The Netherlands will block proposals to admit Romania and Bulgaria into Europe’s passport-free travel zone until the two newest EU members persuade it they are making progress in fighting corruption, a Dutch minister said

Europe is satisfied with the reforms in Serbia, said Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic. Cvetkovic remarked that all countries that are given the status of a EU member state candidate under conditions connected only to the reforms, while Serbia obtained the status for keeping the dialogue with Pristina.

Macedonia is ready for a NATO membership, said Macedonian Minister of Defence Fatmir Besimi. “Macedonia has done the needed reforms, following the NATO standards, and takes part in peacekeeping missions. The country is ready for a full membership in the Alliance,” Besimi remarked.