Politics of Europe

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras or his finance minister, Gikas Hardouvelis, are expected to write to cabinet members this coming week reminding them of the actions that each department has to carry out and the limited time frame in which these measures can be carried out so Greece is prepared for the return of the troika to Athens in mid-September.

BELGRADE - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic said that the donors' conference in Brussels was successful, adding that it showed that Serbia has friends around the world and that the world trusts Serbia, which is also good news for investors.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras was due in Florence on Friday for a private visit during which he is expected to hold talks with his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi.

Leaders of the opposition National Liberal Party, PNL, and the Democratic Liberal Party, PDL, have pledged to hold a joint congress on July 26 at which their planned merger will be approved.

Education Minister Andreas Loverdos (photo) on Thursday had to step in to ensure that a visually impaired honor student can attend university.

Opposition party says it is "under police scrutiny"

BELGRADE -- Opposition Democratic Party (DS) whip Borislav Stefanović says the police are questioning DS members about their alleged involvement in trade union protests.

Speaking with reporters in parliament on Thursday, this MP "stressed that such action is intolerable and unlawful," Tanjug reported.

Democratic Liberal Party (PDL) chair Vasile Blaga on Thursday announced that the new party to result from the merger between the Liberals and the Democrat Liberals will keep the name of the National Liberal Party (PNL), and it will use PDL's traditional headquarters in Modrogan Alley 1, Bucharest.

President Abdullah Gül has denied media reports that he was unhappy with the situation in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and was considering taking a different path in his post-presidency period.

Germany takes leading role in promoting EU integration for Balkans

Germany is taking a leadership role in the Balkans' integration to the European Union.

Leaders of western Balkan countries are invited to a high-profile conference next month in Germany to support their integration prospects into the European Union.