Enlargement
Hahn: Carrot for Albania and Macedonia, customs union for Turkey
With the Western Balkans accession talks underway, the EU’s enlargement policy is advancing. In the case of Turkey, however, there is a deadlock. In an interview with EURACTIV Germany, Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn comments on the recent developments.
Ambassador: Turkey, EU should cooperate in safely returning Syrian refugees home
At the Varna summit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told his interlocutors that the EU should cooperate in Syria in terms of helping Syrian refugees to go back to their homes, Turkish ambassador to the EU Faruk Kaymakcı told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview.
Beyond coal, nationalism and EU accession: Squaring the circle for Kosovo
Joining the EU means meeting all of its rules and criteria, including energy legislation. But bloc-hopeful Kosovo, just like its other Balkan neighbours, is struggling to make any headway there, writes Philippe Charlez.
Croatian Parliament speaker cuts short visit to Serbia after flag incident
A Croatian parliamentary delegation cut short its official visit to Serbia on April 18 after an incident caused by Serbian Radical Party leader, MP and convicted war criminal Vojislav Šešelj. The incident highlighted the fragility of relations between erstwhile Balkan foes, more than 20 years after ethnic wars ended.
Kosovo, rule of law remain key for Serbia’s EU bid
The European Commission's latest enlargement report has acknowledged Serbia's progress in the fight against corruption and organised crime and its growing role in regional cooperation, but also highlighted a lack of improvement in the freedom of speech and media.
A year of opportunity for the Balkans
The fact that the Western Balkans is being increasingly prioritised on the European agenda is no longer sufficient To achieve real progress in EU integration, the Western Balkan countries need a clearly defined plan that includes a concrete timeframe for all six countries, writes Ilhan Kyuchyuk.
Commission proposes starting EU talks with Albania, Macedonia
The European Commission proposed on Tuesday (17 April) to open EU membership talks with Albania and Macedonia, in line with its new focus on the integration of the Western Balkans.
EU Parliament calls on Erdogan to release imprisoned Greek soldiers
In a resolution expected to be voted on today (17 April), the European Parliament will urge Turkey to release two Greek soldiers who were arrested last month, according to a document seen by EURACTIV.
Veteran politician Djukanovic sweeps back into power in Montenegro
Political heavyweight Milo Djukanović, bidding to take Montenegro into the European Union, swept back into power in Sunday's (15 April) presidential election after a two-year absence.
The case for a joint ‘Western Balkans six’ accession to the EU
There could be no stronger incentive to overcome regional disputes and normalise relations than if the region would receive a clear message that all six countries will join the EU at the same time, writes Bekim Çollaku.
Migrants in Serbia still face difficulties, EU official says
Migrants staying in Serbia are in a difficult situation and their integration into society should be enabled through education for minors and job opportunities for adults, a representative of the EU delegation to Serbia told EURACTIV.rs.