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.

Q&A: 'Investment in Transport Infrastructure Is the Most Important'

Roads, railways, ports and airports are being upgraded in a country where in spite of the challenges posed by poverty, investment in infrastructure has been dramatically increased.

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.

RUSSIA: Disputes Arise Over Presidential Poll

Russia is engaged in a new confrontation with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ahead of presidential elections due Mar. 2.

BULGARIA: Challenge to Pipeline Grows

The Bulgarian government is committed to building an oil pipeline through the seaside town of Burgas, but local people are starting to complain they were not consulted before a potentially harmful deal was made in their name.

GREECE: Seen From the Far Right, Media Is Garbage

"Who are you with?" an excited fellow around 20 years old asked a journalist standing by, looking at riot police surrounding the main University of Athens building in downtown Athens.

HEALTH-GERMANY: Smoking Ban Getting Stubbed Out

The future of a ban on smoking in public places in Germany is in doubt following a court order limiting application of any ban.

KOSOVO: Independence Will Not Improve Economy

The proclamation of independence in Kosovo has brought widespread celebrations among its ethnic Albanians, but also a realisation that economic difficulties remain – and could worsen.

KOSOVO: Romania ‘Schizophrenic’ Over Independence

Leaders of Romania, one of the European Union (EU) members not ready to recognise declaration of independence by Kosovo, are having a hard time justifying their opposition to birth of the new state.

KOSOVO: Serbia Finds It Hard to Live With the Loss

Frustration over the Sunday declaration of independence of Kosovo is spreading all over Serbia, with protest rallies being organised around the country.

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.

EUROPE: Kosovo Grows as an EU Problem

A floral display of sorts was being assembled to greet diplomats entering one of the key European Union institutions Friday morning. Rows of multi-coloured cardboard flowers, all bearing smiley faces, were starting to throng the courtyard of Justus Lipsius, the building where meetings of the EU's 27 governments are held. In their plastic holders, the fake flowers kept swinging from side to side like hyperactive pendulums.

SERBIA: Still in Denial over Kosovo

The southern Serbian province of Kosovo is preparing to proclaim independence this Sunday or Monday to become the newest state to emerge from former Yugoslavia.

BALKANS: Promises of EU More Sweet than Serious

Sweet talk on the joys of European Union (EU) membership is quite a favourite among leaders of the Balkans, particularly in their public appearances. But when it comes to serious talk, the EU looks quite far.

ROMANIA: Communist Agents Get the Upper Hand

The Constitutional Court has halted the activities of the National Council for the Study of the Securitate Archives (CNSAS), the institution responsible for tracking collaborators with the former communist secret services.

EUROPE: What Would You Call This NATO Member

The countdown has begun to the NATO summit in Bucharest Apr. 2-4 where Macedonia expects to be invited to join the alliance.

RIGHTS-FRANCE: New Rescue Plan May Save Few

The French government's new plan for reconstruction of the poorest neighbourhoods has sparked criticism, both within the government and among the opposition.

ROMANIA: Powerless in the New Cold War

With new Cold War rhetoric emerging all around, Romania and Bulgaria are more uncertain than ever about their foreign policy.