Global politics

European Union (EU) leaders are unlikely to reach an agreement on the prolongation of economic sanctions against Russia at their forthcoming summit next week.

The current sanctions, which are expiring in July, are not likely to be extended as long as the Minsk ceasefire in eastern Ukraine is observed, EurActiv reports.

"Public sector layoffs to start in July"

BELGRADE -- Serbian Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Kori Udovicki stated on Friday that dismissals in the public sector would begin as of July.

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Kori Udovicki stated on Friday that dismissals in the public sector would begin as of July.

Law on reduction of public sector administration in April

BELGRADE -- A law on public sector "rationalization" will be presented in late April, Minister of State and Local Administration Kori Udovicki has said.

The law will be adopted according to a conclusion by the government, she told the Belgrade-based daily Blic, but refused to comment on the details.

The International Monetary Fund approved on March 11 a $17.5 billion (15.5 billion euro) aid plan for crisis-wracked Ukraine, whose economy is reeling from a pro-Russia insurgency in its industrial heartland.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new USD 17.5 B financial aid package for Ukraine to help the country stave off collapse of its economy.

Western Balkans countries need to tackle their high budget deficits, cut trade deficits, privatize public institutions and work on labour market reforms, the International Monetary Fund, IMF, says in a new report.

The report presented on Tuesday in Vienna analyses economic growth, fiscal policies and labour market reforms since 2000.

VIENNA - The electricity price increase of 15 percent is part of the agreement with Serbia, as stated in the memorandum which the country submitted prior to the closing of the arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Head of IMF Mission in Serbia Zuzana Murgasova said.

"Electricity price rise part of IMF-Serbia agreement"

VIENNA -- The 15-percent electricity price hike is part of IMF's agreement with Serbia, as stated in a memorandum which the country submitted before the deal was closed.

This was announced by head of the IMF mission Zuzana Murgasova.

Regional countries pledge to strengthen co-operation against terrorism

Southeast Europe officials reaffirmed their commitment to intensify co-operation in the fight against terrorism and the effort to stop foreign fighters.

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci attended the February 24th meeting. [MFA-Kosovo]