Soviet Union

Countries expecting fewer tourists from Russia

Bulgaria and Montenegro are expecting a drop in Russian tourists this summer. Also in business news: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will invest 500 million euros in Cyprus.

The number of Russian tourists visiting the region this summer is expected to decline. [AFP]

The Soviet Army Monument in Sofia was used twice on Thursday night to display conflicting propaganda messages.

Hours after being illuminated with the EU flag as part of the Reformist Bloc's election campaign, activists hung there both Russian and Soviet Union colors.

Bulgaria will mark on Friday the Day of Europe, also known as Schuman Day, after the historic Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950.

On this day, the French Foreign Minister at the time, Robert Schuman, signed a declaration to create a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the predecessor of the European Union (EU).

A Soviet monument in Bulgaria's capital city of Sofia has been painted with the flags of Ukraine and the European Union, Thursday.

Russia's energy giant Gazprom does not rule out the suspension of gas transit to Europe, the company has warned in its 2013 financial report.

Moldova on Monday became the first country east of the EU whose citizens have the right to visa-free travel to the 26 European countries that comprise the Schengen area.

Moldova won the approval of the EU for the change after undertaking a series of reforms, including providing secure travel documents and improving border and migration management.

Josh Cohen, a former U.S. State Department official, involved in managing economic reform projects in the former Soviet Union, works for a satellite technology company in the Washington area.

This article is from The Moscow Times

"Putin won't stop trying to expand Russia"

LONDON -- After "annexing Crimea and with troops massed on the border of Ukraine," Vladimir Putin "will not stop trying to expand Russia."

Concerns for Crimean Tatars increase

After boycotting the referendum, Crimean Tatars became open targets for the local militia and Russia as well, experts warn.

Demonstrators hold a combination Ukrainian-Crimean-Tatar flag during a rally at Independence Square in Kiev on March 23rd. [AFP]

European countries feel safer under NATO protective umbrella

Officials and regional security experts view the Alliance as crucial to the region's prosperity.

NATO's presence has brought a sense of security to the region. [AFP]