As Bosnia’s Statistics Agency announces a pilot census for this October, international monitors say the fate of the landmark 2013 census will depend on the success of the autumn test run.A pilot census for Bosnia, according the Statistics Agency, will be held next month, from October 15-29, aimed at showing …

A senior Turkish General on a visit to Kosovo said Ankara will help strengthen the capacities of the Kosovo Security Forces, the KSF.Turkey has pledged to help Kosovo raise its military capacity, by aiding the Kosovo Security Forces, KSF, to reach its full operational potential. The Commander of Turkish Ground …

Voters can find out whether they are on the electoral roll simply by sending an SMS or looking on the Internet – though some NGOs say they have uncovered glitches.Montenegrins who want to check up on whether they can vote in the October 14 general election can now do so …

Minister says Bosnia wants to avoid tensions with Croatia on border issues around the town of Neum – and will accept any solution that doesn’t limit its maritime access and undermine its sovereignty.Bosnian’s Transport and Communications Minister, Damir Hadzic, said Bosnia and Croatia were partner states that should solve oustanding …

As pressure grows on Serbia to recognise breakaway former province, Vucic says Serbia may have to hold an ‘either-or’ referendum on the country’s priorities.Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister, has said that Serbia may hold a referendum inviting voters to choose between Kosovo and EU integration. “A referendum is always …

Several hundred Bulgarian Muslims massed in the southern town of Pazardzhik to protest against the start of the trial of 13 people accused of spreading radical Islamist ideas.Waving Bulgarian and EU flags, several hundred Bulgarian Muslims protested in the southern town of Pazardzhik on Tuesday against the start of a …

The Catholic Archdiocese of Shkodra on Tuesday said it will excommunicate anyone involved in traditional blood feuds, as concern grows about the revival of so-called honour killings.In a statement reflecting growing concern over the level of so-called blood feuds in Albania, the Catholic Church in Shkodra, said that, “Prompted by …

In a major change of the diplomatic guard, new ambassadors from three very important countries are settling into Belgrade this week.Carrying flags and flowers, about a hundred people gathered in front of the Russian embassy in Belgrade on Monday to say farewell to the outgoing ambassador, Aleksandr Konuzin, who thanked …

Prime Minister Victor Ponta’s visit to Brussels has not entirely eased EU concerns about Romania’s respect for the rule of lawPrime Minister Victor Ponta on Tuesday claimed that Romanian-EU relations, strained by the bitter political infighting between the government and the President, were back on track. They “have become normal,” …

Macedonia has undertaken significant reforms this year as part of its EU accession agenda and can expect a positive progress report, says European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule.Fule praised the pace of progress in Macedonia after speaking on Monday with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and the Vice Prime Minister in charge …