The Republic of Macedonia is now officially called North Macedonia

Following constitutional amendments approved by the parliament in Skopje, the Republic of Macedonia is now officially named Republic of North Macedonia. Against the backdrop of protests and a fragile majority, the parliament adopted the new name of the country, which is a key to its membership in the EU and NATO. The opposition VMRO-DPMNE party opposes the name change agreement with Greece. It has boycotted the vote and demanded early elections. The European Union and NATO welcomed the voted changes. According to Commissioner responsible for EU Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, the ratification of the Prespa Agreement will provide many opportunities for young people in the country.

Agreement over Macedonia’s name sparks government crisis in Greece

Opposing the agreement between Athens and Skopje, Greek Minister of Defense, Panagiotis Kammenos, who is also the leader of Independent Greeks, a coalition partner of the ruling SYRIZA party, has resigned. Ministers and deputy ministers from the party's quota have also quit positions. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has called for a vote of confidence and President of the Greek Parliament, Nikos Voutsis, said that the request could be debated on Tuesday and vote could take place on Wednesday.

Romania has taken over EU Presiden

Romania has officially taken the rotating European presidency at a time when Britain is about to leave the union and EP elections are coming. The official opening ceremony of the presidency took place amid protests in Bucharest under the motto "We want Europe, not dictatorship." The country is in a grip of political instability, which became a reason for expressed doubts at the end of last year about Romania's readiness to head the European Union. However, Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă says that the country was ready and that the Romanian EU Presidency would be beneficial for the country and the European Union as a whole.

Protests in Serbia against President Alexander Vucic

Protests continue in Serbia with calls for the resignation of President Alexander Vucic and the government. On Saturday, despite the bitter cold, thousands of protesters went out on the streets of Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities, asking for media freedom, democracy and the end of political repression against opposition members. Protests in Serbia started six weeks ago after an opposition politician was beaten in November.

Romania, Serbia and Greece are among the ten most hospitable countries in the world in 2018

According to Booking.com website, which surveyed users' comments, three of Bulgaria's neighbors - Romania, Serbia and Greece are among the 10 most welcoming countries in the world. The top 10 chart includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, New Zealand, Taiwan, Romania, Hungary, Ireland, Serbia and Greece. "The best image that Serbia shows to the world is the one created by ordinary people who have not forgotten hospitality and humanity," Belgrade radio B-92 has reported.

2019 declared year of writer Sabahattin Ali in Turkey

Publishers in Turkey announced 2019 as the year of writer and poet Sabahattin Ali, one of the founders of modern Turkish literature. Ali was born on 25 February 1907 in the present-day Bulgarian town of Ardino, near Kardzhali. He went to study in Istanbul before becoming a teacher. His first works were also published when he was a young man. Ali's first two novels “Yusuf from Kuyucak” (1937) and “The Devil Within Us” (1940) brought him great popularity. Because of his criticism towards the Turkish regime and his political views, Sabahattin Ali, attracted the hatred of authorities and was repeatedly arrested. The writer was killed near the Bulgarian-Turkish border in 1948 when he was just 41-years-old. This remains one of the most complicated political murders in Turkey. Ali's works and his tragic life continue to spark great interest that exceeds the boundaries of his homeland.

Compiled by: Miglena Ivanova

English: Alexander Markov