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Wednesday, April 24, 2024
News and Views from the Global South
EUROPE: To Recognise Kosovo Or Not
Central-Eastern Europe is questioning how, when and if Kosovo's independence should be recognised, amid fears that the Western-imposed move will spark domestic instability and insecurity in the Balkans.HUNGARY: Right Steps Ahead with Referendum Victory
In an opposition-initiated referendum, Hungarians have overwhelmingly voted against present healthcare and tuition fees, sending a strong message to the country's weakened socialist-liberal coalition.KOSOVO: So Much Depends on a Split City
The divided city of Mitrovica in Kosovo has become a litmus test for those who believe in a multi-ethnic state. It is the only urban centre in Kosovo still inhabited by Serbs.
ALBANIA: Raising the Blue Flag
The quality of Southern Albania's pristine beaches may well receive Blue Flag recognition soon - if the government addresses growing problems with solid and wastewater treatment in the region.ALBANIA: Addressing the Image Problem
Albania is stepping up efforts to show the world that its past of obscure communism, poverty-driven migration and a collapsing economy have been definitely put behind.ALBANIA: Connecting Itself to the World
Albania's government is engaged in a massive programme to improve transport infrastructure in a move that will integrate the country into the trade and travel routes of the Balkans. But it won't be cheap, or without controversy.
ALBANIA: Last Outpost Beckons Foreign Capital
Albania aims to become a paradise of foreign investment in the hope its people will be allowed to share in the profits.KOSOVO: Challenged State Faces an Uncertain Future
As the euphoria over the proclamation of independence slowly dissipates, Kosovars will have to focus on the enormous political and economic challenges corruption, poverty and an angry Serbia will pose to statehood.ALBANIA: Heading for NATO, as a Gateway to the EU
Albanians are optimistic they will join NATO and draw closer to the dream of EU membership.KOSOVO: Gloom Settles On Some, But Not All Serbs
As Pristina is abuzz with crowds of Albanians celebrating the declaration of independence, Kosovo Serbians seem mostly gloomy about what the future holds.KOSOVO: Independent, But Not for All
Kosovo has declared independence from Serbia amid ecstatic celebrations in capital Pristina – and questions over international recognition.UKRAINE: Debate Over Joining NATO Erupts Again
Ukraine's pro-Western 'Orange' leaders seem to be aiming at NATO membership, but face hurdles from Russia, public opinion and even politicians in their own camp.SLOVAKIA: Media Bill Threatens EU Treaty
Slovakia's opposition is endangering approval of the EU Treaty through its protest against a media bill that it claims will endanger freedom of speech in Slovakia.UKRAINE: WTO Membership Opens Door to West
It took 15 years for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to finally approve Ukraine's membership, the first step in what Ukrainian officials hope is the country's inevitable journey towards the European Union (EU).CZECH REPUBLIC: Communists Could Turn Kingmakers
Czech President Vaclav Klaus, known for his sceptical remarks on EU integration and human-induced climate change, will seek re-election in a presidential vote that may be decided by the communists.POLAND: Slowly Coming to Terms with Russia
The upcoming visit of newly elected Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Russia signals a new sense of pragmatism in Poland's policies.UKRAINE: The Poison Is In The Politics
The investigation into the 2004 alleged poisoning of President Viktor Yushchenko when he was a candidate for the presidency remains unsolved, but there is no lack of chilling theories, some of which stain the President himself.EUROPE: Kosovo Sends Out Ripples of Fear
The possibility of Kosovo gaining independence has sparked a debate in central-eastern Europe on whether the Serbian region could set a precedent in prioritising the right to self-determination over state sovereignty.WORLD SOCIAL FORUM: Post-Socialist Europe Unconcerned
As another crucial civil society event approaches, questions are once more raised over the almost non-existent participation of civic actors from post-socialist Europe.EUROPE: Schengen ‘Wall’ Moves Further East
The enlargement of the Schengen free-travel zone has been celebrated as an opportunity to reunite Western and Eastern Europe, but those further east feel it was done at their expense, and some in the West have not welcomed the change.EUROPE: U.S. Base Nears Moment of Truth
U.S. diplomatic and business representatives have stepped up their lobbying activities to secure a deal for the construction of a military base in Central-Eastern Europe ahead of the U.S. presidential vote.« Previous Page — Next Page »
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