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.

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.

POLITICS-CHINA: Kosovo Holds Lessons For Tibet, Taiwan

Tiny Kosovo may be worlds apart from China but the territory’s unilateral declaration of independence this week has explosive implications for the Asian giant.

POLITICS: Security Council Deadlocked Over Kosovo

When the United States and some of the members of the European Union (EU) expressed admiration for Kosovo’s "patience" in its longstanding quest for a new nation state in the Balkans, Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin dismissed their "naivety" with a degree of political sarcasm.

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.

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.

RIGHTS: Europe Exports Death With Ease

One of the most horrific incidents that followed Kenya's disputed presidential election was the burning to death of 30 people taking refuge in a church in Eldoret.

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).