Press review

MEPs win concessions on the EU External Action Service. In addition, EU considers advantageous its division on Kosovo, while the Union’s opposition to Turkey’s accession is regarded as ‘racist’. Elsewhere, Ethiopian government urges rebels to sign peace deal, while the West African Youth Network is teaching young leaders peace negotiations. Furthermore, a gender parity evaluation paper was released by the World Economic Forum.

Switzerland does not consider EU accession as priority of the country, while Montenegro harbours hopes to start accession talks soon. Elsewhere, a Nigerian civil society leader favours democracy as the only solution to the country’s problems. In addition, Nigeria’s Benue state governor encourages youths to fight corruption in politics and become an active part of civil society.

MEPs are about to receive lessons in social media in order to strengthen communication with civil society. Meanwhile, the EU is expected to push for solving FYROM’s name dispute. In addition, Slovenia is blocking Croatia’s progress towards EU. Elsewhere UN Security Council is worried over Darfur violence, while UN peacekeepers prepare to support Cote d’Ivoire’s elections.

Commissioner Piebalgs attends the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Elsewhere, the UN Human Rights Watch is shocked by the violence, committed in DR Congo, according to a recent report. In addition, Uganda is concerned that existing gender violence blocks women’s rights.

Catherine Ashton cancels diplomat hearings for the new external service. Meanwhile, France opposes further EU visa liberalization. In addition, Norway proposes a new solution to Turkey’s EU accession. Elsewhere, South Africa ranks high in latest assessment of African governance.  

The European Parliament will function as a hub for the national parliaments.  In addition, Croatia and Serbia are reconsidering their progress to EU accession so far. Elsewhere, EU tasks Sudanese on referendum, while Nigeria’s leader signed a decree to convene the electorate for the country’s upcoming referendum

The EU Commission concluded that France has not safeguarded free movement rights during the Roma expulsions. Meanwhile, FYROM struggles with its communist past. In addition, Iceland’s president admits public split over EU membership. Elsewhere, political violence is threatening Ghana’s democratic future.

EU-South African summit is discussing strategic partnership and friendship with young democracies. In addition, anxiety grows over Turkish potential EU accession. Elsewhere, Kosovo’s president resigns after court ruling, while UN chief orders preparations for Somali peacekeeping operations.

The EU will serve as a mediator in the Kosovo-Serbian dialogue. Meanwhile, Amnesty International calls on the Union to stop Roma expulsions to Kosovo. Elsewhere, Nigerian youths are urged to shun electoral violence, while Ugandan activists voice for a child labour law. In addition, Nigeria’s Children’s parliament passes a women empowerment bill.

EU is to discuss new budget rules. Meanwhile, the Union is preparing to renew travel sanctions for Belarus. Elsewhere, Serbia is considering election dates, depending on the progress of EU accession talks. In addition, Sudan’s referendum is a pivotal issue in global diplomacy. Furthermore, UN Women will champion gender equality, while Rwanda initiates new program on women empowerment.