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Russia halts oil supplies to Belarus after talks on a new supply contract fail

The previous supply contract expired on December 31, 2019 and the two sides had been trying to agree a new deal.

Bone-chilling threat to US issued by successor to assassinated Iranian general

“We tell everyone, be patient and see the dead bodies of Americans all over the Middle East,” says Esmail Ghaani. Donald Trump claims he “does not seek war”.

US killing of Iran’s top general risks all-out Middle East war

Tehran vows vengeance after Trump-authorised drone assassination of commander often seen as second most powerful figure in Islamic Republic.

Russia, Ukraine agree on new five-year transit deal as US slaps sanctions on Nord Stream 2, TurkStream pipelines

Ukraine and Russia have agreed on the principles of a five-year gas transit deal that still needs to be signed before December 29 just as the first US company suspends construction activities on Nord Stream 2 pipeline after new sanctions were imposed

Ukraine, Russia reach gas transit agreement 'in principle'

Ukraine and Russia have reached an agreement on natural gas transit from early January "in principle", Vice-President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic said following the trilateral talks in Berlin on December 19.

Bulgaria invites 5 companies to file binding bids for Belene nuclear project

The government in Sofia hopes to finish the project within 10 years at a cost of up to €10bn, but critics question its economic viability.

Armenia looks to Iran to enable gas swap deal with Turkmenistan

No gas transit deal with Russia “99% certain” as Ukraine hikes gas tariffs for local producers

The chances of no gas transit deal being struck between Ukraine and Russia before the December 31 deadline is “99% certain” Ukrainian officials told leading gas producer JKF.

Europe's nuclear power debate heats up as climate emergency grows closer

The new European Commission has set a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to avoid a climate disaster, but the target is controversial as the only way to get there is to ramp up the role nuclear power plays in producing Europe’s electricity.

Gazprom slashes investment for second year in a row

The management committee of Russia's Gazprom has approved a 16.5% cut in investments next year, marking the second annual reduction in a row, the state gas exporter reported on December 12.

Russia, Ukraine strike preliminary gas transit deal

Russia and Ukraine have struck a preliminary gas transit deal to replace the contract that is due to expire on December 31, 2019, Naftogaz executive director Yuriy Vitrenko said on his Facebook page.

Turkish drones flying from Northern Cyprus ‘to escort drill ships seen as illicit by EU’

Armed unmanned aerial vehicles among drones to operate from airport designated by breakaway territory’s cabinet.

Croatia's INA signs off on €537mn refinery upgrade

INA's investment at Rijeka will be the largest in its history, establishing the plant as a top-tier European refinery.

Poland spared commitment to EU 2050 climate neutrality goal – for now

The EU will strive to reach climate neutrality in 2050. Poland was the only country not to sign up for the goal and the discussion on how to get Warsaw on board will resume in June.

Poland is ready if Russia cuts gas transit to the EU across Ukraine this winter

Poland is ready if Russia cuts gas transit to the EU across Ukraine this winter, oil and gas company PGNIG said in a statement on December 11.

NEWSBASE: A closer look at Niger with Savannah Petroleum

Savannah is working to expand Niger’s oil production capacity in the Agadem Rift Basin, and it believes the country has the potential to attract additional outside investment.

Estonia and Latvia mull 1 GW offshore wind project

Offshore wind farm to add to low-carbon energy sources in the Estonian and Latvian energy mixes, in line with the EU’s climate goals. Estonia’s electricity production currently relies on burning oil shale and is among the dirtiest in Europe.

Rouhani says Iran's "resistance budget" has “least possible dependence on oil”

Sales of state bonds and properties to be used to help plug gap caused by lost orders for shipped crude.

Greece expels Libyan ambassador in row over maritime boundaries deal with Turkey that ignores Crete

Poland launches huge renewable energy auction in bid to improve energy mix

Polish energy market regulator URE launched an auction for up to 2.5 gigawatts of onshore wind power capacity as Warsaw seeks to meet the EU-required target of a 15% share of renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2020.

Poland’s oil and gas giant Orlen plans takeover of utility Energa

PKN Orlen aims to build a strong group capable of competing on the international market, but takeover plans raise questions about Energa’s controversial project to build a major new coal-fired power plant.

Putin accuses Bulgaria of deliberately delaying Turkish Stream

Russian president claims Bulgaria is under "international pressure" to delay pipeline project, while section via neighbouring Serbia is nearly finished.

The price Europe pays for Russian gas fell to its lowest level in 15 years

The price Europe pays for Russian gas fell to its lowest level in 15 years, according to Russian national gas company Gazprom’s accounts.

CEE “brimming with opportunities” in renewables — and airports

In a sign of the complex politics surrounding climate change, CEE has huge opportunities for investment into two growth areas: renewable energy and airports, finds a new study by law firm CMS.

Saxo Bank’s Outrageous Predictions 2020

What are the odds on China, Iran and Russia creating a new world currency? On Moscow slashing oil production? And on Hungary making a ‘Huxit’ while Trump gets an election hammering?