Browsing: Belgrade

US President Donald Trump has revived annexationist rhetoric regarding Greenland, prompting renewed scrutiny. In Brussels, ambassadors express disagreement over strategies for Serbia, while a controversial letter concerning FIFA gains traction in the European Parliament, highlighting ongoing tensions within EU governance.

Serbia will host EXPO 2027, with 140 countries already signed up. Key topics at a recent Brussels conference included preparations for the event and Serbia’s EU accession talks, attended by prominent officials, including former Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, who addressed Serbia’s support for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has lifted his country’s veto on Ukraine’s EU membership bid, a shift from Viktor Orbán’s policy. However, Magyar opposes fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession and has delayed further negotiations, citing concerns for Western Balkan candidates and the implementation of minority rights agreements.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced he will resign in the coming weeks, calling for early presidential and parliamentary elections. His decision follows a year and a half of protests demanding early elections, triggered by a tragic railway accident. Vučić did not specify a timeline for his resignation.

During the EU-Western Balkans summit, momentum for EU enlargement was underscored by Hungary’s decision to lift its veto on Ukraine’s accession negotiations. António Costa noted that upcoming talks will showcase renewed European unity, particularly ahead of the June summit, despite ongoing challenges in the accession process.

EU institutional leaders and approximately 30 European heads of state will meet with six Western Balkan leaders today in Montenegro. This bi-annual summit aims to expedite the countries’ EU accession bids, highlighting Montenegro and Albania as potential frontrunners for membership.

Protests in Albania against a coastal development linked to Jared Kushner continued for a third day, as demonstrators voiced concerns over its environmental impact. The project, which includes a luxury resort on a wildlife reserve, aims to attract high-end tourism amid ongoing EU membership aspirations.