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.

SPAIN: Ban on Parties Leaves ETA Without Voice or Vote in Parliament

Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzón on Friday barred two small Basque country parties, considered political arms of ETA, from taking part in politics for three years - thus leaving the armed separatist group without voice or vote in parliament and without being able to hold public rallies or produce political ads.

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).

GERMANY: Dating Agency for Disabled Shows Love Has No Barriers

"Living as a couple is the best dream come true," Volker Lauer told IPS, referring to his five-year relationship with Monika, who he met through a unique German dating agency for the disabled.

SERBIA: A Narrow Vote for Europe

Serbian voters have decided, in the tightest run-off so far, that their president for the next five years remains incumbent Boris Tadic, seen as the leader who can take the biggest nation in the Balkans closer to the EU.