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 …
First Italian Ship With Refugees Arrives in Albania
The first Italian ship holding 16 refugees intercepted at sea arrived in Albania early on Wednesday, as Italy’s controversial plan to ‘offshore’ the processing of migrants and refugees got underway. Original post Here
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
Could Michigan’s Albanian-Americans Swing the Vote for Trump?
Albanian-American supporters of Donald Trump are campaigning hard in the swing state of Michigan, where their numbers could sway the result. But some fear the return of Trump’s controversial Balkan envoy Richard Grenell. Original post Here
Moldova Should Learn from Albania’s Mistakes in Justice Reform
As EU hopeful Moldova embarks on a complex process of judicial reform and vetting to root out corruption, experts advise it to note what has gone right – and wrong – in Albania, which began the same process a decade ago. Original post Here
Albania Opens EU Accession Negotiations, Seeks Membership by 2030
In Luxembourg on Tuesday, Albania opened its first negotiation ‘cluster’, with Prime Minister Edi Rama saying his country has its sights set on joining the European club by the end of the decade. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Websites Promote and Profit from Abuse of Women
BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations in August and September highlighted a threatening Hungarian ‘dark web’ site that contained illegally obtained images of women, plus a series of arrests for online sexual abuse in Romania. Original post Here
As Talks Begin, EU Chides Albania’s ‘Limited Progress’ in Tackling Corruption
As accession talks got underway, the EU ‘negotiating position’, published on Tuesday, says corruption remains “prevalent in most areas of public and business life, including in all branches of central and local government”. Original post Here
Androulakis Wins Second Chance to Revive Greece’s Centre-Left Party
After his re-election as leader of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis promised that “the best things are ahead” – but only time will show whether he can win back the trust of Greek voters for the once-powerful party he has supported since his youth. Original post Here
Albanian Police Arrest Two for Forcibly Exploiting Afghan Teenager
Police said they arrested two people for exploiting a 16-year-old from Afghanistan in the northern city of Shkodra, forcing him to work at a car service centre. Original post Here
The parliamentary committees on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora and on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12-13. The OSCE organized the event. The meeting brought together MPs from Albania and North Macedonia, along with ambassadors and senior OSCE officials. During …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with a delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Morgan Johansson. During the meeting, Hoxha praised Sweden’s continued support for Albania’s European Union integration process. He also highlighted Sweden’s contribution to Albania’s democratic, institutional and …
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu met with Albanian students in Struga and Tetovo during his two-day visit to North Macedonia. During the meetings, Vengu said Albanian students are not asking for ethnic privileges. Instead, he said they are demanding what he called “European normality” by seeking to take state exams …
The University of Arts marked its 60th anniversary today. It awarded certificates of appreciation to more than 30 personalities. These individuals contributed to the institution’s development. The ceremony took place in Tirana. Students, alumni, professors and cultural figures attended the event. Among the honorees was sculptor Kristaq Rama. He was …
A parliamentary dialogue on EU enlargement between Albania and Sweden was held today in Tirana at the “House of Europe”. The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Albania is closer than ever to full EU membership. He stated that the country’s goal is to close accession …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented a package of measures in Saranda to ensure a safe and successful tourism season. She said Albania has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers over the past five years. However, she stressed that the country has managed the flow without major problems. Moreover, …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes. Peleshi said Albania and Turkey share a long-standing friendship and a consolidated strategic partnership. Moreover, he stressed that the relationship continues to strengthen in support of peace, security and economic development. In addition, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu visited the “Welcome Center” in Saranda, a multifunctional facility that will open soon. She said the project combines modern infrastructure and European standards with Albania’s tradition of hospitality. Moreover, Koçiu toured the new building together with Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi. The site includes 100 public …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in an interview marking the 35th anniversary of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” and 29 years since its burning. The interview was conducted by publisher Nikollë Lesi. Rama said the conversation reflects a period when free speech, as he put it, was threatened under an …
Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview marking the 35th anniversary of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” and 29 years since its burning. The interview was conducted by publisher Nikollë Lesi. During the discussion, Rama commented on the political opposition. He focused on the Democratic Party. Moreover, he said the Democratic …