Politics · July 2026

Romania's Social Democrat leader Marcel Ciolacu on July 17 left the door open to a potential post-election alliance with the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), signaling a possible shift in the country's political landscape ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Bulgaria is not turning toward Russia but is simply too weak to help Ukraine, in comments on July 17. Bulgaria shared details of Magnitsky sanctions evasion schemes with the United States, according to a July 17 report. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa on July 17 challenged Bulgaria and Greece over their stance on Russia sanctions, asking whether they prioritize money or peace. Turkmenistan is targeting a trade route through Georgia's Black Sea cargo terminal, as reported on July 17.