Enlargement
Serbian media under political pressure
One of Serbia's most important and most popular local weeklies, Vranje's Novine Vranjske, was shut down after management failed to settle its taxes. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Turkish asylum applications in Germany jump 55% this year, many rejected
The number of Turks seeking asylum in Germany is up sharply this year and has been rising steadily since last year's failed military coup in Turkey, German government data showed on Monday (18 September).
Serbia’s gay PM at Pride takes tolerance ‘one step at a time’
Serbia's lesbian prime minister said Sunday (17 September) that she was working "one step at a time" towards a more tolerant society, as she joined Belgrade's annual gay march held under heavy security.
It is not easy being LGBT in Serbia
Belgrade's annual Pride Week began on Monday (11 September) and will end with a march on Sunday (17 September). Pride parades were held over the past few years with strong security measures and, in the meantime, Serbia elected a gay prime minister. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Juncker waves ‘credible EU prospects’ at Balkans, but no fast membership
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker stayed true to form on the EU's enlargement prospects in his annual address on Wednesday (13 September), calling for a "credible enlargement perspective" for the Western Balkans while ruling out any fast track to membership.
EU auditors praise water quality efforts in new member states
European Union funding has been well spent on improving drinking water quality by Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors. But a funding gap could undermine progress made so far.
Two ways to settle the border issue between Slovenia and Croatia
The international arbitration court decision is balanced and reasonable and Slovenians and Croats should be able to live with it, writes Žiga Turk.
Estonian Presidency passes Turkey decision to Bulgaria
Estonia, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, made it clear that no decision would be made following Angela Merkel's call to end Turkey’s membership talks this year, passing the responsibility to the next presidency – Turkey’s neighbour, Bulgaria.
Greece and Bulgaria sign ‘Sea2Sea’ project, hoping for EU funding
Sofia and Athens signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday (6 September) for the construction of a high-speed railway, hoping to attract foreign investment and establish strong links in a region historically known for divisions and antagonism between neighbours.
Survey: Serbia’s heart is in the East, pocket in the West
Serbians are realistic where their own lives are concerned. But their opinion of the country's international position is irrational. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Macedonia says ‘big step’ made in name row with Greece
Macedonia hailed a "big step" towards resolving a quarter-century-old dispute with neighbour Greece on Tuesday (5 September) over its name that has seen it blocked from NATO and European Union membership talks.
Slovenia says it would be ‘very funny’ if Croatia joined Schengen
Slovenia on Monday (4 September) warned fellow EU member Croatia that failure to implement the Piran ruling will amount to a breach of the EU's rule of law.
Turkey and Hungary find common ground after Germany’s election debate
The foreign ministers of Turkey and Hungary supported each other in exposing what they called “populism” and “hypocrisy” in Germany's televised pre-election debate, in which their countries were singled out.
Ukraine reform plans: Away from Russia and towards European integration
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsynadze, tasked with European integration, described in an interview the importance of the country's Association Agreement with the EU. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Trans-Europe Express: Erdogan is bad for everyone
He never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. So went the Abba Eban-penned 1973 slogan used to describe the late PLO chief, Yasser Arafat, who was routinely blamed for failing to secure peace with Israel.
Serbian labour debate focuses on minimum wage
The Serbian government's Social and Economic Council, unions and the Serbian Association of Employers, have launched negotiations over the minimum wage for 2018. Labour leaders face an uphill battle. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Greek FM visits Skopje to build trust for ‘substantial’ talks on name dispute
Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias will meet on Thursday (31 August) with politicians in Skopje in order to build up further trust between the two countries. But it’s still “early” for a discussion about the name dispute, diplomatic sources told EURACTIV.com.
Juncker says Erdogan’s Turkey taking giant steps away from EU
Turkey is taking "giant steps" away from Europe and it is entirely the fault of the "Erdoğan system", European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Tuesday (29 August) in his strongest comments to date against Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's rule.
Drought takes its toll on Serbia’s economic growth
Serbia plans to compensate for lower than planned GDP growth in 2017. Although, according to officials, economic indicators are good, the drought has taken its toll and forced the government to change its estimates. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Gabriel: Turkey will never be EU member under Erdogan
Turkey will never be a member of the European Union as long as it is governed by Tayyip Erdoğan, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Thursday (24 August), accusing the Turkish president of failing to take accession talks with the bloc seriously.
Serbia recalls embassy staff from Macedonia in spat over Kosovo
Serbia has recalled embassy staff from its southern neighbour Macedonia on Monday (21 August), after reports that Skopje was joining international diplomatic efforts to grant the former Serbian province of Kosovo membership of the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO.
Kosovo’s election deadlock blocks funds, recognition
Kosovo's failure to establish a government two months after an election is stalling its bids for greater international recognition and blocking funds for the poverty-stricken country.
Turkey criticises Merkel, says Germany can’t dictate EU policy
Turkey's EU minister said on Thursday (17 August) that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's comments about halting the expansion of a customs union between Ankara and the European Union harmed the credibility of the bloc.
UN official: Kosovo deadlock has hurt country’s economy
Kosovo's failure to form a government two months after snap elections has hurt the country economically and socially, the head of the UN mission there said on Wednesday (17 August).