CHALLENGES 2006-2007: New Government Due in France, Maybe New Policy

This year French citizens will elect a new president and a new government. Whether that will bring new policies is an entirely different question.

ROMANIA: EU Gets a New Country, and a New Culture Capital

All seems ready in the central Romanian town Sibiu for a spectacular celebration of the country's membership of the European Union (EU) Jan. 1. From that day this town becomes also the culture capital of Europe jointly with Luxembourg for a year.

CHALLENGES 2006-2007: Europe Reaches Out to the Balkans

Twelve years of continuous reform will mean that on Jan. 1 2007 Bulgaria and Romania will become the latest and poorest members of the European Union (EU), amid growing scepticism over enlargement.

MEDIA: Women Fight Prejudice in Balkans

The end of communism and the wars of the 1990s changed life in the Balkans, but the new nations that emerged are alike in presenting women in outdated stereotypes.

FRANCE: Burning of Toxic Waste Brings New Fears

Fears have arisen over a decision to burn toxic waste brought over from the C- te d'Ivoire at a French incinerator.

MOLDOVA: Migration Hits Those Who Stay Behind

With a population engulfed in poverty and hopelessness, many Moldovans chose to seek fortune abroad. But migration has been a doubled-edged sword: while keeping many out of poverty, it has also meant abandonment and abuse for countless others.

UKRAINE: Another Election? No, Thanks

The pro-Western parties in Ukraine, uncomforted by their opposition status, are attempting to regain power through early elections or a constitutional reform. But most Ukrainians, fed up with power struggles, have distanced themselves from their plans.

BALKANS: New Nation Goes ‘On Sale’

People speak in Montenegro these days of the new "homeless" along the coast - those who sold their houses to foreigners.

MIGRATION-PORTUGAL: Government Tables Ambitious Integration Goals

Immigrant associations, human rights organisations and groups against racism are discreetly applauding the measures announced this week by the Portuguese government to encourage fuller integration of immigrants who are in the country legally. But what the activists really want are results.

ENVIRONMENT-ROMANIA: GM Soy to Be Banned

Environmentalists in Romania have secured a victory in getting genetically modified (GM) soy finally banned.

ENVIRONMENT: EU Fisheries Policy a ‘Recipe for Disaster’

By 2050, seafood lovers may have to go for the likes of 'jellyfish soup' and 'tofu cod and chips' for want of fish in the sea. Because, environmental activists say, the European Union is preparing a recipe for disaster.

HEALTH: Too Much of Russia Killing Itself

Offers of money to produce more children will not address problems such as suicide that are contributing to a reduction in the Russian population, experts warn.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Evict the Roma, Become a Top Politician

When Mayor Jiri Cunek ordered the eviction of Roma inhabitants from his town last month, voices were raised demanding he step down from politics. Instead, he has been elected leader of the Christian Democratic Party and will probably have a role in forming the new Czech government.

BALKANS: Sink in Debt, the Developed Way

'You cannot put off the coming holidays until next spring, but you can put off your debts', goes an ad launched widely by a bank.

MEDIA-CROATIA: Journalists Suspended over Some Old Quotes

A new debate has broken out in Croatia over freedom of expression after two editors with the state television were suspended for airing a clip from an old speech by President Stipe Mesic.

MOLDOVA: Victorious Rebel Leader Looks at Russia

Democratic or not, results say Igor Smirnov, incumbent leader of the self-proclaimed Republic of Transnistria, will stay for a fourth consecutive term as he promises to push the region into a Russian embrace.

SLOVAKIA: Govt Popularity Rises with Xenophobia

Slovakia's controversial left-wing government, condemned for its alliance with a xenophobic, far-right political force and suspended from the Party of European Socialists, is more popular than ever at home.

ENVIRONMENT-ROMANIA: A Small Victory Called Route 66a

The controversy over construction of a major highway in western Romania that threatens to destroy the precious Retezat and Domogled natural reserve parks has been put off at least for now.

NORWAY: Military Shrinks to Worrying Levels

Norway's defence forces are changing to reflect challenges of terrorism, uncertainty, international interventions and increased expenses following the Cold War. Meaner and leaner militaries are a feature of most of today's western world.

HEALTH: Medical Use of Marijuana Divides Italy

In Italy just 10 ill people have authorisation to use marijuana as therapy against pain. But that number could grow in the coming months if parliament approves a law for using this usually illegal plant for medical purposes.

MIGRATION-PORTUGAL: Starting a New Life With Microcredit

Starting one's own business on borrowed money is no easy task in Portugal for an unemployed or retired person, or one lacking advanced professional qualifications, even if the loan is small and payable in instalments.