Balkans

MPs of the Serbian parliament would be discussing further actions of the state in the wake of the ICJ’s decision. The court last week said in its advisory opinion that the Kosovo Albanian unilateral independence declaration was not violating international law, since it had no provisions preventing such declarations; however, …

Washington has sent a message to Belgrade that the time was right to “reach agreement”, writes daily Blic. However, this agreement “over the Kosovo story” is not possible while Vuk Jeremić is at the helm of the Foreign Ministry, according to this article.

Bulgaria is currently demonstrating a stronger political commitment to reform than Romania, according to European Commission Spokesperson Mark Gray. Speaking on Deutsche Welle Romania, Gray has commented on the recently published EC progress reports on Bulgaria and Romania by declaring that Bulgaria had a greater level of political will to …

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu suggests that Kosovo could apply for UN membership in 2011. After talks with French State Secretary of European Affairs Pierre Lellouche in Pristina on Friday (July 23rd), Sejdiu said he expects more countries will recognise Kosovo now that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) upheld its …

Croatia should complete its EU accession talks in the first half of 2011, several months later than expected, Croatian State Secretary for European Integration Andrej Plenkovic said in an interview Thursday (July 22nd) with

Parliament decided on last Friday to establish an inquiry committee to investigate an incident in parliament on July 1st that has strained relations between the opposition and the ruling majority. The panel will have 60 days

The ruling of the International Court of Justice in The Hague is hard for Serbia and this should be said openly to the nation,” said Serbian President Boris Tadic in his address to the citizens.

Romania will not recognize Kosovo’s independence despite the ruling of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Romanian Ministry of Interior announces. “The ministry confirms Romania’s position of the last years. Romania does not recognize

Republic of Srpska (RS) Prime Minister Milorad Dodik says the ICJ advisory opinion concerning Kosovo Albanian UDI was “contrary to international law”. The head of the government of the Bosnian Serb entity also said the tribunal’s decision would have ramifications around the globe in the regions marked by animosities between …

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner stated in Paris on Thursday that Belgrade and Priština should open a political dialog. It should concerning the resolution of specific problems, which is of interest both to them and to the Serb community in Kosovo, said he.