Eurasia

European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet backed Greece’s austerity measures, saying he is confident that the country will do what is needed to cut the budget deficit. “We expect and we are confident that the Greek government will take all the decisions that will permit them to reach that goal,” …

The new U.S. ambassador in Belgrade, Mary Warlick, has announced that the door of NATO membership is open to Serbia, stressing that Serbia is the one to decide if it wants to join the alliance. Warlick said that “the United States fully supports the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Serbia …

Blockage at Ilinden-Exohi checkpoint is finally lifted for all types of vehicles. Protesting Greek farmers have removed the tractors and other farming machines.

The first mission that will assess the situation for opening talks on the visa liberalization regime with the EU will be working in Chisinau between March 1 and 3, Moldovan Deputy Foreign Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Iurie Leanca announced Thursday.

Finnish FM Alexander Stubb says that Finland is “strongly supporting Serbia on its path toward the EU”. He also said that he is hoping for the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between Serbia and the EU to take place “soon”.

There are differences over recognition but there is agreement on the substantial program of help that EU is putting in place in Kosovo, says Catherine Ashton. The EU foreign policy chief stated that main challenges of the EU foreign policy were Kosovo, how to rally Chinese and Russian support for …

European Parliament will hold a plenary session on February 10th to debate the progress of Macedonia, Croatia and Turkey towards the European Union membership. European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee recently adopted the amendments to draft-resolution on Macedonia, urging the EU

US Senate delegation will pay official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and meet with BiH top officials. US Senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman are scheduled to meet with Bosnian Defense Minister Selma Cikotic. At the meeting they will discuss the country’s current situation and Bosnia and Herzegovina activities regarding …

The Appellate Chamber of the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has acquitted Momcilo Mandic on all charges for war crimes against civilians and crimes against humanity. Mandic was a justice minister in the government of the so-called Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian war. Radovan Karadzic, …

Romania has agreed to host rocket interceptors in what appears to be a revamped version of the US missile defence shield. Romania’s President Trian Basescu said participation was approved after an invitation from Washington. Russia is expected to make a statement soon but Basescu insisted the move, which still needs …