Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad criticized the EU sanctions,but said they would have no effect on Iran.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

The report gave no entry date for Croatia, but reports say the former Yugoslav state could become the EU's 28th member in 2012 after ratification of its accession treaty.

VOA: standard.2009.10.15

In its report,the EU executive arm said Turkey made no progress in normalizing relations with Cyprus, adding that it was urgent that Ankara open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot traffic.

VOA: standard.2009.10.15

Syriza plays down the risks of its stance against the bailout deal, saying the EU has no real alternative to easing Greece's terms.

WSJ: Ahead of Vote, Greeks Move Cash, Hire Guards

He also dismissed the idea of a special "multilateral" deal on justice and policing for the UK, saying the EU had no mechanism to do that.

BBC: EU debate: Conservative MEP deplores 'pitbull UK' image

But it is a sign of the changing times that the EU is no longer talking about whether fishing reform is necessary, but how it is achieved.

BBC: Can new technology save fish?