The effects of climate change in Karelia/Russia

Western Balkans Summit in Sofia: Western Balkan countries not yet ready for imminent EU accession

The EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, organized by Bulgaria during its EU Council presidency, signaled the EU's openness to Western Balkan countries' future membership, contingent on meeting conditions and implementing reforms. However, the prospect of accession by 2025 was removed from the final declaration, with most EU member states considering it too soon and potentially overwhelming for the EU. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz emphasized the need to counter Turkish influence in the region. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel expressed skepticism about expansion before the EU itself functions properly, while Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn warned against lumping all countries together. The summit also aimed to foster cooperation and trade among Balkan states and saw progress in the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece. EU leaders also addressed concerns over US President Donald Trump's policies, including the Iran deal and tariffs, with a unified stance to protect trade relations without conceding to US demands.