Press review

Belgian EU Presidency is trying to help solve inter-institutional tensions linked to the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty. A research institute makes suggestions on Macedonia’s country name issue. Elsewhere, the UN is concerned about Nigeria’s lack of ability to reach the Millennium Development Goals, while optimistic about Ethiopia’s performance. Meanwhile, activists from Ghana demand reserved quota for women in Parliament.

EU laws will be subject to independent judicial oversight. The Union will also seek to implement the ‘social clause’ of the Lisbon Treaty. In addition, a programme for young leaders’ creation was launched with EU financial support. Elsewhere, projects treating vulnerable children and orphans, were funded by the UN. Meanwhile, Zambia created a Gender Equality Commission.

France supports all Western Balkan countries to join the EU, except for Turkey. The European Union is funding a two-year facility programme from which three African countries will benefit. Furthermore, the Union is going to provide humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan and perform an inquiry, requested by the country. Elsewhere, Sudanese civil society groups press for referendum.

The European Commission is expected to grant visa-free travel to Albania and Bosnia. Elsewhere, Russian opposition activists ask the Kremlin for help. In addition, universal education remains a difficult issue for girls in Liberia.

The European Commission raises concerns about human right violations in Russia. In addition, Kyrgyz protesters demand greater transparency from their interim government. Elsewhere, EU election observers notice that an uneven playing field and irregularities undermined the credibility of Ethiopia's elections.

The Eastern Partnership remains one of the main priorities of the European Union. Furthermore, legal practitioners in Eastern European countries tend to be  less cynical on possible corruption than the public. Elsewhere, European Union observers see no cause for alarm over Ethiopian polls.

The European Commission is considering introducing legislation to tackle poverty by increasing education levels. Furthermore, the EU offers assistance to vulnerable farmers in Lesotho with the aim of increasing the country’s food production.Elsewhere, Yelisieiev, the foreign minister of Ukraine, stated that his country is in favour of a “pragmatic approach” towards European intergration.

The European Union warns of permanent water scarcity in some regions.Furthermore, the Reflection Group calls for firm commitment of the Western Balkans’ EU accession. Elsewhere, Albanian activists are on hunger strike to struggle for more transparency of the electoral progress.

The Ukrainian opposition has announced the creation of an opposition movement called ‘the Committee to Protect Ukraine’. Elsewhere, Kyrgyz youth organizations are planning a forum to discuss the country's new draft constitution. Furthermore, Spain helps the Mauritanian police to strengthen its capacity In the fight against illegal immigration.

The European Union has decided to set up a massive economic defence mechanism to protect weaker eurozone nations from market speculation. Elsewhere, journalists have said some topics are now "closed" in Ukraine. Furthermore, EU cooperation talks with Libya are progressing.