The European Commission praises Montenegro’s progress toward EU membership

North Macedonia needs decisive action and reforms to begin negotiations with the EU, according to the European Commission’s annual report on the progress of countries toward full membership, reports BTA.

According to the EC, Montenegro has made significant progress in closing negotiation chapters. "If the pace is maintained, Montenegro is on track to achieve this ambitious goal", the report says.

Albania has made "significant progress". Whether it will complete negotiations by 2027 depends on maintaining this pace, the European Commission said.

The report on Serbia notes strong public polarization and delays in reforms. The report on Bosnia and Herzegovina cites the persistent political crisis as an obstacle. In the report on Kosovo, the Commission recommends cross-party cooperation and the normalization of relations with Serbia.

Rearmament is not a choice, it is a necessity, says Romanian President Nicușor Dan

“All the threats and challenges we are currently facing remind us that peace and security are not guaranteed. Therefore, rearmament is not a choice, it is a necessity”, Romanian President Nicușor Dan said at the NATO Industry Forum held in Bucharest, AGERPRES reported.

Meanwhile, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan signed an agreement for joint production of propellant powder at a new factory in the town of Victoria, Brașov County, central Romania. The investment amounts to EUR 500 million, with EUR 400 million contributed by Rheinmetall, which will hold a 51% stake in the enterprise. The factory is expected to begin operations in 2028.

Romania also signed an agreement to acquire 18 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Netherlands for the symbolic price of 1 euro. They will be used exclusively for training purposes.

Widespread shutdown of post offices raises concerns among Greek citizens

Forty-six branches of the Hellenic Post (ELTA) have been closed in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other regions as part of efforts to restructure the company, state broadcaster ERT reported.

Within the next three months, another 158 branches are set to close. The cost-cutting measure has sparked discontent in remote or less populated areas of the country, including the islands.

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis assured that no Greek citizen will be left without postal services and that no jobs will be lost. He added that 92% of pensions and 90% of mail deliveries are made directly to peoples’ homes. Physical post offices now represent just 10% of ELTA’s operations. ELTA CEO Grigoris Sklikas submitted his resignation following the controversy over the closure of 204 post office branches throughout Greece.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani mandates Glauk Konjufca to form a government

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has handed a government-forming mandate to Glauk Konjufca, deputy leader of the Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje Movement), according to koha.net. The former parliament speaker has 15 days to fulfill the mandate. On October 26, the first mandated candidate, Albin Kurti, who is also the leader of Vetëvendosje, failed to receive the necessary votes in the Assembly. According to President Osmani, both in the meeting held at the end of October, but also in the meetings she held with the president of PDK, Memli Krasniqi, and that of LDK, Lumir Abdixhiku, it was made clear that apart from the Vetëvendosje Movement, other parties will not come forward with a name for the mandate, reported KOHA. 

The country has plunged into a political crisis following the parliamentary elections in Kosovo on February 9, 2025. In the 120-seat parliament, there is no majority of 61 votes. Over the past seven months, 57 attempts have been made to elect a parliamentary speaker. If Konjufca also fails to form a cabinet, early elections will be held.

Turkish Coffee has been declared a “Traditional Specialty Guaranteed” in the EU

Turkish Coffee has been declared a “Traditional Specialty Guaranteed” in the EU, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) announced. Following the completion of the three-month process, Turkish Coffee will become Türkiye’s first traditional product name to be registered in the EU. 

“Turkish Coffee, one of the most deeply rooted symbols of our culture, is also included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. With a history of over 500 years, it is not just a beverage; it is a symbol of our hospitality, conversation, and friendship'' TOBB said.

The “Traditional Speciality Guaranteed” label is an EU designation for food products made using traditional methods and traditional ingredients, without being linked to a specific geographical area. The product can be produced outside the region or country of its origin.

Photos: Reuters; EPA/BGNES; tharos.gr; hurriyetdailynews.com; president-ksgov.net