Eastern & Central Europe

Latest news about eastern and central Europe and EU enlargement. Since it was founded in 1958, the EU has regularly accepted new member countries. Each applicant country must meet certain requirements before membership is permitted. Regular enlargements have seen the EU grow from its original 6 founding members to 28 in 2013. Any country that satisfies the conditions for enlargement can apply to be a candidate. The European Commission, at the request of the European Council, assesses the applicant’s ability to meet the conditions of membership. If the opinion is positive and the Council agrees a negotiating mandate, discussions are formally opened between the applicant and the EU. At the start of 2013, five countries had been accepted as EU candidate countries: Iceland, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo (under UN Security Resolution 1244) have the status of potential candidates.

EU steps up Russia sanctions with price cap on Russian oil — 06 October 2022, 18:42 CET

Responding to to Russia's escalation of its war of aggression against Ukraine and illegal annexation of four of its regions, the EU imposed Thursday a new package of economic and individual sanctions.

New EU sanctions to target Russian trade — 29 September 2022, 22:56 CET

Following recent escalation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and its 'sham referenda' to facilitate annexation of occupied territories, the Commission presented Wednesday a new package of sanctions.

EU plans new sanctions in response to Russia's illegal 'referenda' — 22 September 2022, 22:56 CET

The EU signalled additional sanctions against Russia Thursday in response to Russian plans for illegal 'referenda' in occupied areas of Ukraine, partial mobilisation and threats of nuclear conflict.

Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy: MEPs — 16 September 2022, 23:08 CET

The European Parliament condemned Thursday the "deliberate and systematic efforts of the Hungarian government" to undermine European values and demands results in the Article 7 process.

EU promises Ukraine continued support against Russian 'blackmail' — 05 September 2022, 23:50 CET

The EU showed no sign of weakening its support for Ukraine in its war with Russia Monday, as Ukraine's prime minister Denys Shmyhal made a visit to Brussels to further strengthen cooperation.

EU send 5 million anti-radiation tablets to Ukraine — 30 August 2022, 23:54 CET

The European Union sent 5 million potassium iodide tablets to Ukraine Tuesday, as a preventative safety measure to increase the level of protection around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

EU disburses EUR 1 bn macro-financial assistance for Ukraine — 11 August 2022, 00:09 CET

The European Union continued its support to help Ukraine shore up its public finances Wednesday with disbursement of a new EUR 1 billion macro-financial assistance operation for the country.

Brussels to extend transport corridors to Ukraine, Moldova — 02 August 2022, 22:49 CET

As Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, Brussels proposed Thursday to extend four European transport corridors to Ukraine and Moldova, including to the ports of Mariupol and Odessa.

EU targets 15 pct reduction in gas use by next spring — 23 July 2022, 00:11 CET

With Europe facing the risk of further gas supply cuts by Russia, the European Commission put forward Wednesday a European Gas Demand Reduction Plan to reduce gas use in Europe.

Brussels proposes new import ban on Russian gold — 18 July 2022, 23:42 CET

A new package of measures to maintain and strengthen the effectiveness of EU sanctions against Russia, proposed Tuesday by the EU Commission, includes a new import ban on Russian gold.

Poland, Hungary in spotlight over judicial independence — 14 July 2022, 23:00 CET

Against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU's annual Rule of Law Report, published Wednesday, highlights lack of action on the issues of judicial independence and corruption.

Brussels looks for more flexible, resilient airline slot regime — 12 July 2022, 23:27 CET

Responding in part to disruption from the war in Ukraine, the EU Commission adopted Tuesday a proposal to allow the airline slot regime to respond more flexibly to unexpected future developments.

Croatia given final approval to join euro — 12 July 2022, 23:15 CET

The EU Council adopted the last three legal acts to enable Croatia to become a member of the euro area Tuesday, paving the way for Croatia to introduce the EU's common currency on 1 January 2023.

EU to recognise driving docs of Ukrainian refugees — 07 July 2022, 23:19 CET

The European Parliament gave its backing Thursday to a proposal to allow Ukrainian refugees to keep their national driving licences, exempting them from the obligation to exchange them for EU ones.

Ukraine inevitable focus for new Czech EU presidency — 07 July 2022, 19:18 CET

The preparation of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine as well as projects to free the EU from its dependence on Russia will be important tasks for the Czech Presidency, its PM said Wednesday.

G7 leaders pledge stronger support for Ukraine against Russian aggression — 29 June 2022, 22:33 CET

The leaders of the G7 nations at this year’s summit in Bavaria sent out a powerful signal of unity to Russia Tuesday, pledging to strengthen action against its war of aggression against Ukraine.

United Europe grants EU candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova — 27 June 2022, 23:18 CET

At a summit on Thursday, EU leaders made a historic decision to grant the status of European Union candidate to Ukraine and Moldova in the face of Russia's continuing war of aggression against Ukraine.

MEPs approves plans to restock gas reserves before winter — 23 June 2022, 23:47 CET

In response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, the EU Parliament approved Thursday a proposal which sets a mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities at 80 per cent by 1 November.

EU extends Russia sanctions over Crimea — 20 June 2022, 23:07 CET

EU foreign ministers decided Monday to renew for another year sanctions introduced against Russia as a response to its illegal annexation in 2014 of Crimea and the city of Sebastopol.

Brussels recommends EU candidate status for Ukraine — 20 June 2022, 23:06 CET

The EU Commission recommended Friday that Ukraine, as well as Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, be given candidate status for membership of the European Union.

Croatia ready to adopt euro in 2023: Eurogroup — 17 June 2022, 18:13 CET

The Eurogroup of EU finance ministers endorsed a recommendation Thursday for Croatia to introduce the euro on 1 January 2023, the first step in a legal process to enable Croatia to join the euro area.

EU Commissioner in Ukraine announces EUR 205m humanitarian aid — 15 June 2022, 18:43 CET

The EU allocated EUR 205 million in further humanitarian aid to Ukraine Thursday, as Commissioner Lenarcic visited the country to help coordinate the EU's crisis response on the ground.

EU gives formal approval to new sanctions against Russia — 07 June 2022, 22:00 CET

The EU Council gave formal approval Friday to a new package of sanctions against Russia, for its continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and reported atrocities committed by Russian troops.

Croatia set to adopt euro on 1 January — 04 June 2022, 00:05 CET

Croatia is ready to adopt the euro on 1 January 2023, the European Commission concluded on Wednesday in a review of the country's preparedness to join the single currency area.

Croatia and the euro — 01 June 2022, 22:46 CET

Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013 and has been in ERM-II since 10 July 2020.