Linked2Balkan news, the 11th of January 2011 edition

Albania PM Lashes Out at Banks and Telecoms

The usually business friendly Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha has accused mobile phone operators and banks of overcharging Albanians for their services. Responding to questions during a press conference with a top World Bank official on Monday,

Serbia and EU to sign market liberalization protocol Tuesday

Serbia’s Minister of Economy Mladjan Dinkic and EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will sign a market liberalization protocol in Brussels on Tuesday as part of Serbia’s accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Ministry of Economy released Monday.

‘Political parties’ meeting in Sarejevo begins

Meeting of leaders of HDZ BiH, HDZ 1990, SNSD, SDS and SBB BiH began today around 12.00 at the BiH PA building in Sarajevo after the arrival of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik. Representatives of SDA, SDP BiH and party for BiH refused participation in this meeting.

Japan Interested in Importing Bulgarian Poultry and Red Wine

Japan is showing interest in the import of poultry and red wine, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food said after a meeting between Minister Miroslav Naydenov and newly appointed Japanese Ambassador here Makoto Ito. Minister Naydenov described as “unique Bulgarian ambassador” the starter culture for yoghurt – well known and received in Japan. There are good chances for extending cooperation in this sector, he added.

The Western Balkans in 2010 – small improvements, big scandals

The Western Balkans, as a region in transition, are prone to bouts of activity, and are rarely out of the news. The past year was no exception. Several events stood out – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Kosovo’s declaration of independence in July 2010, expressing its opinion that this move was not against international law; former Croatian prime minister, Ivo Sanader, was accused of corruption.

Eurobank expects “new Europe” profit boost

EFG Eurobank (EFGr.AT), Greece’s second-largest lender, expects profit from its operations in south east and central Europe to double this year, its chief executive said on Monday. Greek banks ventured into the relatively underbanked Balkan markets to secure growth, but the difficulties brought on by the country’s debt crisis have led some to reduce stakes abroad to raise cash and beef up capital adequacy.

Karlsruhe’s Puchta awarded ERC grand

One of the biggest gripes consumers have about the fruits and vegetables they eat is that they often taste like cardboard. And while it’s easy to blame farmers for using pesticides to kill the varmints that invade our foods, farmers claim they use them to ensure good quality and safe foods. Thankfully, several researchers in Europe are working to provide consumers with foods that taste just like they should taste.

The EBRD is considering providing a loan for the Novi Sad district heating project

The EBRD is considering providing a loan of up to €18.5 million for financing the rehabilitation/modernisation of the city heating system focusing on energy efficiency and tariff reform to be based on actual measured consumption at individual user levels. Overall the prospective project to contain three components.