Greek and Turkish Cypriots started peace talks in September 2008, the latest bid to end a conflict. Business leaders of Greece, Turkey and the two communities on Cyprus on Thursday urged leaders of the divided island to reach a peace deal this year. Greek and Turkish Cypriots started peace talks …

Analysts say the Croatian delay will drive another nail in the coffin of Balkan states` EU ambitions. A border dispute with Slovenia will prolong Croatia’s European Union entry talks into 2010 and may undermine Zagreb’s resolve to enforce the toughest reforms that still lie ahead. Analysts say the Croatian delay …

TIRANA, Albania—Albania’s government has increased its guarantee on bank deposits to euro25,000 ($32,034) from euro5,433 previously, an effort to build confidence in the banking system, the state press office said Friday. The government decision also aims to reassure more than 1 million Albanian immigrants that their deposits would be safer …