European Economic Area

Ferreira meets economy ministers in Athens

National Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and his deputy Nikos Papathanasis received European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira for a meeting in Athens on Thursday.

During the meeting, an overview of the progress of projects implemented under the National Strategic Reference Framework 2014-2020 (NSRF 2014-2020) was provided.

EU leaders agree to open membership talks with Bosnia

EU leaders on Thursday agreed to open talks with Bosnia on joining the bloc, though negotiations will only begin in earnest once the Balkan country has passed more key reforms.

"Congratulations! Your place is in our European family. Today's decision is a key step forward on your EU path," European Council head Charles Michel wrote on X, as leaders met at a Brussels summit.

Schengen: Bulgaria-Romania Border Controls Persist Post-Accession Plans

Border checks between Bulgaria and Romania along the Danube River are set to persist post-March 31, even as both nations anticipate their admission into the Schengen zone by air and sea. This revelation was disclosed to BNR by a source within the European Commission, shedding light on a significant hurdle in the path to seamless travel within the European Union.

EU Council, Parliament Agree on Ukrainian Agricultural Export Duties

Negotiators from the European Union Council and the European Parliament have struck a deal regarding the recovery of EU customs duties on large quantities of agricultural products exported from Ukraine. This significant agreement, as reported by DPA, particularly focuses on products such as eggs, poultry, sugar, corn, oats, semolina, and honey.

European Left Leader Criticizes Austria's Stance on Bulgaria's Schengen Bid

Walter Baier, the leading candidate of the European Left for the upcoming European elections, has expressed his dismay over Austria's stance on Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen zone. Describing the Austrian government's position as "shameful, unfair, and ineffective," Baier's remarks reflect broader discontent within the European Left regarding the issue.

Commission officials in Athens to assess progress in absorption of EU funds

A delegation of the European Commission, with executives responsible for the EU Recovery Fund, are in Athens to evaluate the progress in the implementation of the projects financed by the EU.

The visit, which started on March 12, comes as the Fund is halfway through its journey - its completion is set for August 2026. 

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