Ankara wants to urgently update the customs union with the EU to meet the global economic realities, Anadolu agency reported. The EU-Turkey customs union has been in place since 1995, but is limited to manufactured goods and processed agricultural products. The trade agreement should be extended to services and public procurement, Trade Minister Omer Bolat said. He acknowledged the benefits of the union, but pointed out that the restrictions significantly hinder Turkey's economic and trade cooperation with the EU. 

There are "persistent structural problems" in the current treaty, which is intended as a temporary arrangement until full EU membership. Turkey is the only non-EU country that has a customs union agreement with the community.

Romania wants to buy Moldova's only port on the Danube, where the border river Prut flows. The former Soviet republic has access to the Black Sea through the port of Giurgiulesti, Digi24 reported. The port handles part of the cargo traffic from and to Ukraine diverted due to the war. It is currently owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Treasury does not confirm whether it will negotiate with Bucharest on the deal. 

Giurgiulesti is a small strip of 430 meters and gives Moldova access to the Danube. The former Soviet republic obtained its exit in 1999 from Ukraine through a territory swap. Giurgiulesti is the only port of Moldova that is also accessible to sea vessels. Romania has three such Danube ports in Galați, Braila and Tulcea. They have a direct connection with the Russian-bombed Ukrainian river-sea ports of Reni and Izmail.

According to 46% of the surveyed Serbian citizens, Kosovo was lost to Serbia. 1/3 take the opposite position, and 1/5 of the respondents refrain from answering, according to a representative study by the Institute for European Affairs and Smart Plus Research, quoted by N1 TV. Opinions on whether Belgrade will recognize Kosovo's independence are divided - 32.3% think it is possible, 39.8% - that it will not, and 27.9% cannot answer. 

Compared to previous surveys, there is a noticeable increase in those who believe that the government will recognize Kosovo. The recognition of Kosovo as a condition for Serbia's accession to the EU is not supported by the majority of Serbian citizens – 69.8%. Most respondents, or 45.3%, believe that the government cannot regain control of Kosovo.