Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras win Westphalia Peace Prize over Prespa agreement

The former Prime Ministers of North Macedonia and Greece, Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras, are this year’s winner of the International Westphalia Peace Prize. The award is recognition of the signing of the Prespa Agreement, which had resolved the longstanding name dispute between the two neighboring countries. Tsipras and Zaev have reached a diplomatic solution, contributing to the stabilization of the entire Balkan region, said President of the Economic Association of Westphalia Lipe Reinhard Zinkann.

Strike against pension reforms paralyzes Greece

Last week social discontent in Greece led to a paralysis of public transportation in the country. It was provoked by yet another reform in the pension system, which, according to trade unions, would lead to a rise in retirement age, lower pensions and higher social security contributions. Thousands of people protested in Athens, Thessaloniki and other Greek cities. Ferries and trains stopped, as well as public transportation in Athens.

Croatia's Attorney General steps down

Croatian Attorney General Drazen Jelinic has resigned after admitting he was part of a Masonic lodge. The prosecutor resigned after speaking with Justice Minister Drazen Bosnjakovic and following Prime Minister Andrei Plenkovic's call on him to step down from office or get dismissed.

Albania to build solar power plant for 100 million euros

More than 20 international companies compete for a contract for the construction, maintenance and operation of a 140 MW solar power plant near the town of Fier, Southwestern Albania. In January the Albanian Ministry of Energy opened a tender for the construction of a solar park worth around € 100 million. The deadline for submitting bids is March 16 and a contract with the winner is expected to be signed in early May.

Turkey lifts visas for citizens of six European countries in March

Turkey has added six more countries to the list of European countries whose citizens can visit the country without a visa. On March 2, visa restrictions for 90 days for tourists from Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom will be lifted. The decision aims to strengthen ties in tourism and trade, as well as economic and cultural relations with the six countries, said Spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hami Aksoy. The Daily Sabah points out that according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, in 2019, Turkey was visited by 52 million tourists, making it the 6th most preferred tourist destination.

Compiled by : Miglena Ivanova

English: Alexander Markov