A year into Ankara’s EU accession bid, the path to membership proves to be strewn with obstacles.

This link is to a paper outlining the strategic framework for European assistance to Lebanon, as established before the outbreak of the recent conflict between Israel and Lebanon. The European Union has been a major donor to Lebanon in support of its attempts to build a democracy in the Middle East. 

Europa answers frequently asked questions about the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) clarifying general questions, geographical coverage, ENP action plans, implementation, and funding.

A referendum on Montenegro's independence could redraw national boundaries in the Balkans. It could also strain tensions in an already volatile region.

A divided Montenegro voted Sunday to separate from Serbia. The referendum could open a final chapter in the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia.

Since French and Dutch voters rejected the European constitution last spring, the EU has been in crisis. The treaty debacle did not cause the EU's current troubles; the EU's long-standing problems caused voters' dissatisfaction. But the way out of the impasse should involve pragmatic steps to improve EU economics, not legal or institutional reforms.