Cyberattacks and Ethnically-Fuelled Harassment Mark Start of Year
Public institutions faced cyberattacks as countries battled misinformation amid political crises in the region. Original post Here
Albanian Court Detains Controversial Acting Mayor on Corruption Charge
Jorgo Goro, who became acting mayor of Himara municipality amid a diplomatic row between Albania and Greece over his election rival’s arrest, was ordered into detention on suspicion that he transferred state land to private individuals. Original post Here
‘It’s Devastating’: BIRN Maps Illegal Landfills Blighting the Balkans
Authorities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and North Macedonia are failing in the fight against illegal landfills; the environment and the public are paying the price. Original post Here
With Two Mayors Behind Bars, Albanian Municipality Elects Caretaker
Blerina Bala was elected caretaker mayor of Himara by the municipal council after previous acting mayor Jorgo Goro resigned following his arrest for alleged corruption and election-winner Fredi Beleri was convicted of vote-buying. Original post Here
When Crossing Borders was a Death Sentence for Albanians
Crossing borders has become safer for Albanians, but many still are haunted by the new, less visible, frontiers of a capitalist and racist Europe. Original post Here
Seven Migrants Killed in Car Crash While Fleeing Albanian Police
Seven suspected migrants and an alleged people-smuggler were killed when the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed at high speed as the driver was trying to get away from the Albanian police. Original post Here
‘R and M’: Albanian Officials Accused of Siphoning Public Funds via Frontmen
Two senior public officials in the Albanian capital, Tirana, stand accused of fixing state tenders to enrich a company they owned through front men. Original post Here
‘Coordinated’ Cyber Attack Targets Albania’s Online Citizens Channel
A major cyber attack on the online media outlet Citizens Channel by unknown perpetrators has raised fresh concerns about media freedom and access to independent information in Albania. Original post Here
UK Must Ensure Albanian Returnees’s Dignity, Expert Says
Communications expert from Tirana tells BIRN that Britain must ensure returnees’ ‘dignity, safety, and respectful treatment’, after a UK report said some Albanians returning voluntarily were kept waiting for weeks in detention. Original post Here
Albania Builds Migrant Centre and Camp as Criticism Continues
Work has started in Albania to build a reception centre and camp to receive migrants from Italy – but activists and locals in both countries remain highly critical of the plan. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 22 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the country has never been closer to the European Union during remarks at the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece. He made the comments during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas, editor-in-chief of Kathimerini. Rama addressed Albania’s position in a shifting geopolitical …
TIRANA, April 22 – Albania’s Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi was at construction of the Tirana 3 electricity substation near Petrela. He described the project as central to the capital’s energy security. The substation will create a ring connection with other grid facilities in Tirana. Karakaçi said rapid …
Edi Rama said in Athens that he aims to reach agreement with Greece within the year. He works with Kyriakos Mitsotakis to resolve all issues. During a talk with Alexis Papahelas of Kathimerini at the Delphi Economic Forum, Rama said the Beleri case created difficulties. However, he stressed that both …
Edi Rama said he informed Donald Trump about what he called “fantasy report” accusations against former KLA leaders. He spoke during a conversation with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama said he raised concerns about the detention of Hashim Thaçi and other former KLA leaders in The Hague. …
Edi Rama said property issues affecting the Greek minority are the same as those affecting Albanians. He spoke during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama said the government treats these cases as a nationwide problem. However, he stressed that authorities give special attention to areas …
Edi Rama said Albania achieved judicial independence and called it a lifetime achievement. He spoke during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama said Albanians continue to emigrate. However, he noted that many are also returning. Therefore, he said the gap is narrowing. He added that …
Edi Rama said Albania has never been closer to the European Union. He spoke during a conversation with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum during his visit to Greece. Rama said the Western Balkans are not forgotten. Instead, he said the region is in its best moment for EU …
Ferit Hoxha held a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum. They continued a constructive dialogue on Albanian–Greek relations. Hoxha said the meeting followed earlier talks between the two Prime Ministers in Athens. He said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen …
Taulant Balla met EU rapporteur Andreas Schieder in Brussels to discuss Albania’s EU integration process and progress on reforms. Balla said the EU report on Albania, which will be voted on in AFET on 5 May, recognizes the country’s achievements. He described the report as an important roadmap that evaluates …
Edi Rama said Albania has a strong tradition of hospitality during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama explained that Albania has historically protected people in danger. He mentioned that during World War II, Albania sheltered Jews and did not hand them over to the Nazis. …