Vienna Insurance Group announces a profit before taxes of EUR 1.16 billion in 2026, up 31.7%
Hartwig Löger, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of Vienna Insurance Group, on the Group’s performance: “VIG achieved an outstanding Group result in 2025, once again driven by strong growth and high levels of profitability in all countries. Based on this result and our strong capital position,»»»
Media Review: March 13
HEADLINES Trud’s top story is about measures the Cabinet plans to introduce to soften the impact of rising fuel prices on low-income individuals. 24 Chasa also covers the issue on its front page. Duma leads with the headline “There Is No Matter That Can Be Solved Through War,” quoting Krum Zarkov, »»»
US oil waiver includes 100million barrels loaded onto vessels
Moscow, Russia: Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev said that the United States’ decision to waive some restrictions on Russian oil would apply to about 100 million barrels of oil that had already been loaded onto vessels. In a post on his Telegram channel, Dmitriev said tha»»»
US Braces for Potential Iranian Retaliatory Operations within its Borders
Fears have grown in the US that Tehran could activate “sleeper cells” or carry out unconventional retaliatory attacks on American soil as Washington and Tel Aviv continue their war against Iran. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that his administration knows where the Iranian sleeper cells»»»
Bulgarian Ombudsman at CoE Forum in Strasbourg
Bulgarian Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva took part in a Council of Europe forum for ombudspersons and national human rights institutions (NHRI), held on March 12 and 13, 2026, in Strasbourg, France, said Delcheva's office Friday. The high-level conference brings together ombudspersons, representative»»»
US Wants to 'Divide Europe', EU's Kallas Tells FT
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the US wants to "divide Europe" and doesn't "like the European Union" in an interview published by the Financial Times on Friday, after more than a year of turmoil in transatlantic relations. "What I think is actually important for everybody to u»»»
RAF Typhoon jets in action over Bahrain
RAF Typhoon jets have been in action over Bahrain as part of the UK's contribution to the defence of its Gulf Arab allies, the BBC has been told. Two jets out of the four sent to Qatar have been allocated specifically to help Bahrain intercept incoming drones, as the US-Israel war with Iran has ent»»»
INSCOP: 50.4% of Romanians opt for striking a balance between EU, U.S.
A bit over half of Romanians (50.4%) believe that, amid the ongoing tensions between the European Union and the American Administration led by Donald Trump, Romania should strike a balance between the EU and the U.S., according to the Informat.ro Barometer - INSCOP Research, eighth edition, conduct»»»
Ukraine's President Zelensky, meeting with Prime Minister Bolojan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Victoria Palace on Thursday, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.The two high-ranking officials will have a meeting, with topics on the agenda of the discussions including bilateral and European cooperation, the»»»
President Dan: It is unacceptable for European Council decision on loan to Ukraine to be later challenged
President Nicusor Dan on Thursday said that it is not acceptable for a decision taken by the European Council in the formula of 27 on a loan to Ukraine to be challenged later, noting that Romania will support any kind of legal option to break the deadlock."It is not acceptable that a decision taken»»»
ONS Data: UK Economy Lost Steam Unexpectedly at Start of 2026
Britain's economy stagnated unexpectedly in January and expanded weakly in preceding months, according to official data on Friday that showed only tepid growth during the lead-up to the US-Israeli war in Iran. The figures mean British gross domestic product has been essentially flat since June, end»»»
Air Freight Rates Soar as Middle East Conflict Blocks Trade Routes
Air freight rates have risen by as much as 70% on some routes since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, data shows, as the conflict limits flights, blocks some ocean shipments and pushes up jet fuel costs. Rates on routes between South Asia and Europe have been the most affected by Middle East»»»
US Cannot Determine Whether Its Partners Have Excess Capacity - China
Late on Thursday, the Office of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that the United States has opened an investigation against China, the European Union, India, and 13 more countries over their trade policies that pose threats to the United States. The United States does not have the right »»»
Chile's Kast takes office pledging security crackdown and migration curbs
Chile entered a new political phase as conservative leader José Antonio Kast formally assumed the presidency during a March 11 ceremony at the National Congress in Valparaíso, outlining an agenda focused on public security and stricter migration controls. »»»
Chile's Kast takes office pledging security crackdown and migration curbs
Chile entered a new political phase as conservative leader José Antonio Kast formally assumed the presidency during a March 11 ceremony at the National Congress in Valparaíso, outlining an agenda focused on public security and stricter migration controls. »»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Iran demands guarantees and reparations in ceasefire talks as Gulf mediators step in
Iran has told regional intermediaries that any ceasefire with the US and Israel must be tied to sweeping security guarantees and compensation, as back-channel diplomacy intensifies amid a widening regional conflict. Accord»»»
Poland's central bank ready to use gold gains for defence
The National Bank of Poland (NBP) is prepared to begin active management of its gold reserves and to direct an unrealised revaluation gain of about PLN197bn (€46.3bn) to defence spending over several years, Adam Glapiński said on March 11. »»»
Gulyás: Threats from Ukraine and President Zelensky against Hungary, and PM Orbán and even his family are unacceptable
At the latest Government Info press conference, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás addressed tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, energy security concerns, and recent threats directed at Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The minister emphasized that Hungary will defend its national »»»
Protesters gather as Albanian parliament blocks arrest of former deputy PM Balluku
Albania’s parliament on March 12 rejected a request from anti-corruption prosecutors to lift the parliamentary immunity of former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku, preventing her arrest in connection to a corruption case and prompting protests from opposition supporters in the capital. »»»
Russia’s oligarch wealth overtakes the entire population’s bank savings, doubles over four years
The combined wealth of Russia’s billionaires is now $696.5bn, more than the combined savings of the entire Russian population and almost»»»
Jordan, Bulgaria explore stronger trade ties ahead of investment conference
AMMAN — Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Khalil Haj Tawfiq discussed with Bulgarian Ambassador to Jordan Metin Kazak on Thursday ways to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries and expand cooperation between their business communities.According to a JCC sta»»»
AI in warfare: When machines begin to shape the battlefield
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an extraordinary pace, penetrating multiple fields with machines capable of simulating human abilities, from collecting and analysing information to drawing conclusions and making decisions. This rapid progress is reshaping both civilian and military con»»»
Syria, Jordan to develop logistic cooperation, facilitate flow of goods
Damascus, Mar. 13 (SANA) Head of General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, discussed Thursday with Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, several economic and trade issues of mutual interest for the two brotherly countries. The meeting comes on the sidelines o»»»
PM, Canadian, Spanish ministers call for regional tension de-escalation
QNA Doha Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received phone calls from Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain Jose Manuel Alvarez. Discussions during»»»
EU ‘held hostage’ by Trump over Iran war – Spanish deputy PM
Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz has accused EU leaders of weakness over the US-Israeli war on Iran, warning that Brussels’ “servile” attitude toward US President Donald Trump risks fueling Euroskeptic sentiment. In an interview with Politico published on Thursday, Diaz described the EU a»»»
What crude oil the world produces — why some barrels are more valuable
Dubai: Crude oil is often discussed as a single commodity. In reality, the oil traded in global markets exists in dozens of different grades, each with distinct physical characteristics that determine how easily it can be refined and what fuels it ultimately produces. Sign up for our daily business»»»
Italy’s Meloni breaks with Trump over Iran war
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has criticized the US-Israeli war on Iran, branding it part of a dangerous trend “outside international law.” She also condemned a deadly strike on an Iranian school widely attributed to the US. Meloni delivered the r»»»
German Embassy in Tirana Reacts to Parliament’s Decision on SPAK Request for Belinda Balluku
The German Embassy in Tirana has reacted after the Albanian Parliament rejected a request from Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) to authorize the arrest of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. In an official statement, the Embassy of Germany in Tirana stressed that»»»
Central Bank Deputy Governor Nominee Heard by Parliamentary Budget Committee
The candidate for deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) to head the Issue Department, Karina Karaivanova-Ganozova, was heard by the parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance on Thursday. Karaivanova-Ganozova was introduced to MPs by BNB Governor Dimitar Radev, who pointed out tha»»»
Head of EU Intellectual Property Office: IP Should Boost Growth, Not just Protect Innovation
Speaking at the high-level industrial property conference "Innovation Empowered: Protect, Compete, Succeed" here on Thursday, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) Executive Director Joao Negrao said that achievements do not appear in isolation but flourish where innovation is pro»»»
EU warns US of a 'firm response' to any breach of their trade agreement
Brussels: The European Union warned that it would respond "firmly and proportionately" to any breach by the United States of the trade agreement reached between the two parties last summer, after Washington launched trade investigations that could pave the way for new tariffs. European Commission s»»»
BYD launches world’s fastest EV charger and most advanced power battery
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new-energy vehicles, is ready to break down the final barriers to truly widespread adoption of EVs through its self-developed FLASH Charging, delivering up to 1500kW through a single connector, and the second generation of its iconic Blade Battery. BYD FLASH»»»
Vucic to meet with EDF chairman on Friday
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will meet with the chairman and CEO of the French power company EDF Bernard Fontana in Belgrade on Friday. The meeting in the building of the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic is scheduled for 9 am, the presidential press office has a»»»
Caretaker Government Prepares Targeted Measures to Offset Fuel Price Rise
The caretaker government is preparing targeted measures to support vulnerable households and businesses in response to rising fuel prices, it was announced at a briefing at the Council of Ministers on Thursday. Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said the government has been working intensively o»»»
Infringement Procedure Against Bulgaria on Access to Justice for Air Quality Closed, Environment Ministry Says
The European Commission has closed the infringement procedure against Bulgaria concerning the removal of barriers to access to justice in relation to air quality plans under the Air Quality Directive, the Ministry of Environment and Water said on its website on Thursday. The EC's decision was taken»»»
Epstein used modelling agent to recruit girls, Brazilian women tell BBC
Warning: This story contains graphic sexual descriptions. "If I had disobeyed my mother and gone to New York, what might have happened to me?" asks Gláucia Fekete. In 2004, as a 16-year-old living in the Brazilian countryside, she was taking her first steps in the modelling world. She says French m»»»
Prime minister, Spanish FM emphasise need for immediate cessation of all escalatory actions
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain HE Jose Manuel Alvarez. Discussion during the call focused on the developments o»»»
Prime Minister receives phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, Cooperation in Spain
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation in the Kingdom of Spain, HE José Manuel Albares. During the call, they reviewed the develop»»»
31 days to election: Orbán claims Ukrainians are threatening his children and grandchildren
In our ongoing weekly digest, award-winning journalist Veronika Munk summarises and explains the most important political developments in Hungary. We guide readers on the route to the crunch 12 April 2026 election — a poll without precedent in the region over the past 15 years. This week, we cover:»»»