Ansa news

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 19 - "We are ready to assist Ukraine once we have reclaimed our oil, which they are currently blocking. Until then, Hungary will not support any decision that benefits Ukraine," Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated upon arriving at the European Summit. "We're waiting for the oil; everything else is a fairy tale. We only believe in facts," he insisted, referring to the issue as "existential." "Without that oil, or even a few drops, Hungarian businesses would go bankrupt. In…

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAR 18 - MOL Slovenia, the country's second largest fuel trader, has implemented fuel rationing throughout its network of petrol stations, according to Slovenian news agency STA. Private individuals are limited to 30 litres per visit, whereas legal entities and trucks are restricted to 200 litres. Shell has reportedly implemented caps as well, while market leader Petrol has refrained from doing so for the time being, according to the STA. The measure aims to ensure equitable access…

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 18 - Premier Giorgia Meloni and nine other EU member country leaders wrote to the EU authorities Wednesday asking for a review of the bloc's Emissions Trading System (ETS) including an extension of free quotas beyond 2034. In a letter addressed to EU leaders, the leaders of Italy, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia call for a "thorough review" of the ETS system that includes "an extension of free EU allowances beyond…

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAR 18 - Slovenia saw an increase in irregular migrants arriving in early 2026, with police recording 3,576 cases of illegal border crossings in the first two months of the year, according to the Slovenian news agency STA. This marks a 50% increase over the same period last year (2,385). Citizens of Afghanistan constituted the largest group, followed by Egyptians and Bangladeshis. (ANSA).

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAR 18 - "Imec is a strategic initiative that connects resources and brings together all those with the will and skills to act. It is a bridge that stimulates economic growth and enables people to realize their values with resilience, in diversified and sustainable economies. This is critical. Your presence here in Trieste strengthens the connection between Asia and Europe in a rapidly changing world." This was said yesterday in Trieste by Dubravka Šuica, EU Commissioner for the…

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAR 18 - "Ince is very close to our hearts, because it has been a platform for dialogue, political support and regional neighborliness, which has also enabled our accession process, and we are extremely grateful for the role Romania has at this time." Oana Toiu, Romania's Foreign Minister, said this yesterday speaking at the 30-year Ince summit. "Now I have the honor of the presidency this year, and therefore to be able to contribute to the neighborhood process. But I am also here…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 18 - A few days before Slovenia's March 22 election, outgoing Prime Minister Robert Golob announced an investigation into electoral interference by Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube. According to Euractiv, the new investigation has been linked to Janez Janša, the conservative leader of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), who will challenge outgoing Prime Minister Golob in the upcoming elections. The news site claims Janša and Black Cube engaged in a "smear campaign"…

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAR 18 - Fuel prices in Slovenia are expected to rise beginning next week, with diesel prices rising more significantly. "Despite maximum government intervention, we expect diesel to increase by 12 cents per litre," Slovenian Environment, Energy, and Climate Minister Bojan Kumer told the press on Wednesday, according to Slovenian news agency STA. Regular petrol prices are expected to rise more modestly, according to the STA. Kumer also stated that the government will further reduce…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 18 - Russia has targeted NATO state and military communications through satellite dishes installed at its embassy in Vienna, according to the Financial Times' European edition, quoting a diplomat who described the Austrian capital as "one of the most important hubs for Russian operations in Europe," emphasising that Moscow is targeting not only European communications but also those from the Middle East and Africa. According to the financial newspaper, numerous satellite dishes…

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 18 - A fire broke out at the Serbia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale on Wednesday. Strong winds complicated fire-fighting operations. (ANSA).

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 18 - "We are in an emergency situation with multiple ongoing conflicts. The geopolitical context requires us to be specific. Nowhere are the prices of emissions rights as high as in our country," warns Confindustria president Emanuele Orsini, who, in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, reiterates the industrialists' call on Europe to halt the European Emissions Trading System. The ETS "should be temporarily suspended, pending a rapid and more comprehensive…

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 17 MAR - "WHO/Europe and CEI stand close to the Western Balkans in supporting the EU accession process, including by strengthening health systems, preparedness and equity". Fabio Scano, WHO Special Envoy of the Regional Director for the Western Balkans, said this participating in the event in Trieste to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Central European Initiative reaffirming its "long-standing collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe". Scano also mentioned the…

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAR 17 - Following last week's announcement of a phased release of petroleum reserves, the Slovenian government on Wednesday postponed the plan after determining that current fuel supplies are adequate, according to Slovenian news agency STA. The Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Energy has ruled out any immediate government intervention, but it will continue to monitor market conditions. According to Petrol, one of Slovenia's main fuel distributors, the increased demand is…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 17 - "For Slovenia and the Slovenian ethnic minority in Italy, adequate political representation is of critical importance, which is why we will continue to support the Slovenian minority in resolving this issue," Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon told her Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani today, according to Slovenian news agency STA. Fajon attended the Central European Initiative executive secretariat's 30th anniversary conference in Trieste. Fajon also called for…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 17 - "Italy intends to join the Three Seas Initiative as a strategic partner," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced in his speech at the CEI's 30th anniversary summit, adding that joining "will make Trieste and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region increasingly key players and a bridge for dialogue between the Adriatic, the Black Sea, and the Baltic Sea." Tajani then focused on Trieste on "National Unity Day," a city that was once a symbol of division but is now a crossroads…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 17 - Following a complex investigation led by the Trieste District Anti-Mafia Directorate, Carabinieri from the Monfalcone (Gorizia) Company dismantled a criminal organisation dedicated to facilitating the illegal immigration of Chinese citizens. The investigation, which began in August 2025 in response to reports from several witnesses in Villesse, allowed the organisation to reconstruct the gang's method of operation: migrants smuggled through the eastern border and the…

(ANSA-AFP) - BRUSSELS, MAR 17 - EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday the bloc will help reopen a damaged pipeline that pumps Russian oil to Hungary -- which has accused Ukraine of stalling repairs in an escalating row. "The EU has offered Ukraine technical support and funding. The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer," von der Leyen said in a statement, published alongside an acceptance letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "European experts are available immediately,"…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 17 - "I believe that the Balkan countries' accession process cannot be ignored: first the Balkan countries, then Ukraine," stated Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at a press conference prior to the CEI summit in Trieste. "Italy's exclusion from the Balkan market would be problematic. We will do everything possible to hasten the accession of Balkan candidate countries to the European Union. We will continue to move forward with this…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 17 - The Panhellenic Federation of Taxi Drivers (Poeiata) has called an indefinite nationwide strike beginning today to demand the withdrawal of a bill that will be debated in Parliament in the coming days and, according to workers, puts the industry at risk. The bill specifically requires that all new taxis registered in Greece's largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, be electric vehicles. The union believes that the implementation of this requirement should be delayed…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 17 - "The Central European Initiative (CEI) discovered, with the establishment of an Executive Secretariat in Trieste thirty years ago, the political maturation of a project capable of contributing to the overcoming of many divisions that had crossed the continent. Over time, and thanks to Italy's impetus and vision, the Initiative has established itself as a stable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual trust among member countries, with the goal of facilitating…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 16 - Serbia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djurić, will attend a ceremony in Trieste on March 17 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative. Djurić will attend the ceremony, participate in panels, and hold bilateral meetings. During his visit to Trieste, the Serbian foreign minister will also open the exhibition "In the Footsteps of the Roman Emperors" at the Sartorio Civic Museum, which is organised by the Ministry…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 16 - Iran has warned Romania that making its military bases available to the US would be considered military aggression against the Islamic Republic. According to international media, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned of a "rapid political and legal response." "If Romania makes its bases available to the US, this would mean participating in military aggression against Iran," Baghaei stated during his weekly press conference, calling such an outcome…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 16 - Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will be in Trieste tomorrow to attend a conference commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Central European Initiative (CEI) Executive Secretariat and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) Forum, according to a press release from Farnesina. The CEI Secretariat, in collaboration with Italy and Romania, which hold the Presidency for 2026, is organising the 30th Anniversary Conference with the Istituto Affari Internazionali.…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 16 - "The 44 signatories of the rapid response system decided on Friday to activate this mechanism today," which will begin operations today. At his daily press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier mentioned the measures put in place ahead of the Hungarian elections to combat potential Russian online disinformation campaigns. "This is a voluntary system in which not only large platforms, such as TikTok and Meta, collaborate with fact-checkers and civil…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 16 - "I don't see NATO being able to take charge of the Strait of Hormuz or having made a decision. If that were the case, NATO bodies would deal with it," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said upon arriving at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, in response to a question about the Alliance's potential role following statements by Donald Trump. Trump warned of a "very negative future" for NATO if it does not contribute to operations related to the war with Iran. (ANSA).

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 16 - "I have not followed these discussions in detail, but it is clear that Poland is a very strong European member state, and, particularly on the eastern flank, its support for Ukraine, as well as its role as a logistical hub for Ukraine, has been critical," EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated upon her arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council, regarding Polish President Karol Nawrocki's veto of the EU defense investment program. "I hope it remains so," she added. (ANSA).

(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, 15 MAR - "Polexit is a real threat today." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote this on X, returning to his attack on President Karol Nawrocki after the decision to block the law—already approved by Parliament—that would have allowed Poland to unlock €43.7 billion in European loans from the Safe program. "The Confederation" of Polish radical right-wing parties "and the majority of PiS both want it, and Nawrocki is their protector. Russia, the American Maga party, and…

(ANSA-AFP) - BUDAPEST, 15 MAR - Tens of thousands joined a Budapest rally in support of Hungarian premier Viktor Orban on Sunday, just four weeks before elections that pose an unprecedented challenge to his 16-year rule. Later Sunday, opposition leader Peter Magyar is set to stage a rival march, also in the country's capital, as both Magyar and Orban push allegations of foreign interference in the April 12 elections. While Orban has sought to portray the opposition leader as a "puppet" of Brussels…

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, 15 MAR - The Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicle Registration came into force in Kosovo today, requiring holders of documents and license plates issued by the Pristina authorities for residence permits exceeding three months. However, this measure was amended yesterday, thanks to a last-minute agreement reached with EU mediator Peter Sorensen, allowing members of the Serbian community in Kosovo to continue using their Belgrade-issued identity documents for another 12 months.…

(ANSA-AFP) - KYIV, 15 MAR - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told his European allies that pressure to re-open the Druzhba oil pipeline transporting Russian crude was like "blackmail", he said in remarks released Sunday. The Soviet-era pipeline that crosses Ukraine was damaged in a Russian strike in January, Kyiv says. Ukraine says repairs could take up to six weeks, angering both Hungary and Slovakia, which depend on the pipeline for much of their energy needs. Hungary and Slovakia have threatened…