Sep 18, 2026, 08:00 AM UTC

Bulgaria's ruling Progressive Bulgaria party has submitted its parliamentary quota candidates for the Supreme Judicial Council, emphasizing their academic background and judicial experience. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that Budget 2027 will be adopted on schedule, asserting that "Bulgaria is returning to a normal political cycle after years of instability" while prioritizing administrative and judicial reforms.

However, local media have highlighted the party's internal communication structure. Four months after the election, public visibility remains heavily concentrated on Radev and a core team of roughly ten designated representatives, leaving most of Progressive Bulgaria's 131 lawmakers largely unknown to the public.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

German government officials met with UniCredit Chief Executive Andrea Orcel in Berlin to discuss the Italian bank's proposed acquisition of Commerzbank. The meeting follows two years of federal resistance, with authorities responding to UniCredit's growing market position. Social Democrat leader Lars Klingbeil also extended an invitation to Orcel for further discussions.

In broader commercial developments, an EY study revealed that DAX-listed corporations generated €52.6 billion in second-quarter operating profits—a 16 percent increase—despite ongoing domestic job cuts. Meanwhile, home decor retailer Depot cancelled store leases to renegotiate terms with landlords, and space technology company Isar Aerospace secured €200 million in funding from the European Space Agency.

Sources: Der Spiegel, FAZ, Tagesschau.

The Bank of Japan has increased its benchmark interest rate to 1.25 percent, marking the highest borrowing level in the country since 1995. The central bank made the decision in a divided vote among policy board members as it responds to rising inflation risks and pressures to stabilize the Japanese yen.

Following the announcement, stock indexes across Asia showed gains, with South Korea's Kospi rising 2.2 percent and China's primary benchmarks advancing. Conversely, Japan's broader Topix index declined 0.4 percent during the session. The policy shift reflects growing momentum toward monetary normalization despite internal debate over the timing and pace of future rate hikes.

Sources: Sweden Herald, Bloomberg

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have significantly expanded their control along Yemen's Red Sea coast, capturing the strategic port city of Mocha, Mayun Island, and the Hanish Islands. According to Yemeni military officials, the advance grants the group control over key areas adjacent to the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial maritime transit route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The territorial gains heighten security risks for global shipping and Saudi Arabian oil exports. The shift in regional dynamics leaves Gulf states facing difficult economic choices and potential pressure to re-engage diplomatically with Tehran. The offensive comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, further complicating efforts to secure vital international trade corridors.

Sources: Mediapool, Investor.bg, Nova TV, Point, Українська правда

Retail investor interest in Nigeria has surged following a public share offering in the oil refinery owned by Aliko Dangote, Africa's wealthiest individual. Over four billion shares, representing slightly more than three percent of the giant facility, were made available to investors, triggering widespread participation across the country.

The stock sale generated significant enthusiasm on social media platforms, where citizens celebrated acquiring a personal stake in the nation's premier energy asset. The massive facility, located near Lagos, is viewed as a pivotal project for transforming Nigeria's domestic refining capacity and reducing its reliance on imported petroleum products. Analysts note that the strong retail demand highlights public interest in domestic industrial development despite ongoing economic challenges.

Sources: BBC News