Turkey hosts direct talks between Russia and Ukraine

Negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine are starting in Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met late last night with the Russian delegation headed by Vladimir Medinsky, BTA reported. Sources close to the Turkish Foreign Ministry reported that an agreement has been reached to hold talks between the Turkish, Ukrainian and Russian delegations. A representative of the US administration will probably also participate in the talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, quoted by TASS.

In connection with the talks in Istanbul a US delegation led by the country's Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived, as well as delegations from Russia and Ukraine, headed respectively by Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Edi Rama wins fourth term as Prime Minister of Albania

The Socialist Party of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama won over 52% of the vote in the parliamentary elections on May 11. Rama receives an unprecedented fourth term at the head of the country, BTA reported. With this result, the socialists significantly overtook the opposition coalition formed around the main opposition party - the Democratic Party of Albania of former Prime Minister and President Sali Berisha.

About forty parties participated in the elections on Sunday, which were to determine the distribution of 140 seats in parliament, as the voter turnout was just over 42%. For the first time the Albanian diaspora also had the opportunity to cast their vote.

The elections were closely monitored by the EU and were seen as a test of the democratic maturity of this Balkan country, undoubtedly the most pro-European in the region, which for several decades in the 20th century was ruled by one of the most closed dictatorships in the world.

After his victory, Rama thanked the voters and promised that Albania would become a member of the EU within 5 years. The opposition, represented by Berisha, announced that the elections were "rigged in the most criminal way", Euronews Bulgaria reports.

30% drop in foreign investments in Romania

Foreign direct investments in Romania decreased to almost 1.7 billion euros in the first quarter of 2025, compared to around 2.5 billion euros in the same period in 2024. This means a drop of over 30%, the National Bank of Romania calculated, quoted by Radio Romania International. As of the end of March, 260,000 companies with foreign participation were listed in the country's Commercial Register. The largest number of investors are from Italy – more than 54 thousand companies, with an authorized capital of 3.7 billion euros. However, 6,200 companies from the Netherlands hold capital of 13.2 billion euros.

During the week, business chambers in Romania expressed concerns about the deterioration of the business climate in the country. According to them, the prolonged electoral context has led to a delay in reforms on which the stability of jobs and investments depend, BTA reported.

On November 24, Romania held the first round of presidential elections, which were annulled by the Constitutional Court due to suspicions of Russian interference in favor of the far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu. On May 4, the first round of new presidential elections was held and according to the results the far-right candidate George Simion and the mayor of Bucharest, the pro-European mathematician Nicusor Dan, will run in the second round on May 18. A possible victory for Simion could isolate Romania, undermine private investment and destabilize NATO's eastern flank, where Bucharest plays a key role in providing logistical support to Ukraine, political observers quoted by BTA commented.

After dissatisfaction Greece makes a step back in conditions for motorhome holidays

After a strong public reaction, the Greek Ministry of Tourism announced a step back in the tightened conditions for motorhome holidays in the country when it comes to stopping and parking. The temporary stay of campers and caravans will take place in special zones, BNR correspondent Katya Peeva reported from Greece.

At the beginning of the month, an ordinance was introduced, which explicitly prohibited the placement or parking of campers and caravans in public areas such as parking lots, beaches, parks or forest areas, in order to preserve nature and protect cultural monuments.

Despite the easing of the conditions, it is still recommended to use campsites equipped with electricity and water.

Regarding caravans, the conditions remain strict. The condition according to which there cannot be more than one caravan on one property has not changed.

Compiled by: Miglena Ivanova

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: aa.com.tr, AP/BTA, Pixabay, greekcitytimes.com