Kosovo and Serbia have reached an agreement on implementing a European Union-backed deal to normalize ties, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said late on Saturday, though the two leaders said disagreements remain. Kosovo and Serbia have been in EU-backed…
Thousands protest at Georgian ‘‘foreign agent’’ bill
Protesters have clashed with police in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, after parliament backed a controversial draft law which critics say limits press freedom and suppresses civil society. Riot police used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowds outside the…
Croatia begins new euro and Schengen zone era
Croatia is embarking on a historic year as it joins the border-free Schengen zone and ditches its own currency, the kuna, adopting the euro. The country committed to joining the eurozone when it became the EU’s newest member in 2013.…
EU accuses Meta of antitrust breaches with classified ads
The European Union has accused Facebook parent Meta of breaching the bloc’s antitrust rules by distorting competition in the online classified ads business. The bloc’s executive commission said Monday that it “takes issue” with the tech company tying its online…
EU corruption charges ‘very very worrisome’, says foreign policy chief
Arrests over alleged corruption at the European Parliament are “very, very worrisome”, the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said. And Irish Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney said the charges against four people were “very damaging”. Among the arrested…
EU ministers to address Schengen entry for Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania
EU home affairs ministers are in Brussels on Thursday to decide on admitting Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia to the Schengen area, with the latter having the best chance. The European Commission urged capitals in November, to let the trio join…
EU plans to begin talks on possible confiscation of Russia’s frozen assets on Nov. 30
European Union (EU) permanent representatives plan to start discussions on the possible confiscation of Russian assets and their potential use for the reconstruction of Ukraine at a meeting in Brussels on Nov. 30, according to the event’s provisional agenda. On…
Deal allowing Ukraine to export grain via Black Sea ports extended
The United Nations on Thursday announced that the deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely from its Black Sea ports despite Russia’s invasion has been extended. It was set to expire at the weekend. “The Black Sea Grain Initiative is…
EU’s von der Leyen accuses Russia of burning gas during G20 summit
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday, accused Russia of using its gas as a weapon, and destroying it instead of selling it. Von der Leyen made the accusation at the G20 summit as he responded to Western…
We need to keep 1.5 degree goal – EU president
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “everything” needs to be done to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Von der Leyen said this as world leaders meet in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss action against climate change.…