EUROPE: ‘Slow’ Over Rights for Roma

European Union officials were this week branded "slow" and "lazy" in addressing discrimination faced by the Roma community, the continent's largest transnational minority.

BULGARIA: On To A New Nuclear Path

The European Commission (EC) has given a positive opinion on construction of a nuclear plant at Belene by Russian Atomstroiexport, controlled by Gazprom.

SERBIA: Another Critical Election Looms

Serbia faces presidential elections Sunday, once again considered crucial for the country.

Q&A: &#39The Date for Kosovo Independence Is Set&#39

Every passing day brings more pressure on the two million people of Kosovo over the future of the province. Demonstrations on the streets of Pristina and Mitrovica, for and against independence respectively, are strong indication of the social unrest in anticipation of a decision.

SLOVAKIA: Government-Media War Escalates

In the midst of a war between government and the media, a new and controversial press bill will force media outlets to publish anyone's reactions to articles considered offensive.

RIGHTS: &#39A Fifth of European Children in Poverty&#39

Nearly one-fifth of children in the European Union are living in poverty, a new report has concluded.

ROMANIA: Fighting for the ‘Right’ to More Emissions

Following the example of seven other countries from Central and Eastern Europe that joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, Romania and Bulgaria, the newest members, have sued the European Commission (EC) for lowering their national caps for carbon dioxide emissions.

BALKANS: Discrimination Rife Within Kosovo

In the northern part of the ethnically divided city Mitrovica, 38 km north of Kosovo capital Pristina, 60 people have occupied an abandoned two-floor building. Among them is Alexander Damianovic, of Serbian ethnic origin, who arrived in Mitrovica in 2001 after transiting through various places in former Yugoslavia.

GREECE: Defending Nationalism In The Air

The European Commission (EC) announced a formal investigation Dec. 20 into complaints that the Greek state is illegally subsidising its national air carrier.

GEORGIA: Protests Rise Over Elections

Leading opposition candidate Levan Gachechiladze has accused the Georgian government of widespread fraud in the last presidential election after the Central Election Commission released the final results declaring Mikheil Saakashvikli winner and new president.

HUNGARY: Reform Drive Hits a Wall

The introduction of some of the most wide-ranging austerity measures in the recent history of Central-Eastern Europe is forcing Hungarians to endure a period of hardships, but an opposition-initiated referendum and the resistance of the middle classes are endangering the socialist government's plans.

BALKANS: Art Breaks Some Ice

An exhibition presented by Serbia in Croatian capital Zagreb is doing its bit to thaw icy relations between Serbs and Croats, who fought one another in the bloody war of disintegration of former Yugoslavia.

Q&A: &#39Everybody Leaves the Forum Happier, Wiser and Stronger&#39

Roberto Savio is probably among the best informed insiders at the World Social Forum (WSF). He has been on its international committee since it was created in 2001, and since 2003 he has been coordinator of the 'media, culture and counter-hegemony' thematic area.

HEALTH-SPAIN: Abortion – Education not Repression, Say Activists

Abortion clinics in Spain went on a five-day strike Tuesday to protest arrests of clinic personnel in Barcelona, the capital of the northeastern region of Catalonia.

PORTUGAL: Gap Between Rich and Poor Yawning Wider and Wider

The gap between rich and poor is still widening in Portugal, the country with the greatest social disparity in the European Union. Despite having a socialist government in office for nearly three years, there has been no reversal of this trend.

EUROPE: Call to Keep Water Clean of Privatisation

Water supply could increasingly be managed by private firms once a new European Union treaty enters into force, experts warned Monday.

ENVIRONMENT-SPAIN: Clean Energy, Questionable Business Practices

Renewable energy sources enjoy excellent prospects in Spain, but there are complaints about business practices in the energy sector and the lack of effective enforcement of environmental standards.

BALKANS: Serbs Wait For Free Wealth

Going by official media, the Kosovo dispute seems to top the nation's agenda. But Serbs have their mind more on visions of free wealth that they believe will be theirs, after the Law on Free Distribution of Shares came into force last week.

GEORGIA: President Re-Elected In Disputed Poll

Mikheil Saakashvili has been elected to a second term of presidency amid electoral disputes. He leads with 55.23 percent of the vote, followed by opposition candidate Levan Gachechiladze with 23.86 percent.

EUROPE: Little Slovenia Takes Charge

Slovenia saw one of the greatest honours in its short history of 16 years as an independent state Jan. 1 when it took the rotating presidency of the 27-member European Union (EU) for the next six months.

SPAIN: Sparks Fly Between Church and Government

The Spanish Catholic Church "has strayed from the fundamentals of democracy," said the governing socialist party (PSOE) Wednesday, in response to harsh criticism from the Church leadership.