Press review

The European Parliament has welcomed a draft compromise proposal by the European Commission on next year’s EU budget. Meanwhile, the Pro-Europe Alliance in Moldova is ahead of the Communist opposition in current elections. Elsewhere, Rwanda’s youths are urged to contribute to the MDGs. Furthermore, criminal networks in DR Congo’s army are worsening the conflict in the east. In addition, West Africa’s Network of Peacebuilding encourages women participation in Nigerian politics.

The Hungarian EU presidency will push for a common Roma strategy. Greek ambitions to set dates for Western Balkan accession to the EU find support only from Serbia. In addition, concerns over media freedom have been raised in FYROM. Elsewhere, Ivory Coast votes in presidential election run-off, while peace talks in Darfur have been resumed. Furthermore, Sudan launched a 16-day initiative aimed against gender violence.

Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin proposed a common economic community between Russia and the EU. MEPs voice concern over Croatia’s euroscepticism, while the EP calls on member-states to grant Montenegro a candidate-country status soon. Elsewhere, a national conference on media is opening in Rwanda. Furthermore, Tunisia launched a special web-site, dedicated to women development and participation in democratization.

EU officials and national governments struggle over increase in salaries. Meanwhile, opposition in FYROM calls for early elections. In addition, Serbia is to face a large questionnaire as a next step to EU membership. Elsewhere, the UN Security Council will restore office in Guinea Bissau, as concerns of instability in the country are voiced. Furthermore, UN’s peacekeeping forces launched an operation aimed at protecting DR Congo’s citizens, while Gambia initiates trainings on gender-based violence.

The Commission is about to present a redrafted 2011 EU budget. Meanwhile, Greece is planning to fix dates for Western Balkan states’ EU entry during its presidency in 2014. After Croatia’s accession to the EU, the country’s language would be officially used in communication with the Western Balkan countries, willing to further accede. Elsewhere, Nigeria will hold presidential elections in April 2011. In addition, Ban-ki-Moon voices developing nations to cooperate in fighting poverty, while South African women are struggling for equality.

The Commission is considering new proposals for EU’s 2011 budget. Elsewhere, Croatia is focusing on EU-informative strategy to educate its citizens. In addition, Georgia is about to renounce the use of force in the conflict with Russia and offer negotiations. Furthermore, African experts will meet to brainstorm on electoral reforms. Besides, Angolan ministers highlight the importance of gender parity, while Nigerian women are being trained for peace promotion.

EU-NATO relations remain blocked after intense discussions on a new Strategic concept for military alliance. Meanwhile, no starting date will be appointed for Montenegro’s EU accession. In addition, Ukraine is about to achieve a visa-free travel as of 2012. Elsewhere, the UN Security Council tasks Guinean politicians on peaceful conduct after the announcement of presidential elections. Furthermore, Ban-Ki-Moon voices concern over children rights abuses in Somalia.

ALDE’s newly established Spinelli group is to hold a parallel summit to the European one in December on Lisbon Treaty and EU budget. Meanwhile, Hungary warns that the EU’s treaty change must not slow Croatia’s accession process. Furthermore, Moldova’s president denounces the border treaty with Romania. Elsewhere, UN Security Council calls for ‘urgent action’ on Sudan referendum, while Nigeria’s vice-president tasks media on elections campaign. In addition, Ugandan political parties are urged to target the youth.

The EU has presented a stance on its future cohesion policy. In addition, the EPP president criticises the commission’s report on Albanian development, while Serbia has to be cautious on Kosovo case, considering its EU candidacy. Elsewhere, Guinea is about to postpone the release of the presidential run-off results. Furthermore, Nigeria is on its way to partially achieve the MDG on gender equality and women empowerment by 2015.

Cooperation in the EU would be the Union’s main priority according to the president of the European Council. Meanwhile, FYROM is about to break off negotiations with Greece if its identity stays disrespected. In addition, the EU has decided not to use a safety mechanism for Croatia’s approaching accession. Elsewhere UN Secretary-General expresses concern over prospects for violence in Sudan. Furthermore, Nigerian ministers task parties on gender equality, while women’s organizations in Angola support peace consolidation.