The United Nations says the Balkans, a region once known as a hotbed of crime and violence, is now one of the safest zones in Europe. The report by the un office on drugs and crime says that the levels of crime against people and property are now lower in the Balkans than in western Europe.

Meeting the growing demand for wind power in Europe will be a struggle, according to a report.

The Balkans, once known as a hotbed of crime and violence amid wars in Yugoslavia and the transition from communism, has become one of the safest areas in Europe, a U.N. report said Thursday.

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — A United Nations report released Thursday says the Balkans, a region once known as a hotbed of crime and violence, has become one of the safest zones in Europe.

May 29 (Bloomberg) — Stocks in Europe and Asia gained as Man Group Plc doubled its dividend, prospects for higher metals prices boosted mining companies and $130-a-barrel oil lifted energy producers. U.S. index futures were little changed.

May 29 (Bloomberg) — Stocks in Europe and Asia gained as Man Group Plc doubled its dividend, prospects for higher metals prices boosted mining companies and $130-a-barrel oil lifted energy producers. U.S. index futures declined.

May 29 (Bloomberg) — Stocks in Europe and Asia gained as Man Group Plc doubled its dividend, prospects for higher metals prices buoyed mining companies and $130-a-barrel oil lifted energy producers. U.S. index futures were little changed.

May 29 (Bloomberg) — Stocks in Europe and Asia gained as Man Group Plc doubled its dividend, prospects for higher metals prices buoyed mining companies and $130-a-barrel oil lifted energy producers. U.S. index futures advanced.

May 29 (Bloomberg) — Stocks in Europe and Asia gained after Man Group Plc posted earnings that beat analysts’ estimates, prospects for higher metals prices buoyed mining companies and $130-a-barrel oil lifted energy producers. U.S. index futures advanced.

May 29 (Bloomberg) — Stocks in Europe and Asia gained after Man Group Plc posted earnings that beat analysts’ estimates and oil prices above $130 a barrel lifted energy companies. U.S. index futures declined.