Lost in Translation: Open Balkan ID Initiative Yet to Take Off
Launched six months ago, the Open Balkan ID Number was presented as marking the start of a single labour market between Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. It has had some teething troubles. Original post Here
Amid Homophobic Rhetoric, Albania’s LGBTQ+ Community is ‘Battling Rejection’
Discriminatory comments from politicians are exacerbating prejudice and encouraging a hostile environment for the community in Albania, rights activist Amarildo Fecanji tells BIRN. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Leaders’ Arrests Create Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
With two opposition leaders, Ilir Meta and Sali Berisha, both under arrest, the atmosphere ahead of polls due in 2025 looks increasingly fraught – with some fearing a drift towards radicalisation. Original post Here
Arrest of former President Ilir Meta on corruption allegations sends second key opposition leader into detention
TIRANA, Oct. 21, 2024 – The arrest on Monday of former President Ilir Meta, who now heads the opposition Freedom Party, on orders of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has sent shockwaves through Albania’s political landscape. Meta faces allegations of corruption, money laundering and asset concealment, …
Albania’s Ex-President Ilir Meta Arrested on Corruption Charges
Former President Ilir Meta, now leader of the opposition Freedom Party, was arrested on charges of corruption, money-laundering and non-declaration of assets. Original post Here
Italian Court Rules Migrants Shipped to Albania Must Be Sent Back
A Rome court dealt a blow to a controversial scheme to send migrants intercepted at sea by Italy to Albania, ruling that the first 12 migrants who were transported to an Albanian reception camp this week must be returned. Original post Here
Albanians Scent Profit in Italy’s Costly Offshore Migrant Processing Plan
An Italian opposition MP has lambasted the start of the scheme to process migrants in Albania as a fiasco – but locals living near the new facilities are eying up potential economic benefits. Original post Here
Albania Opposition MPs Claim Police Threatened Them in Parliament With Guns
After opposition MPs continued their protest in parliament on Thursday, clashing with the police and parliamentary guards, they claimed ‘armed persons threatened the deputies with weapons’. Original post Here
Italian ship brings first migrants to Albania-based camp under controversial asylum-processing deal
TIRANA, Oct. 16, 2024 – An Italian military ship carrying the first group of migrants arrived in the Albanian port of Shëngjin early Wednesday, marking the launch of a controversial project to process Italian asylum applications on Albanian soil, drawing much international attention. The initiative is part of a bilateral …
Albanian Environmentalists See Red Over Green Sludge Coating Tirana’s Lake
The main artificial lake in the capital has been covered for weeks by thick green algae, which environmental activists blame on untreated urban sewage flowing into the water. Original post Here