Britain Must Focus on Root Causes of Migrant Crisis
In dealing with the mass influx of Albanians into the UK, it is not enough to tighten security; measures must be taken to disincentivize their flight. Original post Here
Greek Prime Minister Pays Historic Visit to Minority in Albania
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made the first visit to the Greek minorityin Albania in decades, where he voiced support for Albania’s European integration. Original post Here
Hidden Victims: Workplace Accidents go Underreported in Albania
Data analyzed by BIRN, and interviews with employers, lawyers and activists, suggest that the publicly available statistics on workplace accidents in Albania are just ‘the tip of the iceberg’. Original post Here
Albania Backs Scrapping Visas for Chinese in Snub to EU
Albania has decided to join Serbia in agreeing to offer Chinese citizens visa-free travel – the only two countries in the region to do this. Original post Here
‘Caged like a dog’; Russian Blogger Accused of Espionage Languishes in Albanian Prison
An eccentric Russian blogger or a dangerous spy? Friends of Svetlana Timofeeva and lawyers are asking why she has been kept for six months in isolation in pre-trial detention in Albania and still has no prospect of facing a court. Original post Here
Hoax Bomb Threats Leave Balkan Region Frustrated, Unnerved
Security agencies face growing questions – but also criticism – over the wave of false bomb threats that’s been shaking the region since March Original post Here
Year in Pictures: 2022 in the Balkans
From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here
French Museum Keeps Memory of Long-Ago Balkans Alive
A vast treasure trove of photos of the Balkans, taken more than a century ago as part of a rich banker’s project, has been lovingly preserved in a Paris museum. Original post Here
Albania Opposition Says Theft Exposes Alleged Officials’ Ill-Gotten Wealth
The theft of over a hundred thousand euros from a governing official has stirred an opposition outcry about government corruption. Original post Here
Divided Albanian Democrats Row over Appointment of Election Officials
Concerns are growing over the credibility of Albania’s May local elections due to an ongoing court battle over control of the opposition Democrats. Original post Here
The Democratic Party has barred all rivals to Sali Berisha from its leadership contest this week – cementing his grip on the party but also, critics warn, undermining its credibility. Original post Here
The Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora conducted a monitoring visit to the National Film Archive of Albania. The committee reviewed the institution’s work and ongoing projects. It also assessed challenges and operational needs. Director Eljan Tanini presented the archive’s activities. He highlighted digitization efforts and cooperation with other …
The Albanian government approved new changes to the rules on the registration and use of plant protection products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development proposed the amendments. The changes aim to improve the regulatory framework for phytosanitary products in agriculture. The new rules define the concept of “minor use.” …
TIRANA, May 21 – Students in Tirana have announced a protest on May 26 in Skanderbeg Square at 17:00. The Student Alliance said the march will continue from the square toward the Embassy of North Macedonia. They used the slogan “Albanianness is with Skopje” and called on all young people …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Military Meteorological Service said the country on Thursday will be under relatively unstable atmospheric conditions. The weather will bring clear skies and alternating moderate and locally dense cloudiness in mountainous areas. Rainfall will be weak and local. It will mainly affect the east and south. …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Council of Ministers has approved a new decision on the organisation and functioning of the market for fisheries and aquaculture products. It also defines the form and content of production and marketing plans for the sector. The decision was proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture …
TIRANA, May 21 – Apollonia, one of the largest archaeological parks in the country, receives a high number of visitors of different nationalities every year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared on social media today images of numerous tourists and visitors who have chosen to visit this ancient city. In these …
TIRANA, May 21 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, together with the European Union delegation in the country, held discussions with ambassadors of EU member states. In a social media post, Hoxha said the meeting focused on the ongoing reform process. It also covered the full range …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, said the project “Courtyards that Speak”, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and Himara municipality, aims to open the courtyards of five traditional stone houses in the coastal town of Himara. It presents them …
TIRANA, May 21 – Farmers in different regions of the country are expanding investments in agricultural production. They are increasing production capacities. They are directing products toward European markets. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, highlighted on social media the example of farmer Elton Biti in Divjaka …