Balkan developments

published on 12/1/23 3:05 PM

Greeks will be able to vote by mail

The Greek government made a decision according to which Greeks in the country and abroad will be able to vote by mail. The news about this was announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, quoted by the Greek state television ERT, BTA reported. The option will come into effect at the upcoming elections for the European Parliament in 2024.

"With the introduction of voting by mail for the first time in the history of Bulgaria, all obstacles to participation in the electoral process for all Greeks with the right to vote are removed, regardless of where they live and where they are on the day of the European elections - in Greece or abroad," commented Interior Minister Niki Kerameos. Greeks living abroad will only vote by mail and no polling stations will be set up, while Greeks in the country will be able to choose between voting by mail and going to a polling station.

Dacic: Three quarters of EU countries would not pass the test now

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, Serbia - Ivica Dacic, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Elmedin Konaković, Montenegro - Filip Ivanovic, and Albania - Igli Hasani, signed a joint position on the fight against corruption and money laundering. BGNES reported. This happened during the 30th ministerial meeting at the OSCE summit in Skopje. Konaković said that strengthening regional cooperation is crucial in the fight against corruption.

"If now all EU member states had to go through what we all go through here to enter the union, three quarters of the countries would not pass the test," said Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, quoted by the Macedonian agency MIA. According to him, corruption exists where there is money, power and influence and where corruption is imposed in the form of a law. "Taking a commission in the West is legal, but here it is called corruption," Dacic pointed out.‎

North Macedonia and Hungary will act to oppose the Bulgarian tax on Russian gas

The governments of North Macedonia and Hungary will act jointly to remove the tax on Russian gas introduced by Bulgaria on October 13, to ensure both countries' energy security and security of gas supply. This was agreed upon in Skopje by the Minister of Economy of North Macedonia, Kreshnik Bekteshi, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, the Ministry of Economy of North Macedonia announced. The two ministers defined the fee as "illegal" and its introduction as a "hostile action", reported BTA.‎

Cyprus with measures to promote its agricultural production

Cyprus is introducing a trademark for its agricultural products to promote local produce and promote it in culinary tourism. The new branding complements the island nation's efforts to preserve traditional Cypriot foods through their European registration. It is believed that the new sign will further support Cypriot regions, highlight the high quality and traditions of the local food industry, enrich and promote the tourism product of Cyprus. Currently, the country has 3 products with "protected designation of origin" in the EU, one of which is the traditional halloumi cheese, reports the correspondent of the BNR in Cyprus, Branislava Bobanats.‎

A huge Christmas tree and craftsmen from all over Romania in front of the Parliament in Bucharest

On Constitution Square in front of the Parliament in Bucharest, a 30-meter tall Christmas tree is shining. The largest Christmas market in Romania is arranged around it. In the over 130 shops of the Christmas town masters from all over the country, authentic artists and local producers are guests who present their art and traditions, reports BNT. Lovers of romantic entertainment can ride a Ferris wheel, a carousel or a roller coaster.‎

Compiled by Miglena Ivanova