“82 to 18 – percentages of people against Croatian integration into the European Union opposed to those for the integration, in Denis Latin’s debate show “Latinica” on Croatian TV.”

On May 1, 2004, the International Labour Day, the citizens of ten European countries will surely come out to the streets in huge number to celebrate. For those countries, the long and tumultuous adventure called “the transition” will finally end. They will officially become members of the European Union, once the inaccessible city on the hill, craved for its plenty and freedoms. From former Yugoslavia (depending on the definition, you could also say from the Balkans), only the Slovenians will have reasons to celebrate, for Slovenia is among those ten countries.

Meanwhile, in the Balkans, things remain uncertain. Governments still think of the European Union integration as of a secondary cause. The primary goal for all of them remains NATO, or in some cases, NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme. The recent history of conflict seems to justify such a position, for indeed, many of the goals and ideas behind the European Union remain lofty.

Continue reading

03.10.2008 Two of the five amendments to the Resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted last Tuesday (September 30) by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe refer to last week`s vicious attacks that led to the closing of the Sarajevo Queer Festival.

17.09.2008 On the eve of the publication of the 2008 Progress Report for the Republic of Macedonia, prepared by the European Commission, and concerned by recent statements by Government representatives speculating on possible causes for the likely negative general tone of the Report, a group of 30 civic organizations asked the Government to stop its public opinion spin efforts and to not avoid its responsiblity if the Progress Report proves to be negative.

20.05.2008 The national Ministry of Finance and Treasury, in cooperation with the B&H Directorate of European Integrations (DEI), organized a meeting in Sarajevo, on May 15, 2008, with the representatives of the civil society organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. OWPSEE`s Sanjin Buzo comments on the proceedings at the meeting and the ignorant approach to civil society adopted by BiH Institutions and EC Delegation.

04.07.2007 Under the auspices of the Speak Up Europe campaign, the European Movement in Serbia, in cooperation with the International European Movement, launched the What has Europe Ever Done For Us web-site.