SLOVAKIA: Corruption Haunts Governing Coalition

Slovakia's left-wing government continues to survive media and opposition attacks over a series of corruption scandals. The scandals have not, however, diminished the government's popularity.

EUROPE: Kosovo Shadow Falls on Moldova

Moldova and its separatist region Transdniester, engaged for 16 years in a conflict over the latter's independence, each had reasons to believe the spring of 2008 would bring a settlement favourable to their side. But Moscow, crucial to any resolution, has already signalled it is not in a hurry to reach a resolution.

RIGHTS-ROMANIA: Lifers Make a Bid for Attention

"We just live for years in cages, just like in a zoo. But the toughest punishment of all is not the long sentences in our stables - it's that we're being ignored."

ENERGY-EUROPE: Nuclear Power Debate Heats Up

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown are about to agree on a new generation of nuclear power plants in London this week, and plan to export the technology to the rest of the world, according to unconfirmed reports.

BALKANS: Serbia Awaits ‘Functional Separation’

Serbia is looking for United Nations approval of its plan for "functional separation" between Serbs and ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, after the breakaway province declared unilateral independence last month.

GERMANY: A 1968 Legacy Lives On

Forty years ago, student activists set out to change German society. Driven by their charismatic leader Rudi Dutschke, left-wing students in Berlin set up the Extraparliamentary Opposition (APO) to fight for a different society, a different political system and a different way of dealing with the nation's Nazi past.

RUSSIA: Price Fuels Gas War

A renewed Russian-Ukrainian gas conflict has been provisionally averted, but as Ukrainian politicians struggle for control of the gas sector, the next months are likely to bring more price wars.

SERBIA: Russians Rediscovered as Old Friends

In the world of politics there is much talk now of the "traditional friendship between Russia and Serbia", meaning Russia's support to Serbia over the Kosovo crisis. But close ties go back much further - Serbia became home to thousands of Russians who fled communism 90 years ago.

GREECE: Social Security Reforms Spark Unrest

Millions of workers participated in a general strike Wednesday on the eve of a parliament vote on pension and social security reforms. Despite vehement opposition, the government voted the reform through with 151 votes, the absolute minimum required for passing the legislation.

ENVIRONMENT-PORTUGAL: Enjoying the Outdoors in a Greener Lisbon

Steered by a city government that proudly proclaims its environmental credentials, the Portuguese capital is planning to develop wind energy, restore and connect its green areas, and promote clean transport and the outdoor life.

SPAIN: Heading the List of Remittance Senders

Migrants living in Spain sent nearly 13 billion dollars in remittances back to their home countries in 2007, 19.5 percent more than in 2006, says a new report by the Banco de España, Spain’s Central Bank. That makes this country the third largest remittance sender in the world in absolute terms, after the United States and Saudi Arabia, and the top sender in relative terms.

RUSSIA: Black Sea Fleet Sailing Into Uncertain Waters

The long-term presence of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Ukrainian territory touches a sensitive nerve in a country that is asserting its independence from Russia by seeking NATO membership.

KOSOVO: Violence Sparks Collision Course

Increased unrest following the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo is leading to fears of further violence in the Balkans.

BULGARIA: A Way to Manufacture Ethnic Tension

Take a population frustrated by poverty and corruption. Add the anti-minority discourse of extreme-right parties. And spice it with anti-Islamic talk of the 'war on terror'. And in just a few years, you can have enough ethnic tensions.

KOSOVO: On the Borders of a Crisis

'Welcome to the Republic of Kosovo reads a signpost unveiled last week by Kosovan Prime Minister Hashim Thaci at the Merdare crossing between the breakaway territory and Serbia.

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.

BULGARIA: Steel Plant Privatisation Fails to Deliver

The steel plant at Kremikovtzi, the pride of Bulgaria in its socialist days, is nearing collapse after privatisation failed to deliver.

RUSSIA: In a Quick New Embrace with Germany

In his first week as president-elect, Dmitry Medvedev has sought to build new bridges with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The reinforced relations rest on the pillar of a major energy deal.

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.

BALKANS: Serbia Goes to Polls over Kosovo Independence

The coalition government of Serbia has become the first political victim of the independence declared by Kosovo, once the southern region of Serbia.

ELECTIONS-SPAIN: Socialists Celebrate Victory

The Spanish Socialist Workers Party’s (PSOE) victory in Sunday’s elections confirmed Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in office and increased the party’s share of seats in parliament from 164 to 169.