France in focus - 2030 Winter Games: Will France rise to the challenge?
After lighting up the streets of Paris in 2024, the Olympic flame will be making a return to France in 2030, when the French Alps are set to welcome the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Organisers have promised financially and environmentally sustainable games, where 93 percent of pre-existing infr»»»
Justice Minister Convokes Supreme Judicial Council to Consider New Acting Prosecutor General
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Andrey Yankulov is convening a plenary session of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on February 26, the Justice Ministry press service reported on Friday. The single item on the agenda will be appointing an acting prosecutor general. In his r»»»
Media Review: February 20
POLITICS All dailies report on the new caretaker government, headed by caretaker PM Andrey Gurov. *** Trud writes that Bulgaria’s 106th government, the 12th caretaker cabinet, is sworn in on February 19, 2026, and that political scientist Milena Stefanova warns its work risks sliding into the elect»»»
Dinar-to-euro exchange rate at RSD 117.4159
BELGRADE - The Serbian dinar's official median exchange rate against the euro is 117.4159 dinars for one euro on Friday, which is a slight change relative to Thursday, the National Bank of Serbia said. The dinar is nearly steady against the euro m-o-m, down by 0.2 pct y-o-y and down by 0.1 pct rela»»»
Red Star Belgrade beat Lille 1-0 away in first leg of UEFA Europa League play-offs
LILLE - Serbian football champions Red Star Belgrade defeated French side Lille 1-0 away in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 play-offs on Thursday evening. One minute into first-half injury time, Franklin Tebo Uchenna netted the winner from close range after a Nair Tiknizyan corn»»»
IULIUS’ business model evolves from real estate to integrated economic hubs
Mixed-use urban development projects, which combine multiple functions, from retail to office and entertainment have proven their attractiveness to communities, becoming favourite destinations. Their new generation has raised the bar, giving cities back areas that were once grey and underutilized, »»»
Bulgaria: Interim Prosecutor General Appointment on Agenda as Justice Minister Seeks SJC Action
Acting Minister of Justice Andrey Yankulov has called a plenary session of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) for February 26, with the sole agenda item being the appointment of a new interim Prosecutor General. Yankulov cited the ongoing legal and institutional crisis caused by Borislav Sarafov, w»»»
Snowstorm Paralyzes Vienna Airport
Massive snowstorms caused power outages and transport chaos in Austria on Friday, forcing the Vienna airport to temporarily halt all flights. Flights departing from the capital, a major European hub, were cancelled or delayed, and more than 230 arrivals were similarly disrupted or rerouted. "Passen»»»
Two More Cabinet Members Must Go, TISP Says
"Tzitzelkov has fallen, and it is Yankulov's turn," There Is Such a People (TISP) Deputy Floor Leader Stanislav Balabanov told journalists in Parliament's lobby on Friday. He was referring to the resignation earlier in the day of Stoil Tzitzelkov as carertaker deputy prime minister. Andrey Yankulov»»»
Four in five Romanians would face financial strain in case of an emergency – survey
Nearly 57% of Romanians believe it is risky to live uninsured, while 90% say they feel vulnerable to unforeseen events such as accidents, health problems, income loss, or a death in the family, according to a survey published by Allianz-Țiriac Asigurări, cited by Agerpres. Four out of five responde»»»
Bulgaria: Political Tensions Rise as Allegations Against Deputy PM for Fair Elections Escalate (UPDATED)
President Iliana Yotova said she would promptly sign a decree relieving Deputy Prime Minister for Fair Elections Stoil Tsitselkov of his duties, provided such a proposal is submitted by caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov. She made the statement in an interview with bTV, her first since assuming»»»
British millionaire, Asos co-founder, dies in Thailand
Dubai: A co-founder of online fashion retailer ASOS has died after falling from the balcony of a high-rise apartment block in Thailand, according to a report by the BBC. Quentin Griffiths was named by Thai police as the man found dead on the ground in the eastern seaside city of Pattaya on February»»»
Head of Cabinet shown solar energy projects in Issyk-Kul region - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev paid a working visit to Issyk-Kul region, where he reviewed the progress of several major renewable energy projects. In the village of Toru-Aigyr in Issyk-Kul district, he examined the construction of a solar power plant being im»»»
Supreme Judicial Council to Convene Session to Appoint New Acting Prosecutor General
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Andrey Yankulov is convening a plenary session of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on February 26, the Justice Ministry press service reported on Friday. The single item on the agenda will be appointing an acting prosecutor general. In his r»»»
Trump 'Board of Peace' opens with money and troops for Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump promised $10 billion and Muslim-majority nations offered funding and troops for Gaza as he inaugurated his "Board of Peace," a new institution whose ultimate mission has drawn questions. Trump brought together allies from around the world -- many authoritarians, with few»»»
Romanian CEOs most optimistic in CEE despite mounting pressures – survey
Nearly two thirds of business leaders (62%) expect threats facing companies to increase in 2026, yet more than four in five (85%) remain optimistic about the growth prospects of their own organisations, according to a global survey conducted by Grayling among senior executives in IT, finance, energ»»»
Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein
The former Prince Andrew was arrested and held for hours by British police Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein, an extraordinary move in a country where authorities once sought to shield the royal family from embarrassment.»»»
UK police say former prince Andrew 'released under investigation'
British police said late Thursday that former prince Andrew had "been released under investigation" after being arrested and held for hours on suspicion of misconduct while he was a trade envoy. "We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded," Thames Valley Police said in a sh»»»
Bulgaria: Gyurov Accepts Tsitselkov’s Resignation, Takes Responsibility for Appointment
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov has publicly addressed the resignation of Stoil Tsitselkov from his post as Deputy Prime Minister for Fair Elections, affirming that the decision to appoint him was entirely his own and that he takes full responsibility for it. Gyurov made his remarks during a»»»
Turkish Police Detain Deutsche Welle Journalist over Social Media Posts
Turkish police have detained investigative journalist Alican Uludag on suspicion of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and spreading misinformation, sparking outrage among journalism groups. Uludag, who works for German broadcaster Deutsche Welle’s Turkish service, was taken from his home in »»»
President: Conflicting Assessments Prompted Euro Referendum Initiative
President Iliana Iotova said an initiative for a referendum on the euro adoption by Bulgaria was driven by conflicting assessments from national institutions and European partners about Bulgaria’s readiness to join the eurozone, speaking on This Morning. President Rumen Radev, with Iliana Iotova th»»»
MRF - New Beginning Highlights Role of Mother Tongue on International Day
MRF - New Beginning MP Erten Anisova said on Friday that the mother tongue is the first homeland and the closest link between the past and the future, presenting a declaration on behalf of her parliamentary group to mark International Mother Language Day on February 21. She called for remembering t»»»
Vazrazhdane to Hold Referendum on Establishing Immigration Detention Centres
Vazrazhdane Floor Leader Kostadin Kostadinov stated in a declaration from the parliamentary podium Friday that they will hold a referendum at the Sredets, Burgas Region and Simeonovgrad, Haskovo Region on establishing immigration detention centres. He added that this follows a former Zhelyazkov cab»»»
Iran warns US bases, assets 'legitimate targets' if it attacks
Iran has warned that U.S. bases, facilities and assets would be "legitimate targets" if the United States follows through on its military threats and attacks. Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter to U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres an»»»
Trump issues Iran with ultimatum as US ramps up military presence
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran must make a "meaningful deal" in negotiations with Washington in the next 10 days or else "bad things happen", as he deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the region. "It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a»»»
SVN Romania adds to its portfolio the most exclusive residential project in northern Bucharest
Allegra will be one of the most exclusive real estate projects on the local market, bringing together only seven apartments in a boutique residential building structured on four levels. Each residence will have a total area of at least 150 square meters and will consist of three bedrooms, three or »»»
Business - Renewed tensions threaten European fighter jet project
What fate awaits Europe’s Future Combat Air System? The joint programme to modernise military aviation in France, Germany and Spain has hit turbulence, as tensions rise between the partners designing a next-generation fighter jet – and questions grow over whether Berlin might quit the defence »»»
MOL Group announces a profit before tax of USD 1.3 billion in 2025
MOL Group disclosed its financial results for the full year as well as the fourth quarter of 2025. A more challenging macroeconomic and price environment weighed on Upstream performance, while strong Downstream and Consumer Services results supported overall profitability. Profit before tax reached»»»
South Korea’s Ex-President Yoon Apologizes After Life Sentence Over Martial Law
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Friday for his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024, a day after a Seoul court sentenced him to life in prison for masterminding an insurrection. In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon said that while he was sorry f»»»
Southern part of Deng Xiaoping Avenue in Bishkek to be closed for repairs - | 24.KG
The southern side of Deng Xiaoping Avenue in Bishkek, from Intergelpo Street to Kainazarov Street (4,458 kilometers), will be temporarily closed for repairs starting February 24. The press service of the City Hall announced. According to the press service, the work will begin ahead of schedule due »»»
Oil prices rise on U.S.-Iran tensions
Singapore, Feb. 20 (SANA) Oil prices rose on Friday amid escalating concerns over a potential conflict between the United States and Iran and possible supply disruptions. Brent crude futures gained 25 cents, or 0.4%, to settle at $71.91 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 31 cen»»»
Moves follow stalled nuclear talks, with Trump warning of 'bad things' without a deal soon
As Iran issues blunt warnings of strikes on US bases and assets if war erupts, Washington is already on the move. Massive C-5M Super Galaxy cargo planes — among the largest military aircraft in the world — have been spotted heading into the Middle East, hauling heavy equipment as tensions spike. Th»»»
SCOR creates over 300 jobs in Tech & Data, Finance, and reinsurance operations in Bucharest
SCOR Bucharest aims to hire over 300 professionals by the end of 2026, including 100 in finance, 150 in technology and data, approximately 45 in Property & Casualty, and 20 colleagues in operations. The recruitment process to strengthen the SCOR Bucharest team began in January 2026, and currently, »»»
65,000 engaged: How Abu Dhabi is transforming early childhood
Abu Dhabi is stepping into 2026 with a renewed focus on families and young children, building on a year of record-breaking engagement and service expansion, the city’s Early Childhood Authority (ECA) said. Dr Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of ECA’s Knowledge & Impact Sector, highlighted that»»»
MP Raad from Ain Al-Tineh: Our position is fully aligned with that of Speaker Nabih Berri, we’ll run jointly in the upcoming elections nationwide - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe MP Raad from Ain Al-Tineh: Our position is fully aligned with that of Speaker Nabih Berri, we’ll run jointly in the upcoming elections nati»»»
Head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc MP Mohammad Raad visits Speaker Nabih Berri in his residence in Beirut’s Ain Al-Tineh - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc MP Mohammad Raad visits Speaker Nabih Berri in his residence in Beirut’s Ain Al-Tineh 20-02-2026 11:»»»
UAE economy grows 5.1% to Dh1.4 trillion on strong non-oil expansion
Dubai: The UAE economy expanded steadily during the first nine months of 2025, with gross domestic product reaching about Dh1.4 trillion, supported by continued strength in non-oil sectors and broad-based growth across key industries. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Da»»»
Tamchy financial and investment zone to be built in Issyk-Kul district - | 24.KG
Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev participated in the capsule-laying ceremony for the construction of Tamchy Special Financial and Investment Zone (SFIT) in Issyk-Kul district. The Cabinet of Ministers’ press service reported. Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Chairman emphasized that the Tamchy»»»
G-Dragon delivers power-packed finale with Big Bang reunion tease: KRAZY Super Concert Dubai recap
Dubai: Dubai witnessed an unforgettable night of K-Pop and pop energy on Tuesday, 17 February, as the KRAZY Super Concert brought some of the biggest names from Asia’s music scene to the stage. From high energy performances to fan chants and iconic hits, the concert was everything a K-pop fan dream»»»
President Iotova Calls for Better Communication after US Military Aircraft Appear at Sofia Airport
Bulgaria’s presidential institution has received formal notification from the Ministry of Defence that US Air Force aircraft currently stationed at Sofia Airport are present to support a planned military exercise, President Iliana Iotova said on Friday. She was speaking in a wide-ranging interview »»»
PM Gurov Briefs Media after Tzitzelkov's Departure
"I put my trust in everyone joining this Cabinet that they join with their conscience clear, and today I accept responsibility for this choice," Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov told a news briefing at the Council of Ministers on Friday after accepting the resignation of Stoil Tzitze»»»
President Iotova Says Lack of Clear Reason to Limit Voting Sections outside EU Drove Her to Veto Election Code Revisions
President Iliana Iotova vetoed amendments to the Election Code that limit the number of polling stations outside the European Union to 20, as no one was able to give her “a satisfactory explanation as to why the number must be set at exactly 20,” she said in a wide-ranging interview on bTV on Frida»»»
US reportedly pushes Nato to scale back Kosovo operation and other foreign missions
The United States under President Donald Trump is pressing Nato to significantly reduce its foreign engagements, including scaling down the alliance’s long-running peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, Politico reported on February 19, citing statements from four diplomats. »»»
US reportedly pushes Nato to scale back Kosovo operation and other foreign missions
The United States under President Donald Trump is pressing Nato to significantly reduce its foreign engagements, including scaling down the alliance’s long-running peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, Politico reported on February 19, citing statements from four diplomats. »»»
Lithuanian-led defence tech startup secures €40mn to scale up
Onodrim Industries, a defence technology startup headquartered in Amsterdam and led by Lithuanian executive Aistis Simaitis, has raised €40mn in fresh investment to accelerate its growth, the company said in a press release. »»»
Russia Blasts Ukraine's Paralympic Boycott: 'Trampling on the Principles of Olympism'
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine is trying to trample on both the principles of Olympism and the foundations of humanity, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik on Friday, commenting on Ukraine's decision to boycott the Paralympic Games. On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Aff»»»
Dems. tap Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger for State of the Union response - UPI.com
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, seen here campaigning in November 2025, is to give the Democrats' response next week to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has been tapped to give the »»»
Ankabut, Dell Technologies sign MoU to expand high-performance digital learning in the UAE
Abu Dhabi: Ankabut, the UAE’s leading education cloud and network service provider, and Dell Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance technological innovation within the country’s education sector. The agreement, signed by Walid Yehia, Managing Director – South Gulf, »»»
Kyrgyzstan leads in number of visits by Uzbeks in January 2026 - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan became the most popular destinations for Uzbeks in early 2026, podrobno.uz reports. According to the website, tourism activity among Uzbek citizens increased significantly in January 2026, with nearly 590,000 people traveling abroad. According to the National Statistical C»»»
Kyrgyzstan develops unified geoinformation system for veterinary monitoring - | 24.KG
The Veterinary, Livestock, Pastures and Feed Development Service under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic has announced the launch of a project to create a geoinformation system for registering and monitoring anthrax outbreak sites — GIS SUMO»»»