All articles tagged with #eu accession
Tens of thousands of Bulgarians protested in Sofia and other cities against the government's 2026 budget, which includes tax hikes and increased social security contributions, amid widespread anger over corruption and governance issues. The protests, the largest in years, saw some clashes with police, and calls for the government's resignation as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro in 2026.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Moldova's Maia Sandu are urging the EU to accelerate their countries' accession processes, with Zelenskyy aiming for Ukraine to join before 2030. They emphasized the importance of EU support amid ongoing challenges, including Hungary's veto, and highlighted their countries' progress and readiness for membership, while also addressing issues like corruption and geopolitical pressures.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán for blocking Ukraine's EU membership bid, accusing him of supporting Putin and undermining European unity, while urging Orbán to respect EU rules and support Ukraine during the ongoing war.
The European Commission praised Ukraine's progress towards EU membership but warned of negative trends, especially in anti-corruption efforts, urging Kyiv to accelerate reforms to meet the 2028 target, amid ongoing political challenges and regional tensions.
The European Commission praises Ukraine's commitment to EU membership despite challenges like corruption and political resistance, particularly from Hungary, and emphasizes the need for accelerated reforms to meet accession goals by 2028 or 2030, while warning of setbacks in anti-corruption efforts and judicial independence.
Tens of thousands of Serbians gathered in Novi Sad to commemorate the victims of a train station collapse a year ago, which sparked widespread protests against government corruption and nepotism, leading to political resignations and a rare apology from President Vučić. The protests, driven by youth-led movements, have influenced political discourse and international perceptions, with ongoing investigations into the disaster and Serbia's EU aspirations.
Thousands of protesters in Georgia attempted to storm the presidential palace during local elections, leading to police using water cannons and pepper spray; the protests reflect ongoing tensions over democratic backsliding, EU integration delays, and Russian influence, with notable support from Belarusian opposition figures.
Moldova's pro-European party is projected to win the parliamentary election, likely maintaining its majority amid tensions with Russia and efforts to join the EU, marking a significant moment in the country's geopolitical alignment and internal divisions.
European leaders from France, Germany, and Poland visited Moldova to support its EU accession efforts and warn against Russia's ongoing attempts to undermine its sovereignty, amid regional tensions and upcoming elections, emphasizing Moldova's strategic importance and pro-Western stance.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy faces widespread protests after signing a law that consolidates control over anti-corruption agencies, sparking concerns about democratic backsliding and potential setbacks in Ukraine's EU accession efforts amid ongoing war tensions.
The United States has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia following the country's decision to halt EU accession talks, a move that has sparked widespread protests. The suspension comes after the European Parliament criticized Georgia's recent elections as unfair, and amid allegations of election fraud by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The U.S. condemned the excessive force used by Georgian police against demonstrators and imposed sanctions on lawmakers for democratic backsliding. The decision has increased Georgia's vulnerability to Russian influence, despite strong public support for EU integration.
Georgia's decision to halt its EU accession bid has sparked protests, which were dispersed by riot police. The move comes amid criticism from EU officials and a critical progress report indicating the country is regressing. U.S. President Biden expressed concern over democratic backsliding in Georgia, urging an investigation into election fraud allegations and the repeal of a controversial law. Sweden has also cut ties with the Georgian government, calling for democratic reforms.
Georgian lawmakers have overridden a presidential veto to pass a controversial "foreign agents" law, similar to Russia's, which mandates that media and NGOs disclose foreign funding. The move has sparked large protests and international condemnation, with critics arguing it jeopardizes Georgia's EU aspirations and aligns the country closer to Russia. The U.S., EU, NATO, and UN have all expressed concerns, and the law's passage may force a reassessment of Georgia's international relationships.
The European Commission's decision to unblock funds for Hungary in exchange for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán refraining from obstructing Ukraine's accession talks has sparked criticism, with concerns that Orbán's blackmail is escalating. While the criticism is understandable, launching a lawsuit against the Commission and stripping Hungary of its voting rights in the European Council may not be practical solutions. The EU's ability to adapt to the presence of governments like Hungary's in its political landscape will be crucial for its continued relevance, and finding ways to work around challenges posed by Hungary may be more effective than legalistic approaches.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the European Commission's recommendation to begin talks on Ukraine's EU accession and expressed gratitude for G7 support. Ukraine claimed that Russia fired a missile at a civilian ship entering a port in Odesa, resulting in injuries and a death. Russian military courts sentenced two Ukrainian soldiers to lengthy prison terms over alleged shooting of civilians in Mariupol. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed stronger military ties with China. Slovakia's new government rejected plans to donate arms to Ukraine. Ukraine's military spy agency claimed responsibility for the death of a Russia-backed lawmaker in a car bomb attack. Russia placed another judge from the International Criminal Court on its wanted list. Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev accused the US and its allies of increasing the risk of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons being used.