Serb incumbent Boris Tadic needs every vote he can get in the second round of presidential elections on 3 February. PM Kostunica supports his pro-European coalition partner - but on his own terms only

The Italian-writing, Paris-dwelling, prize-winning Albanian writer, painter and photographer, 39, describes beauty as disturbing, discusses her inspirations and is hopeful for Kosovo

This nation of barely two million inhabitants joined the European Union in 2004 and have just become EU presidents for the first six months of 2008

The self-taught guitarist is coy about his age and anti-internet-overload. The Yugoslav 'ghost' has lived his dream in London since the early nineties, his folk and jazz music celebrating the sun and the Balkans

Insular for a long time, Albania has not always been a prime destination for travel agents. The current tourist craze for the Adriatic could benefit this little country on the Yugoslav peninsula

With its throngs of bars and canal boat clubs portrayed in an Emir Kusturica film, the Serbian capital is still the alternative tourist destination

The 45–year-old writer and TV journalist from Ljubliana has lived and worked in Düsseldorf, Chicago and London, and published widely

Independent or not, today the people of Kosovo want only one thing: the end of the United Nations’ ‘occupation’ of their territory

Independent from or autonomous within Serbia? Negotiations on Kosovo’s future status wound up in March

On Feb 27 in Belgrade, 15, 000 Serbs protested against the UN's plans for

independence from Serbia. What do Serbs and Albanians think about Kosovar identity?

On January 21 2007, Serbia sees its first general elections since the new democratic constitution was approved in October last year. The big parties are favourites to win in a country that seems unsure of where it’s going

For years we promised to accept the Balkan states’ bid to enter the EU. As politicians slow down the integration process, the region is further destabilised

Dispelling stereotypes of gypsy music being about old men singing in restaurants, today’s DJs are showing that it remains a vibrant and powerful form of music

With violin and accordion slung over his shoulder, Goran Bregovic, Serbo-Croatian composer and former rockstar, known for his cinematographic collaborations with Emir Kusturica, travels the four corners of Europe. A gypsy rhythm with European harmonies.

While the Balkan province is mourning the death of President Rugova, the issue of its independence from Belgrade is still on the UN negotiating table.

The Csango, ethnic Hungarians of the Moldavian region in Romania, have a history marked with bitter struggles for the recognition of their rights. They boast cultural and religious roots interwoven with those of all Europe.

Three hours from Belgrade, an unusual festival that brings together the brass bands of an entire country is held: the Assembly of Trumpet Players of Guca.