[ Western Balkans and EU ]

The coalition negotiations in Serbia have been ongoing for more than a month now, without too many results - some analysts worry about the consequences for the economy. Goran Svilanovic nevertheless is optimist: even a nationalist coalition would not impede Serbia's way into the EU, but only slow it down. Albert Rohan is less optimistic. And - à propos EU integration - Bosnia is looking forward to the signature of the SAA on 16 June - so much that everybody wants to take part! Macedonia hoped to start accession talks soon, but these may be postponed after the violent incidents during last Sunday's elections. And of course, EU integration may be hampered by the Greek-Macedonian name debate. In any case, the good news is that ...

.... the Balkans are one of the safest European regions - although organised crime is still a huge problem - especially in Albania. In Kosovo, it is therefore worrying that the competences of UNMIK - EULEX - local Kosovo Police Services will become legally unclear after the deadline of 15 June 2008, when the new Kosovo constitution is to enter into force (cf. B92). Not too worried by this legal problems, Kosovo youth are enjoying a "Come to Europe" roadshow/information campaign financed by the EU. Their motto: "It's fun, it's free and it's fantastic!"