EU EXPANDS: HIV and Drugs Become a Growing Concern

The enlargement of the European Union could push the bloc into a "major drugs crisis", a leading international drug policy think-tank warns.

RIGHTS: Romania Asked to Address Psychiatric Abuses

Amnesty International is warning of human rights issues in Romania, a candidate for the next wave of EU expansion.

EU EXPANDS: Opportunity for EIB Reform

Environmental groups are calling on new EU member states to make use of enlargement to reform the bloc's development bank.

EU EXPANDS: Britain Eyes the Bus Station In a New Dawn

Britain was looking south to the English Channel Saturday morning as it has at many turning points in history.

EUROPEAN UNION: The World’s New Leading Economic Power

Even the most far-sighted observers probably did not imagine in 1952, when six countries created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), that the treaty would be the embryo of a bloc that is becoming the world's leading economic power, even slightly surpassing the size of the U.S. economy.

EU EXPANDS: Enlargement May Limit Development

As ten new countries prepare to join the European Union Saturday, developing countries and aid agencies are assessing the effects that an enlarged Europe will have on the bloc's development policy.

DEVELOPMENT: EU Humanitarian Aid Under Threat

The "humanitarian space" needed in EU aid is being threatened, says Poul Nielson, European commissioner for development and humanitarian aid.

EU EXPANDS: But Not Enough for Former Yugoslavia

Slovenia will be the only former Yugoslav republic to become a full EU member from May 1.

DISARMAMENT: Illegal Arms Sales Have Climbed Since 9/11

The trafficking of arms through countries allied with the United States has increased since the Sep. 11, 2001 terror attacks on New York and Washington, Amnesty International's head of international relations in Spain told IPS Wednesday.

DEVELOPMENT: ‘EU Failing to Fight Poverty’

A group of leading aid agencies say the EU must "redouble" its anti-poverty commitments to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

ENVIRONMENT: More Renewable Energy Sought for EU

Three leading environmental groups are calling on the EU to step up its efforts to increase the use of renewable energy.

EU: Slovakians Fear the Price Tag of Enlargement

As the government prepares to celebrate Slovakia's entry into the EU this weekend, many Slovaks appear to be approaching May 1 with a mixture of apprehension and ignorance.

POLITICS-CYPRUS: Reunification Bid Brings a Bigger Divide

Two referenda on Saturday April 24 failed to deliver a reunited Cyprus in time for EU enlargement May 1.

PORTUGAL: Evolution or Revolution? 30 Years On

When the Santarem armoured regiment took the Terreiro do Paço plaza, a symbol of Portugal's four-decade iron-fisted dictatorship, 30 years ago on Apr. 25, it was the start of one of the most unique coup d'etats in history: soldiers rising up to impose democracy by force.

EUROPE: Greens United, but Once-Vivid Colour Has Faded

The European "greens", who emerged more than 20 years ago in alternative political movements, have decided to build a united regional party, but they are suffering a crisis of little growth and limited influence, combined with sharp questioning about the social and economic values some activists now espouse.

SPAIN: New Socialist Gov’t to Revamp Development Aid

Spain's new socialist government plans to increase official development aid from 0.25 to 0.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next four years, and remove the strings attached.

ENVIRONMENT: EU Defends Emissions Trade

EU leaders say a new emissions trading approved by the European Parliament this week will be a significant step towards reducing global warming.

ENVIRONMENT: EU Members Prepare to Earn from Pollution

Leading European nations are preparing to earn more and pollute more under a controversial emissions trading scheme, environmentalists say.

ENVIRONMENT: Anti-GM Movement Spreads Across Europe

Europe's largest grassroots environmental network is stepping up its campaign against the European Union over genetically modified organisms.

RIGHTS: Women May Lose Out in a Bigger Europe

With EU enlargement just days away, women's groups and human rights campaigners are campaigning to raise awareness of the impact that a larger Europe will have on women's livelihoods and gender equality.

EUROPE: New Members Prove Environment-Friendly

The ten accession countries due to join the EU in May have greatly improved their environmental record, says environment commissioner Margot Wallstrom.