Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day cease-fire - UPI.com
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a cease-fire for 10 days to allow for talks about ejecting Hezbollah from that country, which Israel said is its primary goal in strikes launched on its neighbor over the last six weeks. File Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- President Do»»»
Iranian embassy shares AI clip of Jesus slapping Trump
An Iranian embassy has shared an AI-generated video depicting Jesus casting Donald Trump into hell, following backlash over a social media post in which the US president appeared to portray himself as a Christ-like healer. Trump posted the image on Truth Social on Sunday but deleted it the followin»»»
EU chief welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as 'a relief'
European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen welcomed a 10-day ceasefire declared Thursday between Israel and Lebanon that was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. "This is a relief, as this conflict has already claimed far too many lives," von der Leyen wrote on X, adding that it must l»»»
European Commission welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon
Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Thursday the 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation, announced by US President Donald Trump. In a statement, von der Leyen affirmed that Europe will continue to demand respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and te»»»
IMF: Middle East Faces Pivotal Economic Moment
The International Monetary Fund said the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan were facing a pivotal and exceptionally difficult moment in their modern economic history after the war that broke out on Feb. 28, 2026, describing it as a severe and multifaceted shock to one of the world’s most strat»»»
Cabinet Approves Draft of New Counter-Corruption Act
The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a draft Act on Tackling Corruption of Public Office Holders, the Government Information Service said in a press release. The new bill has been drafted implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and the recommendations of the European »»»
Cabinet Establishes Interagency Working Group on Industrial Cooperation in Defence
The caretaker Government Thursday approved the establishment of an interagency working group to coordinate industrial cooperation in projects for the procurement of defence equipment and products for the needs of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, the Government Information Service reported. The working g»»»
Cabinet Approves Agreement on Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity within UN Law of the Sea Convention
The caretaker Government Thursday approved an Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (the BBNJ Agreement), signed by the Republic of Bulgaria on September 20, 2023. The Government proposes that the Nat»»»
Government Approves Strategy for Development of Bulgarian Defence Technology Industrial Base
The Council of Ministers Thursday approved a Strategy for the Development of the Bulgarian Defence Technology Industrial Base, the Government Information Service reported. The need to develop a new strategy to replace the existing one stems from the mismatch between the current strategic framework »»»
Trump says Israel, Lebanon have agreed ceasefire, invites Aoun and Netanyahu to White House
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire Thursday, and said he was trying to set up the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the two countries. Following what he called "excellent" phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Leb»»»
Fourth round of Tunisian-Greek political consultations held in Athens
Tunis, April 16 (TAP) - Athens, the capital of Greece, hosted on Thursday the fourth round of Tunisian-Greek political consultations, chaired by Nabil Ben Khedher, Director-General for Bilateral Relations with European Countries at the Ministry of...»»»
Glimpses of Bush's Iraq debacle appear in Trump's foray into Iran
In a speech in Riyadh in May 2025, US President Donald Trump appeared to criticise his White House predecessors, including fellow Republican President George W. Bush, for invading Iraq in 2003, bringing down Saddam Hussein’s regime, and trying to rebuild the Iraqi state. Trump’s barb was at “so-cal»»»
Bulgaria Opens Consulate in Turkiye's Izmir
The Council of Ministers Thursday adopted a decision to open a Bulgarian consulate in Turkiye, headed by an honorary (non-career) consular officer, with its seat in Izmir and a consular district covering the territories of the provinces of Izmir, Sakarya, Bilesik, Eskisehir, Kocaeli, and Kutahya. T»»»
Press Review - Russia warns drone companies in Europe could be 'potential targets'
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, April 16: We take a look at the latest coverage from the Russian independent papers. Next: a story about how new technologies are helping the elderly to combat loneliness. Also: a baby elephant has a similar story to that of Punch the monkey. Finally, why did a British»»»
Total of EUR 466 at Risk due to Delay of Anti-corruption and Prosecutor General Investigation Mechanism Legislation, Deputy PM Says
A total of EUR 466 million under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is at risk due to the failure to implement reforms related to anti-corruption legislation and the mechanism for investigating the prosecutor general, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister for European Funding Maria Nedina s»»»
Djuric: Visit to Czechia exceptional, our friendship deeply rooted
PRAGUE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric wrapped up an official visit to Czechia, during which he met with Czech counterpart Petr Macinka and Chamber of Deputies President Tomio Okamura. At a working lunch hosted for him by Okamura, Djuric also held a discussion with other top-ranking officials of the Czec»»»
Magyar begins dismantling Orbán’s legacy (four days after the election)
Our weekly series on Hungarian politics continues so we can report on developments after these historic elections and on events around the formation of the Tisza government. This week we cover the following topics: We may know the final election result on Saturday (18 April). Tisza’s victory has re»»»
Finland proposes 'civic knowledge' test for citizenship
Helsinki: The Finnish government on Thursday proposed that a test covering knowledge of Finnish society would be required for gaining citizenship, as the country continues to tighten its immigration policy. The proposed citizenship test -- to be completed in either of Finland's two main official la»»»
Russian Missile Strikes Would Bury EU’s Drone Scheme for Ukraine Instantly - Expert
The key vulnerability in this plan lies in the gap between the European assembly of the "carcasses" and the Ukrainian installation of the "brains,” suggests military journalist Aleksey Borzenko, deputy chief editor of the Literary Russia newspaper. Speaking to Sputnik, Borzenko argued that the arra»»»
Europe’s Drone Pipeline to Ukraine Could Soon be in Russia’s Crosshairs - Analyst
The Russian Defense Ministry’s statement on Europe’s plan to scale up drone production for Ukraine contained an explicit warning, says military analyst Ivan Konovalov speaking to Sputnik: Europe is turning into a “strategic rear base.” The term applies to infrastructure that, while located outside »»»
Russia publishes European address of Ukrainian drone-makers
Russia’s defence ministry has released what it said were the names and addresses of Ukrainian-linked enterprises across Europe involved in the production of military drones on April 16. “The European public should bo»»»
Russia publishes European address of Ukrainian drone-makers
Russia’s defence ministry has released what it said were the names and addresses of Ukrainian-linked enterprises across Europe involved in the production of military drones on April 16. “The European public should bo»»»
Dimitrieska-Kochoska attends IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings
Skopje, 14 April 2026 (MIA) – Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, is visiting Washington, D.C., USA from April 14 to 18 to take part in the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG). While in Washington D.C., the Ministry of Finance said»»»
EU, NATO to Work to Strengthen Relationship, Von der Leyen Says
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that she agreed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to work in the coming weeks to strengthen the European Union's relationship with the military alliance. "We discussed the upcoming NATO Summit and how we can upscale defense in»»»
EU spells out how Google must share data with rivals
Brussels, Belgium: The European Commission set out Thursday how it wants Google to make a wide range of data accessible to rival search engines in order to comply with the bloc's digital rules. The announcement forms part of amicable proceedings launched in January to ensure Google meets its obliga»»»
Op-ed | Marcelo Castellanos (IFC): How sustainable logistics infrastructure can strengthen Romania’s role in European value chains
Industrial and logistics infrastructure is a quiet enabler of modern economies — and a critical foundation for job creation. From manufacturing and e-commerce to export competitiveness, high-quality logistics networks underpin productivity, resilience, and integration into global value chains that »»»
Djuric: Czechia a friendly country, we will work on advancement of cooperation
PRAGUE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday in Prague Serbia considered Czechia and its current government as friendly and noted that Serbia and Czechia were focusing on advancement of political, economic and cultural cooperation, besides cooperation on the European aspect and regional affair»»»
President, Parliament Chair, Prime Minister, Patriarch, Magistrates, Guests Mark Constitution Day Together
Bulgaria's President, Parliament Chair, caretaker Prime Minister and Patriarch, as well as magistrates, representatives of institutions and guests gathered for the celebration of Constitution Day at the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly in Veliko Tarnovo on Thursday. This mar»»»
Hungary’s incoming PM Peter Magyar pledges crackdown on critical media
Hungary’s incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, has pledged to suspend the news operations of the state broadcaster following two tense interviews he gave on Wednesday. Magyar’s Tisza party secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election, effectively ensuring he will form the next go»»»
EU spied on Hungary’s Viktor Orban for years – former Slovak minister
The EU spy campaign that helped bring down Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a lesson to anyone who defies Brussels, former Slovak Interior Minister Vladimir Palko has warned. “What they did to Orban yesterday, they can do to you tomorrow,” he told the outlet ‘Marker’ on Monday. Orban’s Fide»»»
Dana Nae Popa (pastel): Clients are looking for clarity, perspective and ideas that can make a real difference
In our recently launched series of interviews dedicated to the MarComm industry, BR sat down with Dana Nae Popa, Owner & Managing Director pastel and President Asociatia pastel and talked about the agency celebrating 20 years, top moments during this time, clients and what they are looking for, tre»»»
Sig Sauer CEO Ron Cohen visits Cugir to built partnership
His itinerary included Cugir, Alba County, and Bucharest, with the objective to assessing the potential for industrial partnerships with Romanian defense manufacturers and opening a series of bilateral discussions with relevant industry and institutional stakeholders. The visit has three concrete o»»»
Suspected Russian-linked plot disrupted
A suspected international plot with elements of espionage has unfolded in Greece, where authorities arrested a 55-year-old Greek from the former Soviet Union in Thessaloniki, accused of involvement in a network allegedly planning assassinations in Lithuania. According to judicial documents from a V»»»
Study: Pessimism is on the rise in Romania’s construction and installation market
The report highlights both operational pressures—particularly the shortage of skilled labor—and a shift in how companies plan their investments, with an increasingly clear focus on efficiency, infrastructure, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Long-term planning and the absorption of Euro»»»
The Inside Track | One United Properties: Pioneering urban transformation and sustainable living in Romania
Leading real estate developer One United Properties is known for its modern mixed-use developments, sustainable initiatives, and investments in the Bucharest and Romanian regional property markets. The company is committed to creating vibrant, eco-friendly communities while respecting local heritag»»»
EC Approves Bulgarian State Aid to Shield Energy-Intensive Industries from High Electricity Costs
European Commission announced Thursday that it has approved a major Bulgarian state aid scheme aimed at shielding energy-intensive industries from high electricity costs, while tying the support to investments in greener production. The Bulgarian programme, worth EUR 334 million, will provide tempo»»»
Bulgaria opens radioactive waste repository on Romanian border
Bulgaria has officially opened a national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste at the Radiana site near the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, the country's energy ministry said. The facility, located at»»»
Caretaker PM Gurov: Constitution Day Reflects Bulgaria’s European Choice and Ongoing Strive for Justice
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said Constitution Day combines the legacy of the Tarnovo Constitution, one of the most progressive of its time, with the 35th anniversary of the Constitutional Court, a key guarantor of Bulgaria’s modern constitutional order. Speaking at a ceremony in Veliko Ta»»»
Media Review: April 16
APRIL 19 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS A sociological survey commissioned by bTV and conducted by the Market Links polling agency shows that five parties are expected to enter next Parliament, with one of them clearly standing out above the rest. The survey was conducted among 1,003 respondents aged over»»»
Ministry of Innovation and Growth Submits Sofia Tech Park’s Application for NATO’s DIANA Accelerator
The Ministry of Innovation and Growth has officially submitted the application of Sofia Tech Park for an accelerator in the DIANA network (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), NATO’s initiative for accelerating defence innovation, the Ministry’s press centre announced Thursday. T»»»
Poland Opposes Ukraine's Accelerated Accession to EU
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Poland will not allow Ukraine's accelerated accession to the European Union, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Thursday. "The idea of accelerated membership has been floated in the [European] Commission. This will not happen," Sikorski told the RMF FM radio statio»»»
Constitutional Court President Panova: Democracy Requires Responsibility and Respect for Constitution
The day is not only a reason for celebration but also a reminder of responsibility - towards the rules and the law, towards the text of the Constitution, and towards citizens whose rights it protects, Constitutional Court President Pavlina Panova said here on Thursday. She opened the ceremonial mar»»»
BR Cover Story | How Symfonia is redefining business software in Romania
As Romanian companies navigate increasing regulatory complexity and operational pressure, business software is becoming a critical foundation for growth. Business Review spoke with Roxana Epure, the CEO of Symfonia in Romania, about the company’s strategic transformation, its vision for the local m»»»
Why is France’s bill against ‘new forms of anti-Semitism’ sparking controversy?
This article was originally published on April 4, 2026 – French lawmakers are on Thursday set to debate a controversial bill that proposes labeling any implicitly expressed "hatred" against the state of Israel as anti-Semitic, making it a crime under the country’s terrorism laws»»»
Labour Minister Ademov: Making a Choice Between Bread and Ballot in 21st Century Is Absurd
The Labour Ministry is continuing its efforts to stop harmful practices involving pressure on vulnerable citizens through the social system, said caretaker Labour Minister Hasan in a televised interview on Thursday. The goal is to bring these practices to light so they are not repeated. Ademov adde»»»
Leonardo Badea, BNR: Modernizing Romania through integration and convergence
Romania has made significant progress in the process of aligning with the standards of developed economies and joining the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), having already obtained 24 of the 25 formal opinions required within the OECD committees. The completion of the a»»»
Progressive Bulgaria Leader Radev Accuses Political Circles of Attempting to Discredit Elections
The leader of Progressive Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, told election campaign meetings in Kyustendil (Southwest Bulgaria) and Pernik (West Bulgaria) that political circles have the “ill ambition” to discredit the elections because they realize they cannot win them, Progressive Bulgaria said on Thursday. »»»
Australia to Boost Defense Spending Citing Growing Threats
Australia will raise defense spending to 3.0 percent of GDP by 2033 as armed conflicts flare worldwide, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday. The new commitment follows pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration for Canberra to boost military expenditure as a share of total a»»»
Romania to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon after EU request
Romania is set to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Lebanon, comprising 15 tonnes of food, tents and bedding supplies.The decision was taken by the National Committee for Emergency Situations, convened by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, in response to a request for assistance made through the E»»»
President Sulyok tasks Péter Magyar with forming a government
Tisza Party chairman Péter Magyar announced on Wednesday that President Tamás Sulyok will entrust him with forming a government. Magyar spoke to journalists after consultations with the head of state at the Sándor Palace. Leaving the building, the politician said the president had informed him abou»»»