Balkan Countries Push for Record Tourism Year, Despite Growth Concerns
As beaches, historic sites and natural beauties in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey draw increasing numbers of tourists, governments eye bumper profits – though experts warn that relentless growth in the sector comes with costs. Original post Here
Albania’s Former PM Berisha Loses Appeal Against UK Ban
UK court dismisses appeal by opposition leader Sali Berisha to lift sanctions against him for alleged corruption, ruling that the ban was based on sufficient information. Original post Here
No Children, No Schools: Emigration Empties Northern Albania
In Albania’s northern Kukes and Shkodra regions, dozens of schools have shut their doors over the past several years as a result of staggering rates of emigration. Original post Here
Turkish-Albanian YouTuber Wanted in Turkey Denies Insulting Islam
YouTuber Diamant Tema, who faces an arrest warrant in Turkey for alleged insults to Islam and Muhammad, has denied the accusations, saying he is being ‘judged without a court hearing’. Original post Here
Growing Diaspora Vote Becomes Game-Changer in Balkan Elections
Balkan diaspora communities are expanding in size, becoming more interested in electoral battles back home – and are increasingly aware of their key role in shaping outcomes in an important year for elections across the region. Original post Here
Anti-Corruption Fight in Balkans Sees Progress, But Also Regression: Report
A new report on the Western Balkans and Turkey by watchdog organisation Transparency International says the progress against corruption made by a number of countries is counter-balanced by backsliding in others. Original post Here
Euro 2024 Becomes Arena for Balkan Nationalist Score-Settling
Matches at Euro 2024 involving Albania, Croatia and Serbia have been marred by nationalist chants and banners that are not uncommon in the Balkans, but were given a bigger stage by the showpiece football tournament. Original post Here
27,000 euros through fraud at the workplace, one arrested
A 34-year-old man was arrested by the Tirana police for the criminal offenses of “Fraud”, “Forgery of documents” and “Forgery of seals, stamps or forms”. Rizar Alibali from Shkodra is accused of embezzling 27,000 euros through fraud and presenting suspected falsified documents (mandates) at his workplace. The 34-year-old, being employed …
The extradition of Durim Bami from Dubai/ Balla: We have all the instruments to bring him before Albanian justice
A few days ago, the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice for the extradition of Durim Bami. In this regard, Interior Minister Taulant Balla has declared that the authorities have all the tools to bring Bami and all cases like him to justice. “This …
“Berisha cannot be the political offer that Albanians deserve”, Alibeaj leaves the Democratic Party group
Enkelejd Alibeaj will no longer be part of the Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party. Through a long post on social networks, Alibeaj said that his election comes as a sign of respect for the court’s decision, which gave Sali Berisha the seal of the Democratic Party. According to Alibeaj, …
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. …