As Brussels painstakingly deliberates the merits of aspiring European Union members in the Balkans, Beijing has begun an investment offensive in the region. But is China’s money talking economics or politics?

• 5 March 2010

Parliament expresses frustration over being sidelined in formation of new diplomatic corps.

• 4 March 2010

Voters in the Netherlands have gone to the polls in municipal elections. Political parties opposing Muslim immigration are expected to gain ground in the run-up to early national elections in June.

• 4 March 2010

The EU has unveiled its '2020 strategy' to lead the continent away from economic crisis towards a greener, more prosperous future. However, part of the strategy has prompted concern from Germany.

• 3 March 2010

Twenty military officers are formally charged in Turkey with attempting to overthrow the government.

• 25 February 2010

India and Pakistan begin their first high-level talks since the attacks on Mumbai at the end of 2008, amid tensions over Kashmir.

• 25 February 2010

The US has reached out to Syria in a bid to harness its influence and engage with problematic Middle East leaders. Renewed ties between the two countries bring cautious hope of breakthroughs on a number of issues.

• 24 February 2010

Bosnia-Herzegovina is a divided country, overseen by an international authority, which is meeting in Sarajevo on Wednesday. A new law that could eventually pave the way to splitting the country is sure to top the agenda.

• 24 February 2010