EU approves €90 bn Ukraine loan
The European Union has formally approved a €90 billion ($105 billion) emergency loan for Ukraine for 2026–2027 and adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, the bloc’s presidency said on Thursday. European Council President Antonio Costa said in a statement that increasing pressure on R»»»
Microsoft faces $2.3 bn cloud computing lawsuit in UK
London, United Kingdom: Microsoft is facing a £1.7-billion ($2.3 billion) class action lawsuit in Britain alleging that it abused its dominant market position to overcharge businesses, claimants said Thursday. The case was brought by digital markets regulation expert Maria Luisa Stasi on behalf of »»»
Salam says Lebanon won't sign any agreement without Israel's full withdrawal
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has urged the Trump administration to pressure Israel to scale back its demands and end its military invasion of the country. In an interview with the Washington Post, Salam said Lebanon could not sign any agreement that does not include a “full withdrawal” of Israeli for»»»
EU approves a massive loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto
BRUSSELS: The European Union on Thursday approved a massive loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for the next two years, the bloc’s Cypriot presidency said, after Hungary lifted its veto. The EU also approved a new raft of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukrain»»»
Syria’s economic prospects: priorities and challenges
Damascus, April 23 (SANA) After one year in power, Syria’s government is focusing on reintegrating the country into the global political and economic system, seeking to end decades of sanctions and isolation. While officials say the most difficult phase has passed, the country still faces deep stru»»»
UAE flights disrupted: Where you can still travel today
Dubai: Air travel across the UAE continues to operate under strain nearly two months after the US-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted on February 28, with airlines relying on restricted air corridors, longer flight paths, and reduced schedules to maintain connectivity. The aviation sector has been am»»»
After first disappearing, Hungarian minister Szijjártó speaks out, alleging foreign interference (11 days after the election)
Our weekly digest of Hungarian politics continues as we report on developments after the historic April election and on the formation of the Tisza government. This week we cover the following topics: After 10 days, outgoing foreign minister Péter Szijjártó has resurfaced. The newly-victorious Tisza»»»
Cricket’s battle not to be overshadowed by the IPL
On April 25, the Indian Premier League will be halfway through its 19th edition. Coverage of it dominates the Indian-owned and based cricket media. Last week, Harsha Bhogle, one of its long-serving commentators and journalists, declared that the IPL “has to be one of the greatest sporting phenomena»»»
Trump reportedly draws up NATO ‘naughty list’ after Iran war split
The White House has reportedly drawn up a NATO “naughty and nice” list, sorting member states into tiers as it considers how to reward countries that backed the US war against Iran and punish those that did not. According to Politico, the internal paper was prepared ahead of NATO Secretary General »»»
Lack of Young Professionals, Aging Infrastructure Among Most Pressing Challenges for Bulgaria’s Water Supply Sector
A shortage of young professionals, significant water losses, and aging infrastructure continue to be among the most pressing challenges for Bulgaria’s water supply sector, said Bulgarian Water Association Chair Ivan Ivanov on Thursday in Ruse during a professional competition for water utility empl»»»
Media Review: April 23
The results of the April 19 parliamentary elections and the resignation of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov dominate Thursday’s news media. POLITICS & ELECTION RESULTS Dnevnik.bg has an article about the news members of Parliament who were elected on April 19. The 52nd National Assembly w»»»
Sustainability in agriculture tested by costs and market dynamics – insights from Re:Focus on Agribusiness 2026
Re:Focus on Agribusiness 2026, the agribusiness event organised by Business Review this week, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders in Bucharest for a day of discussions on the structural challenges and strategic direction of Romanian agriculture. Against a backdrop »»»
EIB Vice-President visits Romanian site forming central part of A1 motorway project
European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris today visited a site near the Romanian city of Curtea de Argeș where a section of the country’s first motorway across the Carpathian Mountains is being built. He observed work on a tunnel that is part of the planned A1 motorway, which i»»»
Peoples of Eurasia Cherish Their Values, Want to Be Independent - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The peoples of Eurasia cherish their values and want to be independent, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "We live in a unique space, in the space of Eurasia. Hundreds, if not thousands, of peoples and nationalities have lived together here throughout history. And»»»
Why UAE currency swap talks reflect economic strength, not stress
Dubai: Discussions over a potential currency swap line between the UAE and the US have drawn scrutiny this week, with analysts and officials stressing the move reflects precautionary planning rather than any sign of financial strain in the economy. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf»»»
Slovakia says getting Russian oil from repaired Ukraine pipeline
BRATISLAVA: Slovakia said it was receiving Russian oil on Thursday after Ukraine repaired the Druzhba pipeline which was damaged in a Russian attack in January. The pipeline has been at the center of a standoff between Ukraine, the European Union as well as Hungary and Slovakia, which still import »»»
EU unlocks €90bn Ukraine loan and toughest Russia sanctions yet — with a crucial caveat
The European Union voted on April 22 to simultaneously unlock its long-delayed €90bn EU loan for Ukraine and adopt the stalled twentieth sanctions package against Russia, in a diplomatic double act that had been blocked for months by Hungary and Slovakia — both of which finally »»»
EU unlocks €90bn Ukraine loan and toughest Russia sanctions yet — with a crucial caveat
The European Union voted on April 22 to simultaneously unlock its long-delayed €90bn EU loan for Ukraine and adopt the stalled twentieth sanctions package against Russia, in a diplomatic double act that had been blocked for months by Hungary and Slovakia — both of which finally »»»
Zelensky to join European leaders in Cyprus as EU unblocks €90bn Ukraine loan
President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with EU leaders Thursday in Cyprus as the bloc prepares to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, ending a prolonged deadlock. Hungary premier Viktor Orban had vetoed the funds until Kyiv repaired a pipeline hit by a Russian strike – work»»»
IFC expert: Green energy is the answer to cybersecurity
'Green' and renewable energy represents the answer to cybersecurity, Cristian Nacu, Senior Country Officer for Romania at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) told the Competitive Sustainability Summit in Bucharest on Thursday.'The European Union has legislation and agreements that we have s»»»
UN Security Council backs expanded support for Syria, 2026 aid plan
New York, April 23 (SANA) The U.N. Security Council held a special session on Syria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, with members emphasizing the need to scale up international support, ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integr»»»
Oil gains on lack of progress on US-Iran talks, Hormuz shipping still disrupted
SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended their gains on Thursday, rising more than $1 in the wake of stalled peace talks between Iran and the US and as both nations maintained restrictions on the flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures rose $1.26, or 1.2 percent, to $103.17 a barrel »»»
European Commissioner for Financial Services and Investments Union, in Romania on Thursday and Friday
The European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Maria Luis Albuquerque, is paying an official visit to Romania, April 23 - 24, informs the European Commission Representation in Romania.The European Commissioner will meet with the Governor of the National Bank»»»
Bolojan,discussion with Manfred Weber:I told him that I continue to assume responsibility of leading Executive
Liberal (PNL) leader, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, announced on Wednesday that he had conveyed to the president of the European People's Party, Manfred Weber, that he continues to assume the responsibility of leading the Executive, to ensure responsible governance, the continuation of reforms and t»»»
Manfred Weber:We see that PSD of Romania has stepped away from its pro-European commitments
Unfortunately, we see that the Social Democratic Party (PSD) of Romania has stepped away from its pro-European commitments and is now opposing the very measures agreed upon within the governing coalition, European People's Party (EPP) President Manfred Weber said on Wednesday in a social media post»»»
Zelensky to join EU leaders in Cyprus after 90-bn-euro loan unblocked
Nicosia: EU leaders will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Cyprus to celebrate the release of a 90-billion-euro ($105 billion) loan for Kyiv after a prolonged deadlock. Preliminary approval for the badly needed money came on Wednesday but a definitive si»»»
First oil shipments to Hungary reach Ukraine via Druzhba pipeline
The first crude oil shipments following the restart of the Druzhba pipeline have arrived in Ukraine, MOL announced on Wednesday on the website of the Budapest Stock Exchange. According to the statement, JSC Ukrtransnafta informed MOL that oil reception in Ukraine from Belarus via the pipeline syste»»»
Speaker, Spanish Ambassador hold talks on bilateral ties, regional security
Doha, Qatar: Shura Council Speaker H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has held talks with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar H E Alvaro Renedo Zalba, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional developments. According to a statement, the meeting review»»»
Qatar attends coordination meeting to prepare for Arab-European ministerial meeting
Cairo: The State of Qatar participated in a coordination meeting at the level of permanent representatives to the League of Arab States, held Wednesday at the General Secretariat’s headquarters, in preparation for the sixth Arab-European ministerial meeting scheduled to take place in Jordan, from J»»»
Europe’s jet fuel crisis: will flight cuts disrupt your summer holiday?
Europe’s summer getaway is under threat as airlines slash thousands of flights amid a deepening jet fuel crunch, raising alarm among holidaymakers. Lufthansa alone is scrapping 20,000 services through October to conserve fuel, the carrier announced on Tuesday, while airlines across the continent tr»»»
Greek National Wanted for EUR 5 Mln Financial Crimes Arrested in Plovdiv
A Greek national wanted internationally for financial crimes exceeding EUR 5 million has been arrested in Plovdiv, the Plovdiv Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry said following operational actions carried out on Wednesday by officers from the Criminal Police department. According to a Sc»»»
Nuclear energy is having a global revival 40 years after Chernobyl
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster fueled global fears about nuclear power and slowed its development in Europe and elsewhere. Four decades later, however, there’s a revival around the world, a trend that has been given a big boost by war in the Middle East. Over 400 nuclear reactors are operational in 31»»»
Iran War Means More Orders for US Defense Giants
US defense companies are reporting a surge in demand for military equipment, as the war in the Middle East prompts fresh orders from governments around the world. Earnings Tuesday signaled that 2026 will be another strong year after a robust 2025 in the wake of continuing conflicts in Gaza and Ukra»»»
Kyrgyzstan first targeted by EU anti-circumvention tool - | 24.KG
Envoys of the European Union, meeting in Brussels on April 22, approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, which had previously been blocked by Hungary and Slovakia due to the suspension of Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, Bloomberg reported. The envoys reached agreement after»»»
EU Committed to Sudan’s Territorial Integrity, Rejects Parallel Governance
The European Union has hinted at imposing additional sanctions aimed at Sudan’s war economy, and rejected what it called “parallel governance” in the country. A statement issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU reiterated the European Union’s “commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty »»»
Iran fires on 3 ships in the Strait of Hormuz as US maintains blockade and diplomacy stalls
DUBAI: Iran fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them Wednesday, intensifying its assault on shipping in the key waterway. The attacks came a day after US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports.The standoff betwe»»»
Poland faces demographic squeeze
Poland’s population is projected to shrink to 33.7 million by 2050 from more than 37.4 million in 2025, according to Ministry of Finance data cited by Andrzej Kubisiak during the European Economic Congress in Katowice. Kubisiak said the outlook for the next three decades is already clear, with both»»»
EU moves forward with drafting Montenegro accession treaty
EU member states have approved the establishment of a working group to draft Montenegro's accession treaty, officials said on April 22. The latest step signals renewed momentum for EU expansion and brings membership prospe»»»
A longer Iran conflict could boost risk for Ukraine securing missile defences, Zelenskiy says
Ukraine could face increased risks in securing US anti-missile defenses if the war in Iran goes on for an extended period of time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday. Zelensky, interviewed by CNN, said Ukraine received limited numbers of such weaponry because US production w»»»
Ukraine reopens Russian oil pipeline, clearing way for €90 billion EU loan after months-long 'blockade'
Ukraine has resumed pumping Russian crude through the 5,500 km Druzhba oil pipeline into Hungary and Slovakia after months of halted transit caused by war-related damage. The move immediately broke a political deadlock over a €90 billion (≈ $106 billion) European Union (EU) loan seen as vital finan»»»
UK, France agree 3-year deal to stop migrant crossings
Britain and France have agreed a new three-year deal to stop undocumented migrants making the risky journey across the English Channel, according to a French interior ministry roadmap seen by AFP Wednesday. Under the deal, France pledged to increase law enforcement on the coast by more than half to»»»
Tesla profits rose in the first quarter as Musk teases debut of new Roadster
NEW YORK: Tesla's profit rose in the first quarter as its car sales rebounded from a sharp slump in 2025. The electric vehicle maker run by billionaire Elon Musk said it earned $477 million in the quarter, up 17% from a year ago. Earnings per share totaled 13 cents. Adjusted for certain items, per »»»
Sinner’s mastery mindset makes him the man to beat
BENGALURU: Jannik Sinner was once viewed as an explosive talent custom-built for hardcourt tennis but the four-times Grand Slam champion’s assiduous work on his patience and control has made him the man to beat on clay heading into the French Open. It had long been assumed that in his era-defining »»»
Eye on Africa - EU resumes aid to Ethiopia following suspension over Tigray war
In tonight's edition: The European Union is set to resume budgetary aid to Ethiopia, which was suspended when a brutal civil war broke out in 2020. Also, Nigeria's jet fuel shortage is being driven by disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz that have curtailed global supplies. Plus it's the final »»»
Cabinet commends Amir’s efforts to de-escalate regional tensions
QNA Doha The Cabinet has commended the efforts of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in working to de-escalate tensions, promote peace, and prioritize diplomacy and dialogue as the primary means of resolving disputes. During its weekly meeting, chaired by Pr»»»
Shura speaker, Spain’s envoy discuss relations
QNA Doha Shura Council Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim on Wednesday held talks with Ambassador of Spain to Qatar HE Alvaro Renedo Zalba, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional developments. According to a statement, the meeting reviewed cooperation between th»»»
Airlines cancel flights amid Iran conflict
WASHINGTON: Global air travel remains severely disrupted, with many people unable to fly as planned to destinations after the Iran war forced the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Below is the latest on flights, in alphabetical order: Greece’s largest carri»»»
How the Strait of Hormuz blockade could ground Europe’s airlines within weeks
LONDON: Europe’s commercial aviation sector is moving closer to a jet fuel crunch as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to choke off supplies from the Gulf, threatening summer travel plans for millions and forcing airlines and governments to weigh rationing, cancellations and emergency fu»»»
Saud Abdulhamid’s form in Europe offers Saudi Arabia a boost ahead of World Cup
RIYADH: When Saud Abdulhamid made the move to Europe in 2024, signing for AS Roma from Al-Hilal, it signaled an exciting moment for the growth of Saudi footballers on the global stage. Just 380 minutes of playing time across eight appearances last season quickly caused that excitement to fade, howe»»»
Bayern Munich win eighth women's Bundesliga title
BERLIN: Bayern Munich became women's Bundesliga champions for the eighth time, and fourth in a row, after a 3-2 win at Union Berlin on Wednesday. The victory took Bayern an unassailable 15 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg, who could only manage a 0-0 draw Werder Bremen. With the scores level»»»