LATEST ARTICLES

Bulgarian Parliament Delays No-Confidence Vote to Thursday Amidst Heightened Political Tensions

In a significant development within the Bulgarian political arena, the vote of no confidence against the current government, initially slated for November 16, has been postponed by a day. This move adheres to the procedural rules of the Bulgarian Parliament, which dictate a minimum 24-hour gap following the end of plenary hall deliberations. Today, the focus in Parliament shifts to...

Bulgaria Faces Second No-Confidence Vote Amidst Political Turmoil and Security Policy Challenges

On November 15, Bulgaria's political landscape will confront another critical juncture as the National Assembly deliberates on a second vote of no confidence against the current Denkov-Gabriel cabinet. This motion, spearheaded by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), far-right Vazrazhdane (Revival Party), and populist ITN (Ima takav narod or There is Such a People), reflects the country's deepening political instability. This...

Chilling Times Ahead: Gas Prices May Surge to 20% in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Skyline image of Sarajevo in winter.

As winter looms over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the specter of escalating gas prices is casting a cold shadow on citizens already grappling with economic uncertainties. The recent decision by the Bulgarian Parliament to impose a tax on gas transportation is sending ripples through the region, leaving many wondering about the impact on their heating bills. In the worst-case scenario for...

Albanian Property Owners Face 45-Fold Increase in Land Tax

From right to left: Aerial shot of Tirana, Albania. Generic image of receipts and calculator.

With new regulations that have left many Albanian citizens scratching their heads, the government is set to implement a significant spike in property taxes, particularly targeting residential and commercial landowners. The proposed amendments, part of the draft Law on the Taxation of Real Estate, are poised to transform the financial landscape for property owners, with the land tax for...

Montenegro’s New Government Composition Revealed: PES Dominates, NSD to Lead Assembly

Parliament of Montenegro in 2016.

PODGORICA — A draft coalition agreement reveals the potential structure of Montenegro's upcoming government, with the Europe Now Movement (PES) securing a majority of the seats. The New Serbian Democracy (NSD) is set to propose the head of the Assembly, while the Democrats will oversee the security sector. For readers unfamiliar with Montenegrin politics, the Europe Now Movement (PES) is...

Hungarian PM Orbán Stresses National Security Amid Migrant Crisis and Calls for EU Change

Illustration of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on backdrop of Hungarian flag.

BUDAPEST — In a recent radio interview, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized the importance of national security, drawing connections between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and European migration - and Hungary's stance on both. The interview, aired on Kossuth radio's "Good morning, Hungary" and reported by Magyar Nemzet, a conservative newspaper known for its self-proclaimed proximity to the Orbán-led government,...

North Macedonia to Sell Seized Assets of Former PM Gruevski

SKOPJE — North Macedonia is poised to auction off a cache of properties once belonging to its embattled former Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski. The Agency for Management of Forfeited Property has initiated procedures to return funds to the state budget from these assets. Gruevski, who continues to be a central figure in North Macedonian politics, came to power as the...

Economic Shifts Drive Rent Hikes Across Romania’s Major Urban Centers

BUCHAREST — Romania's major cities are witnessing a dramatic surge in rent prices, with tenants now paying, on average, 15% more than in the past. This shift, as analyzed by the real estate platform Storia.ro, is attributed to high interest rates on real estate loans, prompting many Romanians to opt for renting over buying. Historically, Romania's real estate market was...

Montenegro’s Port of Adria Workers Threaten Strike Over Wage Disputes

Port of Bar in Montenegro.

PODGORICA — Workers at Montenegro's Port of Adria (PoA) are gearing up for a strike, demanding a significant 40% salary increase amidst concerns of dwindling wages. The maritime company, once a beacon of higher-than-average salaries in the country, now sees its workers earning less than the national average. Union leaders have confirmed a warning strike scheduled for October 12. If...

Greece’s Ministry of Labor Introduces Flexible Pension Adjustments for Those Nearing Retirement

Front view of Hellenic Parliament building in Athens.

ATHENS — To accommodate those nearing retirement, the Greek Ministry of Labor has introduced a regulation that allows insured individuals to recognize up to an additional six months beyond the standard insurance limit. According to Greek news website To Vima, this change aims to provide a safety net for those who are on the cusp of retirement but...