Austrian banking group Raiffeisen Bank International is partnering with crypto brokerage Bitpanda to roll out bitcoin and crypto trading for its 18 million customers across Central and Eastern Europe, starting with Albania, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico claimed some Western politicians are seeking conflict between NATO and Russia following what he called a "failed" strategy to defeat Moscow in Ukraine. He also cast doubt on NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause, saying Slovakia doesn't want war "because of some Article 5."
All 3,000 EU sanctions against individuals helping Russia's war effort could expire by September 21 if no compromise is reached, as France seeks to lift sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov under pressure from Azerbaijan. The dispute coincides with Russia opening new legal challenges over frozen assets and the U.S. expanding sanctions related to deported Ukrainian children.
Police in Austria confirmed rat poison was detected in a jar of HiPP baby food after the Germany-based manufacturer recalled products suggesting they may have been tampered with. Contaminated jars were also found in Czech Republic and Slovakia.
