News
Baltic States face surge in fatal overdoses as nitazenes flood region
A powerful and little-known synthetic opioid called nitazene is fuelling a deadly drug crisis across the three Baltic States, with Estonia reporting a threefold rise in overdose deaths in recent years.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal quits as Zelenskiy prepares to reshuffle the government
Move follows months of speculation over changes in the top ranks of Ukraine’s political leadership, as Zelenskiy looks to shore up his hold on power.
El Salvador's Bitcoin gamble pays off as reserves surge past $760mn
El Salvador's Bitcoin holdings have surged to more than $760mn as the cryptocurrency climbed above $120,000, vindicating President Nayib Bukele's controversial digital asset strategy while successfully navigating conditions imposed by the IMF.
_1752575924.jpg)
Israel conducts airstrikes on Syrian forces after attack on Druze minority
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have ordered the military to immediately strike the Turkish-backed Syrian regime's forces.
Trump's tariff threat stalls Mexico’s nearshoring boom and pressures Sheinbaum on crime
Trump’s 30% tariff on Mexican exports outside the USMCA has sparked a dual crisis for President Sheinbaum: worsening economic troubles at home and growing US pressure to act harder against organised crime.
Etihad Airways announces seven new routes from Abu Dhabi hub
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will launch seven new destinations from Abu Dhabi between November 2025 and March 2026, expanding its network across the Middle East.
German Defence Minister Pistorius confirms transfer of two Patriot system to Ukraine, but warns could take “months”
Pistorius’ comments also confirm that new US-supplied military aid will not arrive in Ukraine soon.
Hungary to opt out of financing US weapons for Ukraine, foreign minister says
Péter Szijjarto says Hungary will not contribute to the financing of American weapons deliveries to Ukraine, should such a proposal be officially raised within the European Union.
European foreign ministers hit out at Georgian ruling party
Statement condemned ongoing democratic backsliding by the ruling Georgia Dream party, which has consolidated power via crackdowns on independent media, NGOs, activists and opposition politicians.
_1752493253.jpg)
RSF urges EU action over police violence against journalists in Serbia
Press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders warned abuses threaten the country’s EU accession process.
Trump promises weapons, secondary sanctions on Russia if no deal in 50-days, but lots of questions remain open
US President Donald Trump announced that the US would supply Ukraine with billions of dollars of weapons “very soon”, including badly needed Patriot air defence missiles, and impose 100% secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Russia
US and Panama launch joint military exercises amid canal security concerns
US helicopters have arrived in Panama to begin collaborative training exercises with local security forces, as tensions mount over the strategic waterway's future amid competing US and Chinese interests.
Serbia weighs nuclear options
Serbia is exploring the development of nuclear energy with two potential pathways – conventional nuclear power plants and small modular reactors.
Migration pushes EU population to record high, but CEE countries continue to shrink
Immigration outweighed the natural population decline in 2024 in just three of the newer EU member states – Croatia, Czechia and Slovenia.
Iran responds to Azerbaijan energy projects with Caspian Sea drilling
Iran has launched exploratory drilling operations in the Caspian Sea after years of neglecting the region due to sanctions constraints and cheaper extraction costs from southern oil fields.
Syria signs $800mn strategic deal with DP World to upgrade ports
Syria has signed a strategic $800mn agreement with UAE logistics major DP World in a major investment move aimed at revitalising the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Iran dismisses imminent US nuclear talks, warns against sanctions snapback
Foreign ministry spokesman refuted reports of an imminent meeting between Iranian and US representatives on the nuclear issue.
Hungary, Slovakia close to deal on Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros HPP, Hungarian energy minister confirms
Neighbouring countries agree to settle decades-long dispute over joint dam project.
Peter Magyar pledges peaceful regime change and sweeping reforms at Tisza Party congress
Opposition leader pledges peaceful and responsible regime change, unveiling a raft of reform proposals and a slew of election promises.
Slovak PM Fico expects deal with EU over sanctions against Russia on July 15, and threatens to continue blocking sanctions if none made.
Slovak populist Prime Minister Robert Fico expects an agreement between the European Union and Slovakia could be reached on Tuesday, July 15, over Slovakia lifting its veto of the EU’s 18th round of sanctions against Russia.