All articles tagged with #eu integration
In Kosovo’s third election in 18 months, Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje party led with about 43% of the vote as nearly 90% of ballots were counted, but the country remains in political stalemate with turnout at 36.3% and about 100,000 diaspora ballots still to be tallied, delaying government formation and Europe Union/NATO integration amid economic strain.
Russia recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations after Putin warned Yerevan against closer EU ties, urging a referendum on Armenia’s economic future and insisting the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union cannot be reconciled, amid broader tensions including trade measures and Nagorno-Karabakh developments.
Former ECB chief Mario Draghi says Europe should integrate at varying speeds and move from confederation toward federation to gain real clout on the world stage, arguing that Europe’s power grows where competences are pooled (trade, single market, monetary policy) and warning that defense and industrial policy remain weaknesses; he advocates pragmatic, stepwise advance with willing partners amid US‑China rivalry and security challenges, ahead of an EU leaders’ debate on competitiveness.
Bulgaria began withdrawing euros for the first time after joining the euro currency union, replacing the lev in cash transactions, amid political instability and public skepticism about the change's impact on prices and national identity.
Bulgaria officially joined the euro currency union on New Year's Day, marking a significant step in its EU integration amid political turmoil and public skepticism, with debates over economic benefits and national identity.
Bulgaria's adoption of the euro on January 1 is overshadowed by political instability, protests, and public dissatisfaction over corruption and governance issues, despite its strong economic indicators and EU integration efforts.
Bulgaria is set to join the eurozone on January 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its EU integration, supported by stable macroeconomic indicators but challenged by political instability, corruption, and public skepticism. Experts emphasize the need for reforms and caution against overspending post-adoption, while highlighting the geopolitical importance of deeper Western European integration.
Ukraine's President Zelensky signed a law reducing the independence of anti-corruption agencies, sparking nationwide protests and concerns over democratic backsliding and its EU integration prospects amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Georgia's controversial "foreign agent" law, modeled after a similar Russian law, has been enacted despite mass protests and warnings from the US and EU about its impact on Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The law mandates oversight of NGOs and media receiving significant foreign funding, with penalties for non-compliance. Critics argue it strengthens the ruling Georgian Dream party's grip on power ahead of crucial elections. The law's passage has strained Georgia's relations with Western allies and sparked widespread civil unrest.