Balkan developments

published on 10/13/23 2:48 PM

Turkey wants to expand the Customs Union with the EU

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.

Bucharest wants to buy the Moldovan port of Giurgiulesti

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.

The Serbs are not aware of what will happen to Kosovo

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.

Croats will look for a second job to sustain their families

Two out of three Croatians are considering finding a second job to meet their basic needs, Croatian news agency HINA reported, citing a survey by job search website Moj Posao. 67% of 750 respondents are thinking of finding a second job, the survey shows. The increase in the prices of electricity, food and other living expenses puts many working people and their families to the test, the specialized site noted.

Despite the continuous growth of wages, many Croats have a problem to meet their basic needs. According to the majority of respondents, the majority of their income - up to ¾ of the salary - goes to food and utility bills, notes HINA.

Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha's residence is being turned into an arts center

The Albanian government has decided to turn the house of dictator Enver Hoxha into an art center, the Albanian news agency ATA reported. The government in Tirana has approved a rent reduction for some of the premises in the "Government Residence Villa #31 Tirana" in order to implement the cultural project "Vila Art Residence Tirana". According to the decision, the rent amount will be equal to the cost of electricity, water and maintenance of the premises for the duration of the project.

"Villa No. 31", where the family of Enver Hoxha lived, is located in the "Bloku" (Block) district of Tirana. Under socialism, the "forbidden city" of the high communist nomenclature was inaccessible to the people. Today, the famous Villa No. 31 is a government residence that is rented out by the authorities.

Compiled by Ivo Ivanov

Photos: aa.com.tr, gifp.md, n1info.rs, hina.hr, ndertimi.info