22:49 EU Central Time 09.05.2008

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Serbs go to polls divided over EU path

09.05.2008 - 16:44 CET

Serbian voters will go to the polls on Sunday for what is being billed as decisive elections regarding the country's future European integration. The EU in the last two weeks has been sending strong political signals to Belgrade in a bid to boost pro-Western forces in the country.

MEPs reject intellectual property rights for sporting events

09.05.2008 - 17:25 CET

MEPs on Thursday rejected attempts by some sporting associations to establish new intellectual property rights specific to sporting events, and affirmed that governments must assure wide TV access to major events such as the Olympic Games and football's World Cup, which should be on free-to-air television.

Danes likely to have two referendums on EU treaty op-outs

09.05.2008 - 09:32 CET

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen is set to call for a referendum in September to remove derogations from EU judicial and defence co-operation and at the same time announce a subsequent referendum on the euro.

MEPs vote to tighten up rules for Brussels lobbyists

09.05.2008 - 09:26 CET

MEPs have voted to tighten up the rules governing the lobbyists, requiring those seeking to influence officials in the EU's three main institutions to register themselves and provide income details.

German foreign minister favours EU army

08.05.2008 - 17:43 CET

Germany's foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has indicated he would like to see a European army established.

Airline websites still ripping off consumers, Brussels says

08.05.2008 - 17:34 CET

The European Commission on Thursday said EU consumers are still getting ripped off when they buy airplane tickets online and threatened the industry with "further measures" if the situation does not change within one year.

Euro area lacking single voice abroad, Brussels says

08.05.2008 - 09:24 CET

In a review of ten years of the euro, the European Commission argues the single currency has often suffered from political attacks in countries where it is used, as well as from lacking sufficient weight on the world stage, which Brussels suggests the 16-member to be eurozone could overcome with a single chair at international financial institutions.

Medvedev sworn in as new Russian president

08.05.2008 - 09:29 CET

Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as the Russian federation's new president on Wednesday. He inherits a wide range of challenges to deal with, both on the internal and the external front. Former president Vladimir Putin is now set to be the country's prime minister.

EU states oppose putting lid on migrants' detention

08.05.2008 - 09:17 CET

EU member states have failed to agree the maximum period an migrant can be kept in detention after setting foot onto the union's territory, further prolonging nearly three-year-long wrangling between EU institutions.

Brussels delays decision on GMO crops

Slovakia confirmed as ready for euro

EU parliament wades into carbon capture battlefield

France no longer supports Blair for EU president

High inflation key obstacle on EU newcomers' path to eurozone

France pledges not to hinder Turkey's EU accession process

Spring Survey 2008

Poland and Lithuania to coordinate positions on Russia

09.05.2008 - 09:15 CET

The prime ministers of Poland and Lithuania have agreed to coordinate how to proceed with talks on a long-delayed EU-Russia partnership deal, according to a statement by the Lithuanian government.

New Italian EU commissioner nominated

09.05.2008 - 09:29 CET

Italy's empty seat at the European Commission table has now been officially taken by Antonio Tajani, previously an MEP. Meanwhile, Silvio Berlusconi has formally returned to centre stage in Italian politics as third-time prime minister, after his cabinet was sworn in on Thursday.

[Comment] Despite his faults, Blair should not be ruled out

09.05.2008 - 09:27 CET

Ten years on, the euro has been an economic success. But it is unrealistic to expect it to be a political force as well as an economic one. Economic strength needs to be matched by a charismatic and internationally respected European Presidency capable of projecting European values, writes Peter Sain ley Berry.

EU considers tightening rules on biofuels

08.05.2008 - 18:54 CET

As opposition to biofuels among international institutions, economists and NGOs grows, the European Union is under great pressure to develop a set of sustainability rules governing the controversial alternative fuel source, but EU member states disagree on what constitutes 'sustainable'.

Commissioner attacks protectionist 'mirage' of Obama, Clinton

08.05.2008 - 09:17 CET

The EU's trade chief has hit out at the more protectionist positions on trade that have increasingly been deployed by the Democratic presidential candidates in the United States.

EU defends biofuels target against 'media storm'

07.05.2008 - 17:30 CET

The EU's farm policy chief has strongly defended Brussels' bid to boost the use of the controversial renewable energy source, biofuels, saying they are being unfairly blamed for rise in food prices around the world.

Energy liberalisation critics suffer blow in EU parliament

07.05.2008 - 07:04 CET

Members of the European Parliament's industry committee have backed the European Commission's idea of separating electricity companies' production and supply wings. But critics of the ambitious liberalisation plans are refusing to concede defeat.

Trans-European transport network behind schedule

07.05.2008 - 09:09 CET

Efforts to link up Europe's transport networks – road, rail and waterway – are behind schedule and over budget, according to an EU report presented by transport commissioner Jacques Barrot.

Albania told to implement reforms before winning closer EU ties

06.05.2008 - 09:09 CET

The EU on Monday said it was too early to set a date for the next step in Albania's EU integration process, demanding instead that promised reforms be implemented first.