Balkans

As three-way negotiations continue on control of nothern checkpoints, local Serbs threaten to block roads if Kosovo’s government obtains control of two border crossings. Leaders of the Serb National Council said international criticism would not dissuade them from taking direct action if the Albanian-led Kosovo government

Montenegrin politicians have passed a law reforming the country’s outdated electoral system and helping Montenegro on its journey towards EU accession.

Serbian President Boris Tadić says that Serbia has done everything on its EU pathway to start the negotiations, adding that it does not expect any privileges. The Forum will bring together over 400 ministers, intellectuals, representatives of the non-government sectors and reporters from the EU and the region

Macedonia’s Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi will be heading to Croatia on Friday for an official visit. Besimi will meet with his Croatian counterpart Davor Bozinovic and Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Drago Lovric to discuss modalities to further promote the bilateral cooperation and the cooperation within the Adriatic Group. …

Council of Europe (CoE) President Herman Van Rompuy has commended Serbia’s EU efforts. He also congratulated the Serbian parliament, government and President Boris Tadić on their European engagement. “I am glad to visit Belgrade again. I would like to congratulate to the Serbian parliament and government on their European engagement …

It is very unlikely that Serbia will get a starting date for EU membership negotiations by the end of the year, said Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic. According to him the country has to continue fulfilling reforms, irrespective of the rate of advancing to the EU. “When Serbia will obtain …

Serbian President Boris Tadic has said Serbia did everything possible to ensure talks with the EU and does not expect any privileges, or facilitation. “We cannot accept new conditions,” said Tadic. According to him Serbia’s EU bid policy has no alternative.

Macedonia and Greece are seeking a name in English for diplomatic communication, said the UN special representative for the naming dispute between the two countries, Matthew Nimetz. Nimetz noted this was a perfect moment for making more efforts to resolve the issue. “The whole world would like to see the …

A NATO committee visiting Kosovo on Thursday said the alliance needed to remain present in Kosovo, citing the recent upsurge of violence in the north. NATO’s Military Committee, the primary source of military advice for NATO’s decision-making bodies, concluded

The OSCE ambassador in Tirana says Albania has only two years to pass vital legislation before presidential and general elections again consume everyone’s attention. “If you really want to show the Albanian public and your international partners that you take your responsibilities and obligations seriously, then