Europe gets the green light for the candidacy of the tiny Balkan state Albania to become a part of the European Union. The decision to allow Albania to begin the lengthy process of “accession” membership negotiations was given the green light by a meeting of European ministers in Luxembourg on Tuesday, before being signed off by EU leaders in a summit on Friday. Europe thus acknowledges the recent efforts to reform the country, says European Commissioner Stefan Füle, “Congratulations on the application which has just been approved. It is a recognition of the reform efforts and encouragement for more.”

The third batch of Philippine Independence Day celebration held yesterday at Beurshalle in Brugge was a great success. COFAF, Council of Filipino Associations in Flanders President Minabelle Siazon endorsed to Vice-Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels the donation for classroom project in Talairon Central Elementary School in Oroquieta City, Philippines. Martial Arts Group Satori Kwai also gave an extended donation for last year’s Super typhoon Haiyan victims in Tacloban City.