EU funds are being siphoned off through corruption, fraud and abuse – from fake jobs to forged invoices. According to the latest report by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the misuse of EU money remains widespread across the 27-nation bloc.
Protests have erupted across the Balkans, fueled by deadly disasters linked to corruption. From Serbia to North Macedonia, young people are taking to the streets, demanding accountability in a region where aspirations to join the European Union clash with entrenched graft.
With Europe Day around the corner, Austrian Chancellor Nehammer speaks out in favour of diversity and the EU Commission Representation in Slovenia aims to minimise waste production during the festivities, following the signing of a zero waste commitment with an NGO. In other news: Serbia and Kosovo agree to move forward in resolving cases of missing persons and EU anti-corruption measures may become stricter in the future.
The European Parliament designates a new Vice-President to replace Eva Kaili, who remains in jail. The Parliament also urges German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to clear the way for the delivery of Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine. Although numbers are declining, Russian citizens use BiH’s visa-free regime with Russia to enter the EU.