The crisis in Ukraine now threatens western Balkans nations like Albania with further stalled economies and more. Even despite the recent announcement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Urban Development and Tourism of Albania to commit to working together to promote tourism in Albania, the gridlocked detentes in between the US, EU, Britain, and Russia over Ukraine may well spell disaster for all Balkan’s travel.
EU
Croatia Airlines Strike Partially Over: Planes Almost Aloft
On Tuesday Croatia Airlines management and the CA pilots’ union mutually agreed on a collective agreement dispute we previously reported on. While pilots may now go back to flying, the airline authorities and flight attendants still are at odds over their issues. The bottom line is, Croatia Airlines has fliers now, but no support on board for passengers, planes will probably remain grounded.
Croatian Culture Week Visits Germany
Croatian Culture Week opened up last Saturday, and is scheduled to run through this coming Sunday in Darmastadt, Germany. To mark the forthcoming entry by Croatia into the EU, the German city is previewing Croatia’s music and arts to the local German citizenry.
European Parliament Open House This Weekend
This Saturday the Festival of Europe begins in Brussels and Luxembourg and to commemorate the fest the European Parliament and other EU institutions will be open to the public. For those interested in witnessing how the Parliament works, this is a unique opportunity for a hands-on experience.
Georgia & Other East Europe Nations: Are They Key to EU Longevity?
According to a story from Vestnik Kavkaza, the European Union and Georgia will sign an early agreement to start the process of Georgia’s associate membership in November. With pressing tensions all around though, November seems far off where good relations between European countries is concerned.
Quantas Director Resigns Amid Wrongdoing Allegations
According to news from Qantasm, the Director of Quantas Airways Limited has stepped down. Corinne Namblard’s involvement in Italian court procedings was stated as the reason for her resignation in light of alleged involvement in a scandal involving Italy’s Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world’s oldest bank.
EU & Armenia Sign Simplified Visa Agreement
The European Union and Armenia have agreed to vastly simplified visa procedures for Armenians entering Schengen area countries. According to the news, some populations of Armenians will benefit from easier entrance restrictions. Armenian students, scientists, journalists, enterprenuers, and some other groups will be able to obtain visas for Schengen destinations much more easily. Foreign Minister […]
Croatia Airlines Gets Speedy Government Aid before EU Entry
National carrier Croatia Airlines has just received a capital boost of EUR 106 million from the local government. The funds injection has been approved just before the Easter European’s country would join the European Union as a means to avoid strict competition regulations. The funds will be given to Croatia Airlines as a capital increase […]
Russia’s Lavrov Paints Free Visa Discussions Pure Political
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed concerns that the European Union is stalling on a decision on the long awaited EU-Russia free visa issue. Lavrov, speaking at a meeting of the Association of European Businesses last Monday, suggested the delays have been purely political.
Single European Sky Meetings Take Off in Cyprus
Yesterday key officials began a conference in Limassol (Cyprus) to try and get back on track in important transportation initiative for Europe, the so called Single European Sky aviation project to create a single European airspace. Despite widespread support and the logic of unifying European airspace however, nearly a decade has passed with mediocre progress toward this end.
Working Together with Turkey, Key to Greece Tourism Ministry
The newly appointed tourism minister of Greece believes focusing on the country’s cooperation with Turkey in the solution to the tourism industry’s financial troubles, thus making it the main priority of her cabinet. The ministry will focus on increasing mutual visits and collaborating on large scale tourism development and promotion projects.
Euro – Greece Futures: Are They Parallel?
As Greece slides further into the unknown, many European travel companies are reportedly preparing for the country to exit the eurozone. Yesterday the government announced new elections to be held in June after efforts to hammer out a new government failed this week. Thomas Cook, and other major travel players, are preparing for the eventuality of a Greek withdrawal.
EU President Meets Băsescu & Borisov Over Schengen
After many months of back and forth on the issue of Bulgaria and Romania joining the European Union’s open-border Schengen area, EU President Herman Van Rompoy told reporters recently an agreement should be reached by September. During a one day trip to both countries, Van Rompoy met with Romanian President Traian Băsescu, and Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov to table a number of issues.
Maribor 2012: A Pictorial I
A few days ago we covered the upcoming Maribor 2012 and its place as one of the towns chosen to be the European Capital of Culture next year. In keeping with Argo Travel’s image and media focused core value, we contacted the Slovenia Tourism Board about more images. Their PR exec Jasmina Godec graciously responded with the FTP for their best images.
Russia – EU Tourism Glee: Has the Boat Sailed
Russian Federation Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is all over the news of late. First running for the Presidency again, and today talking about something termed a “Eurasian Union”-or as some proclaim – a soviet bloc party renewed. But, Putin’s ideas could well solve any number of points of pain for his people.