News

Latvia’s foreign minister resigns over private jet scandal

Linas Jegelevicius in Vilnius March 28, 2024

Krisjanis Karins, formerly prime minister of Latvia, enjoyed a lavish lifestyle while in the PM office, using private jets for 32 foreign trips.

Sanctioned sister of billionaire Usmanov waives right to benefit from family trusts

Ben Aris in Berlin March 28, 2024

The sanctioned sister of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has voluntarily and irrevocably waived her right to receive benefits from two family trusts set up years ago by the Uzbek-born tycoon in a bid to have sanctions on her lifted.

Sanctions on Russian diamonds see traders flee Antwerp for Dubai

Ben Aris in Berlin March 28, 2024

As sanctions on Russian diamonds kick in, traders are fleeing their long time European base of Antwerp and setting up in Dubai to avoid what they say are “impossible” rules.

Former Fidesz insider presents damaging evidence to prosecutor's office in high-profile corruption case

bne IntelliNews March 28, 2024

Peter Magyar posts secretly recorded conversation with his ex-wife and former justice minister Judit Varga, indicating high-ranking government officials manipulated evidence in a major corruption case.

Tajik media pick up on Russian Duma deputy’s call for migrant visa regime following terrorist attack

bne IntelliNews March 28, 2024

Central Asians in Russia, meanwhile, endure beatings, vandalism and racism in backlash.

Kyrgyzstan’s kingmaker turned enemy of the state Matraimov arraigned before court after extradition

bne IntelliNews March 27, 2024

Humiliating airport arrival of alleged crook rumoured to have bought elections graphically portrayed by security service video release.

Bulgaria moves towards sixth snap general election since 2021

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia March 27, 2024

Agreement between Gerb and CC-DB for a joint government with a rotating PM has broken down.

Council of Europe committee gives the nod for Kosovo's admission, angering Serbia

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje March 27, 2024

President Aleksandar Vucic has warned Serbia may quit the Council of Europe if Kosovo gains membership.

Former Mongolian PM denies he bought two luxury Manhattan apartments with mining fraud proceeds

bne IntelliNews March 27, 2024

US prosecutors move to seize lavish properties allegedly purchased with money moved through shell companies.

Moody’s assigns negative outlook to Czech CEZ after Gasnet takeover

bne IntelliNews March 27, 2024

The Gasnet acquisition comes amid the efforts of the Czech state to gain a stronger footing in the energy infrastructure and diversification from its dependency on Russian energy supplies.

Lukashenko contradicts Putin on Crocus City terrorists, threatens to invade Baltics

bne IntelliNews March 27, 2024

In Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko’s latest bombastic rant, he contradicted Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the four terrorists fleeing the killing spree in the Crocus City Hall mall were headed towards Belarus not Ukraine.

Romania’s budget deficit up sharply as public spending spirals

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest March 27, 2024

The general government budget deficit rose by 70% y/y to €5.8bn, one-third of the full-year deficit target, in the first two months of 2024.

Putin afraid of causing labour shortages by pointing finger at Central Asia for terrorist attack, says analyst

bne IntelliNews March 26, 2024

Kyrgyzstan warning citizens to stay away from Russia and Turkmenistan trying to bring students home.

Poland’s ruling coalition moves step closer to putting NBP chief on trial

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw March 26, 2024

If parliament approves the motion, it means the automatic suspension of Glapinski, although with an option to appeal to the Court of Justice of the EU.

Over 22,000 Serbs sign petition to save bombed Belgrade landmark from Kushner development plans

bne IntelliNews March 26, 2024

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former US president Donald Trump, plans to develop the site of the General Staff building, bombed by Nato in 1999.

Speculation swirls of “Men in Blue” in Crocus City Hall terrorist attack linked to FSB

bne IntelliNews March 26, 2024

FSB officers may have been in the concert hall during the terrorist attack in Moscow, according to speculation posted on the Nexta Telegram channel.

NBP head says he wants peace with Tusk as motion to oust him goes to parliament

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw March 26, 2024

Glapinski faces vote in the parliament that could open the way to a trial before the State Tribunal.

Bolsonaro sought refuge at Hungarian embassy to escape justice

Tamas Csonka in Budapest March 26, 2024

It is not the first time Orban has meddled in the affairs of foreign countries and sought to help his allies escape justice.

Tajik diaspora in Russia living in terror following Crocus City massacre

Eurasianet March 25, 2024

Since the terrorist attack on Crocus City concert hall near Moscow, blameless Tajik migrants across Russia have experienced threats, verbal abuse and increased law enforcement harassment.

Moscow terror attack suspects likely received instructions in Turkey, Russian daily reports

Akin Nazli in Belgrade March 25, 2024

Ankara confirms two of accused entered Turkey, but denies they were radicalised while there.

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