Poland takes over EU rotating presidency from HungaryJuly 1, 2011 - 11:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Poland is taking over the European Union rotating presidency from Hungary as Europe struggles with the debt crisis in Greece and other member nations. Poland's six-month mandate began Friday, July 1 - its first since the eastern European nation joined the bloc in 2004. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk hosts EU leaders at an inaugural ceremony in Warsaw this day. Poland has achieved strong economic growth since becoming an EU member. The once communist country also has managed to avoid recession in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis. Warsaw will preside over difficult negotiations on the bloc's new economic governance rules and its next long-term budget. But as a nation that does not use the common European currency, Poland will not influence decisions on how to stabilize the euro. Analysts say the EU presidency is an opportunity for Mr. Tusk's centrist government to reinforce its international credentials ahead of Polish elections in October. The EU's rotating presidency has a diminished role since former Belgian prime minister Herman van Rompuy became long-term president of the European Council last year, and British lawmaker Catherine Ashton took charge of the bloc's foreign affairs. Hungary's EU presidency, which ended Thursday, was dogged by criticism of the country's restrictive media laws. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Hungarian leaders during her visit to Budapest Thursday to ensure media and other democratic freedoms, VOA News reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |