives upturn in GDP growth, while exports fall. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Toppled Syrian dictator al-Assad flees to Moscow—Russia has granted asylum to toppled president of Syria Bashar al-Assad and he has arrived in Moscow together with his family, [Author: bne IntelliNew...
- + Masked 'titushky' thugs target journalists and opposition members in Tbilisi—Protesters, journalists and an opposition leader have been violently attacked by gangs of unidentified masked men dressed in black. [Author: bne Intel...
- + Syrian opposition captures key port city of Tartus—Opposition forces have seized control of Syria's strategic Mediterranean port city of Tartus, consolidating their grip on the country following the dr...
- + Zelenskiy backs Trump's call to end the war at Notre Dame meeting—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy backed US President-elect Donald Trump’s call to end the war in Ukraine at their first meeting since the US No...
- + Opposition forces impose curfew in Syrian capital Damascus—Syrian opposition forces have imposed a curfew in Damascus after taking control of the capital, marking a dramatic end to President Bashar al-Assad's ...
- + Iranian embassy in Damascus ransacked, Russian embassy on lockdown—Iran’s embassy in Damascus has been ransacked, with its items stolen by residents of the Syrian capital. [Author: bne Tehran bureau]
- + 48 arrested in Tbilisi during ninth night of protests—Human rights watchdog says arrests mark “new stage of police terror”. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Erdogan sets Damascus as final target for “rebels” advancing in Syria—Since his regime’s hailing of its “reconquest” of Aleppo, Turkey’s leader has been in no mood to talk peace. [Author: Akin Nazli in Belgrade]
- + #BREAKING Assad flees Syria for Abu Dhabi, regime falls – Turkish press reports—A private jet departed Damascus and arrived in Abu Dhabi on December 7, carrying Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and the rest of his ... ...
- + #BREAKING Assad flees Syria, regime falls, arrives in Abu Dhabi—A private jet departed Damascus and arrived in Abu Dhabi on December 7, carrying Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the rest of his family, .....
- + Assad's Syrian regime faces imminent collapse as rebels close in on Damascus—The rapid disintegration of Bashar al-Assad's control over Syria has shocked observers, with rebels now advancing on Damascus from multiple directions...
- + Putin fires Kursk governor amid ongoing Ukrainian occupation—Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Aleksey Smirnov as governor of Russia's Kursk Oblast, only seven months after his appointment. [Author:...
- + Assad told to flee Syria as his regime teeters on the edge of collapse—Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been told to flee the country and establish a government in exile as three important cities fall to advancing for...
- + Syria’s conflict enters a dangerous new phase as rebels advance—Syria’s long-running civil war has entered a markedly more dangerous phase as opposition forces capture strategic cities and vital infrastructure. Mil...
- + Korea's President Yoon survives impeachment vote—South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an attempt to impeach him following a brief but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to impose martial l...
- + Croatian PM survives no-confidence motion over healthcare scandal —Andrej Plenkovic's government under pressure after the arrest of sitting health minister Vili Beros in a high-profile corruption case. [Author: bne In...
- + CAUCASUS BLOG: Georgian PM claims “Maidan” has failed, but is that wishful thinking? —Despite raids on opposition offices and an easing of police violence, numbers at the nightly protests in Tbilisi have not fallen. [Author: Ailis Halli...
- + Romania’s Constitutional Court scraps presidential elections—Election to be re-run after far-right, pro-Russia candidate Calin Georgescu found to have won the first round with alleged support from “state and non...
- + EU and Mercosur strike historic trade deal, setting stage for political battle—The European Commission and South American trade bloc Mercosur inked a groundbreaking trade agreement on December 6, creating the world's largest free...
- + COMMENT: European countries plan hydrogen import infrastructure to achieve climate goals —Talks between Greece's DESFA and several Southeast and Central European countries aim to establish a new hydrogen corridor to Germany. [Author: Fuad S...
- + BREAKING: Romania’s Constitutional Court scraps presidential elections—Election to be re-run after far-right, pro-Russia candidate Calin Georgescu found to have won the first round with alleged support from “state and non...
- + Rosatom signs deal for nuclear science centre in Ethiopia—Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has signed an agreement with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology to commence work on a ... [Au...
- + ISTANBUL BLOG: As Syria rancour rises, Putin deadpans “congratulations” to Turkey on nailing 50% official inflation—The golden rule is that whoever does business with Erdogan eventually pays through the nose. Russia’s leader is no exception to this rule. [Author: Ak...
- + Druzhba oil flow to Czechia is resumed—The oil flow through the pipeline stopped on Wednesday, leaving the country dependent on its reserves and the oil flow from the west. [Author: Albin S...
- + Azerbaijan rights defender detained ahead of US award ceremony—Rufat Safarov has been ordered to serve four months in pre-trial detention, raising new concerns about civil society restrictions in post-COP29 Azerba...
- + Georgian police's abuse of ethnic Azerbaijani protester sparks outrage in Azerbaijani community—Elvin Karimov sentenced to eight days of administrative detention after he was arrested and beaten during a protest in Tbilisi. [Author: bne IntelliNe...
- + Polish central bank may delay rate cuts to next autumn, Glapiński says—Governor’s hawkish remarks represent a shift from earlier expectations that rate cuts could begin as early as mid-2025. [Author: Wojciech Kosc in Wars...
- + Romania to hold presidential election runoff with pro-Russian candidate Georgescu under investigation —Probes launched after far-right politician Calin Georgescu took shock lead in presidential election first round. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Moldovan PM sacks energy minister, declares state of emergency in energy sector—Dorin Recean dismisses top energy sector officials for failing to secure enough gas ahead of winter. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Iran claims new milestone with successful satellite launch—Iran's Defence Ministry announced on December 6 a successful space launch that placed two satellites into low Earth orbit. [Author: bne Tehran bureau]
- + Syrian opposition forces edge closer to Homs city —Syrian opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the strategic city of Hama on December 5, marking a dramatic escalation in the con...
- + Russia is supporting North Korea’s nuclear programme, Nato claims—Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has accused Russia of aiding North Korea's nuclear weapons development in exchange for military support. [Author: bn...
- + Saudi PIF signs $10bn financing agreement with French state bank—Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund PIF and French state investment bank Bpifrance signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on December 5 to ... [A...
- + Ethiopia's Bitcoin mining powers to 2.5% of the global hashrate, driven by investments from Chinese firms—Ethiopia has emerged as a significant contributor to global Bitcoin mining, now accounting for 2.5% of the network's overall hash rate, ... [Author: b...
- + Slovak coalition wobbles but will it fall down?—Robert Fico's populist government now has the slimmest possible majority of 76 legislators, raising speculation about early elections. [Author: Albin ...
- + Georgians challenge ruling party crackdown in seventh night of protests —Mostly peaceful demonstration believed to be the biggest to date, as wave of government resignations mounts. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi]
- + Is Russia being dragged back into the Syrian war?—Russia faces mounting pressure to expand its military involvement in Syria as its longtime ally President Bashar al-Assad confronts the most serious c...
- + Uzbekistan’s e-commerce unicorn Uzum to launch a second funding round and fuel faster growth —Uzum is Uzbekistan’s leading tech giant and has doubled in size since its launch in 2022. It already raised $144mn this year, giving it a valuation of...
- + BIT Mining to acquire Ethiopian crypto data centres in $14mn deal—BIT Mining Limited, a global cryptocurrency mining firm, has announced plans to acquire 51-megawatt cryptocurrency mining data centres and nearly ... ...
- + Growth returned to Kazakhstan service sector in November, PMI shows—Fresh improvement in underlying trends. Cost pressures remained subdued. New hiring sustained but job creation growth only marginal. [Author: bne Inte...
- + Hungary asks for exemption from US sanctions for Russia's Gazprombank—Foreign minister says the sanctions could cause serious difficulties for Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey and Serbia, which use the bank to pay for Russian o...
- + Czechia to open oil reserves after Russia halts Druzhba pipeline flows—Russian move seen as reaction to Czech statement that it won't ask for the prolonging of its exemption from the EU ban on imports of petroleum product...
- + Romanian authorities reveal over €50mn funding for pro-Russian presidential candidate Georgescu—Reports published by Romania’s presidency reveal huge scale of financing for Calin Georgescu, supporting his successful TikTok campaign. [Author: Iuli...
- + Poll shows 73% of South Koreans support impeaching President Yoon over martial law fiasco—A significant majority of South Koreans support impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial, albeit brief, declaration of martial l...
- + Pashinyan says Armenia is already out of CSTO—Armenian PM cites lack of support from CSTO allies when Azerbaijani forces crossed Armenia's borders. [Author: Ani Avetisyan in Yerevan]
- + Serbia faces backlash over controversial foreign agents bill —Serbia's version of Russia-inspired law risks derailing its EU accession progress. [Author: Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade]
- + ISTANBUL BLOG: Has Turkey “re-conquered” Aleppo?—HTS militia that led attack dwells near Turkish border under Erdogan regime patronage, while FSA was directly established by Ankara. And both are not ...
- + Moroccan phosphate group OCP to issue $503mn bonds in December—Moroccan phosphate group OCP plans to issue bonds worth MAD 5bn ($503.1mn) from December 10 to 12, the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC) said ....
- + Ghana's lithium project faces delays amid political and market challenges —Atlantic Lithium Limited, an exploration and development company advancing its flagship Ewoyaa Project in Ghana, has cut its workforce, citing delays ...
- + Niger junta takes over Orano’s Somair uranium mine amidst France tensions—Niger’s military-led government has seized control of the Somair uranium mine, operated by French company ... [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Poll: 73% of South Koreans support impeaching President Yoon over martial law fiasco—A significant majority of South Koreans support impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial, albeit brief, declaration of martial l...
- + South Korea’s Yoon defends martial law decision amid growing political turmoil—South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is standing firm on his decision to declare martial law in response to what he described as the opposition's "rec...
- + Taiwan's DPP slams KMT over martial law allegations—Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party has fiercely rebuked the Chinese Nationalist Party for insinuating that the government supports martial law [Aut...
- + Philippines accuses Chinese coast guard of aggressive tactics in South China Sea—Tensions in the South China Sea have flared once again after the Philippines accused China’s Coast Guard of using water cannons and performing dangero...
- + Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports in October up 18.22%—Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports in October 2024 reached $1.097bn, an 18.22% year-on-year (y/y) increase, led by strong performances in apparel and tex...
- + South Korea’s opposition initiates impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol —On the back of his failed attempt to impose martial law in South Korea late on December 3 an impeachment motion has now been launched against the pres...
- + KYIV BLOG: It’s time to drop the charade that Ukraine can join Nato—World leaders are meeting for a Nato summit and Ukraine is top of the agenda. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is calling for accelerated acces...
- + Assad's son defends his PhD thesis at Moscow State University—Hafez al-Assad, the eldest son of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in mathematics at Moscow State...
- + Military training aircraft crashes in southern Iran, killing two pilots—A military training aircraft crashed in Iran's southern Fars province on December 4 afternoon, killing both pilots aboard, the Ministry of Defence con...
- + Powering the future: Africa’s competitive advantage in the global battery market—Africa's vast critical mineral reserves – including cobalt, lithium and manganese – are now central to the global rush for battery materials. [Author:...
- + Iranian president meets with Chinese officials in Tehran —Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed Tehran’s will to strengthen ties with China, as well as Russia, to counter the United States’ unilateralis...
- + Decades-old Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan border dispute could be over—National security chiefs announce deal, but details still remain secret. Tensions even led to “war-scale” fighting two years ago. [Author: bne Intelli...
- + European resistance clouds EU-Mercosur deal prospects at Montevideo summit—South American leaders are gathering in Montevideo this week amid growing optimism that a long-awaited trade agreement with the European Union could f...
- + Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the leader of Syria's latest insurgency?—Ahmed Hussein al-Shar’a, known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Julani, a Syrian militant leader, has undergone a massive transformation, moving f...
- + Georgian opposition leader assaulted and detained in Tbilisi—Arrest of Nika Gvaramia follows a series of police raids on pro-Western opposition offices on December 4. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi]
- + Kyrgyzstan: MPs seem willing to give police a free hand—Critics say introduced bill marks a step towards a police state. [Author: Eurasianet]
- + Peru mining reform fails to stem surge in illegal gold trade and violence—Peru's mining sector is at a crossroads, with the Registro Integral de Formalización Minera (Reinfo) facing criticism for allegedly enabling illegal m...
- + South Africa: SAPVIA expects further growth for solar energy sector in 2025—The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has said that electricity demand in 2024 and 2025 is projected to grow at one of the high...
- + Is Georgia having its EuroMaidan?—As in Ukraine's EuroMaidan revolution, Georgia's protests are directed at a leader with links to Russia who was attempting to pull the country away fr...
- + South Korean Cabinet in mass resignation offer—In the wake of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s unexpected declaration of martial law late on December 3, his entire Cabinet and senior aides have now offere...
- + MOSCOW BLOG: Three of US’ key regional allies are in turmoil—Three of the US military outposts in key regions of the world are either under attack or in chaos. Israel in the Middle East, Ukraine in Europe and no...
- + Afreximbank and JE Energy sign financing agreement to support Guyanese crude exports—The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a $100mn Revolving Trade Finance Facility agreement with JE Energy Limited to support its ... ...
- + Political uncertainty hits Romanian listed companies—The Bucharest Stock Exchange's blue-chip BET index fell 2.35% on December 3 as investors wait to see if far-right pro-Russian politician Calin Georges...
- + Croatian government faces no-confidence vote over healthcare scandal —Arrest of sitting health minister Vili Beros follows series of corruption scandals involving ruling HDZ members. [Author: Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague]
- + Polish energy stocks tank over fears government will ditch coal takeover strategy —The previous Law and Justice government planned to spin off coal assets of PGE, Tauron and Enea to a new entity, [Author: Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw]
- + Impeachment a looming possibility for Korea’s President Yoon—South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing mounting pressure from the nation’s main opposition, the Democratic Party of Korea, with demands for i...
- + CrossBoundary Energy secures $140mn to scale renewable energy portfolio across Africa—Africa-focused renewable energy solutions provider CrossBoundary Energy has secured $140mn senior debt from the Standard Bank of South Africa on a ......
- + UN plastic pollution talks collapse as volume of waste escalates —The failure of recent global talks in Busan, South Korea, to produce a landmark treaty to combat plastic pollution, has underscored the complexities a...
- + Carlsberg backs down and sells nationalised Russian assets—Danish brewing major Carlsberg said that it will sell its Russian business on December 3, after a presidential decree by President Vladimir Putin rel...
- + Trump vows to block Nippon Steel's $14bn bid for US Steel—Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to blocking Nippon Steel's bid to acquire United States Steel Corp., a deal worth over $14bn [Author: bno -...
- + South Korea’s won slides as martial law crisis sparks market turmoil—South Korea’s financial markets have been shaken by political uncertainty following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of martial law, sendin...
- + South Korean president declares martial law, cancels it, now faces impeachment —Millions of South Koreans are today, December 4, waking to news that martial law was declared then cancelled while they were asleep.In a bizarre ... [...
- + Botswana throws the diamond industry a lifeline—In 1947 a young copywriter by the name of Frances Gerety coined the tagline “A Diamond is Forever”, and De Beers created what today we call the ‘Diamo...
- + Protests erupt across Georgia’s regions —The last few days have seen an unprecedented, spontaneous mass mobilisation of citizens in Georgia’s regions. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Kutaisi]
- + Russian companies trapped in a debt spiral, borrowing heavily, despite sky-high interest rates—Russian businesses are still actively taking out floating rate loans, despite the sky-high cost of borrowing, in the hope that rates will come down, b...
- + Iraqi militias send hundreds of fighters to support Assad in Syria—Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters have crossed into Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad's forces following recent rebel advances, accordin...
- + The world has passed peak per capital CO₂ emissions, but overall emissions are still rising—The world has passed peak per capital CO₂ emissions, Our World in Data reported on December 3. However, emissions overall continue to rise. [Author: H...
- + Putin’s bodyguards are working food delivery and taxi jobs as wages stagnate —Employees of the Federal Guard Service (FSO) in Russia have turned to side jobs, such as taxi driving and courier work, due to stagnant wages and infr...
- + UPDATED: South Korean President Yoon approves lifting martial law—South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, marking the first time in 44 years that the country has come under military r...
- + South Korea declares martial law—Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, has declared a state of martial law in the East Asian country [Author: bno - Taipei Office]
- + The world has passed peak per capital CO₂ emissions, but over emissions are still rising—The world has passed peak per capital CO₂ emissions, Our World in Data reported on December 3. However, emissions overall continue to rise. [Author: H...
- + Putin’s bodyguards are working food delivery and taxi jobs as wage stagnate —Employees of the Federal Guard Service (FSO) in Russia have turned to side jobs, such as taxi driving and courier work, due to stagnant wages and ... ...
- + UPDATED: South Korean parliament passes motion stopping martial law —South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, marking the first time in 44 years that the country has come under military r...
- + Mexico's Sheinbaum denies NYT claims of chemistry students lured into fentanyl production—Recent claims in a New York Times investigation suggested the Sinaloa Cartel has infiltrated universities to recruit chemistry students for the produc...
- + Protests in Tbilisi intensify amid violent crackdown—The government's aggressive response to protests has further eroded public trust, while demands for systemic change continue to grow louder. [Author: ...
- + BREAKING: South Korea declares martial law—Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, has declared a state of martial law in the East Asian country [Author: bno - Taipei Office]
- + Hezbollah-linked financial institution reopens in Lebanon—Following more than a year of cross-border violence between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, a sense of calm is slowly returning to Beirut. Al-Qard Al-H...
- + Turkey releases official November inflation at 47% y/y—A rate cut on December 26 remains a clear possibility. [Author: Akin Nazli]
- + Who are the Syrian rebels leading the uprising? —Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the militant group that has seized control of Aleppo and parts of Hama in a surprise offensive, has a complex history in S...
- + Investigation shows Russian money channeled to Romanian media and conspiracy theorists—Snoop investigation finds Kremlin-linked digital advertising firm AdNow channelled at least €2mn to Romanian media and influencers promoting conspirac...
- + Bulgaria’s full Schengen accession to bring in an annual €833mn—Cutting queues at borders will also save part of the estimated 46,162 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted every year, says Bulgarian Economic Research In...
- + ISTANBUL BLOG: How smugglers give the lie to Simsek's "golden glamour"—Finance minister’s hailed fixing of current account gap might be said to lose its sheen when Turkey’s hidden gold imports are considered. [Author: Aki...
- + Iraqi factions in Syria’s Aleppo to counter anti-government forces—Armed groups linked to Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) have entered Syria to support the Syrian army in its fight against rebels in Aleppo an...
- + Turkish manufacturing slump continues in November but shoots of recovery seen, shows PMI—Firms confident of increased workloads ahead taking on staff, survey indicates. Waning inflationary environment brings slowest increase in output pric...
- + Russia's robot industry struggles—Since the departure of global industrial robot manufacturers, Russia has been striving to establish local robot production as a substitute, but progre...
- + Russia sentences darknet drug lord to life behind bars—Stanislav Moiseyev, co-founder of the darknet marketplace Hydra, used by thousands of drug dealers for illegal trade, has been sentenced to life impri...
- + Trump threatens BRICS with tariffs if they dump the dollar—US President-elect Donald Trump has warned the BRICS countries they will be hit with 100% tariffs if they attempt to set up an alternative currency to...
- + Czech PMI drops to 46 in November —Czechia manufacturing index PMI compiled monthly by the S&P Global market intelligence company dropped to 46 in November amid another downturn in ...
- + Police brutality reaches new heights as Tbilisi is rocked by protests for fourth night running—The protest on December 1 was marked by a new level of violence from special forces officers and riot police. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi]
- + South Africa-based Diaspora Kapita to list on Zimbabwe's dollar-only stock exchange, raise $10mn—An investment holding group owned by Zimbabweans based in neighbouring South Africa has announced its plan to list on the dollar-denominated Victoria ...
- + Polish PMI disappoints by straying further from growth line in November—PMI falls 0.3 points to 48.9, extending period below 50-point threshold to 31 months. [Author: Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw]
- + Saudi Arabia launches UN desertification talks with $150mn pledge—Saudi Arabia launched United Nations talks on combating desertification on December 2, pledging $150mn over the next decade to tackle land degradation...
- + The hurricane season in 2024 was weird —The Atlantic hurricane season of 2024 was a weird one. It both produced more, and more destructive hurricanes than usual, but at the same time it had ...
- + Gas prices rising as EU storage tanks empty faster than usual —Gas withdrawals from EU underground storage tanks have accelerated as Europe suffers from the first cold snap of winter. Gas tanks were 85.5% full as ...
- + Turkey launches tender to export 0.1mn tonnes of durum wheat—A former wheat importer, Russia’s Black Sea neighbour now a wheat, barley, gas and oil exporter on re-exports of Russia products to overcome Ukraine W...
- + Charges may be dropped against scandal-hit Slovak central bank governor —But new scandal breaks over French villa bought by girlfriend with oligarch's cash. [Author: Albin Sybera]
- + Eight arrested over terrorist attack on water canal in Kosovo—Kosovan officials have accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack targeting the Iber-Lepenci canal that supplies water to Pristina and other towns. [A...
- + Romania’s public debt reaches 54.4% of GDP —Debt increased by €6bn in September alone, driven by a €5bn international bond issuance. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Social Democrats win Romania's general election but radical rightwing parties perform strongly—A broader version of the existing PSD-PNL “grand coalition” is the most likely outcome — unless far right candidate Calin Georgescu manages a presiden...
- + Russian authorities nervous over food prices on holidays—Ahead of the end-of-the-year holiday season Russian authorities are in talks with the leading supermarket again on price controls. The Kremlin is part...
- + Overcoming insecurity to unlock the Central African Republic’s mineral riches—The Central African Republic (CAR) – one of the world’s poorest and most fragile countries – holds vast mineral wealth that, if fully harnessed, could...
- + Russian VTB Bank keeps 21% ROE under IFRS in 10M24—Russia’s second-largest state-controlled bank VTB posted RUB30bn net profit for October 2024 under IFRS, making a 14% return on equity. For 10M24 ... ...
- + US imposes preliminary duties on Southeast Asian solar imports—The US Commerce Department has announced preliminary duties of up to 271% on solar imports from Southeast Asia, citing findings that these products ar...
- + CSTO states express serious concern over terrorist threat in Afghanistan —Putin says country’s security situation stabilising, but killing of Chinese worker in Tajikistan in possible cross-border raid has raised anxiety. [Au...
- + Georgia’s heart beats on Rustaveli Avenue—Protesters tell bne IntelliNews the brutal police response has only strengthened their resolve. [Author: bne IntelliNews reporters in Tbilisi]
- + Japan donates $4.6mn for restoration of Lake Urmia—Japan has pledged JPY690mn ($4.6mn) to revive Lake Urmia and improve wetland management across Iran, officials announced at a signing ceremony with th...
- + Iran imposes ban on promoting and training cryptomining —Iran has banned the advertisement of crypto mining machines in a new diktat from the Pezehskian administration as the country continues to suffer from...
- + Georgian government hit by wave of civil dissent as resistance movement snowballs —Nearly 200,000 protesters turned out on November 30 to urge the government not to abandon Georgians’ fight for a future in the EU. [Author: Ailis Hall...
- + Iranian ambassador denies coup rumours in Damascus—Iran's Ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, has categorically dismissed rumours of a military coup in Damascus and an attempt to detain Syrian Preside...
- + Serbia's industrial production posts double-digit growth in October—Serbia's industrial production surged by 14.4% in October 2024 compared to the 2023 average, driven by strong performances across key sectors. [Author...
- + Explosion on Zubin Potok canal escalates tensions between Kosovo and Serbia—Kosovan PM Albin Kurti claims the explosion was a terrorist attack aimed at destroying Kosovo's infrastructure. [Author: Valentina Dimitrievska in Sko...
- + ISTANBUL BLOG: How Ankara’s American embassy came to stand on “Ataturk” land illegally granted by Erdogan—In neat parallel, new Turkish House consulate in New York beset by FBI bribery investigation. [Author: Akin Nazli in Belgrade]
- + Anti-Assad forces storm Syrian city of Aleppo, Iran points finger at Israel—Syrian opposition forces have seized strategic locations in the country's second-largest city of Aleppo, including the airport, following 36 hours of ...
- + Dozens injured in violent police crackdown on Tbilisi pro-EU protest —Georgian Dream's decision to halt the country's EU membership process until 2028 sparked the largest and angriest demonstration since spring 2024. [Au...
- + Turkey enters technical recession with 3Q official GDP release—Statistical institute has "done the job". Odds shorten on December bringing a rate cut. [Author: Akin Nazli in Belgrade]
- + Iraq blocks 4chan in latest internet crackdown—Iraq has expanded its internet restrictions, blocking access to several major international websites including the Internet Archive and 4chan, accordi...
- + Putin juggles a “friendly” state visit to Kazakhstan with chilling missile threats for Ukraine—Anticipated announcements on big economic deals failed to materialise. Warnings Moscow could hit Kyiv with game-changing “Oreshnik” strikes did. [Auth...
- + Bezos-backed consortium provides $20mn to build 20-MW battery energy storage system in Malawi—A global consortium that promotes developing nations' transition to cleaner energy usage has started constructing a 20-megawatt (MW) battery energy .....
- + Top Zimbabwean food maker National Foods first to exit country's dollar-denominated stock exchange—National Foods, Zimbabwe's largest and oldest food manufacturer, has become the first company to delist from the local US dollar-denominated stock ......
- + Southeast Asia’s rising energy demands and what lies ahead —As Southeast Asia continues to grow economically and urbanise at a rapid pace, the region is emerging as a key player in global energy markets [Author...
- + Iran hints at lifting internet restrictions in stages by March—Iran will gradually lift internet restrictions in three phases by the Iranian New Year in March, a senior government official said on November 29. [Au...
- + Kretinsky close to Royal Mail deal after concessions to UK government—These include maintaining deliveries of letters six days per week and parcels Monday to Friday, and keeping the brand name and Royal Mail headquarters...
- + Aluminium producer Rusal brings fresh legal claims in London High Court case against Russian oligarch Potanin—Russia’s leading aluminium producer Rusal has escalated its legal battle against billionaire Vladimir Potanin, CEO of Norilsk Nickel, by filing additi...
- + Support for far-right parties surges ahead of Romanian general election—Poll indicates far-right to take up to 30% of parliament seats after shock presidential election lead for Calin Georgescu. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bu...
- + MBH Bank’s lending stock grows above market average in first three quarters—MBH Bank’s outstanding loan stock rose 18%, above the sector average, to HUF5.9 trillion (€14.3bn) in the first nine months, while deposits grew ... [...
- + UK-hating Russian politician Dmitry Medvedev buys $4.4mn British-made luxury yacht—Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council and a vocal critic of Western nations, has reportedly purchase...
- + Chinese innovation park plans business centre in Serbia—Plan to launch business centre is part of increase in economic ties between Serbia and China after Free Trade Agreement came into effect in July. [Aut...
- + Aluminium producer Rusal brings fresh legal claims in London High Court case against Russian oligarch Potanin—Russia’s leading aluminium producer Rusal has escalated its legal battle against billionaire Vladimir Potanin, CEO of Norilsk Nickel, by filing additi...
- + Georgian prime minister shelves EU accession process —PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Tbilisi to put accession process on hold until 2028 after European Parliament slams ruling party. [Author: Ailis Halligan in...
- + Israel, Lebanon in disarray over reports of ceasefire failure—Israel's air force struck what it said was a Hezbollah rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon on November 28, as both sides accused each other of...
- + Romania’s Constitutional Court asks for presidential election recount—First round presidential election vote recount could lead to USR candidate Elena Lasconi losing her place in the runoff against far-right, pro-Russian...
- + Studenac cancels planned €80mn IPO citing unfavourable market conditions—Croatia's largest food retailer by store count had planned to list on the Zagreb and Warsaw stock exchanges. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Ghana launches gold coin investment platform as part of gold purchase programme to stabilise economy—Ghana’s central bank has unveiled pricing details for the Ghana Gold Coin (GGC), offering citizens a new investment vehicle tied to the nation’s ... [...
- + CENUSA: The “Georgescu phenomenon” in Romania—Parallels drawn with Putin, Trump and Orban after Calin Georgescu’s surprise first round presidential election lead. [Author: Denis Cenusa in Germany]
- + Single time zone in Kazakhstan messing with citizens’ circadian rhythms—Business owners contend fewer people are going out, spending money. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Poland’s Orlen sank €1.2bn in Olefins 3 project under PiS government—Audit identifies significant financial mismanagement in state-owned enterprises under previous government. [Author: Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw]
- + Hungarian debate on euro adoption resurfaces as forint weakens further—The forint is on track to take the title of the worst-performing regional currency once again, extending a long-trend in place since Viktor Orban took...
- + Fico boasts about Putin’s invitation to Moscow Victory Day Parade—Slovak populist premier's visit will be only the third by a leader of an EU member state since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. [Author: Albi...
- + Croatian government struggles to restore trust in healthcare system after minister’s arrest —Vili Beros’ arrest in a corruption case sparks major audit of public procurement. [Author: Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague]
- + Tusk calls for unity against Russia, proposes Baltic Sea policing mission—Polish premier's proposal follows recent severing of undersea communication cables linking Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania. [Author: Wojcie...
- + Armenia refuses to host Eurasian Economic Union summit—Yerevan's refusal to host the summit comes amid growing tensions with Russia over the latter's inaction against Azerbaijan's military activities in Ar...
- + Analysts puzzled by Ankara’s claim Turkey’s stealth fighter jet work so hot US may lift F-35 ban—“It's comparatively easy to produce something that looks like a stealth fighter-ish thing that will fly,” says one dismissive expert. [Author: bne Int...
- + Wild central banking policies to crash-land the Russian economy are tanking the ruble —It’s not often you get to describe central banking decisions as “wild”, but some of the choices being made in Moscow at the moment are completely out ...
- + UN talks start in South Korea on plastics pollution as waste chokes planet —A highly anticipated week of UN talks on plastic pollution has started in Busan, South Korea. The summit is officially called the fifth Intergovernmen...
- + Russian schoolchildren given fail grades for refusing to write letters to soldiers—Russian students have reportedly been penalised for refusing to write letters to soldiers involved in Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. [Author: bne Intel...
- + PANNIER: Grievous blow for the Pamiris as Tajikistan ends cooperation with the Aga Khan—Decades-old ties with chief benefactor and spiritual leader will be cut by latest serving of oppression from Dushanbe. [Author: Bruce Pannier]
- + All projects until 2030 fully funded, Saudi finance minister says—Saudi Arabia has ensured that all projects and strategies planned until 2030 are fully funded with sustainable mechanisms, Finance Minister Mohammed ....
- + Kosovo takes first steps towards establishing defence industry—PM Albin Kurti announces plans for ammunition factory and drone lab as tensions with Serbia rise. [Author: Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje]
- + Serbia lifts 35-year ban on nuclear power—Major shift in Serbia's energy strategy as it confronts rising demand and aims to align with European Union standards. [Author: Tatyana Kekic in Belgr...
- + Georgian Dream names anti-Western ex-footballer as presidential candidate—Kavelashvili is among the loudest critics of the West in the Georgian parliament. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi]
- + Colombian mercenaries trapped in Sudan’s conflict—The ongoing conflict in Sudan has revealed a troubling connection to Colombia, with over 300 former Colombian soldiers reportedly involved in the war ...
- + Subsidy covers 87% of electricity bill charged to lowest-level household consumers in Turkey—Such social support programmes seen as underpinning support for country’s ruling AKP. [Author: Akin Nazli in Belgrade]
- + Cassava partners with Egyptian paytech e-finance to explore digital solution services across Africa—Egyptian digital payment provider e-finance and UK-based Cassava Technologies have signed an agreement to explore joint expansion and collaboration .....
- + Bolivia signs $1bn deal with China’s CBC for lithium development—Bolivia has announced a $1bn agreement with China’s CBC, a subsidiary of battery giant CATL, to establish two lithium carbonate plants in the Uyuni sa...
- + BEIRUT BLOG: Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah takes effect amid mixed emotions —The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 4:00 AM on November 27, bringing a temporary end to over a year of cross-border strikes and ...
- + TEHRAN BLOG: Iran welcomes Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, calls for truce in Gaza —Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmael Baghaei, welcomed the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and called on the international community to exert effec...
- + South African lender African Bank rakes in $28.8mn profit in year to September, delays IPO—African Bank has reported a profit of $28.8mn in its 12 months to September 30, up from $28.7mn in the prior year.The achievement, the South ... ...
- + Sudan to establish prosthetic limb factory in Oumdorman as war casualties mount—Sudan’s Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim announced plans to establish a factory for prosthetic limbs in Oumdorman, reflecting the rising number of ... ...
- + Mali detains Barrick Gold employees as disputes over mining revenues intensify—Four employees of Barrick Gold have been detained by Mali's ... [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Romania urges European Commission to take steps against TikTok after far-right candidate took shock presidential election lead—Calin Georgescu's unexpected lead is partly attributed to his successful campaigns on TikTok and other social networks. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucha...
- + Bulgaria's Ampeco raises $26mn in Revaia-led Series B funding—Electric vehicle charging software developer to use funds for international expansion. [Author: Denitsa Koseva in Sofia]
- + INTERVIEW: Black & Veatch well-positioned for growth through energy transition—Global engineering, procurement and construction firm Black & Veatch is well-positioned both in the LNG space and across the broader energy sector...
- + US Vista shareholders approve sale of Kinetic to Czechoslovak Group—CSG says with Kinetic it will become the largest producer of small calibre ammunition in the world. [Author: Albin Sybera]
- + Hungary becomes top destination for Chinese investments in Europe—Last year, 44% of all Chinese investments in Europe flowed into Hungary. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Budapest]
- + Israel-Lebanon ceasefire draws scepticism from politicians and Israeli public—Israel’s cabinet approved a US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in what was a 10-1 vote in favour. The vote came after Israeli Prime Minist...
- + Zaluzhnyi leads Ukrainian presidential poll—Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has emerged as the frontrunner by a wide margin i...
- + China dismisses Trump's tariff threat, warns of 'no winners' in trade war—China has responded defiantly to US President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports, accusing him of using the f...
- + Security personnel dead as Imran Khan’s supporters breach Islamabad lockdown —Several members of Pakistan's security forces have reportedly been killed as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan breached a police lockdown...
- + ISTANBUL BLOG: Erdogan ally Bahceli has been posing with a gangster again—Soner Ergin turns up at MHP leader’s office on a mission to free his killer brothers. [Author: Akin Nazli in Belgrade]
- + Albanian police use tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters—Protests are part of a broader campaign of civil disobedience against Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013. [Author: bn...
- + Turkish bankers refilling ATMs three times a day as Erdogan resists printing bigger banknotes—Overworked bust cash machines have become a big headache. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Iraq blocks IMDb website over 'immoral content' claims—Iraq's Ministry of Communications has blocked access to IMDb on November 26, the world's largest movie and television database website, citing concern...
- + China is the largest contributor to global patent applications—China’s patent applications have grown rapidly in recent decades, as shown in the chart, Our World in Data reports. [Author: Our World in Data]
- + Trump’s tariff plan: A bold move or a risky gamble?—US president-elect Donald Trump promises to shake up global trade with heavy tariffs: 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, plus 10% on Chinese product...
- + Alisher Usmanov’s wealth shrinks by $7.29bn on falling markets—The Uzbek-born Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has seen his wealth drop by $7.29bn in 2023, according to Bloomberg’s billionaires Index. As of Nov...
- + ChatGPT enters Buenos Aires courts in legal tech push—The City of Buenos Aires' Public Prosecution Service revealed it has been implementing ChatGPT to draft preliminary rulings in public employment cases...
- + Who is investing in Ukraine? —After speaking with dozens of companies every month, we have concluded that both foreign and local investors are currently active in Ukraine. Foreign ...
- + Global mean sea levels have increased by around 25cm since 1880—There are two key drivers of sea level rise. First, water expands as it gets warmer. Second, ice on land – in the form of ice sheets and glaciers – me...
- + Malawian firm Akatswiri Mineral Resources plans $820mn aluminum production plant —Malawian contracting and consulting company Akatswiri Mineral Resources (Akatswiri) has concluded a feasibility study for a proposed $820mn aluminium ...
- + US is the world’s largest oil producer—The chart shows annual production by country from 1990 to 2023. The US has been the largest producer for the last seven years, Our World in Data repo...
- + EBRD warns of risks for emerging markets pursuing industrial policies—Industrial policy is back "with a vengeance” but can have a distorting effect, EBRD chief economist Beata Javorcik told bne IntelliNews [Author: Clare...
- + Pro-Russian candidate Georgescu to face USR leader Lasconi in Romanian presidential election runoff—Mainstream politicians are expected to unite behind Elena Lasconi to keep far right independent candidate Calin Georgescu out of the presidency. [Auth...
- + Trump’s defence pick asked, “Why is Islamist Turkey a member of Nato?”—Evangelical Pete Hegseth, who has crusader tattoo, also wrote Western military bloc “is not an alliance; it’s a defense arrangement for Europe, paid f...
- + COP29: Central Asian states losing arable land—Almost one-third of Tajikistan’s farmland in “critical” condition. [Author: Eurasianet]
- + New Georgian parliament convenes despite fierce street protests —Opposition leader accuses Georgian Dream of "trampling on the constitution" as parliament starts its inaugural session. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbi...
- + Bank of Israel holds interest rate at 4.5% amid war pressures—The Bank of Israel kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.5% on November 25, marking the seventh consecutive hold this year, as the central ....
- + UAE arrests three Uzbeks in Rabbi Kogan murder—The United Arab Emirates has published photographs of three Uzbek nationals arrested in connection with the murder of Rabbi Zvi Hakohen Kogan. [Author...
- + Mexico devises strategy to shield exports from US tariffs under Trump—Mexico is taking decisive steps to protect its trade interests with the United States amid growing concerns over potential tariffs on its exports unde...
- + NBS forecasts inflation of 3.7% in 2025, growth at 4.5% —The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) forecasts annual inflation to fall to 3.7% in 2025, aligning with the Ministry of Finance's projection of 3.5%, NBS ...
- + Physical fight erupts in Serbian parliament —Tensions flared over the Novi Sad railway station disaster that has claimed 15 lives and sparked mass protest in Serbia. [Author: Tatyana Kekic in Bel...
- + PROFILE: Calin Georgescu, Romanian far-right presidential candidate—Shock first round lead for rank outsider reflects voters' deep dissatisfaction with the country’s mainstream parties. [Author: Clare Nuttall in Glasgo...
- + Iran unveils SWIFT competitor called ACUMER—Iran has launched ACUMER, a new banking platform designed to circumvent international sanctions and enhance trade with Asian partners. [Author: bne Te...
- + INTERVIEW: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank financing Central Asia’s green future —The Chinese-owned multilateral development bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has become a major player in Eurasia and a driving force...
- + Polish PPI eases decline in October—Poland's producer price index (PPI) fell 5.2% year on year in October (chart), following a revised fall of 6.2% y/y in September, the country’s statis...
- + Czech real estate tycoon ringfences €537mn of assets after Cypriot court ruling—Two convicted Czech fraudsters claim Radovan Vitek swindled them out of their secret investment in his Frankfurt-listed CPI Property Group. [Author: b...
- + Polish company Hynfra plans $1.6bn green ammonia plant in Egypt—Polish firm Hynfra has announced plans to establish a $1.6bn plant in Egypt for the production of green ammonia, with the investment potentially ... [...
- + Iraq population more than doubles to 45.4mn since 1997 census—Iraq's population stands at 45.4mn people, according to preliminary results from its first comprehensive national census in over three decades, Prime ...
- + Czech real estate tycoon hives off assets after Cypriot court ruling—Two convicted Czech fraudsters claim Radovan Vitek swindled them out of their secret investment in his Frankfurt-listed CPI Property Group. [Author: b...
- + EBRD provides $10mn loan to TBC Bank Uzbekistan to empower micro, youth-led and women-owned businesses—The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to $10mn (€9.1mn) to TBC Bank Uzbekistan (TBC UZ) ... ...
- + Iran's Khamenei calls for death sentence for Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu—Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called for a death sentence for Netanyahu for his "war crimes" in Gaza and Lebanon, saying the arrest warrant recen...
- + C5 Capital, Sibanye-Stillwater to develop uranium projects in South Africa—Specialist global investment company C5 Capital has announced a strategic partnership with multinational mining and metals group Sibanye-Stillwater .....
- + Major powers among non-signatories of mine ban treaty —25 years ago today, the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty came into effect. While 164 countries have signed and ratified the agreement since then, major powers l...
- + Czechia won’t pursue prolonging EU exemption on Russian oil imports ban—But neighbouring Hungary and Slovakia, which have made less effort to diversify their oil supplies, want exemption to be prolonged. [Author: Albin Syb...
- + Polish presidential race off the starting blocks as two main parties announce candidates—Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski (Civic Coalition) appears poised to meet historian Karol Nawrock (PiS) in the run-off vote to elect Poland’s new president nex...
- + Obscure far-right candidate Georgescu takes shock lead in Romanian presidential election first round —Far-right, pro-Russian Calin Georgescu beat established candidates after successful TikTok campaign. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Azerbaijani and Iranian forces begin joint border exercises—Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Azerbaijan's Special Forces have launched a joint military exercise in Iran's northwestern border ...
- + Georgian opposition gears up to disrupt inaugural parliament session—Tensions are mounting in the Georgian capital in what looks set to be a decisive couple of days for the opposition’s efforts to overturn the election ...
- + COP29 ends in failure—After what was supposed to be a pivotal UN climate summit and probably the last chance to avoid an environmental disaster, the COP29 summit in Azerbai...
- + North Korean troops will enter combat in Ukraine soon, Pentagon says—Thousands of North Korean troops stationed in Russia are expected to enter combat in Ukraine imminently, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated....
- + Iran stock market hits seven-month high on back of US talks—Tehran's TEDPIX surges 2.15% to 2.33m points, highest since April, on hopes of US talks and stronger dollar. [Author: bne Tehran bureau]
- + Iraq census reignites ethnic tensions across country —Iraq's first national census since 1997, begun on November 20, has rekindled ethnic tensions across the fractured country, as Arab, Kurdish and Turkme...
- + Main pro-Western parties in Bulgaria to start coalition talks —Populist Gerb and reformist CC-DB mull setting aside differences to avoid more political instability and yet another general election. [Author: Denits...
- + Georgian women march against mass emigration and rigged election—Protesters dragged suitcases and carried large bags to highlight Georgia’s acute issue of mass emigration. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi]
- + Russian university backtracks after police beat up Iranian students—Russia's Kazan Federal University (KFU) has opened additional service points after Iranian students clashed while queuing for migration documents. [Au...
- + UAE confirms death of missing Moldovan-Israeli rabbi as Israel suspects murder—United Arab Emirates authorities have confirmed the discovery of Moldovan-Israeli dual national Rabbi Zvi (Hakohen) Kogan's body following an investig...
- + Claims Hamas moving HQ to Turkey spark call from US lawmakers for classified briefing —Issue could heat up as bitter foes Erdogan and Netanyahu make rival bids for backing from Donald Trump. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Iranian officials in uproar over police beatings of students in Russia—Iran's Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali has called for disciplinary action against police officers involved in detaining Iranian students following a...
- + Russia’s population is shrinking, the economy needs migrants, says Kremlin spokesman Peskov—Remarks made amid ongoing xenophobic backlash against Central Asian workers in response to spring’s major terrorist attack in Moscow suburb. [Author: ...
- + Russia repatriates 26 "children of ISIS" from Syrian refugee camp—Russia has repatriated 26 children from Syria's Al-Roj camp where families of Islamic State (ISIS) fighters are held. [Author: bne Gulf bureau]
- + Students demand release of 21-year-old detained during election protest crackdown—Mate Devidze was among the demonstrators violently apprehended when a protest camp was demolished on November 19. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi]
- + COMMENT: Trump 2.0 could be a blessing for Belarus—Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko was quicker than many American news networks to pronounce Donald Trump the winner of the recent US presidential...
- + “Men in white coats” grab veteran Turkmen rights defender set to journey to Geneva for awards ceremony—What seemed like "a plot from a dystopian film" was the "harsh reality of a government who fears a courageous woman, says Human Rights Watch. [Author:...
- + Austria agrees to lift veto on full Schengen accession for Bulgaria and Romania—Austria has pledged to lift its veto at the EU Council meeting in December, giving Bulgaria and Romania full membership of the border-free zone. [Auth...
- + INTERVIEW: Mobilising private finance for a greener future—EBRD director of sustainable business Gianpiero Nacci details how MDBs are bringing in private investment to help close the climate finance gap. [Auth...
- + COMMENT: Turkmenistan, the isolationist black sheep of the five ‘Stans family —Ancient rivalries and a tortured relationship with Russia have made Turkmenistan the black sheep in the Central Asian family. But that is beginning to...
- + Kenya’s untapped mineral wealth holds the promise of economic transformation—The Kenyan government aims to raise the mining industry's share of GDP from less than 1% to 10% by 2030, harnessing vast resources of gold, rare earth...
- + Africa Oil acquires further interest in Impact to increase stake in Namibia’s Orange Basin—Canadian oil and gas exploration and production company Africa Oil has increased its shareholding in Africa-focused independent explorer Impact Oil an...
- + Ghana’s supreme court to decide on controversial anti-LGBTQ law after elections—Ghana’s Supreme Court is due to determine the fate of a contentious anti-LGBTQ bill on December 18, less than two weeks after the country’s ... [Autho...
- + Arab League backs Iraq's request for emergency meeting over Israeli threats—The Arab League (AL) has endorsed Iraq's request for an emergency meeting to discuss Israeli threats, with the date to be determined following consult...
- + Fidesz redraws electoral districts in overnight decree—Viktor Orban's Fidesz gerrymanders electoral districts as opinion polls show it falling behind Peter Magyar's Tisza party for first time. [Author: Tam...
- + Albania considers TikTok, Snapchat ban after fatal school stabbing—PM Edi Rama considers "drastic" measure after dispute that started on social media ended with stabbing. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Romania's ruling coalition poised for election wins with hybrid strategy—PM Marcel Ciolacu is expected to take the presidency, while his PSD’s grand coalition with the PNL is set to secure another term in the general electi...
- + Putin answers US long-range missile permissions with a Russian ICBM —Russian President Vladimir Putin answered the US decisions to allow Ukraine to use Nato-made long-range missiles on Russian targets by firing an Oresh...
- + In sanction escalation, US targets Russian energy bank Gazprombank —The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed new large-scale sanctions against the Russian financial sector, de...
- + CBR: October macroeconomic forecast upgrades 2024 growth, but will slow in 2025—The ranges of analysts’ forecasts for the next years have narrowed for most indicators. At the same time, the ranges for GDP growth, unemployment rate...
- + COMMENT: Will COP29 become a milestone in Azerbaijan’s long-term energy strategy?—After years of reliance on fossil fuel exports, Azerbaijan is steadily switching to renewable energy sources. [Author: Fuad Shahbazov in Durham]
- + Turkey sticks with 50% policy rate for eighth straight month—Reports say some carry traders have closed lira positions, but the smooth nominal devaluation and real lira appreciation policy remains on track. [Aut...
- + Former minister and 10 others arrested over deadly Serbian railway station disaster—Collapse of Novi Sad railway station canopy killed 15 people, sparking widespread protests in Serbia. [Author: Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade]
- + China and Brazil forge closer alliance amid Xi’s Latin America push—China and Brazil have dramatically upgraded their partnership during President Xi Jinping's state visit to Brasilia following the G20 summit in Rio de...
- + COMMENT: The EU’s Internal Security Framework is unfit for Cold War 2.0—Not only has Trump's re-election undermined the EU’s reliance on American security structures, but it is also facing unprecedented strain in the form ...
- + COMMENT: After a slow start, the Georgian protests are gathering momentum—The opposition initially appeared caught by surprise by Georgian Dream's election fraud, and lost all momentum and international media attention, but ...
- + UPDATED: ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant—The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that it has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence M...
- + BREAKING: ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant—The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that it has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence M...
- + Iran president backs moving capital from Tehran to Persian Gulf—Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a study into relocating the country's capital from Tehran, appointing his deputy Mohammad Reza Aref to...
- + Turkmenistan tightening exit rules for citizens seeking to travel to Uzbekistan—Quick shopping trips supposedly cause Ashgabat “shame”. [Author: Eurasianet]
- + Croatian retailer Studenac launches €80mn IPO to fund expansion plans—IPO proceeds to fuel retailer's aggressive growth strategy, which includes opening new stores, acquiring competitors in Croatia and Slovenia and reduc...
- + Alibaba's Trendyol opens regional logistics hub in Romania—Trendyol entered the Romanian market earlier this year to strengthen its position in Southeast Europe’s burgeoning e-commerce market. [Author: Iulian ...
- + Analysts outline three scenarios for Ukraine’s winter blackouts—Ukraine is facing a freezing and dark winter after Russia’s destroyed almost all of its non-nuclear power and heating capacity this year. Apartments w...
- + Slovak government wants to launch new nuclear tender in 2027—The nuclear reactor would be located at the existing Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear power plant site, which already has two reactors, and is projected to ...
- + Poland’s PiS stripped of state funding over campaign financing irregularities —The PKW decision could mean that PiS will not receive a combined PLN75mn of state financing in the next three years [Author: Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw]
- + Croatia’s Mezzanine Partner launches €100mn "dark green" energy fund—Fund to support renewable energy projects across the region, with a focus on solar and wind energy. [Author: Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague]
- + Nationalist Simion, reformist Lasconi compete for a spot in Romanian presidential runoff —Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is the clear frontrunner in Romania’s presidential race, but the competition for second place remains open. [Author: Iul...
- + Open-source code software: no easy solution for Russian companies—According to a recent study conducted by the Russian research group B1, 83% of companies in the country are either already using or planning to implem...
- + Czech premier ridiculed over comments about Czech and German wages—Petr Fiala’s comments have sparked a debate about whether the rightwing ODS leader and his team have a realistic assessment of the social and politica...
- + Ukraine will recover Crimea via diplomacy, not force - Zelenskiy —Ukraine will try to recover control of the Crimea from Russia using diplomacy and won’t waste “dozens of thousands” of Ukrainian lives by using force,...
- + Putin gifts over 70 animals to North Korean zoo after Pyongyang sends troops to Russian Army—Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted more than 70 animals from Moscow Zoo, including an African lion and brown bears, to Pyongyang Central Zoo ...
- + More than half of Ukrainians favour peace talks as war reaches 1,000 days, finds Gallup poll—Over half of Ukrainians now support negotiations to end the war with Russia, marking a significant shift in public sentiment as the conflict surpasses...
- + As COP29 winds down, a new analysis says China’s cumulatiuve emissions now worse than EU's—As COP29 nears an end, a new report reveals that China’s cumulative emissions within its borders have surpassed those of the European Union’s 27 membe...
- + Dubai ranks 13th in world's best cities index —The United Arab Emirates' Dubai has secured 13th place in the 2025 World's Best Cities Index, outranking major global cities, including Los Angeles, T...
- + Serbian opposition leader arrested during blockade of historic Belgrade bridge —Pressure on the Serbian government has been mounting since the Novi Sad railway station disaster claimed 15 lives. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Profit of Russia’s MTS Bank down 21% in 3Q24—The profit of Russian MTS Bank under IFRS in 3Q24 declined by 21% year on year to RUB4.1bn, making a return on equity (ROE) of 16%. Profit still ... [...
- + Georgian academics stand with student protesters occupying Tbilisi State University —Activists and students say they will stay until university rector Jaba Samushia, accused of collaborating with the government, resigns. [Author: Ailis...
- + What happens if aid to Ukraine collapses under Trump? —Researchers at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, which has been tracking aid to Ukraine's war effort, have calculated hypothetical scenarios o...
- + Popular support for Ukraine falling amongst allies —Nato's most recent survey of its member country populations showed that even among those nations that are Ukraine's biggest supporters in terms of its...
- + Award seen as Nobel Prize for human rights won by Kabul women’s rights activist and jailed Tajik lawyer—Jury recognises “exceptional courage and determination” in “deeply repressive environments”. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Nicaragua unveils new canal route in bid to rival Panama—Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has unveiled plans for a 445-kilometre interoceanic canal that would provide an alternative to the congested Panama...
- + Saudi financial district KAFD draws 75 global firms as expansion plans accelerate—The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) has attracted 75 regional headquarters of local and international companies as its management company ... ...
- + Venezuela faces fresh US pressure as Washington recognises opposition leader as president-elect—The US has ramped up pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro by formally recognising opposition candidate Edmundo González as the country's p...
- + Eight times more children face exposure to extreme weather disasters in 2050s due to climate crisis – UN —The number of children worldwide exposed to extreme climate events is set to rise eight-fold by the 2050s who will face extreme heatwaves, floods and ...
- + Russia funding war in Ukraine via illegal gold mining in Africa – WGC report—"It is noteworthy how little concerted political will there has been to halt the illicit flow of profits from the exploitation of gold resources in Af...
- + Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye "kidnapped" in Kenya, wife says—The wife of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, a prominent critic of President Yoweri Museveni, says he was 'kidnapped' in neighbouring ......
- + Russia ready to start peace talks in January, willing to make some “limited” concessions – Reuters —The Kremlin is ready to start ceasefire talks and is willing to make some “limited” territorial concessions, Reuters reported on November 20, citing f...
- + Toyota Tsusho expands Egypt’s Suez Wind Farm by 150 MW to be largest in Africa—Japanese energy firm Toyota Tsusho will add 150MW to the estimated capacity of the Gulf of Suez Wind Farm II in Egypt, bringing the total capacity to ...
- + Kazakhstan: Officials resorting to press gangs to curb draft evasion—Widespread practice of hazing linked to draft difficulties. [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + Southeast Asia expands pumped hydro to boost energy storage—As Southeast Asia rapidly transitions toward renewable energy, countries across the region are investing heavily in pumped hydro energy storage (PHES)...
- + Hungary’s Masterplast in talks on refinancing debt after downgrade—Hungary's leading construction materials maker hit by Scope Ratings' downgrade, which was attributed to worsening credit metrics, driven by the prolon...
- + Romgaz lists €500mn bond on Bucharest Stock Exchange—Bond issue is part of Romgaz’s strategy to raise €1.5bn for projects including the Neptun Deep offshore gas field. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Finland’s Terveystalo reportedly eyeing €1bn acquisition of Romania’s Regina Maria—Romania's private healthcare market has garnered increasing attention from international investors. [Author: Iulian Ernst in Bucharest]
- + Bulgaria’s INSAIT launches three new AI models—Institute develops new Bulgarian-language AI models it says deliver "unprecedented performance". [Author: bne IntelliNews]
- + A thousand days of Ukraine war: US permits missile strikes on Russia, EU artillery aid arrives late and North Korea deepens involvement—The war in Ukraine has reached its 1,000th day, marked by escalating developments and growing international pressure. Despite no clear end in view, Uk...
- + Slovak unemployment at historic low in October—Slovakia registered the lowest unemployment level of 5.88% for October since the splitting of Czechoslovakia in January 1993. The October figures also...
- + Recycling lags for some green energy minerals—According to data released in a new report by the International Energy Agency, the recycling rates of many metals critical for green energy transition...
- + Carbon Brief releases sixth version of extreme weather event interactive map—As the planet warms and the Climate Crisis accelerates faster than scientists predicted, extreme weather events from floods to fires have turned into ...
- + Georgian opposition reclaims protest site—Ten of thousands of demonstrators have reoccupied a key traffic intersection after being violently dispersed by police and special forces. [Author: Ai...
- + PANNIER: Central Asia faces tough race against clock to prevent water crisis—Region in no doubt that climate change has arrived. Efforts to save critical resource taking on more urgency. [Author: Bruce Pannier]
- + Protestors block Serbian courthouse over deadly roof collapse—The roof collapse at Novi Sad railway station on November 1 claimed 15 lives, with critics blaming systemic corruption and poorly executed renovations...
- + Iran, Venezuela forge closer industrial ties as sanctions-hit allies meet in Caracas—Iran and Venezuela launched their 10th Joint Economic Cooperation Commission at an event in Caracas on November 19, with high-level delegations from b...
- + Russian carmaker AvtoVAZ delays Iran market entry to 2025 —Russian automaker AvtoVAZ has pushed back its planned entry into the Iranian market to 2025, the company's chief executive Maxim Sokolov announced on ...
- + Ethiopians sharing tips via social media on gaining UK asylum by posing as Eritreans— An increasing number of asylum seekers in the United Kingdom are exploiting the system by falsely claiming to be Eritrean, leveraging ... [Autho...
- + Qatar says Hamas office remains open in Doha—Qatar confirmed that Hamas leaders involved in Gaza ceasefire negotiations are not currently in Doha, while denying reports that it plans to close the...
- + Watchdog warns Western Balkan banks are conduits for money laundering—Criminal networks are exploiting banks and other financial institutions across the Western Balkans to move illicit money across borders, says a report...
- + Emirates suspends Iraq and Lebanon flights until end of November—Emirates airlines announced on November 19 it has suspended flights to and from Baghdad until the end of November, amid growing geopolitical tensions ...
- + Russia blocks UN Security Council resolution on Sudan humanitarian crisis—Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan on November 18 as the country continues to grap...
- + French President Macron leads opposition to EU-Mercosur deal as hopes for G20 breakthrough fade—French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France's opposition to the European Union-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during his meeting with ...
- + Libya’s mineral riches: unlocking a future beyond oil—Libya — a country marked by years of political instability and economic chaos — has the opportunity to transform its economy through its vast reserves...
- + International oilfield services company Petrofac extends forbearance agreement again—International energy services company Petrofac has extended its existing forbearance agreement again, in respect of the non-payment of the interest .....
- + Tbilisi protest camp raided by police—Opposition calls for “mobile protests” after police forcibly disperse camp in early hours of November 19. [Author: Ailis Halligan in Tbilisi]
- + G20 summit wraps up with a joint statement strong on sentiment, but short on specifics—The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro wraps up with a joint declaration condemning war and calling for climate change action, but short on specifics. [Aut...
- + Moldova’s government replaces three ministers in cosmetic reshuffle—Reshuffle promised by President Maia Sandu to tackle public discontent with pro-EU administration falls short of expectations. [Author: Iulian Ernst i...
- + Candidate quits Romanian presidential race in last minute attempt to unify centre-right —Ludovic Orban’s decision to step aside likely too late to prevent division of centre-right vote among multiple candidates, benefitting far-right polit...
- + PROFILE: Peter Magyar has a daunting task to scale up his party to challenge Orban in the 2026 elections—The Tisza leader has emerged as a credible challenger to Hungary's longest serving premier and is currently even polling ahead of the ruling Fidesz pa...
- + Xi lays out the new rules of Global South Consensus to Biden —What has been portrayed as an economic clash between East and West is taking on an increasingly ideological nature. Chinese President Xi Jinping laid ...
- + Crowds gather outside government buildings occupied by opposition in Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia —Political standoff in separatist republic continued for a fourth day, with opposition demonstrators demanding the de facto president’s resignation. [A...
- + Biden gives Ukraine long-range missile permission, Putin threatens direct clash with Nato —US President Joe Biden finally granted Ukraine permission to use long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missiles in strikes deeper into Rus...
- + German Prosecutors Confirm Termination of Money Laundering Investigation Against Alisher Usmanov—November 18, 2024German investigators waive prosecution against Alisher Usmanov, the resumption of this investigation is ruled out.In ... [Author: Int...
- + VISEGRAD BLOG: Is this Poland's moment?—The weight of expectation falls on Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as Poland prepares to take over the EU’s rotating presidency and meet the challenge of ...
- + Iran's foreign minister slams "Musk rumours"—Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised "rumours" of a meeting between Iran's UN representative and American billionaire, Elon Musk, blaming...
- + Sudan exploring collaboration with Russia on energy projects—Russia and Sudan are currently discussing collaboration in the energy sector by establishing joint projects in power generation, oil exploration and ....
- + War for citizenship: Why Uzbeks fight for Russia—The Uzbek government is actively discouraging citizens from becoming mercenaries. [Author: Dmitri Belyayev]
- + Colombia seeks BRICS membership, deepens Russia ties during Moscow talks—Colombia has expressed interest in joining the BRICS as part of its effort to expand international alliances and access new funding opportunities. [Au...
- + Georgia’s Armenians and Azerbaijanis: an easy target for Georgian Dream vote manipulation—Georgia’s rural areas tended – with the help of extensive vote-buying and intimidation, the opposition argues – to vote overwhelmingly in favour of G...
- + Biden gives Ukraine long-range missile permission, Putin threatens direct clash with Nato —US President Joe Biden finally granted Ukraine permission to use long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missiles in strikes deeper into Rus...
- + Poland’s Tusk says 'telephone diplomacy' won’t work with Putin—Polish premier roasts German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his call with Russian dictator. [Author: Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw.]
- + Moldova calls out new Russian ambassador for propaganda —Foreign ministry denies envoy’s claim Moldova is economically dependent on Russia, pointing out that over 65% of exports now go to the EU. [Author: Iu...
- + Hungarian state steps in to pay wages at steelmaker Dunaferr —Dunaferr is the second Liberty Steel operation in Central Europe to collapse. [Author: Tamas Csonka in Budapest]
- + The East-West clash will fuel nuclear weapons proliferation —President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shocked his Western allies last month at the EU summit by suggesting Ukraine needs to become a nuclear power again if it...
- + Putin’s best weapon to pay for the Ukraine war is not oil; it's VAT—Sanctions on Russia are barking up the wrong tree. The Kremlin’s Achilles’ heel is not its dependence on oil export revenue. Russian President Vladimi...
- + Bank of China said to block Russia-suspected transactions—The Bank of China, ranked fourth in terms of assets in China, has started blocking more transfers in yuan from countries that, according to the bank's...
- + North Korea ready to send 100,000 troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine—North Korea is reportedly prepared to dispatch as many as 100,000 troops to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to sources familiar wi...
- + COMMENT: The Dalai Lama’s death and reincarnation will be a defining moment for Indian politics —At the heart of the Tibetan plateau lies a profound challenge for India’s foreign policy: the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. This event will ripple ...
- + Opposition put up tents in central Tbilisi, announce phase of civil disobedience—Intermittent rallies and marches have given way to indefinite protest after final general election results confirmed Georgian Dream’s victory. [Author...
- + US forces to fully withdraw from Iraq, “including Kurdistan”—US and Western allied forces have had several bases in Iraq since the 2003 invasion of the country, but are set to leave. [Author: bne Gulf bureau]
- + Major bank’s service disruptions cause payment delays at fuel stations across Iran—Iran's Bank Mellat electronic banking services, including ATMs, card payment terminals, and Internet banking, faced several hours of disruption on Nov...
- + Oil sector lobbyists the forth largest delegation at COP29 climate summit—More than 1,770 oil sector lobbyists have travelled to the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, to try and slow or stop action to reduce the use of fossi...
- + Election commission head smeared with black paint as he confirms Georgian Dream victory —Clashes with police at mass protest in Tbilisi sparked by announcement of final result of general election marred by widespread fraud allegations. [Au...
- + Scholz tests the peace talks water with his first call with Putin in nearly two years—Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first telephone conversation in nearly two years on November 15 as the ...
- + Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy switches rhetorical tack from victory to resistance—President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has changed his rhetorical tack and announced a comprehensive ten-point internal “Resilience Plan” during his evening ad...
As of 12/21/24 9:07pm. Last new 12/21/24 7:46pm. Score: 467
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